BMW Motors is the undisputed heavyweight in the luxury vehicle segment. Hailed as the world leader in innovation and design, this German carmaker has been producing many path-breaking vehicles ever since it started manufacturing cars in the year 1928. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best BMWs ever made, led by the ultimate driving machine.
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List of Best BMWs Ever Made
Here is the list of 30 best BMWs that have burned the roads with their drop-dead gorgeous looks and mind-blowing performances:
1. BMW 507 Roadster
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BMW 507 Roadster, in production from the year 1956 to 1959, was stuff dreams are made of. This classic convertible was originally planned to lock horns with Mercedes Benz 300SL drop top.
This V8 powered, 140 hp beauty was the top pick of celebrities the world over. Due to the huge production cost of this car, the company incurred heavy losses.
This one is still considered the most beautiful BMW car ever made and remains a milestone model for gorgeous styling.
2. BMW M1
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One of the unique products by the company, BMW M1, was the first car that was produced by the M division of BMW Motors.
This sports car was into production from 1978 to 1981 and was known for its edgy Giugiaro styled body.
It also happened to be the first mid-engined BMW that went for mass production. It was majorly devised to include homologation requirements for the Procar Champion Series by the company.
Producing a good 271 hp of power and having a top speed of 161 mph, BMW M1 is a gem in the BMW History.
3. BMW Z8 Roadster
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Blessed with an amazing confluence of good styling and modern engineering, BMW Z8 is one of the best BMWs ever made.
Carrying an all-aluminium chassis and powered by a powerful V8 engine delivering a great 400 hp of power, Z8 was an avid performer, that was into production from 1999 to 2003.
The car created quite a sensation when it was first showcased at the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show. It could reach 0-100 mph in just 4.7 seconds and had a top speed of 161 mph.
4. BMW 1 Series M Coupe
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BMW decided to give its entry-level coupe the M treatment and the result was BMW 1 series M coupe that looks great and performed brilliantly.
The car can unarguably be listed as the best BMW model ever as it was loved by everyone who drove it.
It is powered by a 3.0-litre Twin turbo direct injection straight, 6 cylinder engine that contributed a mighty 355 hp of power. The engine comes paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
5. BMW E39 M5
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The E39 generation BMW M5 that was produced from the year 1998 to 2003, is one of the best BMW 5 series car.
This sports sedan was powered by a mighty 5.0-litre, V8 engine delivering 394 hp of power and offered a great performance. The engine came mated with a six-speed manual gearbox.
It could do the 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.8 seconds and had electronically controlled top speed of 186 mph. The car had an unmatchable sense of purity that could not be matched by its descendants.
6. BMW E38 7 Series
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The third generation BMW 7 series, E38, was the first European car to come with satellite navigation and was also the first BMW to come with an inbuilt television.
In production from 1994 to 2001, this executive saloon looked sporty and luxurious while registering an impeccable performance.
With a line-up of potent powertrains including the 4.0-litre V8, 4.4-litre V8, and 5.0-litre V12, the car scored high on performance and at the same time offered good driving engagement.
One of the best looking BMWS, this one featured in the 1997 James Bond movie “Tomorrow Never Dies“.
7. 1972 BMW 2002 tii
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Considered as one of the most affordable and fun-to-drive classic cars ever made, BMW 2002 tii, was built from the year 1972 to 1974.
It beautifully captures the essence of motoring truth with no racing mirrors, no strobe stripes, and no triple turret taillights and is one of the most famous cars by the company.
Even after so many years, the car continues to be the exquisite penance for car addicts.
Also Read: 21 Greatest Formula One Cars of all Times
8. BMW Isetta
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Isetta by BMW is another classic product by the company that is unforgettable. This Italian designed micro car was highly recognizable because of its egg shape and bubble-like windows.
It also became the first mass production car in the world to attain a fuel consumption of 94 mpg. It also became the best selling single cylinder car in the world.
It was powered by a 236cc single-cylinder engine that produced 9.5 hp of power. Many people consider it as the weirdest car ever made!
9. BMW i3
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The five-door urban electric car by BMW Motors, i3 is the company’s maiden zero-emissions mass-produced car.
It is a part of the “project i” initiative and was first showcased at the 2011 International Motor Show Germany. Hailed as one of the top-selling electric cars in the world, it has won many awards as well.
The car takes forward the legendary driving dynamics of the company and looks stylish at the same time. It emits 170 hp of power and is quick enough to cover 0-60 mph in just 7.2 seconds.
10. BMW G30 5 Series
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Belonging to the seventh generation of BMW 5 Series, G30 is based on the same modular platform as 7 Series.
This car is claimed by the company to be the most progressive sports business sedan and easily qualifies as one of the best BMWs.
BMW G30 offers superb comfort, excellent driving dynamics, athletic design, and unparalleled agility. The car is available in petrol, hybrid, and diesel engine options.
11. BMW E34 M5
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Codenamed as E34, the second generation BMW M5 is often considered as the best BMW model ever made since it carried all the right performance ingredients that included a powerful engine, rear wheel drive, and manual transmission.
Produced between 1989 and 1995, the car was the last one under the M5 series to host a curb weight under 4000 lbs. Its inline, six-cylinder, 3.6-litre engine delivered an output of 335 hp.
For those who desired something truly special, this car fitted the bill perfectly.
12. BMW M4 GTS
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Bestowed with dynamic styling, and impressive performance, BMW M4 GTS steals the heart of every auto lover at the first look itself.
This GTS version is the most capable version of the M4 Coupe and is counted among best BMW 2017 models. The vehicle comes armed with the water injection technology and carries a 3.0-litre T6 engine.
It also happens to be the fastest production BMW there’s ever been. The aggressive attitude of the car makes it a highly capable machine that is on the wish list of many car addicts.
13. BMW M3 (E30)
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Perhaps the modern BMW performance owes a lot to the original E30 M3. Created primarily for the homologation purpose in DTM racing series, the car is now among the best from the company.
It comes endowed with a 2.3-litre, 4 cylinder engine that offers 210 hp of power under standard conditions.
Started as a 3 series coupe, this car received constant upgrades in aerodynamics, drivetrain parts, suspension, and brakes. It will be remembered for starting a legacy that was seen being carried forward in modern BMWs such as the BMW M2 Coupe.
14. 2004 BMW 5 Series
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The 5 Series is placed at number two in the best selling BMW cars catalog.
Acclaimed as one of the choicest executive cars in the world car market, it offers a great blend of luxury and performance.
The 2004 model of this car came armed with an inline, six-cylinder powertrain along with the less common V8 alternative.
With active steering as the newest technology and a host of other high-tech features, it garnered huge attention from auto enthusiasts worldwide.
Also Read: 21 Top Luxury Hybrid Cars
15. BMW E90 335i
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BMW E90 335i hit the market at the time when the company was facing stiff competition from the likes of Audi and Mercedes Benz.
This fifth-generation 3 Series car hosted the twin-turbo N54 inline six-cylinder engine that put out 300 hp of power. This four-door sedan was in production from 2004 to 2013.
In the year 2007, it became the first of 3 Series car to come packed with a turbo-charged petrol engine. It is considered as one of the best cars out of BMW 3 Series.
16. BMW E28 M5
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Released in the year 1981, BMW E28 M5 was an iconic car that set benchmarks in the executive saloon category.
It was designed by BMW designer Claus Luthe and was sold with a combination of four and six-cylinder engines. The demand of a saloon in the guise of a sports car led to the production of this vehicle.
At the time of its launch, it was the fastest production sedan in the whole world. It continues to wow the car enthusiasts till the present time.
17. BMW E61 M5 Touring
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One of the best BMW 5 Series car, BMW E61 M5 Touring is a gem of a product from the company’s stable.
Bettering an M5 is always a challenge but the company tried its best by stuffing a mighty 5.0-litre V10 engine into this vehicle.
Producing a phenomenal output of 500 hp along with 380 lb-ft of torque, the car offered an amazing performance.
These figures looked crazy at that moment and that is what made it one of the most memorable BMW of all times.
18. BMW M3 (E46)
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The high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, BMW E46 M3 is often counted among the best BMWs.
There are many reasons as to why many people rate BMW E46 M3 as the best BMW model ever made. The best one is the affordable price of the vehicle and another one is excellent mileage.
It came with a 3.2-litre inline six cylinder engine that developed 333 hp of power along with 262 lb-ft of torque. It is also one of the better-looking BMWs around.
19. BMW Nazca C2
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One of the most beautiful cars ever made, Nazca from BMW Motors was a 1992 concept sports car that was designed by the renowned automotive engineering company, Italdesign.
The car was a evolved version of 1991 Nazca M12 and it carried a modified version of the 5.0-litre, V12 engine that was used in BMW 8 Series. It produces an output of 380 hp and carried a top speed of 193mph.
The full glass top, the semi gull-wing doors, and the all carbon-fibre reinforced polymer construction made the car look exceptionally beautiful. Only three units of the car were built.
20. BMW Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo
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The high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series executive car called BMW Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo was built by Alpina, an automobile company based in Buchloe.
The car was based on 535i and got a series of upgrades from Alpina, after getting into production in the year 1981. The total power output of the car was boosted by up to 70% from 280 hp to a mighty 360 hp.
The installation of a 5-speed manual transmission was necessary to handle the increased power output. The car jumped from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds and boasted of a top speed of 180 mph.
21. BMW 700 RS
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BMW 700 RS was a small rear-engine sports car that was first produced in the year 1956. It was the first car from the company to come with a monocoque structure.
This car proved to be a very important one for the company as it saved it from financial ruin. The car was very light, weighing just 1350 pounds.
It sported an aerodynamic hand-built aluminium body and a tubular, steel framed chassis. It was discontinued in the year 1965 and post that the company never again ventured into the economy car segment until 2002 when Mini was launched.
Also Read: 18 Best Luxury Cars For Women
22. 1972 BMW Turbo
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The 1972 BMW Turbo was one of the most striking products by the company. It was shown at the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Munich.
It came with a turbocharged 200 hp engine, picked from BMW 2002. It could reach 62 mph in 6.6 seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph.
The car showcased the newest safety and engineering technologies of the company at that time. With a supercar shaped design and the two-tone paint scheme set it apart from other BMW beauties.
It was projected by the company as the first safety-oriented sports car.
23. BMW M8 E31
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BMW E31 belonged to the first generation of BMW 8 Series. Produced between the year 1989 and 1999, this grand tourer car first made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
It came equipped with the first V12 engine that was combined with 6-speed manual transmission. The car was shown only once in public – at the Legends of the Autobahn show in Carmel.
It was created with a mighty 550 hp engine lifted from BMW S70. Later, a watered-down version was finally sent for production. The car was designed to offer stiff competition to Ferrari.
This was unarguably one of the best BMWs that have been produced.
24. BMW NAZCA M12
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After creating wonderful masterpieces like Lancia Delta and Lotus Spirit, Giorgetto Giugiaro crafted one for BMW in the year 1991.
Known as Nazca M12, the car flaunted a low profile, kidney grille, and a mid-engine layout. It came bestowed with the company’s best V12 engine that delivered 300 hp of power that could propel this car to a maximum speed of 181 mph.
The carbon fibre construction of the car made way for light-weight and super performance. The car was later followed by a more hardcore version termed as Nazca C2 that has been mentioned earlier in this list.
25. BMW i8
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BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid sports car that is the company’s answer to the rising global warming and environment concerns.
The car offers a total combined power output of 349 hp and it can run 23 miles gas-free. One of the best BMW models ever, as far as hybrid cars are concerned, i8 proves that hybrid cars can look great and perform well too.
The car can go from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and possesses a top speed of 155 mph. By late 2016, the car had become the best-selling plug-in electrified sports car in the U.S.
26. BMW M6 E24
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The high-performance version of the 6 Series, BMW M6, is designed by the motorsport division of the company.
The car was known for its edgy and aggressive ‘shark-node’ styling.
Claiming to attain a top speed of 158 mph, the European version of this car was the second fastest BMW ever built just next to M1.
Some of the distinguishing features of this vehicle were rear spoiler, large front air dam, color matching side view mirrors, BBS wheels, and M badges on the grille and at the back.
27. BMW M2
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Among the recent crop of cars by the legendary carmaker, BMW M2 occupies a special place. This stylish-looking luxury coupe carries forward the four-decade lineage of high performance of the M class.
BMW M2 comes equipped with an inline, 365 hp engine that has been mated with a six-speed manual transmission. It is also available in a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic version that can take this car from zero to sixty mph in just 4.4 seconds.
The car is known for its heroic handling that inspires confident driving. It can easily be counted among the best BMW 2017 cars.
28. BMW E21 320I
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BMW E21 was a compact luxury car that was released in 1975 and was produced till 1983. Initially offered as a two-door sedan, it replaced the 02 series.
All the models of this vehicle made use of 4 cylinder engines and in 1975 fuel injected engines were introduced. The 320i model of this car came equipped with a 1990cc engine.
The car remains a classic and unforgettable coupe till date.
29. BMW X5 V12 LE MANS
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In the year 1999, BMW decided to celebrate the victory of Le Mans by combining Le Mans with X5. The car was powered with the powerful V12, 700 hp engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
This family SUV was incredibly fast and could reach 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. It had a top speed of 190 mph.
Also Read: 21 Best SUVs with 3 Rows
30. BMW 2002 GT4
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Based on the 2002ti model, GT4 coupe offered a blend of various BMW models as far as looks were concerned.
It derived its powers from a 1990cc, inline four-cylinder engine producing 120 hp of power. In about nine seconds, the car could reach 0-60 mph and had a top speed of 110 mph.
Though the car never reached production, it is still considered one of the best BMWs ever made.
Final Thoughts
Since its inception, BMW has produced a variety of high-quality, impeccably engineered, and stylishly designed vehicles.
Having seen some of the best BMWs ever made, we wonder what this amazing car maker will have up his sleeves in coming years.