Any collector knows that owning a BMW dubbed as ‘rare’ means you’ve hit the jackpot. But how do you distinguish between a rare BMW and an extremely rare BMW? Is it contingent on the sheer number of cars BMW produced or the stories they tell? The answer is: it’s both.
If you were able to get your hands on one (or more) of these rare gems, it’s an investment that will only increase in value. Here are BMW’s rarest cars, from limited editions to racing legends.
The Top-Rated Rare BMW Models
From the adrenaline of a sports car to the opulence of a luxury automobile, these rare BMW models tick all the boxes.
The BMW E34 M5 Touring
The E34 M5 Touring is a luxury automobile that is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship at BMW’s Garching factory. Since its introduction in 1992, it’s most commonly known for its adaptive suspension.
- Year of Release: 1992
- # of Vehicles Produced: 891
- Level of Rarity: Very Rare
- Average Cost: $52,349
- What Sets This BMW Apart:
- It has a 3.8-liter engine reminiscent of the M1 supercar
- It was mostly hand-assembled
BMW E36 M3 GT
The E36 M3 GT comes in an exclusive British racing green and is armed with an M aerodynamic package. Step inside the E36 M3 GT, and you will find a cockpit with carbon fiber trims and exclusive Nappa leather details that bespoke the BMW brand’s commitment to the sports car enthusiast’s wishlist.
- Year of Release: 1992
- # of Vehicles Produced: 356
- Level of Rarity: Very Rare
- Average Cost: $105,738
- What Sets this BMW Apart:
- Its powerful 3-liter 6-cylinder engine
- The legendary VANOS variable camshaft control
- It reaches a pulse-quickening 295 bhp.
The BMW E21 Baur
A collaboration between BMW and the German coachbuilder Baur, the E21 Baur broke the mold with its Targa top design. It blended the structural integrity of a coupe with the allure of a convertible, an engineering feat that satisfied even the most discerning of BMW enthusiasts.
- Year of Release: 1978
- # of Vehicles Produced: 4595
- Level of Rarity: Very Rare
- Average Cost: $52,349
- What Sets this BMW Apart:
- Its removable top panel
- A retractable soft top that rests on the trunk
- Its unique design delivers the cargo space and visibility of a standard E21 coupe.
BMW Z8 Alpina
The BMW Z8 Alpina, or the ‘Alpina Roadster V8’, was a successor to the original Z8—a limited production model that exuded grace and power. It’s the 20-inch wheels and softer suspension is what earned the BMW Z8 Alpina its place on BMW enthusiasts’ radar.
- Year of Release: 1998
- # of Vehicles Produced: 555
- Level of Rarity: Very rare
- Average Cost: $288,389
- What Sets this BMW Apart:
- Its 4.8-liter V8 engine
- Delivers 375 horsepower that takes it from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.3 seconds.
The BMW M3 E46 GTR Strassenversion
When American LeMans approved purpose-built racing engines for the 2001 season, the conception of the BMW M3 GTR followed soon after. However, the brand would also need to produce ten versions for the road with the same engine. That’s what led them to create 10 versions of the racing car with a 4-liter V-8 engine that screamed with 444 horsepower at 7500 rpm.
But it was not just the heart-pounding acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds that set this rare model apart; its lightweight yet robust construction also turned heads, especially with its impressive 152 mph top speed sweetening the deal.
- Year of Release: 2001
- # of Vehicles Produced: 10
- Level of Rarity: Very rare
- Average Cost: $400,000
- What Sets This BMW Apart:
- This was the first BMW to have a V8 engine (naturally aspirated)
Limited Editions and Special Models
The following limited edition models are a testament to BMW’s commitment to building special editions that resonate with collectors and enthusiasts alike.
BMW Individual 7 Series THE NEXT 100 YEARS
Enrobed in a unique blue metallic paint, the BMW Individual 7 Series THE NEXT 100 YEARS was released to commemorate the brand’s 100th anniversary.
- Year of Release: 2016
- # of Vehicles Produced: 100
- Level of Rarity: Very Rare
- Average Cost: $117,200
- What Sets This BMW Apart:
- A twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 engine
BMW M3 CRT
The BMW M3 CRT is the first BMW made using the brand’s Carbon Racing Technology—a carbon fiber reinforced plastic. All thanks to this new technology, the M3 CRT weighs 155 pounds less than the preceding version of the M3 GTS.
- Year of Release: 2011
- # of Vehicles Produced: 67
- Level of Rarity: Very Rare
- Average Cost: $152,859
- What Sets This BMW Apart:
- A twin-turbocharged, 4.4L V8 engine 444 HP,
- Can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds
- Reaches a top speed of 180 mph
- A power-to-weight ratio of 7.72 lbs per HP
BMW Rare Racing Car Models
From the winding roads of the Alpine Rally to the historic circuits of the Mille Miglia, these BMW models have not only raced to victory but have also raced into the annals of automotive history.
BMW 328 Roadster
The BMW 328 Roadster snagged the victory in its debut race at the 1936 International Eifel Race at Nürburgring. It continued to dominate the racing scene for years to come. Now, less than half of the original units survive, making the 328 Roadster a treasure among rare BMW models.
- Year of Release: 1936
- # of Vehicles Produced: 461
- Level of Rarity: Very Rare
- Average Cost: $687,773
- What Sets This BMW Apart:
- Its sleek design and lightweight construction
- Its six-cylinder engine, capable of producing 80 horsepower
BMW 3.0 CSL
The BMW 3.0 CSL, affectionately dubbed ‘The Batmobile’, pioneered aerodynamic design with its distinctive large rear wing. In its prime (more specifically between 1973 and 1970), it also amassed six European Touring Car Championship titles and three rounds worth of wins in Group 5 racing.
- Year of Release: 1972
- # of Vehicles Produced: 1,265
- Level of Rarity: Very Rare
- Average Cost: $687,773
- What Sets This BMW Apart:
- Its distinctive spoilers
- Its exemplary traction control
- Its aerodynamic features.
In Summary
It’s clear that the rarity of these BMWs adds to their allure. But remember that rare cars require special care.
Proper storage, especially for older cars, is key as rust can quickly become an issue (so don’t even think of parking it out in the open–especially without a cover!) If you don’t have space in your garage, you can find several kinds of suitable options at 50% less price than traditional storage units with Neighbor.
FAQs
What Is the Rarest BMW Car?
The rarest BMW car ever made is the BMW M3 GTR, with only 20 units ever made
What Is the Most Expensive BMW?
The most expensive BMW is the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R.
What Is the Most Collectible BMW?
The most collectible BMW is the BMW 507 Roadster, which is highly sought after due to its rarity and classic design.
What Is the Number 1 Rarest Car?
The number 1 rarest car is widely considered to be the Ferrari 250 GTO, with only 36 units ever produced.
