BMW fanatics usually lament the truth that the Munich-based automaker doesn’t provide a supercar corresponding to the Porsche 911 or the Ferrari 296. It did produce the i8 from 2014 to 2020, however the plug-in hybrid coupe received overshadowed by the 911 and the Audi R8. There are additionally sports activities vehicles such because the Z4—which received the BMWBLOG 2024 Automobile of the 12 months award—and the M2—which earned the MotorTrend’s 2024 Efficiency Automobile of the 12 months title.
As of now, an unique supercar doesn’t appear to be a precedence for BMW. As a substitute, their focus stays on limited-edition fashions constructed on current platforms. Whereas these autos will not be as flamboyant or extravagant because the M1 or the i8, they’ve higher business viability and a larger spillover impact on the general model. To that finish, this text will discover the 5 most unique BMWs ever produced.
E46 M3 GTR Strassenversion
The rarest BMW is the homologation-special M3 GTR Strassenversion, of which solely 10 models have been deliberate. It was primarily based on the six-cylinder E46 M3, albeit the GTR featured a V8 engine producing 346 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, enabling a high pace of 183 mph. Notably, this engine was not utilized in another collection manufacturing BMW.
When it comes to pricing, the M3 GTR price €250,000 ($290,000 at at this time’s trade fee). For reference, a well-equipped M3 (G80) Competitors xDrive—with 523 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph time of three.4 seconds—won’t exceed $105,000. That mentioned, the rarest BMW can’t be anticipated to be a discount, and another autos on the checklist are much more costly (extra on that later).
E36 M3-R
The E36 M3-R is one other homologated BMW on this checklist, and its manufacturing was restricted to fifteen models. It generated 320 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, reaching 0 to 60 mph in over 5.5 seconds. Notably, regardless of being probably the most highly effective variant of the E36 M3, the M3-R by no means received a robust following within the BMW group. This may be attributed to 2 causes: first, the E36 doesn’t possess the identical stature because the E30 and E46 3ers. Second, the M3-R was homologated for Australian endurance racing, which lacks international attraction.
Skytop
The latest addition to this checklist is the Skytop, restricted to 50 models. Notably, it’s priced at over €500,000 (over $575,000), placing the two-seater firmly within the area of Rolls-Royce and Bentley. As but, BMW had little hassle discovering clients for the Skytop. In truth, the latter’s demand was such that it additionally inspired the German marque to develop the Speedtop, which is equally priced and restricted to 70 models. Each the Skytop and the Speedtop are, in fact, primarily based on the 8 Collection and powered by the S63 4.4-liter V8 engine that produces 617 horsepower and permits 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds.
3.0 CSL
Much more costly than the Skytop is the M4-based 3.0 CSL. Certainly, impressed by the legendary E9 3.0 CSL, solely 50 models have been made (to mark the M division’s fiftieth anniversary) and every had an MSRP of €750,000 (over $860,000). Admittedly, one may purchase a novel Ferrari or Lamborghini for a similar cash, however then, the three.0 CSL is a heritage mannequin, and we’ve seen it going for over $1 million in secondary markets, making it a really worthwhile ardour funding.
Efficiency-wise, the three.0 CSL produces 560 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, with energy despatched to the rear wheels by way of a 6-speed handbook gearbox.
BMW-Kith i4 M50 and XM Label
We conclude our checklist with two BMW-Kith fashions – the Vitality Inexperienced i4 M50 (7 models) and the Frozen Techno Violet/Frozen Black XM (47 models). In contrast to the opposite autos on the checklist, the Kith-BMW vehicles don’t have any elementary mechanical or design adjustments (upgrades are largely beauty), so they aren’t fairly as particular. Even so, they’re nonetheless essential collector’s objects, with one of many Kith i4 M50s promoting for $327,600 at RM Sotheby’s public sale.
