BMW Worth a Fortune: The 12 Most Expensive BMW Models Ever
Discover the most expensive BMW cars ever sold — from limited editions and legendary classics to unique models with incredible stories, including Paul Walker’s BMW M1 and the iconic BMW 3.0 CSL. Here is what you need to know about why these BMW models achieve jaw-dropping prices at auctions worldwide.
Imagine having a car in your garage that once cost as much as a new apartment — and today is worth more than a luxury villa with a swimming pool. Sounds like a dream? For BMW collectors and automotive enthusiasts, this is everyday reality.
The History of BMW Luxury – How the Brand Became an Icon
BMW, short for Bayerische Motoren Werke, began its journey as an aircraft engine manufacturer. After World War I, the company was forced to change direction and entered the automotive world. As early as the 1930s, BMW became synonymous with luxury combined with a strong sporting character.
The real breakthrough came in the 1950s, when BMW introduced models that are now considered true classics — including the legendary BMW 507. In the 1970s, the birth of BMW Motorsport created some of the most desirable sports cars in automotive history.
Today, BMW is no longer just “The Ultimate Driving Machine”. It is also a serious collector brand, with certain models reaching prices comparable to Bugatti or Ferrari.
Are you ready for a journey through the world of luxury, rare BMWs, and automotive masterpieces?
The Most Expensive BMW Models in History
12. 1981 BMW M1 – $577,500
BMW’s first and only true supercar. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and originally developed in cooperation with Lamborghini, the BMW M1 was meant to redefine the supercar segment.
Engine: 3.5L inline-6, 277 hp
Top speed: 260 km/h
Production: 453 units
➡️ Why is it so expensive?
The BMW M1 is an icon of the 1980s, but its story is a rollercoaster. Lamborghini withdrew from the project mid-development, leaving BMW to finish production on its own. The result was a complex and costly manufacturing process, limiting production to just 453 cars.
Today, the BMW M1 is one of the most collectible BMW models ever, with prices steadily rising.
🔎 Fun fact:
In 2019, an M1 sold at RM Sotheby’s for $577,500 — making it one of the most expensive production BMW M1s in the world.
🗣️ Quote:
“BMW M1 was a car that was simply too advanced for its time.” — Chris Harris
11. 1957 BMW 503 Cabriolet – $583,000
A stylish 1950s classic created to compete with the finest roadsters of its era. The BMW 503 combined luxury with a sporty personality.
Engine: 3.2L V8, 140 hp
Top speed: 185 km/h
Production: 139 units
➡️ Why is it so expensive?
The BMW 503 was groundbreaking but extremely expensive to build. It featured BMW’s first aluminum V8 engine. Unfortunately, its price exceeded even the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, severely limiting sales.
Today, it is one of the rarest and most elegant BMW convertibles ever produced.
🔎 Fun fact:
Prince Rainier III of Monaco owned a BMW 503 and considered it one of his favorite cars.
10. Paul Walker’s BMW M1 AHG Studie – $648,500
A legendary BMW once owned by Fast & Furious star Paul Walker.
Engine: 3.5L, 350 hp
Color: Unique AHG paint
Upgrades: Sport suspension and enhanced aerodynamics
➡️ Why is it so expensive?
This was no ordinary BMW M1. It belonged to Paul Walker and received a special AHG tuning package that made it resemble the legendary M1 Procar race cars.
Following Walker’s tragic death, the value of this unique BMW skyrocketed.
🗣️ Quote:
“Live fast, die later — and keep something special in your garage.” — Paul Walker
9. BMW M5 30 Jahre – $700,000
A special anniversary edition of the BMW M5 — limited to just 300 units worldwide.
Power: 600 hp
0–100 km/h: 3.7 seconds
Paint: Frozen Dark Silver
➡️ Why is it so expensive?
At launch, it was the most powerful BMW M5 ever built. The extremely limited production instantly turned it into a collector’s item.
🔎 Fun fact:
The entire production run sold out in less than 24 hours.
8. 1978 BMW 320i Turbo IMSA – $731,000
A true racing monster built to dominate American IMSA circuits.
Engine: 2.0L turbocharged inline-4, 600 hp
0–100 km/h: approx. 3 seconds
Production: Only a few units
➡️ Why is it so expensive?
This legendary BMW race car dominated U.S. tracks in the late 1970s. Based on the standard 320i, it featured a turbocharged engine producing over 600 hp — an insane figure for its time.
Who drove it?
The BMW 320i Turbo IMSA was driven by racing legend Hans-Joachim Stuck, who said:
🗣️ “This car kept my adrenaline pumping throughout the entire race.”
🔎 Fun fact:
In 2022, one example sold at auction for $731,000.
7. BMW i8 Concours d’Elegance Edition – $825,000
A hybrid supercar that became a symbol of the future.
Engine: 1.5L turbo + electric motor, 357 hp
Top speed: 250 km/h
Production: 1 unit only
➡️ Why is it so expensive?
The BMW i8 perfectly blends hybrid technology with futuristic design. This one-off Concours d’Elegance Edition was created for Pebble Beach and features a unique exterior and a luxury interior worthy of functional art.
🔎 Fun fact:
The buyer received a personal invitation to BMW headquarters to collect the keys from Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW Head of Design.
6. 1939 Frazer Nash-BMW 328 Roadster – $846,743
One of the most iconic BMW racing cars ever built.
Engine: 2.0L inline-6, 136 hp
Top speed: 155 km/h
Production: 464 units
➡️ Why is it so expensive?
The BMW 328 achieved legendary status after winning the 1940 Mille Miglia. It became a foundation for BMW’s modern racing philosophy and engineering excellence.
🔎 Fun fact:
Beyond its racing success, the 328 Roadster is a global collector symbol of 1930s sporting elegance.
5. 1980 BMW M1 Procar – $913,000
The most extreme version of the BMW M1.
Engine: 3.5L inline-6, 470 hp
0–100 km/h: 4.5 seconds
Production: 40 units
➡️ Why is it so expensive?
The BMW M1 Procar defined racing in the early 1980s. It was driven by legends such as Niki Lauda and Nelson Piquet and laid the foundation for the future BMW M brand.
Who drove it?
Niki Lauda once said:
🗣️ “If I had to choose one BMW for the track — it would be the M1 Procar.”
4. 2023 BMW 3.0 CSL – $1,114,167
A modern tribute to the legendary 1970s “Batmobile”.
Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6, 560 hp
0–100 km/h: 3.7 seconds
Production: 50 units
➡️ Why is it so expensive?
Each BMW 3.0 CSL is hand-assembled to honor one of BMW’s most iconic racing cars. The combination of heritage, craftsmanship, and rarity pushes prices well above $1 million.
🔎 Fun fact:
One early example was listed in Germany for nearly €2 million shortly after delivery.
3. 1958 BMW 507 Series II – $1,820,000
The most beautiful BMW roadster ever made — once owned by Elvis Presley.
Engine: 3.2L V8, 150 hp
Top speed: 220 km/h
Production: 252 units
➡️ Why is it so expensive?
The BMW 507 combines timeless design, flawless craftsmanship, and extreme rarity. Elvis Presley’s ownership only elevated its legendary status.
🔎 Fun fact:
Elvis’ BMW 507 was restored and is now displayed at the BMW Museum.
2. 1958 BMW 507 Roadster Series II – $2,420,000
The most desirable version of the BMW 507.
Engine: 3.2L V8, 150 hp
Top speed: 220 km/h
Production: 252 units
➡️ Why is it so expensive?
This refined Series II version offered improved performance and design. It has become a benchmark for 1950s automotive luxury.
🔎 Fun fact:
In 2020, one perfectly preserved example sold for $2,420,000 at auction.
1. John Surtees’ 1957 BMW 507 Touring Sports Car – $5,000,000
The most expensive BMW ever sold.
Engine: 3.2L V8
Status: One-of-one
➡️ Why is it so expensive?
This unique BMW 507 belonged to John Surtees — the only person to win world championships in both Formula 1 and MotoGP. Its motorsport heritage makes it priceless.
🔎 Fun fact:
The car sold for an astonishing $5 million, setting a record for BMW.
Why Do BMW Models Reach Such High Prices?
1️⃣ Limited production
2️⃣ Unique ownership history
3️⃣ Iconic status
4️⃣ Exceptional condition
Is BMW a Good Investment?
If you are looking for a car that can become a serious investment, BMW is a smart choice. Limited editions, BMW M models, and design icons often outperform traditional investments — sometimes even gold.
BMW is not just a brand. It is a lifestyle, an emotion, and a journey through time.
BMW’s ability to build long-term value is not only rooted in its heritage. The upcoming BMW M Neue Klasse shows how the brand is shaping the future of performance, technology, and collectibility — just as iconic models like the M1 or 3.0 CSL once did.
So, which BMW from this list would you love to have in your garage?
FAQ – Most Expensive BMW Models
What is the most expensive BMW ever sold?
John Surtees’ BMW 507, sold for $5 million.
Are classic BMW cars a good investment?
Yes, especially limited editions and historically important BMW models.
Which BMW models are most collectible?
BMW M1, BMW 507, BMW 3.0 CSL, and limited BMW M editions.
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