BMW is one of Europe’s biggest car manufacturers and, indeed, the world’s largest. The German giants have been making automobiles since the 1910s and now produce vehicles such as the M5, M3, 3-Series, and iX electric SUV. 

Over the years, BMW has made some great cars, and this list features ten of the very best. From supercars like the M1 to the very first M3, everything will be featured, showing just how good BMW has been at its craft. 

BMW Isetta

While originally an Italian microcar from Iso Autoveicoli, the Isetta bubble car, as it became known, achieved the most fame in the hands of BMW. The German company took over manufacturing in 1955, and it became the world’s first mass-produced car to achieve a fuel consumption of three liters per 100 km. 

Remarkably, it would become the top-selling single-cylinder car in the world, with 161,728 sold over its production runs across various companies. It is a gorgeous little car that has developed an enthusiastic following over the years. 

BMW M1

The BMW M1 almost didn’t happen. Initially built in partnership with Lamborghini, disputes and the Italian company’s financial problems threatened the whole project, so BMW took over and finished the car themselves. 

The M1, which was in production from 1978 to 1981, had a 3.5-liter M88 inline-six under the hood. This created the company’s first supercar and the very first BMW M car. The M1 was very well received, becoming a mighty force in motorsports, and many still consider it the best car BMW’s M division has ever produced. 

BMW 507

The 507 was BMW’s attempt to compete with the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. The German manufacturer created a gorgeous two-seater V8 with a drop-down roof that went as fast as it looked. 

Sadly, BMW outpriced even Mercedes to the point that they were only able to sell 252 of them. But its influence was massive, as it spawned a long line of two-seater BMW sports cars. Its design was revived in the later Z8, which was a modern homage to the 507. 

BMW i8

While not a true ‘classic,’ you could argue that the i8 is already a modern classic, and it’s undoubtedly one of the finest-looking cars BMW has ever made. Launched in 2014, the i8 was a hybrid sports car that BMW developed to showcase what its hybrid technology could do. 

Power came from a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three paired with a 131-horsepower electric motor. The i8 made 369 horsepower, and it was incredibly efficient, achieving 29 MPG on the inline-three alone. Despite some initial skepticism, the i8 is now seen as one of BMW’s finest modern creations. 

BMW Z3 Roadster E36

Despite its performance and fun factor, the BMW Z3 E36 is still grossly underrated in the classic car market. Although it might have gained a “hairdresser” image, the Z3 is one of the best sports cars of all time. 

Even in base trim, the Z3 could produce 118 horsepower, and higher-output models could reach 123 mph. The Z3 bowed out of production in 2002, and it may only be a matter of time before its value starts to rise. While more powerful sports cars have existed, not all of them are as fun to drive as the E36 Z3. 

BMW 8 Series E31

Largely overlooked by enthusiasts, the BMW E31 8 Series is the very definition of a modern classic. Built as a grand tourer from 1990 to 1999, the 8 Series E1 was a gorgeous coupe and the first to have CAN-bus multiplex wiring, which is now an industry standard. 

Power came from either a 4.0-liter V8 or a massive 5.0-liter V12 that produced 296 horsepower. Both came with a six-speed manual transmission. Even 35 years after its introduction, the E31 8 Series still looks very modern. 

BMW 503 Coupe/Convertible

The 1956-1959 BMW 503 coupe and convertible is still one of the best-looking cars BMW has ever made. For its time, it was very potent, boasting a 3.2-liter V8 under the hood that produced 140 horsepower. 

That wasn’t the only trick it had up its sleeve, either. It was also the first European convertible to have an electric folding roof, yet sadly, the 503 wasn’t a hit for the company. It was high prices again, like with the 507, which meant BMW suffered heavy losses with the 503. But as a classic car, they certainly have appeal. 

BMW M3 E30

For many, the first-generation BMW M3 remains the best-made. First, it is a true homologation special, and the M3 E30 would make a name for itself in touring car series across Europe. Second, it still drives brilliantly, with one of the best chassis ever seen on a performance car.  

Lastly, just look at it. The M3 E30 is probably the best-looking M3 ever. With its wide arches and raised tail with its rear spoiler, it’s a timeless machine. It’s just a shame that modern BMWs fail to look this good. 

BMW X5 E53

A BMW SUV on this list might seem ridiculous, but hear us out. The E53, the first generation X5, is one of the best SUVs and off-roaders ever produced and should rightly be considered a classic. It’s much more handsome to look at than modern versions, for starters, with far better proportions than bloated, current SUVs. 

Despite being some 36 years old, the X5 still offers excellent off-road performance, and its inline-six and V8 engines are superb. Plus, the first X5 is a historically significant car, as it launched the X line of BMWs, which now accounts for nearly half of the company’s sales. 

BMW 635CSi E24

Although overlooked compared to early M3s and M5s, the E24 M635CSi is what we might call the original BMW M6. When it launched in 1976, it used the straight-six engine from the M1 to make 286 horsepower, making it one of BMW’s most potent cars. 

The E24 M6 is much better proportioned than more recent versions, with some very handsome and pleasing lines that still look good in 2025. It combines the best of performance luxury in one neat package, and second-hand, it is still affordable, available for less than $20,000.