Established in 1972, BMW M has arguably grow to be the most well-liked efficiency model amongst main premium carmakers. Certainly, its latest achievements validate this, with 206,582 gross sales final 12 months, led by the i4 M50 and the M2 Coupe. Plus, the M2 received MotorTrend’s Efficiency Car of the 12 months award, the M3 Touring was topped WhatCar?’s 2025 Efficiency Automotive of the 12 months, and the Z4 M40i Handschalter secured BMWBLOG’s Automotive of the 12 months title.
Past these achievements, area of interest, limited-edition fashions such because the XM-Kith and the M2 CS have additional solidified the M division’s status. They’re BMW’s halo automobiles that spotlight the marque’s efficiency pedigree and act as standard collectors’ objects. Evidently, on this article, we’ll take a look at the 5 rarest M automobiles and what makes them particular.
BMW E46 M3 GTR Strassenversion
The M3 GTR Strassenversion is the rarest M automobile, with solely 10 models deliberate and every priced at €250,000 (roughly $290,000 at at this time’s change charge). It was developed for homologation and featured a V8 engine (a primary for the M3) that produced 380 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, enabling a high velocity of 183 mph.
For reference, the usual E46 M3 used a straight-six engine that generated 338 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, reaching 0 to 60 mph in lower than 5 seconds. Notably, regardless of the M3 GTR’s exclusivity, the E46 M3 is definitely the highest-selling BMW M mannequin of all time, with over 85,000 deliveries (56,133 coupes and 29,633 convertibles).
BMW E36 M3-R
The E36 M3-R is one other homologated BMW on this listing, and its manufacturing was restricted to fifteen models. It delivered 322 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque and went from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. This made it essentially the most highly effective variant of the E36 3 Sequence.
As but, the M3-R by no means bought a powerful following within the BMW group, a reality that 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 enchantment.
BMW XM by Kith
The BMW-Kith collaborations embody the M4 Competitors (150 models), the Vitality Inexperienced i4 M50 (7 models), and most significantly, the Frozen Techno Violet/Frozen Black XM (47 models; MSRP of $199,000). The latter relies on the XM Label, which holds the excellence of being BMW M’s first standalone mannequin for the reason that M1 supercar.
Admittedly, the XM can also be one of many highest-depreciating BMWs, in response to iSeeCars, shedding 67 % of its worth over 5 years. Nonetheless, on condition that one of many Kith i4 M50s fetched $327,600 at public sale, the XM-Kith might maintain long-term enchantment to collectors given its rarity and collaboration standing.
BMW 3.0 CSL
The 3.0 CSL is the costliest automobile on this listing, because of its €750,000 ($875,000) MSRP and a valuation over $1 million in secondary markets. Because the non secular successor to the E9 3.0 CSL, it was launched to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the M division, and because of this, solely 50 models had been produced, every that includes an aerodynamic exterior, light-weight building, and a strong straight-six engine (the S58 with 560 horsepower).
That mentioned, for these nonetheless looking for a extra ‘accessible’ possibility, there’s the €500,000 ($585,000) Skytop. Whereas not as hardcore as the three.0 CSL, the Skytop’s design modifications guarantee its standing as a future basic, and it’s powered by the M8’s S63 V8 engine.
BMW M4 Nurburgring Version
Historically, BMW’s collectors’ market centered on Europe and america, however through the years, lovers in China, Japan, and the Center East have additionally grow to be lively on this area. Accordingly, BMW not too long ago launched the China-exclusive M4 Nurburgring Version—it’s restricted to 53 models and commemorates the Bavarian model’s affiliation with the Nurburgring racetrack.
The value? $150,000—which is roughly $19,000 greater than the M4 Competitors xDrive (on which the Nurburgring Version relies)—however most models had been bought on the launch day.
[BMW E36 M3-R photo was provided to use for editorial use by WhichCar.com.au by Wheels and BMW Australia]
