Most Expensive BMWs Sold at Auction
Summary
The most expensive BMW at auction is the 507, the 1950s V8 roadster built in about 250 examples, averaging $1.5M in our data. The mid-engine M1 supercar of 1978-1981 averages $587K. The Z8 is the most traded collectible BMW here, averaging $203K across 98 sales, and the 3.0 CSL 'Batmobile' homologation coupe averages $161K. Modern M cars fill out the list, led by the latest M5 at $105K. Rankings average every auction sale above $15K of each model over the last two years; race cars (including M1 Procars), Art Cars and replicas are left out.
Rankings
- 1
507Avg $1,500,195n=6 soldThe 1956-1959 V8 roadster, about 250 built, and the most valuable BMW model
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
3.0 CSLAvg $161,103 12-mo -50.2%n=16 soldThe lightweight 'Batmobile' homologation coupe of 1971-1975
- 6
- 7
E31 850CSiAvg $106,995 12-mo +66.4%n=28 soldThe top 8 Series of the 1990s, with a 375 hp V12 and a manual gearbox
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
E30 M3Avg $82,785 12-mo -13.7%n=111 soldThe original M3 homologation special, and the most collected M3
- 14
- 15
Comparison
| Model | Avg Price | Typical Range | Sales | 12-mo Trend | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 507 | $1,500,195 | $389,609 – $2,093,294 | 6 | — | 17,160 |
| M1 | $586,528 | $479,717 – $720,672 | 11 | — | 17,848 |
| Alpina Roadster V8 | $308,233 | $272,000 – $352,233 | 5 | — | 13,678 |
| Z8 | $202,966 | $138,700 – $326,914 | 98 | +1.8% | 23,071 |
| 3.0 CSL | $161,103 | $74,196 – $317,625 | 16 | -50.2% | 39,129 |
| 2002 Turbo | $117,717 | $84,517 – $164,600 | 14 | — | 38,139 |
| E31 850CSi | $106,995 | $50,895 – $213,784 | 28 | +66.4% | 69,681 |
| G90/G99 M5 | $105,298 | $97,250 – $114,714 | 6 | — | 3,899 |
| Alpina B12 | $98,931 | $41,618 – $235,559 | 9 | — | 108,937 |
| Alpina B8 | $96,162 | $80,175 – $132,500 | 6 | — | 22,546 |
| Alpina | $93,116 | $40,476 – $182,000 | 7 | — | 72,714 |
| M3 | $86,883 | $21,400 – $172,011 | 5 | — | 31,658 |
| E30 M3 | $82,785 | $41,625 – $160,500 | 111 | -13.7% | 98,885 |
| F90 M5 | $81,753 | $40,400 – $165,615 | 57 | -1.8% | 38,278 |
| G82/G83 M4 | $78,628 | $53,000 – $128,698 | 41 | -12.6% | 14,909 |
How to Choose
- The 507 and M1 are the blue chips: rare, historically important and priced accordingly.
- The Z8 is the most liquid collectible BMW, and low-mileage cars with the hardtop and documents bring the most.
- Homologation specials (3.0 CSL, 2002 Turbo, E30 M3) carry big premiums over the regular models.
- Modern M cars are still depreciating, so their place on this list mostly reflects how new they are.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most expensive BMW?
- At auction, the 507 roadster, averaging $1.5M in our data, followed by the M1 at $587K. Race cars such as the M1 Procar and BMW Art Cars can sell for more but aren't road cars and aren't ranked here.
- How much is a BMW Z8?
- Z8 auction sales average $203K across 98 sales in our data, with most between $139K and $327K.
- How much is a BMW M1?
- M1 auction sales average $587K across 11 sales in our data. Only 453 were built, including race cars.
Methodology and sources
Based on 420 sold listings from the last 2 years across Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, Collecting Cars, and other auction and marketplace sources. Prices are normalized to USD. Typical ranges show the 5th–95th percentile of sold prices. Stats update daily.
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