The Top 10 Most Iconic BMW Models Ever Created

Sep 22, 2016

One of the most successful luxury vehicle manufacturers in the world, BMW has developed some of the most recognizable models to date. With such a long history of producing high-end luxury cars, the top 10 most iconic models to roll off of their production line can be difficult to determine. In order to finalize a solid list of the German manufacturer’s best vehicles, we’ve combed through the numbers to determine which models truly encompass the luxury and sophistication you’ve come to expect from a BMW.

10. BMW E39 M5

First introduced in 1986, the original BMW E39 was considered at the time to be the ultimate M5. Producing 400 horsepower and 370 lb.-ft. of torque, the performance of the E39 rivaled that of exotics like Ferrari and Porsche. Thanks to its manual transmission, the BMW E39 was one of the smoothest vehicles available at the time.

9. BMW E23 7 Series

True BMW enthusiasts know that the E23 7 Series has been one of the most luxurious and high-tech sedans since its inception. Upscale and incredibly sophisticated for the time, the E23 7 Series was the first BMW model to offer interval indicators and complex climate control systems. The original 7 Series was produced for only ten years before being replaced by the E32.

8. BMW Z8

With a production run lasting from 1999 to 2003, the BMW Z8 used an all-aluminum chassis and body developed by world-renowned designer Henrik Fisker. The impressive 4.9L V8 engine under the hood Z8 produced the same horsepower and torque as the E39 M5. Thanks to a limited production run, the Z8 has become one of the most collectible sports cars in the world.

7. BMW 8 Series

Available with a V8 or V12 engine, the BMW 8 Series coupe was truly ahead of its time. Thanks to its innovative pop-up headlights and incredibly sleek exterior style, BMW sold close to 30,700 units in its ten-year production run. While V12 engines today are slowly being replaced, those that currently own an 8 Series are the chosen few lucky enough to experience the thrill that comes with one of the most powerful engines ever built.

6. BMW M1

Hand-built for only a few years, the BMW M1 has a unique look that is unmatched to this day. Developed by Italian auto-designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and the Italdesign staff, the M1 was powered by a 3.5L six-cylinder full racing spec engine that was detuned for street use.

5. BMW Isetta

Despite being neither fast nor particularly attractive, the three-wheeled BMW Isetta microcar is indeed one of the German manufacturer’s most iconic vehicles. Producing a mere 13 horsepower, the 247-cc, one-cylinder, four-stroke engine typically found in a motorcycle, the Isetta may be slow, but it is instantly recognizable.

4. BMW 507

With only 252 units ever produced, including one sold to Elvis Presley, the BMW 507 roadster is another rarity on the list of icons. Though developed to reinstate BMW’s image as a sport car company, the limited production run of the 507 was the result of their losing money on every unit sold. Despite its lack of success, we can thank the BMW 507 for being integral in the design of their subsequent Z3, Z4, and Z8 roadsters.

3. BMW i8

The most contemporary vehicle on this list, the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid is already one of their most iconic vehicles. Thanks to its futuristic design and outstanding efficiency, the i8 is the definitive proof that electric cars don’t have to be boring.

2. BMW 2002 Turbo

BMW’s first turbocharged production vehicle, it’s easy to see why the 2002 Turbo is so close to the top of the list. Producing 170 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque, the BMW 2002 Turbo was an incredibly quick and nimble sports coupe.

1. BMW E30 M3

Tracing its roots back to the mid 1980’s, the BMW E30 M3 is easily the most iconic vehicle BMW has ever produced. A feat unaccomplished by any other vehicle, the E30 M3 earned more titles in various motorsport events than the Porsche 911 was able to.