For BMW enthusiasts, the brand represents more than just a car manufacturer—it symbolizes a legacy of performance, luxury, and innovative engineering. Whether you’re a long-time fan looking to finally own a BMW, a curious observer eager to learn more about the brand’s storied history or an admirer of the BMW club of Nigeria, this guide will take you through the top 10 BMW cars ever produced, ranked by user ratings. These cars have left a lasting impact on the automotive world and continue to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.
BMW M3 (E30)
User Rating: 9.8/10
Year Produced: 1986-1992
Engine: 2.3L Inline-4
Power: 192 hp
Why it’s iconic: The E30 M3 is the car that started the M3 legend. With its racing pedigree, balanced handling, and timeless design, it remains a favorite among enthusiasts.
Performance: 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds
Design: Boxy and aggressive, with flared wheel arches and a motorsport-inspired interior.
Cultural Impact: Cemented BMW’s reputation in motorsport and as a producer of high-performance road cars.
Where to buy: Download the Spottr app, search BMW M3 and get automatic quotes from dealers around you.
BMW M5 (E39)
User Rating: 9.7/10
Year Produced: 1998-2003
Engine: 4.9L V8
Power: 394 hp
Why it’s iconic: The E39 M5 is often considered the greatest M5 ever made, combining luxury, refinement, and brutal performance in one package.
Performance: 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds
Design: Understated yet muscular, with a refined and luxurious interior.
Cultural Impact: Set the benchmark for high-performance luxury sedans.
Where to buy: Set interest on Spottr to performance racing and let Spottr location callouts attract the available listings to your phone as you go about your day in any city
BMW 507 Roadster
User Rating: 9.6/10
Year Produced: 1956-1959
Engine: 3.2L V8
Power: 150 hp
Why it’s iconic: The 507 Roadster is one of the most beautiful cars BMW has ever produced. Its timeless design and rarity make it a highly sought-after classic.
Performance: 0-60 mph in 11.1 seconds
Design: Sleek and elegant, with a long hood and sweeping lines.
Cultural Impact: A symbol of 1950s automotive glamour and luxury and now a collectors item after almost bankrupting the brand.
Where to buy: Download the Spottr app, search BMW 507 Roadster and get automatic quotes from dealers.
BMW 3.0 CSL (E9)
User Rating: 9.5/10
Year Produced: 1971-1975
Engine: 3.2L Inline-6
Power: 206 hp
Why it’s iconic: Known as the “Batmobile,” the 3.0 CSL was a homologation special designed for racing. Its lightweight construction and powerful engine made it a formidable competitor on the track.
Performance: 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds
Design: Distinctive with its aerodynamic aids, including a large rear wing and front air dam.
Cultural Impact: Dominated European touring car championships and became a motorsport legend.
Where to buy: Download the Spottr app, search BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) and get automatic quotes from dealers around you.
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BMW Z8
User Rating: 9.4/10
Year Produced: 2000-2003
Engine: 4.9L V8
Power: 400 hp
Why it’s iconic: The Z8 is a modern reinterpretation of the classic 507 Roadster, offering a perfect blend of retro styling and modern performance.
Performance: 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds
Design: Elegant and retro, with a long hood and sweeping lines.
Cultural Impact: Featured in the James Bond film “The World Is Not Enough.”
Where to buy: Set interest on Spottr to performance racing and let Spottr location callouts attract the available listings to your phone as you go about your day in any city
BMW M1
User Rating: 9.3/10
Year Produced: 1978-1981
Engine: 3.5L Inline-6
Power: 273 hp
Why it’s iconic: The M1 is BMW’s only mid-engined supercar, designed in collaboration with Lamborghini and renowned for its handling and performance.
Performance: 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds
Design: Low and wide, with a wedge-shaped body and pop-up headlights.
Cultural Impact: Established BMW’s M division and its performance credentials.
Where to buy: Download the Spottr app, search BMW M1 and get automatic quotes from dealers around you.
BMW i8
User Rating: 9.2/10
Year Produced: 2014-2020
Engine: 1.5L Turbocharged Inline-3 + Electric Motor
Power: 369 hp (combined)
Why it’s iconic: The i8 is a futuristic plug-in hybrid sports car that combines eco-friendly technology with stunning design and impressive performance.
Performance: 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds
Design: Sleek and futuristic, with scissor doors and an aerodynamic silhouette.
Cultural Impact: Showcased BMW’s commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility.
Where to buy: Click to buy the BMW i8 from this dealer on Spottr
BMW 2002 Turbo
User Rating: 9.1/10
Year Produced: 1973-1974
Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4
Power: 170 hp
Why it’s iconic: The 2002 Turbo was BMW’s first turbocharged production car and helped establish BMW’s reputation for sporty, driver-focused vehicles.
Performance: 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds
Design: Compact and aggressive, with distinctive “Turbo” lettering and flared wheel arches.
Cultural Impact: Pioneered the use of turbocharging in performance cars.
Where to buy: Set interest on Spottr to performance racing and let Spottr location callouts attract all available BMW 2002 Turbo's to your phone as you go about your day in any city
BMW 750iL (E38)
User Rating: 9.0/10
Year Produced: 1994-2001
Engine: 5.4L V12
Power: 322 hp
Why it’s iconic: The E38 750iL represents the pinnacle of BMW luxury and technology of its time, with a refined V12 engine and numerous advanced features.
Performance: 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds
Design: Classic and elegant, with a spacious and luxurious interior.
Cultural Impact: Featured prominently in movies like “Tomorrow Never Dies” and “Transporter.”
Where to buy: Click to buy the BMW 750iL from this dealer on Spottr
BMW 1 Series M Coupe (E82)
User Rating: 8.9/10
Year Produced: 2011-2012
Engine: 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6
Power: 335 hp
Why it’s iconic: The 1 Series M Coupe is a modern classic, praised for its compact size, powerful engine, and exceptional handling.
Performance: 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds
Design: Aggressive and sporty, with wide fenders and a muscular stance.
Cultural Impact: Became an instant classic among enthusiasts for its pure driving experience.
Where to buy: Set interest on Spottr to performance racing and let Spottr location callouts attract all available BMW 2002 Turbo's to your phone as you go about your day in any city
Comparison table
| Model | User Rating | Year | Engine | Power | 0-60 mph |
| BMW M3 (E30) | 9.8/10 | 1986-1992 | 2.3L Inline-4 | 192 hp | 6.9 sec |
| BMW M5 (E39) | 9.7/10 | 1998-2003 | 4.9L V8 | 394 hp | 4.8 sec |
| BMW 507 Roadster | 9.6/10 | 1956-1959 | 3.2L V8 | 150 hp | 11.1 sec |
| BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) | 9.5/10 | 1971-1975 | 3.2L Inline-6 | 206 hp | 6.9 sec |
| BMW Z8 | 9.4/10 | 2000-2003 | 4.9L V8 | 400 hp | 4.7 sec |
| BMW M1 | 9.3/10 | 1978-1981 | 3.5L Inline-6 | 273 hp | 5.4 sec |
| BMW i8 | 9.2/10 | 2014-2020 | 1.5L Turbo Inline-3 + Electric Motor | 369 hp (combined) | 4.2 sec |
| BMW 2002 Turbo | 9.1/10 | 1973-1974 | 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 | 170 hp | 6.9 sec |
| BMW 750iL (E38) | 9.0/10 | 1994-2001 | 5.4L V12 | 322 hp | 6.4 sec |
| BMW 1 Series M Coupe (E82) | 8.9/10 | 2011-2012 | 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 | 335 hp | 4.7 sec |
