Top 10 Most Iconic BMW Models of All Time

As one of the most successful luxury automakers in the world, BMW has created numerous iconic models in its history.

The German automaker can proudly say many of its vehicles are some of the best of the best in the world. But what are the most iconic models to ever come out of BMW’s factory? The company has created some of the industry’s most significant sports cars during its 100+ year history. To celebrate this legacy, AutoGuide.com decided to take a look at its most iconic models of all time.

At the time of its introduction in 1986, the original BMW M5 was the fastest production sedan in the world. But it’s really the E39 M5 model that put the four-door sports sedan on the map, with many even considering it the most perfect M5 ever created. Powered by a 4.9-liter V8 engine, the E39 M5 produced 400 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque. And even though it weighed over 4,000 pounds, the M5’s performance rivalled exotics from Ferrari and Porsche at the time. Paired with a manual transmission, the E39 M5 offered an amazing combination of utility, performance and agile handling.

Today, the BMW 7 Series is the company’s flagship sedan and recent rumors that a 7 Series Coupe could be in the works has us excited for the future of the nameplate. And if you think the 7 Series just recently became high-tech and advanced, think again. In fact, the first BMW 7 Series was also considered upscale and sophisticated for its time and was the first BMW model to be fitted with service interval indicators and complex climate control systems. The original 7 Series was produced from 1977 to 1987 before it was replaced by the E32 7 Series.

We can probably thank James Bond for helping make the Z8 iconic. Produced from 1999 to 2003, the Z8 was actually designed by Henrik Fisker and used an all-aluminum chassis and body. Under the hood was a 4.9-liter V8 with 400 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque, just like the one used in the E39 M5. Its limited production has turned it into a collectible over the years.

The first mass-produced, mid-engine BMW was the M1, hand-built between 1978 and 1981. If the design of the BMW M1 looks more Italian than German, there’s good reason. BMW was originally going to collaborate with Lamborghini on the model, but the Italian automaker’s imminent bankruptcy forced BMW to cancel its contract in 1978. The design was then tasked to Giugiaro and the Ital Design staff. Powered by a full race spec 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine that was detuned for street use, it provides 266 hp.

The BMW 507 was recently in the spotlight because the German automaker just finished restoring Elvis Presley’s old vehicle. But the roadster is truly iconic because of its rarity, with only 252 units ever built. Although it was intended to restore BMW’s sporty image, the 507 almost caused BMW to declare bankruptcy since it lost money on every 507 built. What makes it so important, however, is that the 507 went on to influence future BMW roadsters, including the Z3, Z4 and Z8 models.

The BMW i8 is the most modern of all the vehicles on the list, but it’s hard to argue that it already isn’t one of the company’s most iconic models. From its portrayal in a Mission: Impossible movie to its futuristic bodylines, the BMW i8 is a current day vision into the company’s future. The plug-in hybrid helps prove that electrified cars need not be boring. Some even say they prefer driving the i8 over an M4!

But the most iconic BMW model of all time is the E30 M3. As the first M3 ever, it arguably began the success of a single nameplate that very few automakers have been able to replicate. As the only car ever to have earned more titles than the Porsche 911 in various forms of motorsports, the BMW M3 has beyond synonymous with pure driving performance and it all traces back to the mid 1980s. It’s a shame now that the BMW M3 Coupe is referred to as the M4, as there’s just something so special with the M3 nameplate being associated with a two-door sports car.