This 22-Car 'Best of M' Auction Collection Features Some Notable Absences | Carscoops

      A tempting collection is set to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s, but it lacks some legendary M models.

      17 hours ago

      by Chris Chilton

      More than 20 pristine BMW M performance vehicles are being auctioned.

      This selection includes classics like the 2002 Turbo and modern icons such as the 2023 M4 CSL.

      Interestingly, there’s no trace of the 3.0 CSL, nor is there a single M5 available.

      If you're wealthy, eager, and have recently discovered the allure of BMW M cars after spending the last 50 years under a Mercedes-shaped rock, RM Sotheby’s has an upcoming auction you won’t want to miss.

      The Best of M Collection comprises some of the finest BMW performance vehicles ever created, many with nearly delivery mileage, and if you have around $4.2 million, you can acquire the entire lot.

      Spanning nearly the complete 53-year history of BMW M, the collection begins strong with a 1975 2002 Turbo, which looks particularly appealing on Alpina cotton-reel wheels and features a five-speed dogleg transmission that mitigates the lag prevalent in earlier four-speed versions.

      Next is the 1980 M1 supercar, adorned in BMW M’s signature red, purple, and blue stripes, which RM Sotheby’s estimates could fetch up to €600,000 ($704,000).

      Nineties Icons

      The collection includes a duo of M3s—one a formidable 2.5-liter Sport Evo coupe and the other a 2.3 convertible—representing the E30 3-series era. Other 1990s classics include the Z1 sports car with its unique drop-down doors and a pair of pre-Evolution 1995 E36 M3s featuring the 3.0-liter S50 six-cylinder engine.

      While the Dakar Yellow convertible stands out, the understated British Racing Green GT built for homologation is especially notable, with an estimated value of €100-140k ($117-164k), which is double that of the more vibrant model.

      Entering the New Millennium

      RM Sotheby’s

      As we move into the 21st century, the collection showcases notable neo-classics like the E46 M3 CSL, Z3 M “Clownshoe” coupe, and E82 1M, along with some lesser-known treasures like a 2003 Alpina Roadster (Alpina’s interpretation of the Z8) and the E90 M3 CRT, one of the most discreet and rarest BMWs ever produced.

      Only 67 units were made, and this particular model has only traveled 104 miles (168 km). If you prefer something more eye-catching, its vibrant orange M3 GTS coupe sibling (shown below) is also available.

      What's Missing?

      For enthusiasts of newer M vehicles, the collection includes the 2016 M3 GTS and the 2023 M4 CSL, but even casual fans can spot some omissions. While the absence of models like the X5M can be justified, it's surprising not to see the 1970s 3.0 CSL, and notably, there is no M5, despite its presence in the BMW M lineup for 40 years, along with fast, M-engineered 5-series models predating them by ten years.

      Which M cars would you include to enhance this collection? You can view RM Sotheby’s complete listing here for each vehicle ahead of this month’s Munich auction.