As a die-hard BMW fan, of course, I have my list of most attractive BMW cars. The ranking below shows my preference for these models. Traditionally, M models are almost identical to the normal models except for exclusive wheels, pipes, and larger intake vents. I do not separate the M models from each series, but I always prefer M models to standard ones. However, recent M models or even M Performance models do become more distinctive than before.
1. E52 Z8
My first pick is Z8. It was the homage to the famous 507 and was meant to be a limited collectors’ edition. Also, Z8 was indeed an M model without an M badge because it got the same S62 engine as the E39 M5. It might not be the fastest and sharpest supercar of its time, but it was the one that combined speed and artistry the best. Both exterior and interior designs are still outstanding today. I always want to see a successor of such a beautiful roadster; contradictively, I also want it to remain a one-off legend of all time.
2. G15 8-Series
The new 8-Series is my favorite BMW after Z8. BMW is now referring to the luxury series — namely 7, 8, and X7 — as THE 7, THE 8, and THE X7. This marks the distinctive high-end design. According to BMW, 8-Series is developed with M standard as a luxury GT, so it should be both aggressive and relaxing at the same time. The only pity of the 8-Series is the use of fake plastic vents in the bumpers.
3. E36/8 Z3 Coupe
Z3 Coupe should be the tiniest shooting brake of all time. It is hard to imagine that a shooting brake style can look so fit and slender within a 4-meter length. Also, the star-spoke M alloy wheel on the M Coupe is probably the most graceful design in BMW’s history. Furthermore, the last M Coupe got the S54 engine from the E46 M3. That made the Z3 M Coupe the best full-packaged small sports car at the time, and even of all time. (Forget the M2, it is just too big and heavy compared to Z3.)
4. G30 5-Series sedan
I am a big fan of the 5-Series sedan thanks to my childhood experience with an E34. 5-Series has the right size for all uses and features stable but dynamic handling. The G30 5-Series maintains the proportion of past models, and its design combines classic elements, such as the L-shape tail light and the sharp shoulder line, with modern sketches. My only complaint about 5-Series is that it is constantly getting larger over time, and the current one is on the verge of my tolerance.
5. G29 Z4
The new Z4 is sketched with the same design language as the new 8-Series, and that makes it look like a baby-8. According to BMW, the new Z4 is developed as a roadster from the beginning featuring the body rigidity of a coupe. Additionally, a test in Nürburgring Nordschleife showed that Z4 M40i is faster than M2. Given the output number (340ps here, non-EU version is 382ps), Z4 M40i performed amazingly well (see the video below). In conclusion, Z4 should be the most beautiful fun car of the brand currently. Find the 8-Series too large? Is M2 too heavy? Then get the Z4!
6. F06 6-Series Gran Coupe
The F06/F12/F13 6-Series were masterpieces of luxury GT, and the Gran Coupe was even better. The lengthened wheelbase and the additional rear seat window gave the first-ever BMW 4-door coupe the right proportion. However, do not expect too much from the rear space. The two rear doors served merely as the spice to the eyes.
7. E39 5-Series sedan
Before the G30, E39 was always regarded as the best 5-Series. It was known for its high agility, which the former E34 and the latter E60 lack. My father used to own an E34 520i, and he has driven the E39 520i several times. According to him, E39 was way more agile but less solid in handling. As for the E39 M5, it may not be crazily fast, but many regards it as the best sports sedan of all time. The M alloy wheel of E39 M5 is still my favorite design.
E39 M5 appeared in the short film “The Hire — Star”, which featured Clive Owen and Madonna. This film series is probably the best film project of the auto industry ever, and this episode is undoubtedly the best one.
8. E46 3-Series sedan, touring, coupe, convertible
This is my only pick that includes all the body styles of a series. E46 sedan, touring, coupe and convertible were all in great fitness with the best size of an FR luxury compact car. The former E36 would be too tight, and the latter E90 would be too cumbersome. Also, the E46 M3 CSL is possibly the best M3 ever with its lightweight design and 360ps S54 3.2L R6. E46 also featured the last R6 320i 2.2, which is probably the best entry-level 6-cylinder compact sedan ever to touch the earth. (You know what, the engine of E90 320i was carried over from E46 318i 2.0.)
9. E38 7-Series
E38 7-Series was best known for its presence in the 007 movie Tomorrow Never Dies. Besides, it was considered an extremely athletic full-size sedan. Back in the 1990s, the stupidly large W140 S-Class was completely dominated by E38. That forced Mercedes-Benz to shrink the size of the S-Class in the latter W220 generation. The V8 740i was the most notable model at the time although BMW’s V8 has been proved to be unreliable. The best second-hand purchasing choice would be the 728i with an M52 engine. In contrast to the problematic M60/M62 V8, the M52/M54 is one of the most reliable 6-cylinder engines of all time.
10. E24 6-Series
Long gone is the sharp front lid angle of the “shark nose” BMW models, and the E24 6-Series is the one worth most recalling. E24 came in the old-school boxy coupe style, and its intimidating front design was highly distinguishable. The top model M635CSi was powered by the famous M88 3.5L R6 from M1. It was the sibling of the E28 M5 and the first two-door M model.
So this is the end of my list. Since I am much younger than the brand itself, I did not have that much experience with the models before “Neue Klasse" e.g. 328, 501, and 507. That does not mean they were not good at their time. I am just more linked to the time I live in.
The era of E46, E39, and E38 is considered the golden era of BMW. Not only are they attractive, but they are also famously reliable. Models of this era all come in the right sizes, and their R6 engines are the peak of NA engine history. Nowadays, they are highly sought after, especially the R6 ones. One with the proper condition will not stay at the dealer’s place too long before someone drives it home.