1990s BMW Sports Car Madness at Auction
On October 18th, at the RM Sotheby's sale in Munich, the propeller-powered firm's Motorsport models achieved record results.
It's not just recent Ferraris and Porsches, those now commonly referred to as "youngtimers," models from the 1980s and 1990s, that are soaring at public auctions. At RM Sotheby's sale in Munich on October 18, BMW enthusiasts bearing the signature Motorsport division vied for the top lots. As a result, several vehicles from the Bavarian brand achieved very high scores. It must be said that the auction house lined up a royal field featuring the best of BMW Motorsport's creations. In near-new condition, the vehicles boasted low mileage. The first lot from the propeller-driven firm to be presented, the 2002 Z3 M coupe, set the tone for the sale. Part of a production run of only 1,112 units, this French-born coupe had only covered 7,549 kilometers. It was sold for €126,500. Its successor, the 2007 Z4 M Coupé, which had not been a great success during its commercial career, reached €80,500. But the audience was mainly drawn to the M3s that forged the reputation of BMW's M division. The catalog included some of the most exclusive examples of the lineage.
The first M3 to be put under the hammer, the 2003 CSL, produced in just 1,383 units and combining a weight-loss and vitamin treatment, reached 178,250 euros. The 1992 and 1995 M3 Cabriolets sold for 143,750 euros and 161,000 euros respectively. But the highest bid reached by an M3 goes to the 1990 Sport Evolution version. This is the latest evolution of the E30 M3 with a 4-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder, whose displacement was increased to 2.5 liters to achieve a power output of 238 hp. Used for homologation of racing M3s, the Sport Evolution was only produced in 600 examples. One enthusiast did not hesitate to pay 325,625 euros to acquire this must-have of the first-generation M3s. Another M3 that went viral was the 2011 M3 CRT (Carbon Racing Technology) sedan, of which only 67 units were produced.
Bearing the number 37, the example in the sale had only 168 kilometers on the odometer. It changed hands for a check of 258,125 euros. For 275,000 euros, you could also drive away at the wheel of the 1995 M3 GT. This limited edition of the E36 family, produced in a quantity of only 356 units and recognizable by its dark green color, was powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 295 hp. It was distinguished by aluminum doors and simplified soundproofing. In the same price range (269,375 euros), you could also acquire a 2010 M3 GTS powered by the 450 hp 4.4-liter V8. The one in the sale had only covered 176 kilometers since leaving the factory. Note that the 1975 2002 Turbo was sold for €126,500, the 1990 Z1 roadster for €80,500, and the 1980 M1 for €567,500. The Z8 roadster, reworked by Alpina, fetched up to €303,125. As for the 1998 Porsche 911 Turbo S, it did not disappoint. Part of a series of 345 units, it reached €725,000.
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