BMW Classic Cars

The compact sport sedan that convinced America BMW could build a driver's car.

Essentially the 1600 sedan with a 2.0-liter four wedged under the hood, the 2002 arrived almost by accident — a dealer suggestion turned into one of the most important cars in BMW's history. Car and Driver's glowing 1968 review by David E. Davis helped launch BMW as a serious performance brand in the US and created the template for the modern sport sedan.

The elegant Karmann-built coupe that became a racing icon as the aero-winged "Batmobile."

The E9 coupes paired an Italian-influenced Karmann-built body with BMW's smooth inline-six, evolving from the 2800CS into the fuel-injected 3.0 CSi and finally the lightweight, aero-equipped CSL — a homologation special built to win Group 2 European Touring Car Championship races.

The homologation special that turned BMW into a touring car racing powerhouse.

Built to satisfy Group A touring car homologation rules, the E30 M3 shared little beyond its silhouette with a standard 3 Series — a purpose-built S14 engine, widened fenders, a raised trunk lid, and box-flared bodywork all served the car's racing mission first and street use second. It went on to dominate touring car championships across Europe and remains one of the most celebrated BMWs ever built.