The car market seems to be continuing its red-hot run into 2022, and it’s safe to say BMW is riding the wave. Between the seemingly endless stream of E30s, along with M3s, and M5s from various generations though, a few recent sales from the higher end of the spectrum caught our attention. These new data points included limited-production models that have always been worth good money, but they represent what could be interpreted as a transition point. The first two hammer prices are either records for the models or the most they’ve sold for in a long time, while the other is of a brand new, limited-production model that’s already selling for well above its sticker price—something we’re seeing with quite a few new cars these days.
2001 BMW Z8 Topaz Over Crema
The first BMW is a 2001 Z8 that is one of 229 finished in Topaz Blue over Crema, which was supposedly designer Henrik Fisher’s favorite color combination. Satch says a black soft top would be preferable, but just about everything else is right with this 31,000-mile Z8, a model that does not need any introduction or justification on this website. Throwback styling reminiscent of the legendary 507 in exquisite aluminum bodywork combined with a modern drivetrain from BMW M make for a truly unique experience within the ranks of great BMWs from over the years.
The example at hand sold for $405,000, or $410,000 including the 5% buyer’s premium charged by the auction house. That doesn’t make it the most expensive Z8 ever sold, but it is the most that any example of the model has sold for in nearly five years, and represents a significant premium over the average selling price of $204,000 according to data from Classic.com. We know the Z8 has been steadily appreciating over the last several years, as it seems the automotive community has finally realized how exceptional of a car they’ve always been, but the color combination of this example was a primary factory in its selling price, as 31,000 miles isn’t particularly low for a Z8, and other examples with fewer miles routinely sell for less. The price is also significantly higher than BMW CCA sponsor Hagerty’s concours condition valuation of $289,000 as of this writing.
2003 Alpina V8 Roadster With 34 Miles
The next recent sale on our list is an Alpina V8 Roadster (the 151st produced) with just 34 miles on its odometer that hammered for $478,000, or $483,000 including the buyer’s premium. Although production of just 333 units was initially planned, 555 of the Z8-based Alpina V8 Roadster were ultimately made following the conclusion of Z8 production in late 2002. Compare that with more than 5,700 Z8s, of which there are approximately ten for every one Alpina V8 Roadster. The U.S. was the primary market for the Alpina V8 Roadster, with 450 exported here, and the model was the first from Alpina to be sold through the U.S. dealership network.
Like the Z8, mileage that would be considered low for a conventional car is common for Alpina V8 Roadsters, but 34 miles, which can effectively be summarized as delivery mileage, accumulated over nineteen years of existence is nonetheless remarkable. Although the Alpina V8 Roadster uses a a version of BMW’s M62 V8 called the F5 with a lengthened stroke that displaces 4.8 liters which is mated to a five-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, their relatively rarity seems to be the defining factor in why they’re worth so much. This Alpina V8 Roadster’s selling price of $478,000 is significantly higher than Hagerty’s concours condition validation of $386,000, and makes it the most expensive sold at auction in the last five years. It also sold for far more than the average auction price for the model of $279,000, according to Classic.com.
2022 BMW M5 CS With Delivery Mileage
The F90 M5 CS is the new kid on the block in terms of rare BMWs, but it’s already selling for well above its $142,000 MSRP. Only a few have come up for sale so far and all of the auctions have occurred this year, but this Frozen Deep Green example sold for $200,000 on PCARMARKET last month. We don’t know how many units of the M5 CS will be produced, but it’s won over a number of journalists who’ve gone on to described it as a truly special BMW that’s up there with the brand’s all-time hits. The M5 CS is also so new, mileage has yet to become a factor in their sales, with recent examples likely changing owners shortly after delivery.
Representing the pinnacle of the current M lineup, the M5 CS develops 627 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 553 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,950, and can hit 60 mph from a dead stop in 2.6 seconds according to Car and Driver. That kind of performance makes the M5 CS the most powerful BMW yet and the second fastest behind the M8 Competition coupe, but that’s not why they’re selling for so much. A claimed 230 pounds worth of weight savings give the M5 CS some unique equipment, while its model-specific chassis tuning and steering feel seem to have elevated the model to something that mere numbers can’t effectively convey.—Alex Tock
[Photos courtesy Bring a Trailer Media, LLC, PCARMARKET.]