First Model BMW Car Price: History and Modern Value

When BMW first launched in 1916, it wasn’t just a car manufacturer—it set the standard for engineering excellence. The first model, the BMW TS, laid the foundation for a legacy, but understanding its historical price reveals the true evolution of luxury motoring.

The original BMW TS, introduced in 1916 as a lightweight racing and touring car, was priced around 2,500 German marks—equivalent to roughly 10,000 EUR today. Though modest by modern standards, this price reflected BMW’s commitment to performance, durability, and innovation, principles that still define the brand.

While the original price was modest, today’s collectors value the first BMW models highly—some vintage examples fetch thousands due to rarity and historical significance. Modern BMWs, rooted in that pioneering spirit, start at under 40,000 EUR, symbolizing a blend of heritage and cutting-edge technology.

For enthusiasts and investors, the first BMW model isn’t just a car—it’s a timeless asset. Prices fluctuate based on condition and provenance, but ownership connects buyers to automotive history, making it more than a vehicle, but a legacy on wheels.

The first BMW car’s modest 1916 price of 2,500 marks a humble beginning in a lineage of excellence. Today, BMW’s value lies in its enduring innovation—where heritage meets performance. Explore your connection to automotive history with confidence.

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Prepare to be transported into a rich & fascinating history on the Oldest BMW Cars that exist. Carrying the E9/R1 internal designation, this 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL development prototype is the first car built by BMW Motorsport GmbH. Shop classic BMWs like the E30 M3, 2002, and 507 Roadster.

Discover trusted listings, auctions, and nationwide access. Discover how the BMW 3/15, the brand's first car, shaped the German automaker's legacy, transitioning from aircraft engines to automotive excellence. There are 25 BMW M3.

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The first cars produced by BMW appeared on the scene shortly after World War I, in the late 1910s and early 1920s. These early models were heavily influenced by the company's background in aircraft engine manufacturing, leading to cars with powerful engines designed for performance. The cleverly called BMW M1 supercar was the first BMW road vehicle to be given the now-iconic BMW M emblem.

The 1978 M1 is the only mid-engined M vehicle ever produced. It cost about PS2,000 more than a Ferrari BB12 from the same era and had supercar performance, appearance, and price. The 273bhp M1 had a top speed of 161 mph and could reach 62 mph in under 5.6 seconds.

While hardly supercar. In 1929, BMW ventured into the automobile industry with the launch of its first-ever car, the BMW 3/15 DA-2. Also known as the Dixi 3/15, this compact and affordable car was based on the design of the British Austin 7, with BMW securing a license to produce it in Germany.