New and Special Edition BMW Models and Restorations Overview
Explore new and special edition BMW models plus restoration insights for collectors and enthusiasts in this detailed overview.
The quick list
Best overall: BMW M 100 Jahre Nürburgring Edition range, for buyers who already want a current M2, M3, M4 or M5 and value factory provenance over a mechanical transformation.
Best collector roadster: Bovensiepen Spider, for the buyer who wants a rare BMW Z4-based six-cylinder convertible and accepts €115,500 before personalisation. [6][12]
Best value modern convertible: BMW M4 Convertible Competition xDrive, for drivers prioritising outright performance and four-seat usability over rarity, at €113,162 in the cited Czech-market listing. [7]
Best analogue performance buy: US-spec BMW E36 M3, for hands-on owners who can buy condition rather than chase the cheapest car, with median 2026 sale values around $21,068. [2][3]
Best restoration challenge: BMW E61 530i Touring with the N52 six-cylinder, for an experienced home mechanic or a buyer commissioning a known specialist, not somebody needing dependable daily transport immediately.
BMW’s current special editions and its most interesting restoration candidates answer very different questions. The real choice is not “which BMW is fastest?” It is whether you want a new warrantied commemorative car, a low-volume roadster, a practical modern convertible, an analogue older M car, or a restoration budget that can easily outrun the car’s eventual value.
I have not driven or owned these particular cars. The comparisons below rest on BMW’s published information, current market data and workshop reporting from M539 Restorations and savagegeese, rather than a launch-event impression or a manufacturer’s claimed sense of occasion.
Comparison table
| Option | Price cited | Layout and size proposition | Powertrain | Rarity | Main ownership trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M2 100 Jahre Nürburgring Edition | Not disclosed | Compact two-door M car | Updated 3.0-litre turbo inline-six | Production number undisclosed | Cheapest-looking route into the edition, but no price or allocation data yet [1][11] |
| BMW M3 Sedan 100 Jahre Nürburgring Edition | Not disclosed | Four-door sports saloon | Updated 3.0-litre turbo inline-six | Production number undisclosed | Usable rear doors, but special trim rather than a separate mechanical model [1][11] |
| BMW M3 Touring 100 Jahre Nürburgring Edition | Not disclosed | Five-door fast estate | Updated 3.0-litre turbo inline-six | Production number undisclosed | Practicality, but steel roof rather than carbon roof under its anniversary graphics [1][11] |
| BMW M4 Coupé 100 Jahre Nürburgring Edition | Not disclosed | Two-door coupé | Updated 3.0-litre turbo inline-six | Production number undisclosed | The traditional M-coupé shape, but no published edition price [1][11] |
| BMW M5 Sedan 100 Jahre Nürburgring Edition | Not disclosed | Large four-door plug-in-hybrid saloon | Twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 hybrid, 717 hp combined | Production number undisclosed | Huge performance and mass, with European V8 output reduced to 536 hp [1][11] |
| BMW M5 Touring 100 Jahre Nürburgring Edition | Not disclosed | Large five-door plug-in-hybrid estate | Twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 hybrid, 717 hp combined | Production number undisclosed | The useful family option, but it is the largest and heaviest proposition here [1][11] |
| Bovensiepen Spider | €115,500 in Germany, VAT included | Two-seat roadster based on Z4 M40i | 3.0-litre turbo inline-six, 429 hp, eight-speed auto | 99 planned | High price, automatic only and limited long-term parts history [[6]](https://www.autogids.be/autonieuws/nieuwe-modellen/bovensiepen-spider.html?utm_source=openai "Officieel: Bovensiepen Spider (2026) - de BMW Z4 volgens Buchloe |
| BMW M4 Convertible Competition xDrive | €113,162 in cited Czech listing, VAT included | Four-seat convertible | 3.0-litre turbo inline-six, 523 hp, AWD | Series production | Faster than Spider, but less intimate and much less exclusive [7] |
| US-spec BMW E36 M3 | Median sale $21,068 | Compact coupe, saloon or convertible | Naturally aspirated inline-six, manual preferred | Not limited, condition matters | Buyer becomes the warranty, with 30-year-old plastics, cooling and corrosion risks [[2]](https://carsearch.pro/market/e36-m3/?utm_source=openai "BMW M3 (E36) Price Guide 2026 — Values, Prices & Market Data |
| BMW E61 530i Touring restoration | Project cost varies | Five-door executive estate | N52 naturally aspirated inline-six | Rare manual cars are especially desirable | Engine and deferred-maintenance costs can overwhelm the purchase price [8][9] |
Prices quoted for the Bovensiepen Spider and BMW M4 Convertible include the local VAT stated by their respective sources. They do not establish on-the-road pricing in every country, and options, registration, insurance, finance and dealer charges will alter the actual bill. [6][7]
The factory commemorative choice: six BMW M Nürburgring editions
BMW’s 100 Jahre Nürburgring range consists of the M2, M3 Sedan, M3 Touring, M4 Coupé, M5 Sedan and M5 Touring. Each gets Nürburgring Green or Black Sapphire paint, circuit-themed graphics and “Nürburgring since 1927” branding, plus green and white cabin stitching. [1][11]
The important qualification is that these are themed versions of existing M cars, not six new mechanical programmes. The appeal is provenance, the factory finish and the fact that BMW has linked them directly to the Nürburgring centenary, rather than an expectation of a radically different ownership experience. [1]
BMW had opened European ordering for the M3 and M5 models in September 2026, with the M2 scheduled to follow in January 2027. It still had not published base prices or production totals for any of the six cars at the time of the research brief. [1][11]
That missing information matters. A limited-looking badge is not the same thing as a numbered, capped-run model, and it is impossible to judge premium over an ordinary M car without a price. Anyone buying for collectability should ask the supplying dealer for allocation terms, country availability and written confirmation of specification.
The M2 is the compact choice, the M3 Sedan the everyday four-door, and the M4 Coupé the less practical but more traditional two-door. The M3 Touring is arguably the most useful six-cylinder edition, because it combines estate space with the same core performance-car format. [1][11]
The M5 Sedan and M5 Touring are different in character. European versions retain 717 hp combined hybrid-system output, but their twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 is rated at 536 hp, 41 hp lower than before, to meet the relevant European requirements. [11]
That distinction is worth understanding before comparing headline numbers. The M5 pair are devastatingly capable long-distance cars, but their plug-in-hybrid hardware and size make them a very different ownership proposition from an M2 or M4. More power does not automatically mean more enjoyable on a narrow road.
BMW’s three corresponding motorcycles, the M 1000 RR, M 1000 R and M 1000 XR, are each limited to 100 worldwide. That restriction does not apply, at least publicly, to the six cars, and BMW has not released pricing for the bikes either. [11]
The roadster revival: Bovensiepen Spider
The Bovensiepen Spider is the most interesting new car here because it fills a space BMW itself has just left. BMW Z4 production ended in 2026, while the new marque established by Alpina’s founding family has taken the Z4 M40i and made a 99-example roadster. [6][12]
It uses the 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six, revised intake and exhaust hardware, and additional cooling to produce 429 hp and 428 lb-ft. Bovensiepen quotes 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, with a standard 260 km/h top speed. [6][12]
The €2,800 Performance Package lifts the limiter to 295 km/h and adds differential cooling measures and an underbody brace. Forged wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres and revised dampers are standard parts of the driving proposition, while upgraded brakes are optional. [6][12]
At €115,500 in Germany including VAT, the Spider costs more than the cited €113,162 M4 Convertible Competition xDrive. The M4 produces 523 hp, reaches 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and has all-wheel drive, so it wins the numerical argument comfortably. [6][7]
But the M4 is a larger four-seat convertible, while the Spider is a two-seat Z4-based roadster intended to preserve the small, direct format. That does not make the Bovensiepen a value purchase. It makes it a very specific purchase for somebody who puts rarity and roadster proportions ahead of outright pace.
The awkward point is the gearbox. BMW offered a six-speed manual Z4 M40i late in its run, but the Bovensiepen Spider uses the ZF eight-speed automatic only. That follows Alpina tradition, but enthusiasts wanting three pedals should not assume this is the answer merely because it has Alpina-family origins. [12]
Buyers should also leave room beyond the base sticker. Bovensiepen’s Saddlery programme can add bespoke upholstery, embroidery, Alcantara trim and individual colours. Those options may make a Spider more personal, but they also complicate resale comparisons against one of only 99 standard-ish cars. [6][12]
The restoration reality: E36 M3 versus E61 530i
The US-spec E36 M3 is the affordable heritage-performance option, provided “affordable” means buying a maintained example and carrying a repair reserve. Current data puts the median asking price at about $21,725 and the median sale price at $21,068 from 670 auction sales. [2][3]
That broadly supports savagegeese’s advice that a sound, higher-mileage manual belongs in the high-teens to mid-$20,000 range, not at speculative dealer prices in the $40,000s or $50,000s. Exceptional low-mileage examples are a separate collector market and can approach $90,000. [2][3]
The E36’s virtues remain simple: around 3,200 lb for coupe and sedan versions, thin pillars, excellent visibility, compact exterior dimensions and physical controls. It is a car that makes sense for someone who values a smaller analogue M car over modern screens and driver-assistance systems.
Its weak points are equally familiar. savagegeese identifies rust at front jacking points, rear arches and around the boot-lock area, while hard use can tear rear trailing-arm mounting pockets. Proper reinforcement requires dropping the rear subframe and fuel tank, so it is not a casual weekend job.
Cooling-system refresh work, water pumps, radiators, fan-clutch failures, leaking oil pans and worn interior trim are normal age-related costs. The source estimates approximately $572 annually for maintenance and $2,862 across five years, but that is an average, not a guarantee against a big first-year catch-up bill. [4][5]
The E61 530i Touring shown by M539 Restorations is the other end of the project spectrum. This particular rare manual N52-powered estate arrived with poor running, sludge, leaks, vibration, warning lights and evidence of extremely neglected oil service.
The repair scope went far beyond an oil change. M539 Restorations removed the subframe and oil pan, checked bearings and oil-pump condition, renewed seals, cooling components, engine mounts and crankcase-ventilation parts, and found the plastic cooling-system “Mickey Mouse” flange had failed.
That is the lesson, rather than a reason to panic about every N52. The channel’s inspection found the rod bearings surprisingly presentable despite the neglect, and explicitly did not treat N52 rod bearings as a routine failure item. Deferred maintenance was the central problem.
If the engine is genuinely damaged, the economics become harsher. A basic rebuild can run $5,000-$10,000, while long-block rebuilds can reach $6,000-$15,000. A reconditioned engine is quoted at roughly $3,800-$6,700 fitted, while rebuilt-engine installation can reach $5,300-$7,700. [8][9]
That excludes the easy-to-underestimate jobs surrounding the engine: hoses, cooling components, oil leaks, suspension wear, corroded fixings, diagnostic time and the inevitable parts discovered once the car is apart. A cheap E61 is therefore only good value when its condition, history and inspection support the price.
Ownership, insurance and Nürburgring use
Neither BMW nor Bovensiepen has published special insurance or regulatory treatment for these low-volume editions. Buyers should not assume that a factory special edition guarantees agreed-value cover, track cover or easy export registration. Obtain those answers in writing before paying a deposit.
For Nürburgring tourist driving, the circuit’s 2026 rules require road-legal compliance with German StVZO regulations, and vehicles with a top speed below 130 km/h are excluded. The cars considered here clear that threshold easily, but road legality does not mean insurance cover for circuit use. [10]
Who each option suits
The BMW M2 100 Jahre Nürburgring Edition suits the buyer wanting the smallest current factory commemorative M car. The M3 Sedan suits someone needing rear doors, while the M3 Touring suits the driver who wants the same idea with genuine estate usefulness. [1][11]
The BMW M4 Coupé 100 Jahre Nürburgring Edition suits the buyer who wants the classic two-door M format and values the Nürburgring theme. The M5 Sedan and M5 Touring suit high-mileage buyers who need immense pace with luxury and space, while accepting hybrid complexity and greater mass. [1][11]
The Bovensiepen Spider suits a collector who wants a rare, two-seat, six-cylinder roadster after the Z4’s departure, and who can live without a manual gearbox. The BMW M4 Convertible Competition xDrive suits the more rational buyer who wants stronger acceleration, four seats and a known mainstream BMW ownership path. [6][7][12]
The US-spec E36 M3 suits the owner willing to inspect thoroughly, repair proactively and enjoy an older BMW’s compact dimensions. The neglected E61 530i Touring suits only the buyer with workshop capability, a trusted specialist or a restoration budget large enough to absorb bad news.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the features of the BMW 100 Jahre Nürburgring special editions?
The BMW M 100 Jahre Nürburgring Edition includes six models: M2, M3 Sedan, M3 Touring, M4 Coupé, M5 Sedan, and M5 Touring. They feature updated 3.0-litre turbo inline-six engines and commemorative factory trim but no mechanical transformations. BMW has not disclosed production numbers or pricing for these editions as of late 2026.
Which BMW models are best for collectors and restorations?
For collectors, the Bovensiepen Spider is a standout choice due to its rarity (99 units) and BMW Z4-based six-cylinder roadster design. For restorations, the BMW E61 530i Touring is a challenging project suited to experienced mechanics, with engine replacement costs ranging roughly from $3,800 to $7,700 plus additional suspension and electrical work.
How does the Bovensiepen Spider compare to other BMW roadsters?
The Bovensiepen Spider offers 429 hp and is limited to 99 units with deliveries starting in early 2027, priced at about €115,500 including VAT. It is more exclusive and pricier than the BMW M4 Convertible Competition xDrive, which has higher power (523 hp) and quicker acceleration but is a four-seat convertible rather than a compact two-seat roadster.
What should I know about restoring a BMW E61 530i Touring?
Restoring a neglected E61 530i Touring can be expensive and time-consuming, with fitted replacement engines costing between $3,800 and $7,700. Additional costs for suspension, cooling, gaskets, and electrical repairs should be expected, and labor rates vary widely. This restoration is recommended for experienced home mechanics or those commissioning specialists rather than for immediate daily use.
Is the BMW E36 M3 a good value for a heritage performance car?
A well-maintained US-spec BMW E36 M3 is considered a sensible heritage performance buy with median 2026 sale prices around $21,000. Buyers should budget for age-related maintenance such as cooling system, interior, rust, and rear suspension repairs, as purchase price alone does not reflect total ownership costs.
How we researched this
This article was assembled from 3 video sources across 3 channels, 5 published articles, 12 cited references.
Nothing here is based on hands-on testing. Where a figure or finding appears, it belongs to the source cited beside it, and the writing says so rather than implying otherwise. Every source is listed below so you can check it.
Sources
The Engine in This Cheap BMW 530i Was Tortured. Can I Get It To Run Well Again? — M539 Restorations
BMW E36 M3 | Makes New BMWs Look Bad — savagegeese
The Volvo 850 T-5R Is an Ultra-Cool Fast Wagon — Doug DeMuro
New Bovensiepen Spider revealed as £99k BMW Z4 with 429bhp — Autocar
BMW Celebrates Nürburgring Centenary With Six Limited-Edition M Cars — Motor1
The More Capable Honda Passport TrailSport Begs The Question: Do You Really Need A Ladder-Frame SUV? — CarScoops
Honda Just Became The First Automaker To Earn A Five-Star FIA Safety Rating — Motor1
BMW Killed The Z4, But Alpina’s Founders Just Brought It Back With 429 HP — CarScoops
BMW M3 (E36) Price Guide 2026 — Values, Prices & Market Data | CarSearch.Pro
BMW M3 (E36) Values: $11,100–$222,300 | Price History & Sales | DriveIndex
Officieel: Bovensiepen Spider (2026) - de BMW Z4 volgens Buchloe | AutoGids
New Bovensiepen Spider revealed as £99k BMW Z4 with 429bhp | Autocar
Watch New and Special Edition BMW Models and Restorations on Youtube
Also from the sources
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