What: 2021 BMW M5 Competition Color: BMW Individual Nardo Grey(nardograu; non-Metallic UNI; P6K; BMW) VIN: WBS83CH01MCH50510 Mileage: 26,342 miles Price: $81,900 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: Pictured Location: Boston, MA Link: Boston Motorsport Maserati
The BMW M5 is an absolute bruiser, and this particular example finished in BMW Individual Nardo Grey certainly pulls no punches. More than 600 horsepower are available for whatever your heart desires, and the Executive Package’s ventilated seats ensure fatigue will be kept to a minimum as you commute to work, or attempt a new Cannonball record. In all it’s a sharp package that would be a great addition to any Tailored Driver’s fleet.
While it’s easier to attain a Tailored Driver if your wallet is thick enough to require chiropractic intervention, we think it’s more fun when Tailored status is within reach of the everyman or woman. At €3,500 (about $3700 USD, plus shipping) this E39-generation 520i Touring painted in BMW Individual Atlantis Blue Metallic and paired with the frankly wild Boa Boa cloth interior and a timeless 5 speed manual transmission is exactly that- fun. Consider it more of a starting point though, as the 520i isn’t exactly going to win any awards in the speed department, and the rear hatch will challenge even the most recent of tetanus shots, but the point remains. Some elbow grease, maybe a different motor, and this could be a sub-$15,000 Cars and Coffee award winner.
What: 2022 BMW M5 competition Color: BMW Individual Twilight Purple Metallic(metallic uni; P28; BMW) VIN: WBS83CH0XNCJ43231 Mileage: 29,015 miles Price: $89,999 CarFax:Link Window Sticker: N/A Location: Staten Island, NY Link:Status New York
BMW models always seem to thrive in shades of Purple, and this M5 competition in BMW Individual Twilight Purple Metallic certainly proves the point. More vividly purple than the more common Technoviolet, Twilight has a similar ability to capture the light and really pop. Moving past the exterior, extended Merino Leather paired with soft-close doors ensures the interior is a great place to spend time, even if the twin turbo V8 with roughly 600 horsepower shortens the distance between points A and B.
Perhaps one of the more interesting items featured on Tailored Driver, this short wheelbase E38 generation 750i is equal parts enticing and terrifying. Want luxury? The BMW Individual Blue interior on this E38 has no shortage of it, from the Lay-Z-Boy style front buckets, to the center console mounted telephone, and the certainly very out of date Navigation/Cassette player combo. Love internal combustion? Great- twelve cylinders mean fuel will combust internally quite often. Sure, reliability will be questionable even with a running tab at your local BMW specialist, but it’ll be guaranteed to get a reaction out of even the most casual of observers.
Two characteristic design variants: Sport and Style
Each limited to 46 cars
Visit to the VR46 Motor Ranch and Misano racetrack forms exclusive highlight
[source: BMW AG]
The #46 is now 46 – and BMW M has the perfect present to mark the birthday of nine-time motorcycle world champion and current BMW M works driver Valentino Rossi (ITA): the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 (fuel consumption combined: 10.2 l/100 km [27.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 232 g/km in the WLTP cycle, CO2 class: G)*. This exclusive edition, produced at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, is available in two distinctive design variants: Sport and Style. “The Doctor” himself was personally involved in the design process for the two versions, both of which will be built in a limited run of 46 cars. The world-famous number, which is Rossi’s trademark, features prominently in several places on and inside the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 – for example, on the doors and the roof, which is made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).
Purchasing a BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 also comes with a once-in-a-lifetime experience comprising an exclusive, personal meeting with Valentino Rossi at his home – the VR46 Motor Ranch in Tavullia (ITA) – and a BMW M Driving Experience at the Misano race circuit (ITA).
“There is no other brand that has motorsport so deeply rooted in its DNA as BMW M. I am proud to be a BMW M works driver, and to share this passion. The fact that there is now a special VR46 edition, in which I was involved from the very beginning of the design process, makes me proud. When I see the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 out on the road or on the race track later, it will be very cool,” says Valentino Rossi about the edition and the collaboration with BMW M.
Exclusive BMW Individual paint finishes and special exterior and interior details One way in which the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 differs from the BMW M4 CS (fuel consumption combined: 10.2 l/100 km [27.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 232 g/km in the WLTP cycle, CO2 class: G)* is its two exclusive BMW Individual paint finishes, which blend perfectly with the many exposed carbon surfaces, such as the indents in the bonnet. Other distinctive features include a host of exclusive exterior and interior details. The overall colour concept of the two design versions is inspired by Valentino Rossi’s preferred tones and expressive visual style. For example, the “Sport” has a finish in Marina Bay Blue metallic, while both sides of the car display an outsized “46” in the darker Tanzanite Blue metallic. In the “Style” design variant, the bodywork comes in matt Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic, with the “46” this time in Frozen Marina Bay Blue metallic on both sides. In a nod to Rossi’s favoured colour scheme, the BMW M kidney grille outline and one of the V spokes in the forged M light-alloy wheels – which, as on racing cars, indicates the position of the tyre valve – are painted in bright yellow, as are the brake callipers with M logo and an accent strip over the door frames of the “Sport” variant. The carbon-fibre roof – like the sides of the car, painted by hand – is adorned with a large VR46 logo (also in yellow, of course) and Rossi’s signature. The tailgate features VR46 lettering.
The yellow accents continue in the interior of the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46, which is predominantly Night Blue. The M Carbon bucket seats come with Merino leather upholstery in the Black/Night Blue colour combination. The Sao Paulo Yellow of the Alcantara shoulder area creates an exclusive contrast. The head restraints, like the door sill trims, feature a prominent yellow VR46 logo. Furthermore, the M Alcantara steering wheel with three-spoke design and flat-bottomed rim comes with yellow contrast stitching and a yellow centre marker. On the carbon-fibre centre console of all examples of the Edition VR46 is a badge stating “1/46”, identifying each Sport or Style car as one of the limited run.
Six-cylinder in-line engine with 405 kW/550 hp The beating heart of the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 is a high-revving 3.0-litre, six‑cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. This power unit has had track performance as its raison d’être from day one of its development. The increase in the maximum charge pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers to 2.1 bar and model-specific tweaks to the engine management mean the edition model’s engine now generates 405 kW/550 hp, which is relayed to the road via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, the M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and the Active M Differential. Lightning-fast power development and optimised traction enable the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, and from 0 to 200 km/h in 11.1 seconds. When applying the “1-foot rollout” method**, the figures read 3.1 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h and 10.8 seconds for 0 to 200 km/h. Acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h takes 2.6 seconds in fourth gear and 3.3 seconds in fifth. The top speed of the edition model, which comes with the M Driver’s Package as standard, is electronically limited to 302 km/h.
Contributing to the excellent engine response is a model-specific engine mounting with increased spring rates. The rigid connection between the power unit and the vehicle’s structure enables particularly direct transmission of its power to the drivetrain every time the driver presses the accelerator. The oil supply system – like the cooling system – is designed to handle the specific challenges of track use, including consistently high revs and extreme lateral acceleration. The engine’s power delivery is accompanied by the emotionally stirring soundtrack generated by the dual-branch exhaust system, which features electrically controlled flaps, a titanium rear silencer with weight-minimising design and – in customary M fashion – two pairs of tailpipes painted in matt black.
Model-specific tuning for chassis technology and control systems The chassis technology for the new BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 has been tuned precisely to the performance characteristics of the engine, the overall vehicle concept and its weight distribution. The individually tuned axle kinematics and bespoke wheel camber settings, dampers, auxiliary springs and anti-roll bars serve to optimise steering precision, transmission of lateral control forces when cornering, spring and damping response, and wheel location. The electronically controlled dampers of the adaptive M suspension likewise come in a model-specific set-up, as do the electromechanical M Servotronic steering with variable ratio, and the integrated braking system.
46 – the trademark of an exceptional racer The number 46 has accompanied Valentino Rossi throughout his extraordinary career as a motorcycle racer and racing driver, and has become even more of a trademark than his nickname “The Doctor” or “Il Dottore”. Having seen his father Graziano Rossi race motorcycles with number 46, Valentino also opted for 46 from the start of his career – and never even swapped it for number 1 when he became world champion, as would have been his right.
Valentino Rossi claimed his first world title in the 125cc class in 1997. Two years later, he added the title in the 250cc class. In 2000, he took the step up to what was the top Grand Prix category, the 500cc class, in which he was crowned world champion in 2001. The following year, this category was replaced by the MotoGP class, and Rossi remained the dominant force. By 2005 he had added a further four world titles, and numbers eight and nine were to follow in 2008 and 2009. With these nine world championships and no fewer than 115 Grand Prix victories to his name, he is one of the three most successful motorcycle racers in history and a global motor sport and style icon. VR46 has become a worldwide trademark – and Rossi’s home town of Tavullia has even reduced its speed limit from the usual 50 km/h to 46 km/h in his honour.
BMW M works driver since the start of 2023 When the curtain fell on his motorcycle career at the finale to the 2021 season, Valentino Rossi turned his attention solely to car racing, having already attended multiple tests in Formula 1 race cars and made guest appearances in rallies and endurance races. Since the start of the 2023 season, he has been a BMW M works driver, plying his trade at the wheel of a BMW M4 GT3 for BMW M Team WRT in series including the GT World Challenge Europe and the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) – which includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA). At the start of February 2025, he finished runner-up in a BMW M4 GT3 at the Bathurst 12 Hour (AUS), the opening round of this season’s Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC).
Exclusive meeting with Valentino Rossi in Italy An exclusive bonus that comes with purchasing a BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 is the opportunity to enjoy a very special two-day experience in Italy. Day one features a visit to the VR46 Motor Ranch in Tavullia, including a barbecue and a chance to talk shop with Valentino Rossi himself. On day two, you will head to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for a special BMW M Driving Experience with the latest BMW M models. Rossi, at the wheel of a BMW M4 GT3, won GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup races at his home circuit in both 2023 and 2024.
*Consumption and emission figures:(fuel consumption combined: 10.2 l/100 km [27.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 232 g/km in the WLTP cycle, CO2 class: G)
** Value with “rollout” subtracted. With this alternative measuring method, time measurement only begins after leaving a light barrier. The distance not taken into account in the measurement (the “rollout”) is 1 foot = 30.48 cm.
The data on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, power consumption and range refer to vehicles on the automotive market in Germany. All figures have already been calculated based on the new WLTP test cycle. Consumption and emission data refer to the German Passenger Car Energy Labelling Regulation (EnVKV).
CO2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION.
Fuel consumption, combined 10.2 l/100 km [27.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 232 g/km in the WLTP cycle, CO2 class: G.
What: 2002 BMW 525i Touring Color: BMW Slate Green (schiefgrün; metallic UNI; 449; BMW) VIN: WBADS43452GD86927 Mileage: 193,400 Price at Time of this Writing: $5,655 with 1 Day Left CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: see photo gallery Location: Moss Beach, CA Auction listing:Link
From the discount tailored rack comes this well preserved and rare specification BMW 525i Touring we found listed over on Cars and Bids. Whether or not you count it as truly tailored is up to you. The exterior color of Slate Green was a standard offering on the E39. And, though we haven’t yet found it in period catalogues, the interior specification of Stone Green and Black doesn’t appear to be listed as special order on the attached Monroney window sticker.
So, it’s a rare spec then and not a tailored ride. Even still, it’s a rare specification that includes tone-on-tone coloring with green on the outside and green on the inside. That all makes it very tasteful.
Alas, it does have an automatic transmission so the true obscure wagon nerds who are seeking gears they can row may find that part a disappointment, but close inspection of the attached photos over on Cars and Bids also shows very detailed record keeping for this car’s nearly 200,000 miles logged, not to mention well-preserved condition in the many photos.
What: 2018 BMW M3 Competition Color: BMW Individual Speed Yellow(speedgelb; non metallic UNI; U96/1; BMW) VIN: WBS8M9C50J5J78569 Mileage: 20,502 miles Price: $69,999 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Brooklyn, NY Link:Brooklyn Auto Sales
While historically Speed Yellow is a Porsche color, as we’ve proven before Stuttgart’s finest hues tend to translate incredibly well to other German brand models. Shown here on an F80-generation M3 Competition with all the right boxes ticked- Carbon roof, Cloth seats, 6 Speed manual- and fairly low mileage, it’s a compelling package. Tailored Driver fans will also note the location of this car, Brooklyn Auto Sales, as they’re a similarly minded outfit with more than a few Tailored cars at any given time.
What: 1993 BMW 316i Touring Color: BMW Individual Daytona Violet(daytonaviolett; metallic uni; 283; BMW) VIN: N/A Mileage: 142,915 miles Price: $14,000 OBO CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Woodstock, GA Link: Facebook Marketplace
Given the E30 BMW 3-Series was never sold as a station wagon (a.k.a. Touring in BMW speak) in the United States, nor did it sell the 1.6-liter 316 version, this car would likely qualify for one of our European Market Watch finds… except it’s already present in the U.S.A. according to Facebook Marketplace for Woodstock, Georgia.
As specifications go, it’s compelling. BMW Individual Daytona Violet paint over handsome sport cloth, a 5-speed manual and a wagon make it very compelling. Worth noting though, further shots and video of the car over on Facebook Marketplace also show some wear and tear that is to be expected on a 142,915 mile chassis. The U.S. got the 325i (2.5-liter inline 6) and 318i (1.8-liter four cylinder), meaning this car is less potent than any of the U.S. offerings. Even still, you won’t find wagons in America and you’d be hard pressed to find fun BMW Individual colors like Daytona Violet in this era of American offerings either.
Europe in the 90’s, man. What a strange time. The kind of time, in fact, where a well-to-do professional would put down real money for a brand new 528i, opt for BMW Individual Velvet Blue Metallic (great!), and also check the box for whatever this two-tone blue and beige, umm, statement piece is. Then, we can only assume, the owner came-to from whatever they’d ingested, and simply never drove it. Having covered just 6,990 kilometers in the past 27 years, a lot of statements can be applied here, but we can all agree that those who saw this car likely never forgot it.
What: 1997 BMW 540i Color: BMW Individual Aubergine(aubergine; non-metallic UNI; 348; BMW) VIN: unknown Mileage: 115,000 miles Price: $11,000 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Fair Lawn, NJ Listing: Link
We’re fond of tone on tone cars, wearing the same color on the inside as they do on the outside. White on white was popular in the 80s, blue on blue isn’t that uncommon, F40s were red on red, and green on green happens. Purple on purple though, that’s almost never seen… and yet here one is in the form of a 1997 BMW 540i that is purple inside and out.
Technically, this color is Aubergine, the BMW version and not the Porsche version that appears to be darker. Some quick research shows remarkably that this wasn’t the only one built to this spec. Even still, it sounds like two or three may have been sold here in the USA. Even that begs the question on how two or three buyers would have landed on a color combination so unique. They all appear to be 540i configurations, though not all have automatic transmissions as does this car.
Is there more to the story? We haven’t found it yet, but suspect there is. In the meantime, this car is an excellent example of an affordable tailored driver. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine a car this unique at an approachable price, but they happen and this purple on purple E39 is proof positive of that.
Bonus points to the seller for both knowing the paint name and sharing a photo of the factory decal confirming it.
