What: 2018 BMW M3 Competition Color: BMW Individual Nardo Grey (nardograu; non-metallic UNI; P6K; LY7C/T3; Audi) VIN: WBS8M9C52J5J78816 Mileage: 76,557 Price at Time of this Writing: $46,000 CarFax: Link Window Sticker: Pictured below Location: Louisville, KY Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
Nardo Grey had a moment in the early to mid 2010s, there’s simply no denying that. After appearing on several Audi RS models, the color quickly made it’s way to other brands with Tailoring programs like BMW (shown here) and Porsche, and shortly after spawned me-too colors like Porsche’s Chalk and BMW’s Brooklyn Grey. The staff of Tailored Driver loves a good cross-brand build, and this M3 is an incredibly well executed example. Aforementioned Nardo Grey (in BMW code P6K) is paired exquisitely with Amaro Brown extended leather, elevated by the appearance of BMW’s Competition pack seats with strategic cutouts. Sure you lose lumbar adjustment, but speed holes are just cool. We look forward to seeing additional images once this Tailored Driver is cleaned up, but at this price, it just might not last that long.
What: 2013 BMW M3 Competition Color:Individual Santorini Blue(santorinblauii; non-metallic uni; 327; BMW) VIN: WBSKG9C5XDJ594007 Mileage: 18,164 Price at Time of this Writing: Auction CarFax:Link Window Sticker: Pictured below Location: Leander, TX Auction Listing:Link
Why we love it:
On the Tailored Driver spectrum, there are simply so many variants of Blue that the best way to describe on is quite possibly to reference others. Case in point, BMW Individual Santorini Blue featured in this instance on an E92 M3, exists somewhere between BMW’s Laguna Seca Blue and Porsche’s Voodoo Blue. A bright, bold, non-metallic Blue that is far from shy in our opinion represents an incredibly fitting shade for an M3 competition package car, and this is only further bolstered by Santorini’s similarity to the light blue featured within BMW’s roundel branding. Moving inside, this Tailored Driver also features extended leather with deviated stitching in Tobago Blue, which provides an incredibly subtle tie to the bold blue exterior.
What: 2021 BMW M5 Competition Color: BMW Individual Isle of Man Green (Isle of Man grün; metallic UNI; C4G; BMW) VIN: WBS83CH04MCH14603 Mileage: 35,960 Price at Time of this Writing: $82,991 CarFax: Link Window Sticker: Pictured below Location: Houston, TX Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
Configure just about anything in BMW’s current lineup in BMW Individual Isle of Man Green over Tartufo Full Merino leather and we’re in. This M5 is a simply incredible spec, no edits needed- so with that in mind, we’ll just let the pictures do the talking. If you’re in the market for a Tailored Driver and an M5 is in your list of contenders, we suggest you get to Houston as quickly as possible, checkbook in hand.
BMW M continues its Individual focus on social media with one of its latest posts focusing on red hues offered by the brand. So, when it comes to scarlet, which red would you choose?
We’re unable to embed the post HERE, so we’re attaching the image here. In it, BMW simulates the M4 Coupé in Fire Red II (fuerrrotii; non-metallic uni; 375; BMW), Imola Red II (imolarot; non-metallic uni; 405; BMW), Ruby Star Neo (rubinrotiiperleffekt; metallic; S03; BMW), Madeira Red (madeirarot; metallic; R20; BMW) and Damast Red (damastrot; metallic; B03; BMW).
Longtime event sponsor BMW has dropped initial information about the upcoming 2025 Concorso d’aleganza Villa d’Este, revealing some key details of the event including several confirmed concours categories that appear to embrace the theme of tailoring. We’ll run the full press release below, but worth noting are:
Class Focus: “Go Big or Go Home”: Automotive Excess of the ‘80s and ‘90s, when nothing seemed too fast, expensive, or bold.
Glorious Excess: The Evolution of the ‘Money no Object’ Motor Car, 1920-1940.
Check out full details below:
[source: BMW]
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este will take place on 23 – 25 May 2025
Several categories have been confirmed
Registration for the competition is now open
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Public Days and Amici & Automobili – Wheels & Weisswürscht Lake Como will be held in the grounds of Villa Erba
Ticket sales get underway
Broad Arrow Auctions is new auction partner from 2025
Munich/Cernobbio. On 23 – 25 May 2025, BMW Group Classic will host the legendary Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in cooperation with the Villa d’Este luxury hotel. Around 50 spectacular cars of their respective eras will once again do battle for the coveted prizes. Most prestigious of all is the Trofeo BMW Group, awarded by the high-calibre Jury to the overall winner of the Concorso d’Eleganza.
The following competition classes have already been set out by the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Sourcing & Selecting Committee:
Frozen in Time: Preservation ‘Time Capsules’ from 1900-1973 which have survived in unrestored State.
“Go Big or Go Home”: Automotive Excess of the ‘80s and ‘90s, when nothing seemed too fast, expensive, or bold.
Sculpture in Motion: The Decade of the automotive Arms Race, 1928-1938.
Glorious Excess: The Evolution of the ‘Money no Object’ Motor Car, 1920-1940.
The Sourcing & Selecting Committee for the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2025 is now inviting owners of exceptional classic cars to sign them up for the competition. You can register for the competition classes already confirmed at the event website https://www.concorsodeleganzavilladeste.com/registration/.
Cars can also be registered outside of the categories set out so far. Further classes will be announced in due course.
A tradition without parallel around the world, meanwhile, is the fascinating get-together of the latest concept cars. And registration is now also open for this section of the event to concept car owners and manufacturers.
BMW Group Classic will be honouring several anniversaries at Lake Como in 2025. First and foremost, the 50th birthday of the BMW 3 Series will be celebrated in the grounds of Villa Erba, while the centenary of the Rolls-Royce Phantom will also be marked in suitable style in the grounds of Villa d’Este. And due recognition will likewise be afforded to the BMW Isetta (70th birthday) and BMW 507 (70th birthday).
The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Public Days will again take place outside the nearby Villa Erba in 2025. They were a big success in 2024, attracting around 12,000 visitors. And on Sunday, 25 May, Public Day – Il Festival will again give the wider public the opportunity to experience the parade of cars entered in the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
The Amici & Automobili – Wheels & Weisswürscht event format familiar to many from its Munich roots and now also an established fixture on the shores of Lake Como will also be part of the festival weekend in 2025. On Saturday, 24 May, car clubs and communities from around the world will be warmly invited to present their models to the extensive galleries of visitors. Here, too, the BMW 3 Series’ landmark birthday will be celebrated in suitable style. Owners can apply to enter their classic cars with BMW Club & Community Management now at bccm@bmwgroup-classic.com.
The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is also thrilled to announce Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty company, as the event’s new official auction partner for 2025 and beyond. Broad Arrow will host an auction during the Concorso on an annual basis and is expected to offer up to 70 of the highest quality collector cars for sale on the shores of Lake Como on Saturday, 24 May 2025 at Villa Erba. As one of the fastest-growing global leaders in the collector car auction and private sales industry, Broad Arrow’s Villa d’Este Auction at Villa Erba will mark the company’s European live auction debut following highly successful flagship sales in North America. These sales include The Monterey Jet Center Auction, in conjunction with Motorlux in California. Interested consignors are invited to contact a Broad Arrow Auctions car specialist via broadarrowauctions.com or on +44 20 4592 0169 (+1 313 312 0780 in North America).
Helmut Käs, Head of BMW Group Classic and President of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este: “The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2024 was a great success in every respect, and the established event features for the wider public played a key role. We are keen to build on this success in 2025 and will put together an event programme brimming with highlights once again. One of these will without doubt be the auction conducted by our new partner Broad Arrow Auctions.”
“We could not think of a better, more prestigious location and renowned partner to launch our first ever auction in Europe than the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. We are honoured to partner with BMW as the official annual auction house of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, their choice speaks volumes to the proven track record of our team of specialists and the growth of our company in just a few short years,” said Kenneth Ahn, President of Hagerty Marketplace and Broad Arrow Auctions. “The Concorso is the crown jewel in the concours world, and we are excited to present some of the most exceptional collector cars available with a premium auction experience next May and beyond.”
Davide Bertilaccio, CEO Villa d’Este Hotels highlights: “While at Villa d’Este another incredible Christmas season has arrived, we are also working relentlessly with the BMW Group Classic team for the organization of the 2025 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este edition. For almost a century this exclusive event has embodied the heritage, the passion and the timeless elegance for what Villa d’Este has always been renowned for. It will be another memorable weekend celebration of the automotive art on the shores of Lake Como together with our long-standing partner BMW Group Classic.”
Further details on the features and content of the 2025 event will be announced in the spring.
Tickets for the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, as well as for Amici & Automobili – Wheels & Weisswürscht and Public Day – Il Festival are available here:
Munich/Miami Beach. BMW and Kith are launching a new edition of their successful collaboration. The BMW XM* and its links to the legendary BMW M1 are the focus of the third collaboration between the premium car manufacturer and Ronnie Fieg’s world-renowned lifestyle brand, Kith. The high-performance plug-in hybrid will be available next year as the 2025 BMW XM by Kith, with exclusive exterior and interior designs.
The 2025 BMW XM Kith Concept offers a first look at the car, which will be manufactured as a one-of-one vehicle and presented at Art Basel Miami 2024, taking place from December 6-8 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, alongside another unique piece, Ronnie Fieg’s 1981 BMW M1 E26. A new Kith for BMW collection of apparel and lifestyle products will also be launched.
Following the edition vehicles designed by Ronnie Fieg based on the BMW M4 Competition Coupé* from 2020 and the BMW i4 M50 xDrive* from 2022, BMW and Kith are once again dedicating the latest chapter of their partnership to an exceptional BMW M automobile. The BMW XM, which is also the first original BMW M automobile since the BMW M1 produced from 1978 to 1981, features the newly developed M HYBRID drive system for the first time. The BMW XM features striking details inspired by the design of the legendary mid-engined sports car, such as the side accent strips, the two BMW emblems at the rear and the louvre structure of the rear lights.
Reconstructing a legend: 1981 BMW M1 E26 by Ronnie Fieg. To place both the concept car and the limited edition of 47 2025 BMW XM by Kith in a historical context, another unique model will be presented to the public for the first time in Miami Beach. The 1981 BMW M1 E26 by Ronnie Fieg is an extensively reconstructed one-of-one example of the sports car with specific details from the design repertoire of the Kith label.
The car, which bears the model designation, year of manufacture and internal model series code as well as the name of the Kith founder was according to Ronnie Fieg’s ideas. A Techno Violet paint finish (technoviolett; metallic; 299; BMW), the combined M and Kith emblem on the tailgate and an interior with embossed Kith lettering create new design parallels between Ronnie Fieg’s 1981 BMW M1 E26 and the 2025 BMW XM Kith Concept, in addition to the similarities in the design of the production vehicles. Their joint appearance in Miami Beach thus forms a bridge between the first and the last model to be developed and produced exclusively as a BMW M in the more than 50 years of the company’s history.
Munich/Miami Beach, FL – BMW and Kith are launching a new edition of their successful collaboration. The BMW XM* and its links to the legendary BMW M1 are the focus of the third collaboration between the premium car manufacturer and Ronnie Fieg’s world-renowned lifestyle brand, Kith. The high-performance plug-in hybrid will be available next year as the 2025 BMW XM by Kith, with exclusive exterior and interior designs.
The 2025 BMW XM Kith Concept offers a first look at the car, which will be manufactured as a one-of-one vehicle and presented at Art Basel Miami 2024, taking place from December 6-8 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, alongside another unique piece, Ronnie Fieg’s 1981 BMW M1 E26. A new Kith for BMW collection of apparel and lifestyle products will also be launched.
Following the edition vehicles designed by Ronnie Fieg based on the BMW M4 Competition Coupé* from 2020 and the BMW i4 M50 xDrive* from 2022, BMW and Kith are once again dedicating the latest chapter of their partnership to an exceptional BMW M automobile. The BMW XM, which is also the first original BMW M automobile since the BMW M1 produced from 1978 to 1981, features the newly developed M HYBRID drive system for the first time. The BMW XM features striking details inspired by the design of the legendary mid-engined sports car, such as the side accent strips, the two BMW emblems at the rear and the louvre structure of the rear lights.
2025 BMW XM by Kith: 47 units, historic colour, exclusive details. The 2025 BMW XM by Kith will be produced in a limited edition of 47 units, reflecting the number of years that have passed since the debut of the BMW M1. It will be delivered in the second half of 2025 to enthusiasts and collectors of particularly exclusive BMW M automobiles. The edition vehicles will be offered with BMW Individual Frozen Techno Violet metallic (frozentechnovioletmetallic; metallic matt; 299; BMW Individual) paint finish, which is also based on historical models. This paint finish, specially developed by Kith for the 2025 BMW XM by Kith, will only ever be used for this limited edition model and will never be used by BMW again, making this edition truly special. Alternatively, BMW Individual Frozen Black metallic (frozenblackmetallic; metallic matt; U91; BMW Individual) paint finish is also available for the 2025 BMW XM by Kith.
The paintwork and numerous special design features emphasise the particularly dynamic proportions of a modern Sports Activity Vehicle and the expressive lines that characterise the BMW XM. The 2025 BMW XM by Kith features black side window graphics and accent strips. The outline of the model inscriptions on the front, rear and side, as well as the outline of the Kith logo, combined with the characteristic M stripes on the rear of the edition vehicles, are finished in Techno Violet metallic. The 2025 BMW XM by Kith comes as standard with 23-inch M light-alloy wheels in star-spoke design with Jet Black finish.
In the interior, the modern sports car cockpit of the BMW XM by Kith is complemented by exclusive details in the striking aesthetics of the Kith label. The illuminated door sills feature the special “1/47” insignia, denoting how rare each car is. The velour floor mats and the control centre on the centre console all feature the Kith logo with the M stripes.
An illuminated version can also be seen under the headrests of the M multifunction driver and passenger seats. The seat surfaces in the BMW Individual Merino leather finish feature an embossed Kith monogram pattern, as does the armrest of the centre console. Another detail can be found in the control display of the edition vehicles. A special widget includes the official BMW XM by Kith vehicle name, the “1/47” insignia and the Kith logo with the M stripes.
The M Lounge in the rear of the 2025 BMW XM by Kith also creates a personal atmosphere in the vehicle. Embossed Kith monogram on the seat surfaces and two cushions with the label’s logo add to the personal touch. Together with the pre-set purple interior lighting, a special atmosphere is created that is appropriate for the edition vehicle.
A Kith duffle bag, designed and manufactured exclusively by Kith for the edition vehicles, is included as standard to stylishly accommodate the included charging cables.
The 2025 BMW XM by Kith will be launched on December 6th at 5 PM CET on http://www.bmw-m.com/XM-by-KITH. Interested customers can use this link to express their purchase intent.
World premiere in Miami Beach: The 2025 BMW XM Kith Concept. BMW and Kith will present a concept car, also designed by Ronnie Fieg. The exterior and interior of the 2025 BMW XM Kith Concept have been created by Fieg in collaboration with BMW to express both the distinctive character and exclusive sportiness of the high-performance model in a particularly intense way. Free from all the conventions of production car homologation, he designed a sophisticated lighting concept, in which the colour purple plays a central role, matching the BMW Individual Frozen Techno Violet metallic paint finish. The 2025 BMW XM Kith Concept’s side accent strips consist of black backlit strips, each of which contains 363 full-color LED units distributed along its entire length. When activated, these create a dynamically animated purple glow around the Kith lettering. The decor elements on the side panels also feature a backlit Kith logo.
LED units are also used in the headlights to create a purple colour scheme. The Kith logo can also be displayed on the glass covers of the main headlights using LED matrix displays for the low beam headlights. The 2025 BMW XM Kith Concept also features an M radiator grille Iconic Glow with purple contour lighting and a paint finish enriched with purple colour pigments for the 23-inch light-alloy wheels.
As a nod to its motorsport lineage, and to pay homage to the M1’s design, the 2025 BMW XM Kith Concept has been lowered by 30 millimetres at the front and 35 millimetres at the rear, while the track on both axles has been widened by 40 millimetres. This was accomplished thanks to the use of special springs and wheel spacers.
Inside the concept car, M Carbon bucket seats replace the M multifunction seats of the 2025 BMW XM by Kith. They also feature surfaces with embossed Kith monogram and illuminated Kith emblems combined with the M stripes in the area of the headrests.
What: 2021 BMW M5 Color: BMW Individual Oxford Green Metallic (430; BMW) VIN: WBS83CH04MCH08798 Mileage: 45,641 Price at Time of this Writing: $79,990 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Denver, CO Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
If you really want to make us swoon, order your Tailored Driver in some variant of Green, and get the small wheels. This particular M5 follows that ethos- BMW Individual Oxford Green, small wheels, and two-tone seats in Black with Brown(ish) centers. The color, featured on a number of late 90s/early 2000s BMW vehicles, is perhaps best known for it’s use on the E39 M5, which sets the benchmark in many ways for sport sedans to this day. For those who want a stealthy performer that’s sure to turn heads, look no further.
Near as we can tell, Zandvoort Blue (zandvoortblau; non-metallic uni; C6E, BMW) was introduced with the launch of the G87-generation BMW M2 as a standard color. Similar to Yas Marina Blue in the F80 M3 era, Zandvoort Blue appears to be a color-coordinated stand-in for the blue amongst the three colors in the BMW M tricolore rhombus.
Traditionally in the M motorsport logo, that blue is a light blue based on the Bavarian blue from the blue checks in the flag of Bavaria. In Zandvoort Blue’s case, it’s a bit lighter and not altogether far from Porsche Gulf Blue. Whatever the case, and artistic license considered, Zandvoort is the latest take on the blue in that logo as one of several representative colors in the G87 M2 color palette.
Also worth noting is the significance of the name. Circuit Zandvoort is a race track with F1 pedigree in The Netherlands.
What: 1994 BMW 318is Coupé Color: Violet Blue Metallic (violettblau; non-metallic; 528; BMW) VIN: WBABE51000JG28978 Mileage: 83,890 km / 52,126 miles Price at Time of this Writing: CHF 22,900 (est. $25,928) CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Noville, Switzerland Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
However special or deep the options list may have been for European market BMW buyers in the 1990s, cars remained expensive to own and operate. Seeing an exceedingly well appointed and appreciable specification with a small displacement engine wasn’t uncommon, which is how you end up with such a special build on what would otherwise be a more mundane BMW model.
Yes, this is a 318, which means just the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder. However, visually it’s full-on M-spec M3 with all of the proper body kit, wheels and more. Even better, it’s got BMW Individual Violet Blue paint and very tastefully coordinated sport cloth interior. On top of all that, it’s a manual.
Back then, it was BMW allowing you to have an M3 without the money or the pace of an M3. Today, that advantage remains the same, because if this were an M3 Coupé in like condition it would be anywhere from double, triple or possibly nearly quadruple the price!
For the collector, we’d suggest buying it and leaving it the way it is while enjoying the great chassis. And, if you got tired of the slow pace, you could probably swap a more potent M-spec engine into it and not lose any money. Either way, we’d count that as a win.
As with any of our European Market Finds, this car is older than 25 years, making it an easy import into the U.S.A. should you be so inclined. Notably, this car is in Switzerland, which is an interesting pocket in the European space. Switzerland hasn’t adopted the Euro, meaning you don’t often find Swiss cars in the typical European sales channels. They also tend to be well kept.
