5 Best BMWs with Over 300 HP (with Costs)

BMWs are one of the most iconic vehicles and are fun to drive. For decades, BMW vehicles have ruled the race tracks, as well as the highways, thanks to the state-of-the-art luxury and premium vehicles. Since the 70s, the M division of BMW has birthed some iconic cars, known for performance and are ultimate driving machines.

Let’s have a look at 5 Best BMWs with over 300 HP, and understand what makes them so great. The engines that power these machines, reliability, and performance figures are also important, and BMWs are really the kings of tarmac.

1. BMW E39 M5

BMW E39 M5 is an icon of automotive engineering and carries a legacy with it. When it was launched back in 1998, it pioneered new technologies and upped the bar in performance & racing, for all the competitors. It’s a 4-door sedan equipped with a powerful engine, sports-tuned transmission & suspension system. E39 M5 changed everything for the M division and all the cars that followed E39 took inspiration from it.

Performance

Engine: 4.9LV8 S62 engine

Horsepower: 400 HP

Transmission: Getrag 420G 6-speed manual transmission, upgraded with a modified clutch

Top Speed: 155 mph

0-100: 4.8 seconds.

BMW E39 M5 was the first M car to get a V8 engine with an all-new aluminum engine block and a double VANOS system. The E39 M5 also had a Servotronic speed-sensitive power assist which enabled two levels of resistance, controlled by a Sport button. This Sport button also turned off the Electronic Stability Assist and actuated the electronic throttle butterflies for a quick response.

Reliability

Although BMW E39 M5 is a sturdy sports saloon and boasts mechanical prowess, over time and with rough usage, it can break down and show signs of aging.

Edmund’s Reliability: 3.8/5 star

Also read: Is BMW E39 Reliable? (What to Expect)

Mileage

The monstrous V8 is a gas guzzler and gives only 15 MPG combined.

Insurance

It would cost on average $1,100 per year to get the E39 M5 insured.

Also read: 3 Best BMWs for an Amazing Drifting

2. BMW E90 M3

3 series had always been the face of BMW and more so, the M racing division. With mighty predecessors like E36 and E46, the E90 had to keep up with the iconic image, and it delivered. Launched in 3 body styles and more than 5 special editions, it was then regarded as one of the best cars to drive, and rightly so. It hits that sweet spot of performance and dynamism. E90 M3 is one of the best M cars ever and with horsepower up to 500 HP, it is not as sober as it might look.

Performance

Engine: 4.4L S65 V8 engine

Horsepower: 444 HP

Transmission: Getrag 7-speed Dual Clutch transmission and a 6-speed manual tranny as well.

Top Speed: 155 mph

0-100: 4.6 seconds.

E90 M3 was the first e series M car to get a V8 engine with some other engine upgrades to complement the performance. The most noticeable upgrade was the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that could send the power to rear wheels and make the E90, the icon it is known to be. It is still regarded as one of the most iconic cars and is highly sought after, especially the sedan.

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Reliability

Despite its reputation, E90 M3 is quite a sturdy car and lasts a lifetime if taken care of properly, and doesn’t show many problems over the years.

Edmund’s Reliability: 4/5 Star.

Mileage

The sports sedan is also a gas guzzler and achieves only 16 MPG combined.

Insurance

It would cost on average $1,350 per year to get the E92 M3 insured.

Also read: BMW E90: Maintenance Costs (Calculation)

3. BMW F82 M4

To rival the growing competition in the market, BMW launched the F82 M4 in 2014 and it was an instant hit. Massive power, lightweight body, and exceptional handling, M4 was everything that the competitors weren’t. Two gearbox options and ditching the V8, M4 was unique in its own ways and powerful enough to break the 5 seconds 0-100 barrier without sweating. Available in coupe and convertible styles, the 4 series is a unique and rare BMW that eats 300 HP for dinner.

Performance

Engine: 3.0L inline 6 cylinder S55B30 engine

Horsepower: 450 HP

Transmission: GS6-53BZ 6-speed ZF manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission

Top Speed: 155 mph

0-100: 4.1 seconds.

BMW F82 M4 ditched the V8 and relied on a lighter, more powerful inline-6 engine. Linked to a 7-speed DCT, the car could literally hit 60mph in a blink of an eye and hit top speeds seamlessly. M4 also got different upgrades and special variants, such as M4 competition and GTS. It is one of the budding M cars and with time,

Reliability

F82 M4 did not have too many problems or manufacturing faults, but like all the performance cars, age and rugged conditions can catch up to it and it needs special care to perform at the highest level.

Also read: Is Audi S6 V10 Reliable? (Solved)

Edmund’s Reliability: 4/5 star

Mileage

It is not so good on fuel and delivers only 19 MPG combined.

Insurance

It would cost on average $1,500 per year to get the m4 insured.

4. BMW F92 M8

The legendary nameplate of the 8 series was revived again in 2019, with the F92 BMW M8. It is the flagship M coupe and is a monster on wheels. Staying true to the iconic name, M8 has nearly 600 HP and all-new transmission with an all-wheel-drive system to ensure unparalleled performance on the tracks and otherwise. Like the 80s, the legend is well sketched to outrun the competition with outrageous performance and power.

Performance

Engine: 4.4L S63 twin-turbo V8 engine

Horsepower: 591 HP

Transmission: 8-speed torque converter ZF 8HP76 | M-Steptronic transmission

Top Speed: 186 mph

0-100: 2.9 seconds.

An all-new 8-speed transmission and all-wheel-drive system make the M8 even more fun to drive. The flagship sports car is blisteringly fast and boasts some unique equipment. Carbon ceramic breaks, X-drive, M package upgrades & other great optional equipment. If you want to make a statement on the road and track, M8 is your best bet.

Reliability

With M8 still young, there haven’t been too many reports of manufacturing faults or frequent breakdowns. But it needs special care to stay fit and trouble-free for years to come.

Edmund’s Reliability: 4,2/5 Star.

Mileage

With 16 MPG combined, mileage is not the strong suit of BMW M8.

Insurance

It would cost on average $3,500 – $4,500 per year to get the M8 insured.

Also read: What’s a High Mileage for a BMW? The Truth…

5. BMW F85 X5 M

In the world booming with crossover SUVs, BMW has always stayed on top for decades now. Especially with the X5, one of the most iconic SUVs, not just in the BMW lineup but the whole auto industry as well. Powered by a monster of an engine and all the sports-tuned equipment, it is a highly capable machine. It boasts a 500+ horsepower, superb traction, and unbeatable suspension setup. BMW X5 M is one of the best sports CUVs you could get right now.

Performance

Engine: 4.4L V8 engine

Horsepower: 575 HP

Transmission: 8-speed ZF 8HP automatic

Top Speed: 155 mph

0-100: 4.2 seconds.

BMW F85 X5M is one of the most powerful SUVs, packed with the latest tech and ultimate performance to oust the rivals. With an all-wheel-drive, 8-speed transmission and M tuned powertrain, X5 M can catapult you to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Sports exhaust, M-tuned suspension, and sports mode, the performance can get overwhelming and too much to handle – for the competition.

Reliability

BMW X5 is quite reliable and solid in build quality, but with time, it shows signs of wear & damage. Especially the engine and suspension components.

Edmund’s Reliability: 3.7/5 star

Mileage

The 4.4L V8 is a gas guzzler and the best mileage it can get is 15 -16 MPG combined.

Insurance

It would cost on average $2,200-2,800 per year to get the F85 X5M insured.