All prices shown here are representative of stock condition vehicles only and based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. Value adjustments for optional equipment are in U.S. dollars. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.CA/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of the Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
1978 BMW R100S
Traditional
2-cyl. 980cc/70hp 2x1bbl
#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good
$7,600 CAD*
-6.2%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Jun 2024
Let us watch the market for you
We update the Hagerty Price Guide each quarter. Sign up for alerts and we'll notify you about value changes for the cars you love.
1976-1996 BMW R100 stats
Highest sale
$37,406 CAD
Lowest sale
$3,112 CAD
Most recent sale
$6,998 CAD
Sales
24
Past sales
$6,997 CAD
1979 BMW R100RT Base
12000 M
North America
Apr 17, 2025Bring a Trailer
View details
$15,731 CAD
1978 BMW R100S Base
Europe
Mar 25, 2025Car and Classic
View details
$7,485 CAD
1978 BMW R100S Base
14000 M
North America
Nov 24, 2024Bring a Trailer
View details
$11,036 CAD
1978 BMW R100RS Motorsport edition
29000 M
North America
Jul 28, 2024Bring a Trailer
View details
$12,884 CAD
1978 BMW R100RS Motorsport edition
20000 M
North America
Jul 8, 2024Bring a Trailer
View details
$37,406 CAD
1978 BMW R100RS Motorsport edition
27000 M
North America
Jun 23, 2024Bring a Trailer
View details
Insurance
Protect your 1978 BMW R100S from the unexpected for only $85 CAD per year**
Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. Online quotes are fast and easy
**Figure based on a stock 1978 BMW R100S valued at $7,600 CAD with ON rates with $100/300K liability/UM/UIM limits. Actual costs vary depending on the coverage selected, vehicle condition, province and other factors. Hagerty determines final risk acceptance.
Model overview
Model description
Alloy wheels in the beautiful “snowflake” pattern were one way to distinguish the 1978 BMW R100S from the 1977 model, which still used wire spokes. Otherwise, the S continued to reflect the /7 series makeover from the year before. Blacked out valve covers and handsome two-line striping on the bodywork also were part of that treatment, and of course there were twin perforated front disc brakes.
The air-cooled, overhead-valve horizontally opposed twin displaced 980cc, with bore and stroke at 94.0 x 70.6 mm and a 9.5:1 compression ratio. A pair of 40mm Bing constant-velocity carburetors reduced emissions and incidentally resulted in easier cold starting, but output had dropped by 2hp from the previous /6 series, which had used Dell’Orto accelerator-pump carbs. With 65hp at 6,600 rpm, the R100S nevertheless turned the quarter-mile in 12.97 seconds at 103 mph. The maximum permissible continuous engine speed was 7,000 rpm, and maybe a few riders pushed that hard.
The five-speed gearbox required some delicacy, and occasionally its clunking would alarm pedestrians or nearby motorists, but it was as durable as everything else on the bike, and the shaft drive required very little maintenance. Many other components had received upgrades the previous year. Fitted with a rear rack and luggage, the R100S was a sporty machine with long-distance capability. About 10,000 were produced in this series’ production run. The price tag beyond $4,000 didn’t deter connoisseurs. In the words of Cycle magazine, the R100S “remains completely a BMW: fast, quiet, comfortable, very expensive and utterly unique.”
Find more values
Search for prices of other cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles
Common Questions
The value of a 1978 BMW R100S can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $5,600 USD for a 1978 BMW R100S in good condition with average spec.
The highest selling price of a 1978 BMW R100S at auction over the last three years was $15,731 CAD. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.
The lowest selling price of a 1978 BMW R100S at auction over the last three years was $6,235 CAD. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.
In the last three years there have been 5 1978 BMW R100Ss sold at public auction.
The most recent auction sale of a 1978 BMW R100S was $9,314 CAD on March 29, 2025 by Bring a Trailer.
Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.
Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.
Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.
The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.