1924 BMW R32
VIN 3588
What’s special about this listing
1924 BMW R32 – Museum / Investment grade, Fully Operational, Extremely Rare, 1 of ~60 Known Worldwide
Once in a lifetime opportunity!
Offered for sale is a 1924 BMW R32, BMW’s first production motorcycle and the foundation of the boxer engine and shaft-drive layout still used today. Fewer than 3,090 R32s were built (1923–1926), and only a limited number survive. This example has been in private hands its entire life, not recycled through auctions, and comes from serious collectors.
The motorcycle has been test ridden and evaluated by both:
• Yesterdays Motorcycles (Netherlands) – world authority on prewar motorcycles.
• Max BMW Motorcycles (USA) – leading vintage BMW experts
Both confirmed that the motorcycle is fully operational and presents in excellent mechanical condition for a 100-year-old machine.
Key Highlights
1924 BMW R32 – extremely early production
494cc side-valve boxer twin
Shaft drive (BMW’s defining engineering innovation)
Mild restoration, long-term private ownership
White period-correct tires installed
Spare set of black tires included (correct for later 1925–26 R32s when carbon black was added for durability)
Located at Max BMW in New Milford, CT
Bill of sale included; buyer may title in their state
Title assistance available upon request
Matching Engine and Frame serial numbers to the Brass Identity Badge. VIN 3588 and Frame is 33887.
BMW Group Classic Verified in Germany.
If unsold, motorcycle will go to Mecum Las Vegas Auction that occurs from January 28th to 31st 2026.
Shipping
Enclosed motorcycle transport can be arranged. A trusted hauler who transports high-end collector motorcycles (and is an AMCA Judge) is available for secure enclosed delivery.
Tax Timing
The seller prefers to complete the payment transaction in January 2026 for tax planning purposes. Storage at Max BMW until that date can be arranged.
Why the R32 Matters
The BMW R32 is one of the most significant motorcycles ever built, introducing the architecture BMW still uses today. These machines rarely come up for private purchase, and when they do, they typically enter major collections.
Serious inquiries only, please.
Specs
Details about this vehicle - decoded from the VIN & CLASSIC.COM curators.
- Year
- 1924
- Make
- BMW
- Model Family
- Motorrad
- Model Generation
- -
- Model Variant
- R32
- Model Trim
- -
- VIN
- 3588
- Mileage
- 2,666 mi
- Originality
- Original & Highly Original
- Engine
- 494cc H2
- Transmission
- Manual
- Drive Type
- Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Vehicle Type
- Motorcycle
- Body Style
- N/A
- Driver Side
- Center
- Doors
- N/A
- Color Group (Ext)
- Black
- Color Group (Int)
- Other
Vehicle History
A timeline of events that we've detected for this vehicle.