BMW 1M - 50 years of BMW M cars

By: Mark Higgins, Photography by: Unique Cars Archives, BMW

Date: 19.04.2022

The Tokyo Motorshow of 2007 was the unlikely setting for the BMW 1 series concept to see daylight with many believing it was the M version and production was just around the corner

But it was several years before the 1M pint-sized rocket made its debut and not a whole lot of the concept car made it through to production.

Despite this it was great news for Aussie buyers being the first time a genuine M car could be bought here for under 100 grand.

Originally the production run was set at 2700 units but the 1 M coupe proved so popular a total of 6300 were made with production ending June 2012.

Exploiting its limits on a track

Like all M cars the engine defines their character and the 1 M didn’t disappoint.

Under the bonnet is an N54 three-litre inline six, the same as in the 135i, but with the addition of not one, but two turbochargers for a sizable 250kW and 450Nm, with another 50Nm available via an overboost function when you mash the loud pedal.

| Modern classics: 2011 BMW 1M

The six speed manual gearbox from the V8-powered M3 is used and drive is through the rear wheels via a variable lock limited slip diff.

Tractability is the 1 Ms party piece. 80-120km/h in third gear takes just 3.0sec do it in fourth gear and it is 4.1sec, in fifth in 4.7sec, and sixth in 6.2sec.

Punchy powerplant

Once the standard body reaches the BMW Motorsport the track is widened by 74mm at the front and 46mm at the rear giving it a squat aggressive stance and greater stability, though it is recognised as a fiesty thing to steer.

| Read next: BMW 1M road test (2012)

The 1M coupe could never be mistaken for a regular BMW coupe. Wide flared guards to accommodate the wider track and bigger wheels, a lower ride height, huge front air intakes and an aggressive-looking rear bumper incorporating a diffuser, make it a head turner.

Other M3 componentry to slip into the 1M include the aluminium front and rear suspension reducing unsprung weight along with the rear axle and driveline.

Behind its 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin’s finest and gripiest Pilot Sport tyres are 360mm vented and drilled front and 350mm rear brake discs with single callipers used at each corner.

The motoring media reaction to the 1M was mixed. Manty liked it raw uncompromised driving experience, others commented on its tail happy cornering and ability to bite a not so experienced steerer due to its short wheelbase. All agreed on its ability to fry tyres and abundant mid-range torque.

However, the overall consensus was the best way to really flex its muscles and take full advantage take full advantage of its potential was on a racetrack.

Naturally the ride is on the firm side and every blemish was felt through the fat, low profile tyres that tram tracked occasionally but none ot that detracted from its appeal and overall package. The 1M coupe now sits as one of BMW’s finest driving cars thanks to the Motorsport Division and is already earmarked as a future classic.

50 Years of BMW M cars:

Part one - BMW M1

Part two - BMW E30 M3

Part three - BMW E24 635 CSI M6

Part four - BMW M5 E39

Part six - Z3 M coupe

From Unique Cars #462, Feb 2022

Unique Cars magazine Value Guides

Sell your car for free right here