Wednesday 27th January 2010

BMW: Don't Bet On A 1-Series M

New smaller M car hasn't got the green light yet

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The 1-series M car which BMW M Division boss Dr Kay Segler is so keen to make is far from a done deal, according to senior BMW sources.

At the launch of the new 5-series (which you'll be able to read all about on PH soon), we collared one BMW suit-type to ask him how the plans were going for the hot 1-series.

He was reluctant to reveal any concrete plans either way about the proposed car, but did say this: "The thing you have to remember about BMW is that every model must make money, so the question is: could we make this happen with a 1-series M? Besides, what would you call it? You couldn't call it an M1."

We also managed to grab a few words with BMW chairman Dr Norbert Reithofer. 'Is the 1-series happening?' we asked him. Not a chance of him telling us straight, unfortunately. The only response we got was a wry smile and this: "A 1-series M? That might be a good idea..."

So will we see a hot M version of the 1-series? It seems BMW hasn't discounted the possibility, but that car will certainly have to sing for its supper.

[drewcole81]

Just call it the 'M'.....

A 1 series M could be allot of fun

[PPPPPP]

Is there a concern it will affect lucrative M3 sales?

[UltimaCH]

M1 would be good and in line with M3, M5, etc. Looks a nifty bit of machine and I imagine lighter than the M3. Understand top brass having doubts, but look at Porsche with the Boxster and Cayman model range compared to the 911. It works.

[Riggers]

PPPPPP said:

Is there a concern it will affect lucrative M3 sales?

You'd have to assume that's part of the issue. And at the other end of the scale there's the 135i and Z4 sDrive35i to consider.

Still got my fingers crossed that it'll happen, though...

[thewheelman]

A stripped out CSL version would be interesting & that way the legendary M1 badge doesn't get tarnished. The more i think about it a lightweight 1 series would be as close as BMW could get to replicating the E30 M3. Sounds great,which means it'll never happen

[hornetrider]

What would an M1 have that a 135i with M-Sport suspension does not?

Surely all they can do is a CSL type version?

[Riggers]

hornetrider said:

What would an M1 have that a 135i with M-Sport suspension does not?

Surely all they can do is a CSL type version?

Less weight and a proper mechanical LSD, perhaps? BMW would probably also want to pop in the DCT twin-clutch system as an option.

[PPPPPP]

hornetrider said:

What would an M1 have that a 135i with M-Sport suspension does not?

Surely all they can do is a CSL type version?

I agree about making it in the mould of the CSL - minimalist, and fine honing further. A hatchback would be good to compete with the RS3.

[Arun_D]

Riggers said:

hornetrider said:

What would an M1 have that a 135i with M-Sport suspension does not?

Surely all they can do is a CSL type version?

Less weight and a proper mechanical LSD, perhaps? BMW would probably also want to pop in the DCT twin-clutch system as an option.

Indeed, and the transmission would be a dead cert as it's already an option for the 2010 135i model. Add some more beefy arches and and I think you're pretty much there.

[LHD]

Riggers said:

hornetrider said:

What would an M1 have that a 135i with M-Sport suspension does not?

Surely all they can do is a CSL type version?

Less weight and a proper mechanical LSD, perhaps? BMW would probably also want to pop in the DCT twin-clutch system as an option.

I'll be first in line for one. Looks like it could be my new demo if and when it's released.

[hornetrider]

Arun_D said:

Riggers said:

hornetrider said:

What would an M1 have that a 135i with M-Sport suspension does not?

Surely all they can do is a CSL type version?

Less weight and a proper mechanical LSD, perhaps? BMW would probably also want to pop in the DCT twin-clutch system as an option.

Indeed, and the transmission would be a dead cert as it's already an option for the 2010 135i model. Add some more beefy arches and and I think you're pretty much there.

Sooo... beefy arches and an LSD transform the 135i into an M1? I'm not buying it. I'm also not buying it being 'stripped out' as it's never happened before - unless you count the M3 CSL.

[red_slr]

I think they should bring it back as the M1, but based on the 1 coupe - but not really a 1 coupe, IYSWIM.

Maybe put wide arches on it and carbon boot and bonnet, full cage with no back seats, CLock wheels, carbon brakes, sticky rubber, strut braces, bucket seats with belts, wide track suspension and coil overs etc etc. Keep it under 1200kg, keep power at something reasonable to keep it reliable, say 350bhp.

Make 500, only do a couple of colours. Call it the M1, charge £70k for it. Job done.

[darth_pies]

Are they seriously saying they can't think of a name for it? Does the name even really matter that much?

How about M-Zero?

So long as they don't call it 'M-X135is S-Drive Sport Coupe CSL' then i'll be in the queue!

The name seems to be a convenient PR angle to cover the real issue of profitability....how many people out there right now are really in the market (and able to finance) a brand new high performance thirsty coupe for 30k-40k? Not many sadly.

[hornetrider]

red_slr said:

I think they should bring it back as the M1, but based on the 1 coupe - but not really a 1 coupe, IYSWIM.

Maybe put wide arches on it and carbon boot and bonnet, full cage with no back seats, CLock wheels, carbon brakes, sticky rubber, strut braces, bucket seats with belts, wide track suspension and coil overs etc etc. Keep it under 1200kg, keep power at something reasonable to keep it reliable, say 350bhp.

Make 500, only do a couple of colours. Call it the M1, charge £70k for it. Job done.

Lovely, sounds like a GT135 RS

Now, all we need to do is figure out how to shave 300 kilos from the kerb weight

[leon9191]

135ti Turbo anyone?

More boost and less weight, add to that wide arches aggresive looks and some lary colour schemes and bingo!

Obviously that would never happen but we can but dream.

[mylesmcd]

PPPPPP said:

hornetrider said:

What would an M1 have that a 135i with M-Sport suspension does not?

Surely all they can do is a CSL type version?

I agree about making it in the mould of the CSL - minimalist, and fine honing further. A hatchback would be good to compete with the RS3.

RS3?

[Gun]

My money's on something like an M135Ci, you can't call it an M1 because of the history of that model number. I would love to see a smaller, lighter BMW M car at some point.

[red_slr]

mylesmcd said:

PPPPPP said:

hornetrider said:

What would an M1 have that a 135i with M-Sport suspension does not?

Surely all they can do is a CSL type version?

I agree about making it in the mould of the CSL - minimalist, and fine honing further. A hatchback would be good to compete with the RS3.

RS3?

340bhp
sub 5 sec to 60
170+ top end
£35k +

HTH

[Rawhide]

Gun said:

My money's on something like an M135Ci, you can't call it an M1 because of the history of that model number. I would love to see a smaller, lighter BMW M car at some point.

I don't understand why they can't call it the M1. It's not like people will confuse the two cars.

[thewheelman]

red_slr said:

mylesmcd said:

PPPPPP said:

hornetrider said:

What would an M1 have that a 135i with M-Sport suspension does not?

Surely all they can do is a CSL type version?

I agree about making it in the mould of the CSL - minimalist, and fine honing further. A hatchback would be good to compete with the RS3.

RS3?

340bhp
sub 5 sec to 60
170+ top end
£35k +

HTH

That pic is just a p/shop & the figures are just rumours at the moment not fact. Also the expected release date is 2012 from what i've read,so it's a while away yet.

Edited by thewheelman on Wednesday 27th January 11:57