2011 BMW 1 SERIES

Longstanding BMW enthusiasts were highly cynical of a turbocharged M car. However, tighter emission laws necessitated a departure from the status quo and manufacturers looked instead to forced induction to increase power rather than outright displacement.

Once behind the wheel, the purists' fears simply melted away. Twin turbo chargers work to bring a breathed on N54 engine to life, delivering 335bhp and 500 N·m of torque from the 3-litre straight six. True to a gentlemen's agreement between the German manufacturers, the 1M is limited to a top speed of 155mph but more importantly, manages a 0-62mph time of just 4.9 seconds.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via the same mechanical limited slip-differential found on the E92 M3. This helps the 1M to achieve a 50/50 weight distribution with the rear track significantly wider as a result. Combined with the M3’s sizable 19” wheels, this gives the 1M its distinctive Sumo Wrestler stance that sets it apart from the rest of the 1-Series lineup and provides immense grip and cornering capabilities.

Despite being a child of the digital age and equipped with all the modern conveniences you would rightfully expect of a car built in 2011, the 1M retains a truly analogue feel that any E46 M3 owner would appreciate.

In a world of hands free voice controlled sat-nav, gesture responding door sensors and flappy paddle gearboxes, the 1M’s 6-speed manual gearbox retains a slick degree of heft in the hand, providing just enough resistance to make you feel you are actively contributing to the driving decisions.

There’s no unnecessary computer interference to be found here, the engineers opted for a physical handbrake lever and a weighty hydraulic steering rack, believing that simplicity was key and although production only lasted a year, the result was far greater than the sum of its parts. The ‘baby M-car’ as it came to be known impressed journalists the world over, despite its conception as a ‘bitza’ car, with several journalists asking to purchase the press car after testing.

This 1M has been previously owned by our overseas client for the past 10 years, housed in a professional storage facility and driven sparingly when visiting the UK. The owner has enjoyed a final last hurrah, making a pilgrimage to the Nürburgring with over 100 BMW 1M’s in attendance from all over Europe. An event that even made its way onto the local news station!

Now in the careful hands of our good friend Kevin, the 1M is reluctantly being put back on the market due to a longterm knee injury.

Before handover to the new owner, the car will pass through the workshop for PDI, final checks and a new MOT.

Provided with the car is a document file, spare key, tools, original fully stamped service book, manuals and car cover.

Our Thoughts:

The knowledge that you are driving one of only 450 right hand drive 1M’s ever produced is a very special feeling.

Full Specification:

Engine Capacity: 2979cc

Date of Production: 05/10/2011

Previous Owners: 4

Mileage: 34,000

6-Speed Manual

Valencia Orange Metallic Exterior

Black Leather/Orange Stitching

High Gloss Shadow Line

Sports Seats

Heated Front Seats

Interior Trim Finished in Alcantara

Anthracite Headlining

Cruise Control

Locking Wheel Bolts

Windscreen with Grey Wedge

BMW Alarm System

Auto Locking on Start-up

Multi-function Steering Wheel

Comfort Access

Velour Floor Mats

Warning Triangle and First Aid Kit

Hydro Steering Servotronic

Xenon Headlights

Interior and Exterior Mirrors with Auto Dip

Electric Seat Function with Memory

High Beam Assist

Headlight Cleaning

Park Distance Control

Rain Sensor

Auto Air Conditioning

USB Audio Interface

Hands Free Kit

DAB Radio

BMW Professional Radio

Harman Kardon Surround sound system

Isofix

Front Armrest

Driver and Passenger Lumbar Support

Storage Compartment Package