PH Exclusive: The BMW 1 Series M.zip Files
A year with BMW's entry-level M car, 'zipped' into a fortnight. Clever, huh?
The new 1-series M Coupe, meanwhile, is the new kid on the block, the latest (and cheapest) addition to the M-car range. It's also the first proper M car to have its engine plucked from the production line rather than being a bespoke unit. It's also turbocharged and, although forced induction is the acknowledged way forward for M cars, to the M purist natural aspiration is the only 'proper' type for a worthy bearer of the 'M' badge.
We'll find out later on in our time-lapse test whether the 1M really does have any deep-down links to the E30 M3, but the E82 M (for that is its BMW codename) does at least bear a superficial resemblance to the E30 of old - it's three-box shape and relatively diminutive proportions see to that.
And although the E82 M car hasn't been sprung from the same competition roots - it's certainly no homologation special - the 1M is actually a more bespoke beast than you give credit for.
Okay, so the engine isn't quite the M3's V8, but its twin turbos help it to build a perfectly respectable 335bhp and an impressive 332lb ft of torque, which is available from 1500-4500rpm, with an extra 37lb ft of 'overboost' available for short bursts. Its eerily similar figures to that you'll find on the spec sheet of an old E46 M3 - and the 0-62mph time of 4.9secs is darned close, too.
Looking forward to a 1M fortnight, sorry, year
So the initial signs are promising. This might be a proper M car after all, and BMW's bluster about it being the spiritual successor to the E30 M3 might even be justified. We'll certainly find out over the next couple of weeks, because we've got plenty of stuff planned for the bright-orange beastie.
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Wow, that is a rather major modification! I really like the idea of this car, putting the M magic in a small and simple package. I still don't think the 1 coupe looks right though. The glasshouse looks far to big for the rest of the car and is out of proportion. Maybe it is the rising waistlines of other cars in the name of safety, but I would rather the 3 door.
I bought one basically because of EVO magazine's glowing reviews and what a mistake that was. (H plate with 58K before you say it was a nail) The car has far far more grip than power, zero torque, a massive gap between 3rd and forth and forth a fifth gears. And the brakes would wilt after 5 minutes of use.
I have no idea why these cars are held in such high regard. The previous comment comparing it to a 120D is right on the money.... Except a 120D is quicker and probably a good deal more fun to drive.
.Wow, that is a rather major modification! I really like the idea of this car, putting the M magic in a small and simple package. I still don't think the 1 coupe looks right though. The glasshouse looks far to big for the rest of the car and is out of proportion. Maybe it is the rising waistlines of other cars in the name of safety, but I would rather the 3 door.
Wow, that is a rather major modification! I really like the idea of this car, putting the M magic in a small and simple package. I still don't think the 1 coupe looks right though. The glasshouse looks far to big for the rest of the car and is out of proportion. Maybe it is the rising waistlines of other cars in the name of safety, but I would rather the 3 door.
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