BMW 1M Coupe | PH Auction Block

The current M2's grandad is now a modern M car hero - and there can't be many better than this

By Matt Bird / Tuesday, 16 September 2025 / Loading comments

While we’re only a decade into the BMW M2’s story, the idea of a spicy coupe beneath the 3 Series has actually now existed for almost 18 years. It was October 2007 when the Concept 1 Series tii was shown at the Tokyo show with the V8 M3 saloon, hinting at a two-door 1 Series 'with lightweight materials, optimised aerodynamics and a race-inspired interior to deliver an uncompromising focus on motorsport’. While there were no powertrain details or plans for production back in ‘07, it was clear that BMW was keen on resurrecting something small, stocky and speedy. As was the general public.

So it was little surprise when a full-fat 1M Coupe emerged a few years later. While it wasn’t quite as extreme as the tii, there was plenty to like about the new junior M car: wider tracks, an M3 diff, a manual gearbox and some fantastic CSL-style wheels. Nobody would ever call the 1 Series a truly pretty coupe, an impression that would extend into the 2 Series’ life, but it undoubtedly had presence.

Some weren’t too sure, though. It was only BMW’s second turbocharged M car model, following the X5/X6M pair (which hasn’t exactly made the best impression), and its engine didn’t have an ‘S’ designation, instead carrying an ordinary ‘N’ badge; at a time of 8,400rpm M3s, some worried that a turbo 1M wouldn’t be special enough for the hallowed tricolour. These days a turbo six is ubiquitous in the M line-up; 15 years ago, it was almost as contentious as plug-in hybrids are today.

The worry was unfounded: the 1M was as fast and furious as anyone could've hoped for with a junior M car. It wasn’t as sharp as its Porsche Cayman R contemporary, but as an introduction to front-engined, rear-drive, manual M cars, the 340hp 1er nailed its objectives. It could be a sensible, everyday 3.0-litre BMW, it could string a set of bends together unlike any other 1 Series, or it could bonfire tyres all day. Whichever you chose, the 1M was happy to oblige.

So it was hugely entertaining to drive. But very limited availability, with just 450 cars coming to the UK, is what ensured the 1M cult classic status over here. For a car that was £40,000 new, the residual strength of the funny-looking flagship 1 Series was incredible; even during Covid they didn’t really drop below £30,000. This one, up for auction next week, is going to cost you more than £30,000 - but looks like being worth more than £30,000 for a long while yet. It’s a 2011 car, as almost all of the 1Ms are, yet one showing fewer than 8,000 miles. So it’s one for the collector rather than the Cadwell regular, but what an example. It presents basically as new inside and out, the only clues to any ageing being small grazes on the boot badge and some rusty discs. Plus the fact that the grilles are a normal size, of course…

The miles are low on this 1M because it’s been in dry storage since 2015. It hasn’t been serviced in that time, so some fresh fluids would probably be wise for the winning bidder, but the MOT was advisory free in March. Fresh tyres are going to be fitted, so it’s not going to require much to be in fine fettle. And what a car that’s likely to result, a manual M car icon that’s becoming more and more desirable by the day. Just please don’t tuck it away for another decade unless you really have to…

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