These are the results many have been waiting for.
Sportauto has just released their much anticipated Supertest of the 1-series M Coupe. The outcome: An amazing Hockenheim track time, a solid result at the Nürburgring and (mostly) praises from the reviewer, Horst von Saurma.
An earlier Sportauto review already mentioned the 1M's amazing performance at Hockenheim of
1:14.1, which is not only some tenths of a second faster than the Audi TT-RS and 1.3 seconds faster than the RS 3 but also faster than any E9x M3 ever tested by Sportauto.
At the Nürburgring things were a bit different though. The 1M did pretty well and had the lap done in
8 minutes 15 seconds, thus beating the 987.5 Porsche Cayman S by 2 seconds and the Audi RS 3 by no less than 5 seconds. However, Sportauto felt like the 1M could have been even faster if it wasn't for the stiff suspension that didn't seem to work perfectly on certain bumpy sections of the Nurburgring.
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Considering BMW didn't bring UHP tires, 8:15 isn't a bad laptime. The Hockenheim laptimes in which the 1M beat the stronger M3 however suggested a better result. All the 1M needs is a more fitting (meaning softer) [suspension] setup. This wouldn't have hurt it at Hockenheim, improve traction, and -- at the same time -- make the ride more compliant for daily use."
Also known from earlier reviews is the 1M's "tail-happy" nature, so it's no surprise that Sport Auto suggests that inexperienced drivers should leave alone the MDM/DSC button. Experienced drivers however will love the "
loose rear." In other words: The 1M isn't as flawless as the E9x M3 models, and that's apparently what makes it so lovable -- at least to people who know what they are doing behind the wheel.
0-100kph was done in 4.7 seconds, 0-200kph in 17.2 seconds. Maximum lateral force was 1.30g on Michelin Pilot Sport, even more than the E92 M3 which managed 1.25g on Michelin Sport Cup+.
In total, the 1-series M Coupe finished with 58 points (out of 70) which is exactly the same as the E92 M3 got back in 2007. Sport Auto gave 9 out of 10 points for "Driving Fun" and 8 out of 10 for "Daily Usability."
Full verdict and track time comparison below.
Quote:
Verdict:
The 1-series M Coupé fits perfectly in this day and age and makes for a great daily driver. It's the smallest M ever and its amazing 3-liter biturbo engine pulls strongly. This inline-6 reflects all you've ever expected from a company called Bavarian Motor Works. The car fits well into the iconic lineup of former M cars which have built BMW M's strong image.
A design this bold might not be for everyone, yet it should work well for the 1M's target group. The suspension has its downsides: A bit too stiff for day-to-day use, and not as good as it could be for the Ring. Still, this is a car you'd want to have.
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| Nürburgring | all from Sportauto | Hockenheim | all from Sportauto |
| BMW E92 M3 GTS | 7:48 | Porsche Cayman R | 1:12.4 |
| BMW E92 M3 6MT (Cup+ Tires) | 8:05 | BMW E46 M3 CSL | 1:13.5 |
| Audi TT-RS Coupe | 8:09 | Porsche 987.5 Cayman S | 1:14.0 |
| BMW E60 M5 | 8:13 | BMW 1M Coupe | 1:14.1 |
| Alpina B3 Biturbo | 8:14 | BMW E92 M3 ZCP DCT | 1:14.2 |
| BMW 1M Coupe | 8:15 | Audi TT-RS Coupe | 1:14.3 |
| Porsche 987.5 Cayman S | 8:17 | BMW E92 M3 6MT (Cup+ Tires) | 1:14.3 |
| Audi RS3 Sportback | 8:20 | Audi RS5 Coupe | 1:15.3 |
| BMW E46 M3 Coupe | 8:22 | Audi RS3 Sportback | 1:15.4 |
| BMW X6 M | 8:24 | BMW Z4 35iS | 1:16.1 |
| BMW 335i Coupe | 8:26 | BMW 135i Coupe | 1:17.4 |