More Details on the BMW M1 Design (including wheel teaser picture)

[Imola.ZHP]

Did I miss the part where Scott said it was CONFIRMED to be US bound?

It would be our luck to get the shaft on this...

I was all about the 1er coupe when it was introduced to the US, but my interest faded as I really do prefer a sedan. With this news, however, and approaching payoff on my ZHP, hmmm...

Lots to consider, one day I want a 4x4 taco or a used x3/x5, the next day I want a z3/z4. ZHP isn't going anywhere, will replace my beater car.

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP

Did I miss the part where Scott said it was CONFIRMED to be US bound?

The US is the largest ///M market in the world, so I'd say it's almost certain we'll get the car. They'll need US sales to have enough volume to justify building this.

[Monterra]

I guess what I really wanted was a lightened, tuned, 130 and there's just no way we'll see that- sadly.
+1 on the supercharging- this would've been the perfect venue for it.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Monterra

I guess what I really wanted was a lightened, tuned, 130 and there's just no way we'll see that- sadly.

I think it would be hard for them to get to the HP numbers (~350) on the N52 without substantial work and development--aka a new engine....

It seems even the ///M engines are going the "shared" route, so an improved N55 is probably the best we can hope for this car....

But a nice NA 3.0 inline 6 would sure be nice.....I agree with you there....

[vladberca]

I'm sure we' ll have more details near Geneva Auto Show

[Monterra]

Well that's the thing- I don't think it would 'have' to put out 350+ necessarily- some form of the 3.2L out of the old M3 was what I was hoping for but a bump in displacement is so last decade

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by Monterra

Well that's the thing- I don't think it would 'have' to put out 350+ necessarily- some form of the 3.2L out of the old M3 was what I was hoping for but a bump in displacement is so last decade

They'd probably have to completely redesign it to meet current emissions standards, and the fuel economy would also hurt. It would be hard to justify the development time for such a low volume model, and they'd have to raise the price per unit substantially to make a business case for it.

[southlight]

Originally Posted by jeremyc74

The US is the largest ///M market in the world, so I'd say it's almost certain we'll get the car. They'll need US sales to have enough volume to justify building this.

Yes, BMW NA product manager Martin Birkmann confirmed that, either.


Best regards,
south

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Monterra

Well that's the thing- I don't think it would 'have' to put out 350+ necessarily- some form of the 3.2L out of the old M3 was what I was hoping for but a bump in displacement is so last decade

I think if they put the CSL engine from the last ///M coupe in this baby, they would have a beast--man, I love the sound of that thing. It just SINGS from 6000 RPM all the way to 8200....it is awesome

[marvinp]

So I guess it's going to be called M1 since Scott put M1 in the title

[BMW269]

I like the naming M1. Now yet M2, M4, M7 and M8......well let us go on X1 M, X2 M, X3 M, Z2 M, Z4 M and M10!!!

[positiveions]

we will get it. I mean come on, who would've thought B7 Alpina would never make it, and it did, and they sold every single one.

[Monterra]

Originally Posted by jeremyc74

They'd probably have to completely redesign it to meet current emissions standards, and the fuel economy would also hurt. It would be hard to justify the development time for such a low volume model, and they'd have to raise the price per unit substantially to make a business case for it.

Yeah, I get it- they want to make money, but I want a real (time-honored to be fair) M motor if I'm putting up M dollars- not so much in the way of turbos and fuel efficiency- that could and should be left to mainstream models. Not that either are a bad thing just not where M models should be heading IMO. Maybe the N55 is that great and even the purists will be on board- I hope so. I mean people will have to want this car basically as much as a Cayman and not so much less than the Cayman S and Boxster Spyder. It had better be a pretty damn special 1er is the point I'm getting at.

[BForbes]

Words can't describe my excitement to see this automobile.

[marvinp]

underneath the headlights the M1 follows the typical M look by having enclosed headlights or "eyebags" this helps pronounce the front of the car

Can anyone show me what the headlights would look like? I'm having trouble picturing it.

[sid33]

Im officially saving for this starting now ...

[Imola.ZHP]

Originally Posted by jeremyc74

The US is the largest ///M market in the world, so I'd say it's almost certain we'll get the car. They'll need US sales to have enough volume to justify building this.

Excellent points, your absolutely right, it would be too much of a "niche" car if were not offered here to justify R & D and production adjustment costs...

[Absorber]

That all sounds great but it still sucks that it's only going to be available with the DCT.

[TunedM2C]

Word is spreading....http://www.worldcarfans.com/11002052...ace--including

[adc]

Originally Posted by mtla4

IMO this car is a glorified 135I-335IS..ok it will probably have an LSD but still...

If it has the M3 suspension bits (bushings), control arms, optional EDC and the limited slip, it will be a BIG difference from any "is".

Since when M-cars share engines with regular cars?

Won't be shared, but based on. The US E36 M3 had engines that were essentially larger displacement of the regular M50/M52 engines. Nothing fancy there.

Didn't prevent the cars from being absolutely amazing to drive.

The M1 is great for people not into modding otherwise the 135I will do the job with some upgrades.

What do you mean, with "some upgrades"? Do you mean like changing all the body panels except for doors? Adding a CF roof? Aluminum suspension with different geometry? Limited slip instead of the stupid open one? Different brakes, wheels, tires? A totally different FI system? Better aero?

I mean, what's left identical to the 135i? The dash?


I've done the math before when I had my eyes set on the 135i, and it never panned out. In order to have a "complete" 135i, I would have needed a suspension ($3k installed), M3 control arms/bushings (what is it, $1k?), limited slip ($4k installed), wheels/tires ($3k), power/exhaust ($2k), reliability kit (aka Performance kit, $2.5k installed). I'm already at $15k within spitting distance of the M3 sedan and didn't even count anything aero or cosmetic.

The M1 should be an incredible bargain.

3/4 of the M1 (exclusive)features are cosmetic upgrades.

That we know of right now man, relax. BMW will release the information piecemeal, and final details about engine/power etc. might not be available until the car's introduction a year from now.

Don't bash it until you have a chance to try it. I personally cannot wait to test drive it - and if it matches BMW's statement of intent, to recapture the nimbleness, enthusiasm and driving spirit of old, then I am ready to trade my M3 in for that little monster, high revving V8 masterpiece and all.

You don't appreciate lack of weight until you gain lots of it - valid for people and cars I guess.

[Jaguar66]

!

[adc]

Originally Posted by RobMason

Maybe I missed it but I haven't seen talk of what type of LSD will be in there.

There hasn't been an M car yet without a limited slip. I actually have high hopes that they will put the DPC (active torque vectoring diff) from the X6/X6M in it.

But even with just the "regular" M diff from the M3, it will still be a world away from the 135i...