AMS Reviews BMW 1M Coupe. Convinced It's a Pure Sports Car - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)

southlight · 04-21-2011, 09:52 AM

BIMMERPOST NEWS

AMS Reviews BMW 1M Coupe. Convinced It's a Pure Sports Car

69
COMMENTS

Name: AMS_1M.jpg
Views: 21008
Size: 95.9 KB

Another 1M review is in from Germany. AMS got their hands on a 1-series M Coupé, and we've translated the essential details from their review. In short, AMS considers the 1M one of the best sports cars available but found some drawbacks in daily use and under less than ideal conditions. They clocked an amazing 4.7 seconds for 0-62mph which is on par with the E9x M3 they've tested previously. Equally impressive, 0-124mph only took 16.6 seconds while returing an average of 18.2 mpg. AMS gave 4 stars out of 5. The firm ride, traction on wet roads and the steering they consider too heavy apparently avoided a 5-star-rating.

Select quotes from the review:

Quote:

"0-62 mph is done in 4.7 seconds which is not only 2 tenths of a second less than BMW's claim but also on par with the way more powerful M3. Even more impressive is its flexibility. The 1-series M Coupé needs only 6.5 seconds to accelerate from 50 mph to 75 mph in 6th gear whereas our last M3 test car clocked 7.9 seconds."

"It pulls strong in every gear, accompanied by an 'angry' exhaust note. Typical BMW: Despite being turbocharged, the engine doesn't run out of steam but pulls strong all the way up to 7,000 rpm. Typical M: Cornering is just as much fun."

"The grip is impressive, thanks to the limited slip diff and the 265mm rear tires - as long as the driver keeps their foot on the throttle and the road is dry and smooth. The 1M shines and can be considered one the best sports cars in these conditions."

"The lack of active dampers however makes the 1M 'stumble' over bumps. This doesn't help its traction on less-than-ideal roads and makes DSC kick in continuously. Things get even worse in the wet with the tail trying to step out rather soon and even with moderate throttle inputs. These are things you should be aware of when disengaging DSC. Going sideways on your daily travel isn't funny, but on the track it's incredible fun."

"But the whole package is spot on, the 1M is convincing as a pure sports car - including all benefits for track use and some downsides for daily use. BMW M kept up to their promises and delivered."

Make sure to get your copy of the latest Auto Motor und Sport issue if you're fit in German and have a chance. It's also available via the iTunes App Store.

For other 1M coupe reviews, see our 1M review compilation list

Share this story

OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Video: Fifth Gear Dogfight Featuring BMW 1M Coupe vs Audi RS3

Automobile's Amusing BMW 1M Coupe First Drive Video Review

Richard Hammond Reviews the BMW 1M Coupe

Fundahl · 04-23-2011, 10:46 AM

You should expect a rear-drive car to slide in the wet and over bumps under throttle....

Anyway, this makes me feel even better about my decision.

JoosyJoos · 04-23-2011, 10:49 AM

Not really surprise that it would be tail happy in the rain when it's got all that torque down low on the rev band.

And going sideways on your daily commute sounds good to me...

l888apex · 04-23-2011, 10:52 AM

I need a high-res of that shot on 2 wheels

Jason · 04-23-2011, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by l888apex

I need a high-res of that shot on 2 wheels

Not exactly hi-res, but higher res

Dan Parker · 04-23-2011, 11:14 AM

Most Excellent!!! 4 weeks away.

Pauldramos · 04-23-2011, 11:15 AM

Not sure why I have seen 4.7 for the e92 M3's 0-60 because I can clearly beat that and car and driver clocked it at 3.9 seconds....

Sedan_Clan · 04-23-2011, 11:24 AM

I'm glad to hear that the 1M is living up the "M" nomenclature. Doubters are quiet now!

pyrat · 04-23-2011, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

I'm glad to hear that the 1M is living up the "M" nomenclature. Doubters are quiet now!

I wouldn't say they are quiet - but they should be.

snowfro · 04-23-2011, 11:31 AM

gs/e60/1m? · 04-23-2011, 11:33 AM

Yes the gap above the front wheel is way to much it has to be lowered!

Or else they have to uplift the concrete. :-)

bmwdinamo · 04-23-2011, 11:37 AM

Ba!!!
I need to graduate sooner so I can buy this!

Auto · 04-23-2011, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason

Not exactly hi-res, but higher res

Daft · 04-23-2011, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pauldramos

Not sure why I have seen 4.7 for the e92 M3's 0-60 because I can clearly beat that and car and driver clocked it at 3.9 seconds....

It's actually 4.7 sec in 0-62mph or 0-100km/h..

bvez3ro · 04-23-2011, 12:36 PM

The AMS also wrote, that the 1M has the same N54 Engine as the Z4 35is and a expensive forged crankshaft.

Thought the 1M had the same Engine like the 135i -> 1 Turbo and twinscroll.
Is the N54 better than the N55?

pyrat · 04-23-2011, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bvez3ro

The AMS also wrote, that the 1M has the same N54 Engine as the Z4 35is and a expensive forged crankshaft.

Thought the 1M had the same Engine like the 135i -> 1 Turbo and twinscroll.
Is the N54 better than the N55?

Yes, the N54 has more potential than the N55. N55 has more fuel efficiency.

Master Deep · 04-23-2011, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwdinamo

Ba!!!
I need to graduate sooner so I can buy this!

+1

I'm still in school for another 7-9 years.

M3 Adjuster · 04-23-2011, 01:12 PM

Nice to see AMS echo some of my own experience, in that the car pulls strongly all the way to recline at 7k.

Also nice to see the 0-60 numbers equal/best that of the e9x that so many pundits insist that BMW is protecting my " hamstringing" the 1M.

aajami · 04-23-2011, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bvez3ro

The AMS also wrote, that the 1M has the same N54 Engine as the Z4 35is and a expensive forged crankshaft.

Thought the 1M had the same Engine like the 135i -> 1 Turbo and twinscroll.
Is the N54 better than the N55?

The 1M has a tuned version of the N54. That engine is also used in the Z435is and 335is. 2 turbos on the N54, 1 turbo on the N55.

Diver · 04-23-2011, 01:23 PM

It's a nice car, but my 135i is only 5 months old. Although I can drive a manual, there are reasons why I must have an automatic. No way is a 1M on the radar for me. Those who get them will really be happy.

Be careful on 0-60 times from C&D. They use a drag strip style roll out that cuts .3 second off the time and everything is adjusted for temperature and barometric pressure to the ideal. C&D has also been known to flat make things up. The times they get for some all wheel drive cars are limited to about 6 runs per replacement transmission.

ChrisK · 04-23-2011, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

Nice to see AMS echo some of my own experience, in that the car pulls strongly all the way to recline at 7k.

Also nice to see the 0-60 numbers equal/best that of the e9x that so many pundits insist that BMW is protecting my " hamstringing" the 1M.

I am not trying to start a war, but I have never seen 0-60 on the e9x that high. The e92 range lately is 3.9s to 4.4s

Bimmer Magazine, October 2010, page 49:

"It's also one of the fastest, with a 414-hp naturally aspirated V8 engine that can propel it from zero to 60 in just 4.0 seconds…."

Nevertheless, being an ex-135i driver, the car rocks!!!

///1M · 04-23-2011, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

Nice to see AMS echo some of my own experience, in that the car pulls strongly all the way to recline at 7k.

Also nice to see the 0-60 numbers equal/best that of the e9x that so many pundits insist that BMW is protecting my " hamstringing" the 1M.

When I read this review, I could almost hear you saying the same thing from the video that was posted months ago (step 2 I think?).

How do you think it will do as a daily driver?

04-23-2011, 10:49 AM	#3
JoosyJoos Major Drives: 2008 335i Coupe Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Johns Creek, GA Posts: 1,271 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i [0.00]	Not really surprise that it would be tail happy in the rain when it's got all that torque down low on the rev band. And going sideways on your daily commute sounds good to me... __________________ Active Autowerkes Tuned 335i 1995 M3 - Work in progress track toy

04-23-2011, 11:14 AM	#6
Dan Parker Major Drives: 2012 Golf R Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,384 iTrader: (0)	Most Excellent!!! 4 weeks away. __________________ Dan Parker

04-23-2011, 11:31 AM	#10
snowfro Private First Class Drives: 1991 318i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 163 iTrader: (0)	__________________ ------------------------------------------------------------ 1984 325e "Lemon" in progress 1991 325i 2004 x3 manual 2011 1m

04-23-2011, 01:12 PM	#18
M3 Adjuster Colonel Drives: 1988 M3 gone .. 1M HERE!! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Dallas, Tx Posts: 2,717 iTrader: (0)	Nice to see AMS echo some of my own experience, in that the car pulls strongly all the way to recline at 7k. Also nice to see the 0-60 numbers equal/best that of the e9x that so many pundits insist that BMW is protecting my " hamstringing" the 1M. __________________ Lone Star BMW CCA Chapter president, Chief Driving Instructor

04-23-2011, 01:23 PM	#20
Diver Colonel Drives: Black '12 135i DCT PPK Msport Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 2,057 iTrader: (0)	It's a nice car, but my 135i is only 5 months old. Although I can drive a manual, there are reasons why I must have an automatic. No way is a 1M on the radar for me. Those who get them will really be happy. Be careful on 0-60 times from C&D. They use a drag strip style roll out that cuts .3 second off the time and everything is adjusted for temperature and barometric pressure to the ideal. C&D has also been known to flat make things up. The times they get for some all wheel drive cars are limited to about 6 runs per replacement transmission. __________________ See my photography at http://ronscubadiver.wordpress.com Last edited by Diver; 04-23-2011 at 01:28 PM.

04-23-2011, 10:46 AM	#2
Fundahl Captain Drives: VO 1M, 300zx TT Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Corpus Christi, Texas Posts: 705 iTrader: (0)	You should expect a rear-drive car to slide in the wet and over bumps under throttle.... Anyway, this makes me feel even better about my decision.

04-23-2011, 10:52 AM	#4
l888apex Second Lieutenant Drives: #30/740 BSM 1M Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ashburn Posts: 211 iTrader: (0)	I need a high-res of that shot on 2 wheels

04-23-2011, 11:15 AM	#7
Pauldramos Drives: Dinan '11 M3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Solvang, CA Posts: 362 iTrader: (1)	Not sure why I have seen 4.7 for the e92 M3's 0-60 because I can clearly beat that and car and driver clocked it at 3.9 seconds....

04-23-2011, 11:24 AM	#8
Sedan_Clan Capoeirista Extraordinaire! Drives: AW X5 MS (prev.E9X IB/AW M3's) Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: The Twilight Zone! Or running your plates... Posts: 4,563 iTrader: (10)	I'm glad to hear that the 1M is living up the "M" nomenclature. Doubters are quiet now!

04-23-2011, 11:33 AM	#11
gs/e60/1m? Major Drives: a 1///M Schlümpf Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Belgium Posts: 1,129 iTrader: (0)	Yes the gap above the front wheel is way to much it has to be lowered! Or else they have to uplift the concrete. :-)

04-23-2011, 11:37 AM	#12
bmwdinamo NEW Drives: RSX TypeS, G35 sedan, X5 4.8 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: NY Posts: 123 iTrader: (0)	Ba!!! I need to graduate sooner so I can buy this!

04-23-2011, 12:36 PM	#15
bvez3ro Private First Class Drives: 1M AW Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Outback Munich, Germany Posts: 183 iTrader: (0)	The AMS also wrote, that the 1M has the same N54 Engine as the Z4 35is and a expensive forged crankshaft. Thought the 1M had the same Engine like the 135i -> 1 Turbo and twinscroll. Is the N54 better than the N55?

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search