CAR Magazine Reviews 1M Coupe

[Jason]

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CAR Magazine Reviews 1M Coupe

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CAR Magazine [full review] got its hands on the 1-series M coupe and the conclusion is like that of the other auto magazines before it - that it is a proper M car, no bout. Their review focused on comparing the 1M coupe to other BMW offerings (both M and non-M) in assessing whether they felt the 1M was a proper M car and which, if any, of its technology and engineering was a step forward for the M division. Below are some of CAR's notable findings. Be sure to check out all the other 1M coupe reviews as well.

BMW M is being forced down the forced induction route in a bid to produce more fuel efficient cars. The forthcoming M5 has a twin-turbo V8, the next-gen M3 will feature a blown six-cylinder engine, and sitting before us on an empty stretch of best German back road is a turbocharged hotrod offering that us enthusiasts could consider as a real M car – the 1-series M Coupe.

So this BMW 1-series M Coupe is actually a 135i underneath? Only vaguely. To create the 1M, M Division has stripped out all the standard chassis componentry and replaced it wholesale with the suspension, brakes, 19in Competition Pack wheels and clever M Differential from the existing M3.

Has the 1M got the same engine as the 135i? Nope, the engine’s different too – but not unique to M. Outgoes the newer, single blower 3.0-litre straight six, and in its place is the older, twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six from the Z4 sDrive 35iS. And it means the 1-series M Coupe is a different sort of M car, one that has low-down, almost-any-gear/any-rev gruns, and one that doesn’t need to be extended to an 8000rpm-plus redline to get the very best from it.

The new forced induction philosophy means it’s much more urgent than an M3 in the bottom half of the rev range

BMW M is steadily improving its steering too. The M3 has taken a step forward since launch in 2007, the helm of the latest Competition Pack cars offering up more clarity to the driver, and the steering of the 1-series M is even crisper.

Verdict: The 1-series M is a proper M car, no doubt. Sure, it’s different from what’s gone before, but different doesn’t mean it’s not as good. Our first experience of a proper turbocharged M Division machine has unveiled a 1-series with a character all its own. It’s definitely not a hotted-up 135i, and now we’re looking forward to the future of M.

All in all, CAR gives the 1M coupe full marks in handling and performance, the two key measures 1M owners/fans care most about.

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[pyrat]

[Wolf]

can we get that picture in high resolution please

EDIT: never mind just saw the link

[spkcadet]

Now if they could only couple that with some electric goodness it would be even better.

[Novator]

Loving all these reviews of the 1M I have a question though, alot of the 1M's improved handling comes from the M3s suspension bits (i.e. springs, dampers, sway bars, wheels, etc.) so with the exception of the wider rear axle and M differential, do you think the steering rack/power steering pump could be bought and installed on a 135i? Does anyone know how many turns the 1M needs to go from lock to lock compared to a 135i? 1M is an amazing car!

[fastauto]

Originally Posted by Novator

Loving all these reviews of the 1M I have a question though, alot of the 1M's improved handling comes from the M3s suspension bits (i.e. springs, dampers, sway bars, wheels, etc.) so with the exception of the wider rear axle and M differential, do you think the steering rack/power steering pump could be bought and installed on a 135i? Does anyone know how many turns the 1M needs to go from lock to lock compared to a 135i? 1M is an amazing car!

i think the 1M is 2.2 and i am not sure about the 135

[Madozu]

Originally Posted by Novator

Loving all these reviews of the 1M I have a question though, alot of the 1M's improved handling comes from the M3s suspension bits (i.e. springs, dampers, sway bars, wheels, etc.) so with the exception of the wider rear axle and M differential, do you think the steering rack/power steering pump could be bought and installed on a 135i? Does anyone know how many turns the 1M needs to go from lock to lock compared to a 135i? 1M is an amazing car!

The 1M has 2.2 turns from lock to lock

[Evice]

2.2 sounds really nice. What's on 135 now ? Just so I've some comparison in mind.

[pyrat]

Originally Posted by Evice

2.2 sounds really nice. What's on 135 now ? Just so I've some comparison in mind.

Trying not to , but this is interesting - why would the 135, or any car for that matter have greater turns lock for lock. I imagine it is more practical, but why so?

[Evice]

Originally Posted by pyrat

Trying not to , but this is interesting - why would the 135, or any car for that matter have greater turns lock for lock. I imagine it is more practical, but why so?

May be a fake directness feeling?

[Smitty135i]

How's it not a 'hotted up' 135i? Take a 135i ... add M3 suspension and rims..mix in JB4 in on a lower setting and add a bodykit...

I love the car...but its a beefed up 135i...

[MrRoboto]

Originally Posted by Smitty135i

How's it not a 'hotted up' 135i? Take a 135i ... add M3 suspension and rims..mix in JB4 in on a lower setting and add a bodykit...

I love the car...but its a beefed up 135i...

Says you.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Smitty135i

How's it not a 'hotted up' 135i? Take a 135i ... add M3 suspension and rims..mix in JB4 in on a lower setting and add a bodykit...

I love the car...but its a beefed up 135i...

Don't forget a limited slip diff, wider fenders to allow for the M3 suspension, different brakes, and a thing called a warranty.

[pyrat]

Originally Posted by Smitty135i

How's it not a 'hotted up' 135i? Take a 135i ... add M3 suspension and rims..mix in JB4 in on a lower setting and add a bodykit...

I love the car...but its a beefed up 135i...

Why do people think that adding parts from the M3 is a bad thing?

If the M3 borrowed parts from the M5 would people call M3 a poser?

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by Smitty135i

How's it not a 'hotted up' 135i? Take a 135i ... add M3 suspension and rims..mix in JB4 in on a lower setting and add a bodykit...

I love the car...but its a beefed up 135i...

How's an M3 not a hotted up 328? Take a 328...add M3 suspension and rims...mix in an engine swap and add a body kit.

We all love the M3 but at the end of the day it's just a beefed up 328


That argument can be made about any M car. And it's a stupid argument

[Seattle S65B40]

No thanks. I'll stick with my real M car.

[MikeyV]

Originally Posted by Seattle S65B40

No thanks. I'll stick with my real M car.

Lucky you for owning an E30 M3, that and the M635CSI are the last real M cars IMO, all the rest are just GT's or big sedans.

[M3_CSL_E92]

Originally Posted by Evice

2.2 sounds really nice. What's on 135 now ? Just so I've some comparison in mind.

Well i don´t know the 1-series lock to lock but i think this comparison is a little better and will show just how tight the steering is

1M - 2.2 turns lock to lock
458 Italia - 2 turns lock to lock

[MMOTION]

The argument of the 1M being a "hotted-up" 135 or not, i think i'll take the 1M anyday. I think the price difference, compared to a loaded 135i, its really a no brainer. Got a VO 1M on the way so we'll see how it compares to the Dinan 135i in the stable right now.

[pyrat]

Originally Posted by MikeyV

Lucky you for owning an E30 M3, that and the M635CSI are the last real M cars IMO, all the rest are just GT's or big sedans.

don't forget e46 M3 CSL

[gs/e60/1m?]

Originally Posted by MMOTION

The argument of the 1M being a "hotted-up" 135 or not, i think i'll take the 1M anyday. I think the price difference, compared to a loaded 135i, its really a no brainer. Got a VO 1M on the way so we'll see how it compares to the Dinan 135i in the stable right now.

Yes please do compare and come back to elaborate your findings

[Raine]

The M3 is a sexy looking car and everything but it's a little BORING. It's like a hot super model with a cold personality. The 1M is almost looks like a living creature that wants to play with you.