*New pictures on page 2*
*Interior pics on page 4*
Greetings from London!
Turns out I've been a member since 2014, during my crossover from owning a 130i hatch, to a Z4MC. However, I never posted! I'm quite active on Instagram and Facebook, and thought I should get myself acquainted on here. Wasn't quite sure which section of the forum to post in, so if the moderators feel this thread would be best suited to another section, please move.
So, I might as well take this back to the beginning... In 2015, I decided to embark on a project. I owned an Interlagos Z4MC at the time; a car I had wanted to own for a few years. As much as I loved the looks of the little Z, and adored the driving position, I felt as a stock car it was somewhat compromised when driven enthusiastically. Moving on was a tough decision for me, (and in an ideal world if funds and space permitted, I would have kept the old girl). If I was going to be sensible, I probably should have placed my money in an E46 M3 CSL, or an S54 powered breadvan, but couldn’t quite convince myself to move on either car. So, it was time to try something a little different.
Two of my favourite modern M-powered cars are the 1M and the E9x M3. I love the aggressive looks of the little coupé, but didn’t want a turbo charged car. I absolutely buzzed at the thought of owning an S65 driven machine, but steer towards a smaller chassis. My thoughts began to churn…
I’m not mechanically trained, so this meant finding someone who could work alongside me, and put my ideas into fruition. A few years prior, there was a manual Monte Carlo car converted by Quarry Motors of Sheffield, and having since become acquainted with the build, contacting them was my first port of call. After an afternoon spent at their premises, I had no doubt Ashley would pull this off to an exceptional degree, and so we struck a deal to go about building the first U.K, DCT, M3 converted 1 series.
Selecting which transmission to go for created a stumbling block. I’m normally a bit of a ‘manual purist’, but having experienced DCT M3’s, was highly impressed with how fun and involving the box still felt. I had to experience both back to back to ensure I wasn’t going to make a mistake. A test drive quickly confirmed my direction, and to my surprise, I was sticking with the dual clutch.
I can confirm no 1M’s were harmed in the making of this vehicle. As the car would undergo such a transformation, it seemed to void the purpose of starting with a rare and valuable model. The first port of call was to source a clean E82, which led us to a grey 120d M sport to use as the base. I thought scouting the right M3 would prove a challenge, but remarkably, the perfect, panel damaged E92 popped up at auction straight away, and was immediately stripped down so all unscathed components could be harvested. There were no corners cut when it came to the body work either; brand new OEM 1M panels were ordered from BMW, inclusive of full rear quarter replacements.
Both aesthetically and practically, I opted for an M3 styled bonnet. Unfortunately, all 1 series were finished with a steel bonnet, so I couldn’t simply transpose the vents and power dome from the M3’s lightweight aluminium panel. Carbon fibre was looking like the best option, so after some research I sourced a hood, although fitment proved an interesting challenge and I’m still not 100% happy with the result.
Choosing a colour was by far the hardest decision, having changed my mind some 20 times (no exaggeration). When you have an unlimited choice, and want to create something unique, it seems an impossible task because you have no working reference. I initially settled on a BMW heritage colour, however, after having seen and fallen in love with a Java green M4 at Santa Pod Raceway, my mind was finally made up.
Interior wise, I wanted to get it all re-trimmed during the build, so I wasn’t pulling it all out again after completion. I was trying to stay away from black, but considering I’d chosen such a vibrant exterior, to ensure it wouldn’t clash, extended nappa leather, complete with green stitching and alcantara accents seemed the best option. I remember first seeing it all once complete, and was so excited to see my vision come together.
As you’d expect, we’ve seen our fair share of ups and downs (thankfully nothing too major), and overall it took roughly a year to get to where the car is today. I don’t think the modifying ever stops; I’m constantly seeking the next ‘improvement’, and have amassed a long parts list to steadily work through. A new Spires tuned Nitron R1 suspension was fitted as of last week, and I have a GTS wing waiting to be fitted.
If I could summarize the car, I’d say it was my soul on four wheels. It’s become a reflection of what I feel an all-round road going driver’s car should be. Reminding me of the E46 M3 CSL; the smooth, high revving nature of the V8 provides the perfect balance between power and grip. Its go kart like handling and precision through a corner will always leave you grinning. The touch of a button will ensure your bum is kept warm, and all whilst playing your favourite highway anthems through the Individual audio’s 16 speakers.
Spec list;
- Complete mechanical and electrical DCT E92 M3 conversion from donor vehicle
- Stripped and repainted in Individual Java green metallic
- Fully re-trimmed interior – extended nappa leather with green stitch, alcantara accents, alcantara steering wheel, colour coded Autotecknic extended paddle shifters, green seatbelts
- Customized Nitron R1 suspension
- Lightweight Performance carbon rear diffuser with undertray
- BMW Performance carbon boot lip spoiler
- Miltek 1M backbox with custom pipework
- Suntek paint protection film and Gtechniq sealant
More pictures to follow…
I’ve probably forgotten to mention something, but hope I didn’t ramble too much… If you’d like to follow me on social media, my IG is @NinaRoseBarber and Facebook is /Bruce1M3
-N.