BMW M1 / BMW 1M test mule spied in production testing form!!!

[Jason]

As reported on 1addicts homepage.

Here is it folks! The BMW M1 test mule in its real bumper, widened fenders, integrated duckbill trunk spoiler, upgraded M wheels, large brakes with cross-drilled rotors, and other bits of M goodies!! Although the hood power bulge, quad exhausts, and M side gills are not yet apparent, these are cosmetic items which are simply not yet added to this early production test mule.

Scott26's reaction to photos:

I am not in Munich right now so I cannot comment on the design changes (if any) that have been made to the car. But by it's appearence it looks as if the car is relatively unfinished.

To answer your question. Yes it is the M.
M cars test in Phases that is what gives an M product it's trademark precision. You have seen the first stage of cars testing in the Arctic , Now they go for evaluation on public roads and soon with the return of better , warmer weather the Nordschleife @ the Nürburgring. And Hot Weather testing in North America's Death Valley.

There is a lot more to come in this car's evaluation process, but Dr. Kay Segler's recent comments that M has to be affordable and youthful to attract new customers is all about 1 car, this car.

As I am not in Munich right now. I have been informed that since the pictures we published this morning that the dealers in Germany are approaching BMW in regards to interest in this car, just think how reaction across the world is doing...

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Here is an FAQ about the M1 / 1M from our FAQ THREAD:

When can we expect to see the M1?
The First details of the production car will be announced at the end of the year [2010].

When will it go on sale?
The car will be ready for market launch at the end of the year and sales will begin in all parts of the world in mid 2011.

When will I be able to test drive an M1 in the U.S. And when will they stop making them (end of production)?
Cars will hit the markets by mid 2011. Production will end possibly early 2013.

How much will it cost?
In Euro there is talk about 10,000 more than the 135i. But I cannot assume the price in North America because it all depends on what the market will be like next year.

When will the Coupe version of the new 1-series platform arrive?
The Coupe and Cabrio models will be launched in 2013. You have not seen a Coupe because it is still too far down the road. The first model of the 1er will be the 5dr hatch then followed by the 3dr Hatch.

Is there a M1 convertible (E88) version in the works? If so how far behind the coupe will it be?
Yes they have plans to introduce a cabrio as well. [It will be introduced a] few months [after the Coupe].

Could the Cabrio version possibly have a fixed rollover bar option that way vert owners could track their cars every once in a while?
I do not think BMW will offer such a feature in a Cabrio.

What kind of engine we might expect N54, N55, twin, single turbo?
The engine is based upon BMW's latest Six Cylinder N55 with Twin-Turbo technology.

Will the coupe have a manual transmission option?
I have seen cars with both manual and M DCT.

How much will it weigh?
3,300 lbs or 1,500 kg Link

How much wider will the 1M/M1 be? Will we finally be able to fit some good wide rubber on there without extensive modification?
The rear and front track are wider so there will be a slight massage at the front and rear to accomodate the changes and give it a visual identity seperating it from the regular Coupe models.

Will it have a LSD?
Yes.

What kind of power figures we might expect?
It will be powerful to justify it's premium over the 135i but not to overstep the M3.

Will the M1 be tuner friendly?
Let us be absolutely clear about this but BMW have no love for the tuning industry primarily because they are usually left with the problem after things go wrong. That is why BMW Performance was brought in to play and why BMW play the void your warranty card. What you have seen so far with BMW performance is nothing compared to what will be coming in the future.
There is one Tuner BMW have a special relationship with and that is Alpina.

Will the M1 have either/or LED Angels or LED taillights?
I do not know for definite but cars I have seen (protoypes and design concepts) utilise the same specification as the 135i with optional xenon lighting.

Will the M1 will have an integrated duck bill spoiler for sure? ..or is this still up in the air?
For visual identity and of course aerodynamics the rear spoiler will be reprofiled in typical BMW M fashion.

Can you shed any light on interior changes? Particularly want to know about seats and dash/instrument cluster.
There will be a notifiable visual identity to distinguish the car's interior from other 1er Coupe models. Not everything is final.

Facts about the M1 from SCOTT26

• The M1 will feature a Personalization Program
• You have your central duct which will allow air a , priority for the High Performance Intercooler. Brake air ducts will provide cooling for the six piston (cermamic?) brake discs , on the bonnet there is an additional two ducts one for cosmetic symmetery the other for air. Two air intakes on the front wings bring the typical M look with the bar that incorporates the side indicator light now placed on top instead of striking through. Link
• Because the rear wings of the car appear more muscular due to the width of the rear track. The designers incorporated the rear vents similar in appearance to what is featured on the X5 and X6 M models to help break up the heaviness of the rear bumper which made the car look too bulky at the rear. Link

Enhanced version of original pic (by 1addicts member) taken from the rear of the car in order to lighten up the shadows under the car. You can clearly see the additional finning for heat dissipation on the M diff. Additionally, look closely at the rear camber arms. You will note that they appear to be cast aluminum arms like the M3 ones, not stamped steel like the 135i/335i ones.

[as7920]

Shaping up nicely.

I know its early days but why no quad exhausts?

I don't see much of a bonnet/hood bulge yet either but I suppose that's less of an a developmental requirement?

You can certainly see how trapezoidal that front is and how far forward it protrudes.

[arrutled]

wheel offsets look more friendly!

[cristid89]

I expect to see a drag race with M1 vs M3

[cotmfk]

That sunshade is just not going to work for me. I mean look... it's not even close to covering his face from the sun!






j/k I'm glad to see it looks like M1 is still coming.

[vladberca]

M1........

[M3X3Z3]

Did any of you 1Addicts ever think (even in your wildest dreams) you would ever see sooooo much rubber on the front wheel of a 1er ??????????????????????????????????

[M3roar]

PLEASE BMW change the Baby Bimmer headlights to something more aggressive. Call it a face lift or LCI version but do something.

[BMW86]

Great find! The M1 is coming!! I'm hoping it doesn't look too different from my 135i or I'll have M envy lol.

[SCOTT26]

Joy Is....indulgence.

[lasovan]

Don't care about the looks at all! just bring it on, wanna drive it!

[ase2dais]

OMG!!!

FOR SALE MY 09 e92 Space Grey DCT M3 LOADED

[stylinexpat]

Going to be a very nice car if and when it comes

[Hustler001]

This is gonna be a 135is

[Juke]

Great

[zuggerat89]

Scott, is it still true that we will be getting quads on this car?

Look at the front shot and side shot, this car is the perfect platform for this. It is going to look unbelieveable, especially in frozen grey. CANT WAIT!!!

[Jblack4083]

135is

[jragan]

Uh guys, as much as I'd like it to be, this isn't an ///M. It uses the N-series of motors (instead of S-series) and it only has twin single exhaust on one side of the car (instead of twin duals). The only thing actually M-related it has going for it is the LSD. 135is maybe, but definitely not ///M.

[as7920]

Can someone do a job on that camo like the recent X3 PS?

Is it just me or do those rims look bigger than 18"?

[lasovan]

M2

[BrokenVert]

Does anybody think that we can retrofit those fenders?



my dad says that he wants to pick up a 135i...maybe I should convince him to wait

[UltimateBMW]

Originally Posted by jragan

Uh guys, as much as I'd like it to be, this isn't an ///M. It uses the N-series of motors (instead of S-series) and it only has twin single exhaust on one side of the car (instead of twin duals). The only thing actually M-related it has going for it is the LSD. 135is maybe, but definitely not ///M.

Pretty much agree with this, the quad exhaust has been an M trademark for a long time, even in Z cars. No reason they'd drop it now.

The above mule in the OP is also missing these rear vents I think.

• Because the rear wings of the car appear more muscular due to the width of the rear track. The designers incorporated the rear vents similar in appearance to what is featured on the X5 and X6 M models to help break up the heaviness of the rear bumper which made the car look too bulky at the rear. Link