BMW 1 Series M Coup Review by The Auto Channel

The Auto Channel gives their drive impressions of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe after the drive test. Here’s an excerpt of their review that focuses on the details about the BMW 1 M.

What is in a name?
The new M model will definitely be dubbed 1 Series M Coupe. Quite a mouthful, so we asked why not call this M version of the 1 Series an M1, just like the M3 or M5?

Fact is, that it has everything to do with the original M1, the only BMW ever with a mid engine, that was built between 1979 and 1981. The name M1 therefore, should be reserved for the iconic sports car. But, we question Mr. Biermann: “Since it is so long ago, why care. Who would be confused? Not us, nor the young customers you want to attract with this new M model, who probably were not even born?

Why does BMW use this existing engine and not develop a real M-power plant, you would ask It is because the car has to be affordable. According to Albert Biermann is this strategy based on cost and development. “But the Z4 35is is very fast and you will experience how fast this One is, ” he says. We also talked about a real M1, which in his opinion should have at least 70 hp more than the fastest model of the series, in this case 300 hp of the 135i. So, may be it is better to consider this an M-tuned variant…

The first with the 1 Series face lift Almost every suspension part is different. The springs are stiffer and the dampers have less travel. The bushings of the trailing arms are changed from rubber to joint balls and some rubber ones are stiffer. The suspension cannot be adjusted – also to keep the cost down. But the body is lowered by 10 mm (0.4 in). The track is approximately 30 mm wider up front and between 30 to 40 mm wider at the rear. The brakes are completely different from the 135 I with M Compound brakes.

The front axle carrier is the same as in the 135i, but in the rear the one of the M3 is used. Four exhaust pipes will mark this M variant, that also is the first model that has the face lift that is scheduled for the 1 Series next year.

Flippers
Well, it’s time to start the engine and to take off. My passenger, once again, says that this is not the final product, that the sound will be different. But that the suspension is what you are going to get. And that is impressive indeed. You feel the security of the wider track and serious sizes Michelin rubber, as well as the suspension improvements. The balance is perfect.

You can believe the German car magazine that spotted the 1M testing at the Nürburgring, registering a lap time of around 8’10”. That means this version is faster than the E46 that does (8”22”).

Source: The Auto Channel