Autoblog’s review of the 1M coupe is in and this is the message they have for everyone — “Enthusiasts, BMW has your car.”
The following sums up their experience in a few sentences: In similar manner, what makes the 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe so special isn’t found in charts, numbers or statistics. Instead, its appeal is discovered once you settle into the supportive bucket seats behind the thick steering wheel. Its allure is captured in the masterful combination of a torque-laden engine mated to a lightweight rear-wheel-drive platform controlled with a traditional manual transmission – the little coupe with the big flares is old school retro-cool and deliciously fun to drive. The new BMW 1 Series M Coupe doesn’t target boy-racers, it targets enthusiasts.
Jalopnik prints their 1M first drive review, echoing what many auto publications have said before them – that the 1M is most surely an M car. Driver Mike Spinelli was impressed with the car’s great limits, handling, and stance. Perhaps the best compliments paid were the constant comparisons and references to big brother M3.
First video of a top speed run in a BMW 1M coupe result in a reading of 264km/h (164mph)! The video shows just how strong the 1M pulls in all ranges, even above 100mph. The car has also been tuned by BMW to sound great from the cockpit, with a great mixture of engine, air induction, and exhaust noise. Check out the run inside.
1Addicts member and future track instructor Dan Parker has taken delivery of his beautiful white 1M coupe. He provides his initial review of the 1M, as well as some great insight into how it compares to the E46 M3 and the Z4 M Coupe. Read the full review and see photos/video inside.
EmmDrei provides some updated and clearer photos of his black 1M coupe modified with BMW performance parts. Full gallery inside.
Here’s the first great look at an alpine white 1M coupe next to a mineral white M3 coupe. Both are beautiful in their own way, with the 1M coupe taking on a boxier, more overtly aggressive look, while the M3′s lines and bulges are sleeker and more discrete. One thing we’re sure of – the owners of each love their car!
The BMW 1M coupe press test fleet vehicles have hit US shores (along with many US owners’ 1Ms we hear). These BMWNA (NJ) bound 1M coupes have been spotted throughout the east coast.
Look for 1M reviews by the US publications soon!
Well, that didn’t take long. 1M deliveries just began, but this black 1M coupe has already seen a whole host of modifications, both performance and cosmetic. Current modifications include BMW Performance kidneys, spoiler, steering wheel and seats, combined with Plus street legal Schroth 4-point harnesses.
Future modifications to come include: shifter rebuild, steel brake lines, and Pirelli P Zeros tires.
Right out of the gates InsideLine goes for the jugular and lets the readers know their overall opinion of the car. “The 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe is a fantastically compelling machine. It is fast — faster in real-world terms than the M3 on most roads.” And that is the basis for the rest of the article, which is filled with praise after praise.
Engine
Edmunds states what we know, the power doesn’t match up to the M3, however the massive torque figure makes up for the difference giving the 1M more then enough straight line pull. Whats really notable is that in their drive they felt the power all the way up the RPM band to 7000, without getting any sense of power trailing off. So … CONTINUED
