M1 is coming aka Modified M135

[M-technik-3]

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/06/report-details-on-2011-bmw-m1-trickle-out/

"A BMW 1 Series Coupe, tweaked by the company's M-Technik division, is reportedly under development for UK release in mid-2011. Destined to slot beneath the M3 Coupe, the smaller 1 Series Coupe is said to feature a modified twin-turbocharged six-cylinder packing 350 horsepower. The aluminum engine will be mated to a standard six-speed dual-clutch gearbox with an electronically-controlled rear M differential. With a curb weight of just over 3,300 pounds and easily making more than 310 lb-ft of torque, the newest M-car will breeze past 60 mph in well under five seconds without breaking a sweat (for comparison's sake, BMW claims the 135i takes 5.2 seconds but publications like Car and Driver have hit 60 mph in the 4.7-second range)

The 1 Series Motorsport variant will reportedly retain the current car's standard MacPherson struts up front and the multi-link rear configuration, but the division's engineers have fitted firmer springs and dampers (and new bushings) to improve handling. Lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels complete the hardware package. Cosmetically, the so-called "M1" will wear an M division body kit with a new front spoiler, flared wheel arches, larger side sills, a rear spoiler and an aggressive rear valance with four M-signature chrome exhaust tips.

The name is still not finalized. Understandably, BMW is hesitant to quickly slap the "M1" label on the rear decklid as that name originally adorned the company's legendary road supercar in the late 1970s. Destined to become the M division's most affordable model, we really don't care what BMW calls it... just send it to our shores."


Thoughts or is this a stop gap till the next car is ready for the US market. Can't see it being an affordable M as the 135i is priced to high already.

[McGyver]

They better not call it the "M1", not just cuz another one exists, but mostly because the 1 series really doesnt count as BMW IMO.

[vlad]

this will be a fun car although no doubt - expensive

[YAN-3]

"I want to set a clear signal that our products are financially accessible," M Division boss Kay Segler is quoted as saying. "With the modular production processes in place at BMW, it is possible to create performance cars that customers can not only dream about owning but also realistically afford."

To that effect an entry price of about £38,000 (US$61,000) is expected when the car hits UK streets in 2011.

61k is realistically affordable?

[z31maniac]

61k is realistically affordable?

Ex-fucking-actly.

Let's, just for illustrative purposes, say you have sterling credit, a great job and desire to own one.

You walk in and get BMW to finance you at some great 2.9% APR, for 5 years and no down payment.

Your monthly payment = $1093.38 per month (nearly $400 a month MORE than my house payment). That's before gas/tires/insurance/etc.

Hell even a $20k car is $400+ per month on a 5 year note.

[E30Kaiser]

Ex-fucking-actly.

Let's, just for illustrative purposes, say you have sterling credit, a great job and desire to own one.

You walk in and get BMW to finance you at some great 2.9% APR, for 5 years and no down payment.

Your monthly payment = $1093.38 per month (nearly $400 a month MORE than my house payment). That's before gas/tires/insurance/etc.

Hell even a $20k car is $400+ per month on a 5 year note.

Yeah, but you are mentally retarded if you don't do a down payment, might as well pay as much against the principle as possible up front.

[Julien]

135i /m not m1 please.
Is it just me or is this really just run of the mill 135 with a chip, lowered and a body kit? More Mtech package than pure blood //M IMHO

[BeirBrennerE30]

looks like i have something to trade in the 135i for... where do I sign!!!

[BeirBrennerE30]

They better not call it the "M1", not just cuz another one exists, but mostly because the 1 series really doesnt count as BMW IMO.

lol why not? the 135i is bmws best product right now

[Todd Black 88]

Ex-fucking-actly.

Let's, just for illustrative purposes, say you have sterling credit, a great job and desire to own one.

You walk in and get BMW to finance you at some great 2.9% APR, for 5 years and no down payment.

Your monthly payment = $1093.38 per month (nearly $400 a month MORE than my house payment). That's before gas/tires/insurance/etc.

Hell even a $20k car is $400+ per month on a 5 year note.

What kind of a f'n troll bridge do you live under to pay 6-700 a month on a mortgage? Double wide or single?

[Massive Lee]

"A BMW 1 Series Coupe, tweaked by the company's M-Technik division..."

An e30 318is also has its suspension tweaked by the M-technik division. It doesn't make it an M3. Yup. Not a Motorsport car, for which the "M" prefix stands for. So, that would be the first failure.

The second one is what comes after the "M". Indeed, "M1" has aleady been taken 30 years ago and shall remain untouched, or the "M" denomination will loose whatever it is worth.

[Charlie]

What kind of a f'n troll bridge do you live under to pay 6-700 a month on a mortgage? Double wide or single?

Go look at a map. See that section of the US that resides between the states that border water? Yea. There. Houses aren't that expensive outside of the east/west coast.

-Charlie

[Jean]

Meh, am I the only one not really impressed with the 135i? (yes, I have driven it twice).
S54 M Coupe or V8 M3 for me over 135i/m.

[325ix]

looks cool. but nothing really special

[Charlie]

Meh, am I the only one not really impressed with the 135i? (yes, I have driven it twice).
S54 M Coupe or V8 M3 for me over 135i/m.

It slots into the "best thing that BMW has out right now", since the S54 Z4 Coupe bowed out. The V8 M3 has gotten so heavy and expensive that it really knocked itself out of the "M3" market, and the 135i has picked it up. Needs a LSD in it.

This M/Tii variant looks nice, but not 61k nice. If someone wants a toy like that, they'll buy a lotus, boxster, caymen or something in that range.

-Charlie