Most people like things that differ from the norm. If anything, the BMW 1M Coupe (referred to as 1M) is just that. It was a standout vehicle for the German luxury brand when new. Now, nearly a decade since its release, BMW enthusiasts still pine over these rare 1 Series models. So much so that you can find the same generation E9x M3 for tens of thousands of dollars cheaper than a 1M.

But let's be clear here, unlike its bigger brother E9x M3, the 1M has never really lost much value since new. These rare coupes today, are worth more than they were when new and by a lot. But why exactly are people willing to pay more for the 1M experience? Well, let's find out.

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2011-2012 BMW 1M Coupe

10.00 / 10
Key Features
  • Stunning exterior design
  • Exclusivity - less than 800 sold in U.S.
  • Manual transmission
  • Great handling
  • Maximum torque at just 1,500 RPM
  • 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds
Specifications
  • Engine/Motor: N54 3.0-Liter Inline-Six
  • Horsepower: 335 HP @ 5,900 RPM
  • Torque: 332L LB-FT @ 1,500 RPM
  • Drivetrain: RWD
  • Transmission: Six-Speed Manual
Pros
  • Turbocharged inline-six
  • Aggressive exterior design
  • Highly desirable
Cons
  • Interior not the greatest
  • Still expensive today
  • Hard to find

BMW 1 Series M Coupe Performance And Capability

Although the 1M is one of the best-driving BMWs of all time, it has an evident Achilles heel: it doesn't have an M engine. The M division decided it would be too much work to fit the S65 V-8 engine from the M3. Why that never happened is a bit more complex. So basically, the 1M is everything you'd want in a proper M car without still being one.

2011 was the only year of the 1Ms production. The car was available for the 2011 and 2012 model years. It was always intended as an exclusive enthusiast option from the beginning. Yet, the M division had very little time to turn it into reality. The same year, the N55 twin-scroll single turbo inline-six made its debut in E9x 335i models. But, this engine did not find its way into the 1M.

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At the time, BMW wasn't confident they had understood all the quirks of the new engine. Thus, they decided to stick to a tried and true option: the N54 twin-turbo inline-six engine. This was BMW's first mass-produced turbocharged inline-six engine. By 2011, it had figured out most of its shortcomings, although it remains quirky in some regards.

Yet, the N54 found in the 1M is the most potent variant ever offered. In the 1M, it put out 335 (intended) horsepower at 5,900 RPM and 332 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 RPM. This variant also had an over-boost function that would increase max torque output to 370 pound-feet in short bursts.

Let's be clear, the N54 is not an M engine by any stretch of the imagination, but it is a damn good one. When it advertised peak torque at 1,500 RPM, it really meant it. This engine will smack you in the face with torque in a violent fashion. Whereas the M3's V-8 is more of a silky smooth progression, this is all the beans at once.

It also doesn't let up in the higher RPMs and as you shift, you are right back in the meaty powerband. While revving past 6,000 RPM is fruitless, you never need to go there. There are few opportunities where you think you need more power. Triple digits speed is effortless. If you do need more power, these engines can take a whole lot more boost with simple modifications.

Having said that, the 1M is a lot more car than its engine. It is only available with a six-speed manual. It took all the suspension components from the M3 along with the limited-slip differential (LSD). With the increased track width due to its widened stance, it has a wonderful balance. The square chassis is prone to understeer but is very much so capable of oversteering.

Turn off traction control and hold on for dear life as the 1M shreds tire into 3rd gear. It is far less controllable than the M3 at the limit and that is 100% part of its appeal. When you do need to stop, the standard four-piston big brakes are amazing and powerful. The 1M has the last-ever iteration of BMW's legendary hydraulic steering. You couldn't ask much more of a raw, yet refined German sports coupe.

Related: 2013 BMW 1 Series M CSL By TJ Fahrzeugdesign

BMW 1-Series M Coupe Specs

Engine

N54 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six

Horsepower

335 @ 5,900 RPM

Torque

332 @ 1,500 RPM

Transmission

6-speed manual transmission

Drive Layout

Rear-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

4.2 seconds

Exterior Design

The exterior design of the BMW 1M still remains one of its highlights. Going by its cute proportions and compact dimensions, it is obvious that it is a smaller car when compared to the M3 when seen from afar. Yet, it retains the wide hips via flared fenders that made M-models iconic.

The front bumper's styling still remains one of BMW's most exciting designs to date. There are replica 1M-style bumpers for almost every BMW model you can imagine. People liked how aggressive and distinctive it was. The front headlights, being an LCI (facelift) model, feature the iconic BMW Corona rings and are some of the best you can get on a 1 Series. They offer distinctive integrated LED turn-signal "eyebrows" as well.

The rear displayed its M-heritage with the beefy quad-exhaust system. In order to match the wider quarter panels of the 1M, it had a unique rear bumper with venting features. The 19-inch wheels came straight from the M3 Competition and still are some of the best OEM M wheels ever!! The 1M only came in three colors: Alpine White, Sapphire Black, and Valencia Orange. The third one is by far the most distinct and was the debut color for the 1M. If it was our choice, our ideal 1M would have to be Valencia Orange. Its compact yet aggressive proportions make the 1M the blueprint for a good-looking sports coupe.

Related: 2022 This V-8-Swapped BMW 1M Coupe Might Be The Perfect Driver's Car

Exterior Colors

Standard Colors

Alpine White

Sapphire Black

Valencia Orange

Dimensions

Length

172.2 in

Width

71.0 in

Height

55.9 in

Wheelbase

104. in

Track Width

60.7 in (front) / 60.7 in (rear)

Cargo Space

13.1 cu-ft

Interior Design

If there was one aspect we wished BMW would have taken a bit more time with on the 1M, it would have been the interior. What you find in the 1M is not much different from that found in a standard 1 Series. But make no mistake, it is a quality luxury cabin, but not as special as the other aspects of the car. The M-sport leather steering wheel is properly thick and well-weighted with M tri-color stitching. The shifter unit is notchy and direct with a red-stitched Alcantara boot. You will find this red trim across the dash and all along accent pieces, including the seats. Why they didn't extend the Alcantara to the actual shifter and the steering wheel units itself? We still don't understand.

The grey-backed dials in the instrument cluster are a unique feature specific to the 1M. The dead pedal is aluminum, but the 3-pedals are all rubberized plastic units. This car truly deserved aluminum pedals but never got them. But regardless of all these aspects, we can't just forget how livable the 1M is as a sports coupe. The car came standard with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. You can control all functions with a central control knob (BMW iDrive). It has a good-sized trunk and usable rear seats as well. It is very unlikely to be a daily driver but is undoubtedly, very much so capable of being one.

BMW 1 Series M Coupe Price, Availability, And Ownership

BMW 1-Series M Coupe Price

BMW 1-Series M Coupe

$47,010 (est)

If you are considering buying a BMW 1M, you are buying it for exclusivity. BMW only sold about 740 examples of these cars in the U.S. Global production numbers are about 6,309. For comparison, BMW sold 25,672 E9X M3s over its four-year lifespan. So you don't need to do the math to understand how rare these cars are.

Outside of the individuals I know who own these ultra-rare cars, I myself have only seen a couple of them. Even in Southern California, they are seldom found. The people I know that own a 1M, have owned them since new or have for 8+ years. They still love and drive them to this day. I mean, why would you ever let go? We have to emphasize that 1Ms have retained their values rather well. People have been happy to pay over sticker price for these cars since its release. In 2022 though, they now sit about a $14,000 premium above their original MSRP of $47,010.

That brings us to an average price of $60,807 for the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, over the last five years. Here is the reality check, because the average selling price of a 2011 M3 is $39,725 over the last five years. That is a staggering $20,000+ difference.

Is the BMW 1M Coupe a better driver's car than the E9X M3? No. It isn't as special, even if it's rare. Is the 1M worth it at the same price as the E9X M3? No, we would take the M3 any and every day. Is the 1M worth $20,000 more than an E9X M3? No. No. No. What about the M2? It's just not the same thing.

But does this car hold a special place in your heart and one day it is your dream to own it? Now that is a better reason than all the other reasons I listed above, isn't it? Price is out the window with the 1M. It can't be the deciding factor if you are in the market looking for one. What we can say for a fact though, is if you do own a 1M one day, you won't find any reason to sell it. But if end up selling it, you'll probably regret it for the rest of your life.

FAQ

Q: How much does a Ducati Superleggera V4 cost?

When announced, the Ducati Superleggera V4 cost in excess of $100,000

Q: How much horsepower does a Ducati Superleggera V4 produce?

In ‘standard’ trim, the engine produces a claimed 221 horsepower. With the race ECU and exhaust fitted, it produces 231 horsepower.

Q: How many Ducati Superleggera V4 will be made?

500 were built and all sold out in a few hours.

Q: How fast is the Ducati Superleggera V4?

Very fast! No independent figures are available but expect 200mph to be dispatched with ease.