The BMW 1M Coupe: Creating a Legend
The wizards in Garching crafted the BMW 1M Coupe, which stands as one of the most limited models ever built. They embarked on a secret project, unbeknownst to most of the company’s bosses. According to legend, a group of BMW M engineers undertook the mission of constructing the ultimate track car and utilized a majority of the E92 M3 parts for the 1M. In 2011, this extraordinary sports coupe hit the markets and quickly sold out in most regions.
Initially, BMW planned to release the 1M as a limited production model consisting of 2,700 units. However, due to overwhelming demand, the company removed the production cap and ultimately manufactured a total of 6,309 cars until June 2012 when production ceased. Despite this, the 1M Coupe concluded its production in June 2012, having sold 740 units in the US and an additional 220 units in Canada. In total, 6,309 cars were sold worldwide.
The Cult Classic Born from a Secret Project
The engineers accomplished the engine’s development within a remarkably short time frame, taking only about a year, if not less, starting in October 2009. In December 2009, the decision was made to build the 1M, and the car was developed and tested over approximately one year. Extensive testing of M cars was conducted at the Nurburgring circuit. All the necessary testing had to be completed during the spring and summer seasons before inclement weather arrived.
The Engine That Revolutionized Everything
Powering the BMW 1M is the N54 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 engine. For the 1M, BMW made revisions to the turbocharger, exhaust system, and ECU, resulting in an output of 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. However, in overboost mode, temporary access to up to 369 pound-feet of torque is available. The redline is set at 7000 rpm. The M button located on the steering wheel enhances throttle response by altering the engine mapping of the N54B30TO engine.
In 2011, the Porsche Cayman S was arguably the closest competitor to the 1M. Nevertheless, BMW stated at the time that they did not consider any competitors during the car’s development – their objective was to create vehicles that customers would genuinely desire to drive. And that is precisely what they achieved.
