BMW 1 Series M Coupe "The 1M" Driven At Last! But is it THAT Good?

Today on the channel, I finally get to drive one of the most elusive of all modern M cars - the BMW 1 Series M Coupe. Commonly known as the 1M, many argue this shouldn't be considered a "true" M car - but others say it is one of the best. Who's right?
#BMW #1M
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[@nagylevi3827]

Much like other great cars of the past, be it a Supra or a Skyline, this vehicle is now beyond the "buy and use" crowd. It's too expensive for what it offers and it's too valuable to thrash around. A great car, but confined to the history books, in my opinion.

[@Richjtj]

only a couple years ago these were affordable too, big shame

[@Thanos.m]

I honestly thought these would be around 20-25k by now not 50k

[@nathanrunciman88]

For same enjoyment in a Porsche you’d be looking at a 997 GT3 for 2-3x the price. £50k is not ‘too valuable’ for many who have done well and can now afford to buy a car like this.

[@somethingstupid1885]

I daily drive mine. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@nagylevi3827]

@@nathanrunciman88 valid point. Yet it has the same issue as a GT3: it's an ever appreciating future classic. As such, low mileage models will be purchased as investments and garaged while high mileage models will just wear out and be decommissioned.

[@R-Tap]

The only "M" I really want, even all these years later, in Valencia Orange of course. The definition of stance.

[@thebritishautochannel]

Very planted looking car with those flared arches

[@ReplicantBattyman]

BMW design language was on point at this time. Love the 1M

[@duncanidaho7494]

Disagree. The headlights look horrible. This 1 series looks extremely outdated unlike the E92.

[@ReplicantBattyman]

@@duncanidaho7494 Not every car has to look timeless, the e30 M3 looks completely dated but it still looks great

[@AZ-vg6li]

Thank you!

[@Elving_]

One of my most favourite qoutes from Jeremy Clarkson is about this car. "Well, there's a straight-six engine at the front, a manual gearbox in the middle, and drive goes to the back.That's page one, chapter one from the petrosexual handbook."

[@GoldenCroc]

@@doubleL_S Especially a touring. Probably would have bought one of those if they were availible. 535d instead isnt too bad I suppose.

[@Msfiona69]

Ditto to that.. I still prefer the M3 as I had one, but since driving a M2 I really do like that..

[@weeevilswine]

@@doubleL_S when I was buying my e60 535d there was a Canadian import 535xi touring for sale near me for 4K, still kicking myself for not buying it

[@davidemery429]

The 1M comes with 4 cats, 2DP cats and 2 mid-pipe, remove the mid-pipe cats fire in set of straight pipes ( I have supersprint pipes) and this car comes alive, it sounds even better than stock too. It still passes the MOT with these cats removed and it’s so worth it. I love this car, the one I have now is my second and I just can’t get enough of it, it’s every bit as good as my M2CS, if not better due to the hydraulic steering. I also have the very rare Bmw performance seats too, and the are so much lighter than the stock but not as supportive imo. Great review too 👍

[@danny2607]

This has got to be one of my favorite cars ever. I love the 1 series so much that i sold my M2 comp and have been on the hunt for the 1M or even the 135is. The hunt continues

[@ElBarto1860]

I just bought one last week and I absolutely love it!

[@markusburger8853]

Hello J, thank you for the brilliant video. I am also a proud owner of a black 1M since 8 years. Every spring it is one of my personel highlights to get in out of the winter-sleep and start to drive through the Austrian mountains. It is only topped by my big love a BMW 2002 Turbo 1975....the real start of ALL M-cars for me. Best regards Markus

[@ufsteropolstero6014]

people make sick engine swaps with these 1 series, if you can't buy a 1 M Coupe, just get a 120i and stuff a V8 in there.

[@GlennsCarCollection]

Great video. I had a Valencia Orange 1M. Had it for 7 years. My favorite M car and I’ve owned multiple E46 M3’s, E90 M3, M2, Z3M coupe, etc. The 1M is the complete package, great handling, power, slick top, manual only and the right side. I highly recommend it.

[@AlexGray]

Do you miss it? Why did you sell it?

[@compostboomtron9001]

This has been my favourite car since they started selling 11-12 yrs ago, and until recently was my realistically achievable dream car. Great review as usual

[@mike_oe]

Great review, thank you! The N54 engine is a love/hate affair. You need to replace the water pump, the high pressure fuel pump, the injectors (for latest index 12 versions, very costly now), and various gaskets, including the valve cover one. I have a FBO N54 in my 335is with DCT transmission, Quaife LSD, upgraded turbos, MHD/mapping, and xHP gearbox map. Putting out close to 500hp, it does goes like stink while providing respectable MPG even by today's standard. BTW, mine did a bit of blake smoke under power, but that went away when I had the turbos and injectors replaced (at the same time).

[@SicSemperBeats]

@BMW1M Yep, i always say that the n54, n63, n73 and s63 have the fun sucked out of them by the affair with the fuel injector cost. I got mine for my e92 335i from a junkyard on later year 7 series, I have about 10 index 12's and the 6 that are in my car have been working perfectly ever since, but if I had bought those for $3000 new when I needed them, I don't know if it would have been worth it lmao, my car is only like worth $6k tops.

[@tturkington4149]

Thanks for being honest and giving your own opinion and not regurgitating other reviews.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Fun little car. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@juliankent8875]

Great video James 👍

[@sevensixtysteve8662]

I love these and always wanted one but holy crap, that price ! - Glad its as good as I thought it probably was and great review thank you.

[@klasseact6663]

I'm really enjoying this "Schmugg-less" video James, much more 😉

[@Maurice_Moss]

The Valencia Orange is definitely up there with the best bmw colours, along with San Marino blue.

[@ricepony33]

I good friend had one with Ohlins, a tune, and some race pads back in the day. Fun weapon of a car on the street, stupid thick steering wheel was always a turn off for me. The car definitely heat soaked and had more turbo lag especially after a couple pulls. I get why people liked it but for me the engine wasn’t special enough and the power falling off up top felt incongruent with the rest of the package.

[@Franzino]

100%

[@TexasRiverRat31254]

If you start with an NA engine that makes enough power from the start you don't need those "spoolie things".

[@Inspherespace]

Yeah they forgot to put the S65 V8 from the M3 in there - not too hard to do - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z36kkoZ_pbV5icU&ab_channel=SpencerBerke

[@t1000eg]

Was the proud owner of my 1M for over 10 years, sold her two years ago due to requiring a deposit for my house but to this very day every atom in my body misses that car... would love to get another but them prices

[@eze8970]

Thanks J! 🙏

[@johnnyboy1586]

Looks like a tenacious stafficher terrier,,love it !!

[@steffydog]

Brilliant, love that car and she looks great in white , thanks.

[@alexhiggins7307]

BMW certainly know how to make a straight 6 engine.

[@madsciencebuilds]

I drove a Valencia orange 1M straight after driving a 135i,they are worlds apart in terms of dynamics. the 1M is a special car and also one of my favourite driver cars of all time.

[@dp2901]

Just put new Super Sports on my 1M which I bought new. I used it as a daily driver until I hit 36k miles and now she's mostly a garage queen. The thing still causes a work stoppage at the dealership when I bring it by.

[@cabinvibeetsystore9094]

New sub ! Liked 👍😲🤩

[@Fee.1]

One of the only BMW’s I know of that has never dropped below its MSRP except in some edge cases

[@hommuside]

You are to be commended on your lane keeping. I’d be stealing grass-verge-apexes and the odd wrong side when safe to do so but you never leave your lane. 👏🏻

[@jimmyquinn9639]

I haven’t got no gooseberry juice but hello Susan 😂😂good video 🚘🚙🚗👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@MrRoyck10]

The only Turbocharged BMW worth having IMO, I just like the old school bimmers of the ultimate driving machine era, today BMW M means Marketing rather than motorsports. This car is very rare, Turbocharging was a bit of a novelty when this car was new, now every car is turbocharged. I still gravitate towards naturally aspirated e46 and e92 M powered BMW, I would have like the M 1 to have the e46 M powered engine but I can live with the turbo engine, I suppose. Nice review.

[@johnscarsandstuff]

I was curious to see what you made of the BMW 1M as it's not only a car that I have driven but it is the only BMW that lived up to my expectations. It is therefore not only my favourite BMW but one of my favourite cars and I only wish that I could afford to buy one.

[@samcourt6228]

I love these. They look brilliant, almost comical with those arches. They need the very rare and rather expensive Performance seats. I’d have one in a heartbeat if I had the cash. The N54 was also in the 135i and 35i of this era. Oddly it seems to cause less issues in the 1M than the aforementioned cars and is massively tuneable if you to go down that route (someone I know is running a 1M well into the 400’s).

[@jamesbonomy42]

They don't look good.They are ugly.All bmw manual gearboxes are also crap although the Mercedes-Benz manual is a lot worse. Like stirring porridge.

[@samcourt6228]

@@jamesbonomy42 I think they look fab. Removing the CDV makes a bike difference to shift quality as does actually changing the oil (especially as these as).

[@1970borntorun]

Or save a ton of cash and get the 135is M-Sport, in a Manual and get 85% of the performance for 1/3 the price.

[@evorobin]

I passed on these as they were twice the price of an E46 M3. It’s only low production # driving the silly prices. Great car!!

[@SilliusSodus]

I remember driving the 1M in NFS 2012 (a good game but a bad NFS game). Good times.

[@snape1464]

Seeing as these are increasing in value, the initial price tag for one with descent miles shouldn't be a turnoff. If you can afford the buy in, you won't lose much or even any money while still enjoying it

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Like the UK the cheapest 1M here in Au today is £40,000 GBP and yes up to double that for some.

[@17t135i]

Awesome cars, I had to settle for the 135i with Msport Package, but still love it

[@bwdrives]

Great car :) how have you found the reliability?

[@17t135i]

@@bwdrives fine so far, but it's only done 74,000km

[@PerfectRotation]

I think theses drive well, and look fantastic. As an M2 owner though, I'll take the M2 every time.

[@joebloggs9719]

I really want an M2. I've got a highly modded 550bhp 335i but someone local to me has a beautiful m2 competition and I'm jealous of it.

[@PerfectRotation]

@@joebloggs9719 Do it. You won't be disappointed. Id buy an N55 M2 again though, and pocket the extra change. With a Dina piggyback, it makes the same power, but sounds much better.

[@PerfectRotation]

@BMW1M You definitely can't go wrong either way. Judging by your channel you drive it like it's suppose to as well!

[@tracktimevideos5164]

@BMW1M Cars are the best type of Art.

[@richardstevens808]

I agree with most of what you say but I’ve never seen one at 80K. The most I have ever seen one advertised is 70K and there is one right now going for that which has sat for nearly a year. Late 50K’s is where the low mileage examples have sat for several years now. If you like them you like them and if you don’t you can easily find something that you do like for similar money. Having owned two 1M’s I can really see the appeal and I even made money on the both them!

[@evolvedmindset4163]

Excellent review 💯

[@Bmontepeque11]

This and any of the F87 M2 variants are my favorite M Cars ever! ❤️🔥 I actually don't know which one I prefer but I have such a soft spot for these 1Ms 🥰

[@SteveDull]

I've always hated the look of the 1 series hatchback, 3 or 5 door, but adore my e82 coupé

[@lecco666]

Proper handbrake!

[@grenphelps7455]

I already know what Chris Harris thinks about this car.... 👌👌

[@simonburleigh5551]

Well done Susan!

[@greyguy.960]

Good? It's great. I used to work for a car BMW car leasing and this was my favourite BMW product. Also, the 335i is sweet and the m2. I had about 20 plus BMW products for 6 months to a year each from the x3 to m3 and drove them all. In my opinion, I would have this back and strangely the x3 35d.

[@jl2929]

You can make a 1 series handles like this. Front control arms are Interchangable. Do the alignment to 1M spec and wuolla 😉

[@jtaylor2563]

The E82 is one of my favorites body styles

[@dr_taka]

I also have the problem with my 1M water pump which is electric. I also had issue with the Intelligent battery sensor cable which ferked up after I brought a new charger for the cigarette lighter. Water pump was not 100% failed but I changed it anyway as I know this BMW issue … now love it. Also have problem with water getting in one of head light which can be fixed but risking damaging the xenon light leveller if not careful

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

Oh oh oh baby! What a freaking car!

[@ACOUPER100]

Had one for two years. Terrible at low speeds, brilliant at high speeds

[@beano6452]

What a machine 😍

[@sionjones1257]

You should try to get a hold of one of the V8 swapped ones. Not much content on KZbin about they look fantastic, especially at £30k

[@BMWEiMSport]

Love this car

[@JacksonODJ]

I bought a 135is new in 2013, and briefly considered a 1M. But, I didn't want to spend more for a car that was already two years old and still selling at MSRP. Yeah, that was a mistake.

[@marcgraham412]

I almost sold my Elise to buy an Exige years ago, at the time second hand there was only 2-4 grand between them. It’s more like 30 grand now. Slightly gutted looking back.

[@paulmichael3844]

My joint favourite bmw of all time this and the e46 m3 CSL

[@conradclaassen1214]

It sounds glorious

[@Silverhks]

The 1998 M Coupe would like to have a word about who was first hatch to wear an M badge. Other than that, another excellent review. I really wanted one of these and was upset with their limited production and single year availability.

[@Tracertme]

I think the e89 35is is a totally under rated model given it has the identical engine, combined with a really nice dual clutch transmission, something the current crop can’t quite match. Plus historic looks reminding you of BMW 507 history. The cars transform when you get rid of the nasty run flat tyres and can really exploit those 500nm of torque.

[@SicSemperBeats]

@BMW1M those z4 35is's are hard to find. Especially in manual (i think there's only a few hundred). Would love to have one, whether its manual or dual clutch. The n54 is such a darling engine, no matter how much pain it costs me

[@dalilrafi]

@BMW1M They will perform even better if you swap out wishbones and tension struts for the 1M/M3 versions, coilovers and change alignment (more front camber). Nothing big.

[@donsirsimon]

@@SicSemperBeats z4 35Is was DCT only. If you wanted manual you had to get a z4 35i. There arent many differences between them... more standard stuff, exhaust backboxes different, on stiffer engine mount and different tune on the engine with overboost. Other than that 35i and 35is are the same.

[@boguszn1978]

Quaiffe LSD, antiroll bars (rear one to the stiffest setting to decrease under steer), more comfortable dampers, non RFT tyres, engine tune and high flow air filter, negative camber on front axle and you have amazing sports car. Own 35i manual.

[@Birmingham_racing]

I thought you would have to be a fool to pay for the 1m over the 135i. Now we look at the used car prices guess I'm the fool

[@maxfrederick7703]

Please drive an LCI M2….. pre comp on uk roads. 👍😊

[@katzicael]

I *REALLY* wanted a 1 Series coupe, in Black or White. Such a great shape, and then the 1M came out - Fizzing.

[@raccs600]

dream car

[@amoghgajankush1975]

Can you please compare it to the M2CS ? What are your thoughts

[@RogerBergqvist]

A good stereo.... Harman/Kardon! 😎

[@johnmitchell2269]

Better value for money buying a used m140i. The B58 is a stronger, more refined and more reliable engine than the N54 as well.

[@GoldenCroc]

I might be inclined to agree, but it also can be said to feel/drive (depending on your sensitivity to such things) very differently. I got a m140 based purely on reviews, couldnt stand the driving feel and sold it again with less than 1000 miles driven. Bought an E series BMW again, couldnt be happier... expensive lesson for me, those 850 miles cost me £3000...

[@Zsword92]

But that's comparing a real M car vs an M-lite

[@GoldenCroc]

@@Zsword92 Honestly, what difference does that make in the real world for the driving experience, though? Every M is turbocharged anyway by now.

[@Mac_F87]

Very simple answer. The 1M is where the small M car started and the M140i isn’t going to retain value or appreciate when driven. It’s not going to be a modern classic.

[@bwdrives]

@@Mac_F87 some people disagree because it’s the last 6 cylinder RWD hatchback They won’t depreciate a lot as a result but probably won’t appreciate either because everyone and their nan seems to have one

[@hoey3510]

It's value is in its limited numbers only 6000 world wide ..which leaves only handful in each of those countries..will always hold its value and collectible status

[@wendymorgan6651]

Have a 1M 🙏

[@andyhunt457]

After having a 120d coupe for a good few yrs always fancied one of these especially after trying to keep up with one for a few minutes on commute home lol

[@chrisslater3174]

This, and the E92 M3, are the only BMWs I've ever really hankered after. Respected some others, but never wanted one enough to buy one. Nice review, James!

[@BlueJazzBoyNZ]

Will be nice when my Alloy bodied M1 esk replica M 70 engine ZF trans will turn a wheel

[@BrandonDmv]

The nav screen in the US cars are directly perfectly at the driver. Sad to see that in Europe they didn't change the position for the rhd cars

[@mitchdalen86]

The 2013 135is in a stick is as close as you can get to this for a fraction of the cost. If you can find one. Mine ends in Vin 60000.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

My 110 2.5n/a diesel ex Military Put out less black smoke 💨 on a drive by than this 1m Coupe Nice looking car

[@EdgyNumber1]

Watch the price of the BMW 1M fly through the roof even further! I like it because it reminds me of the E30 2-door That's why I like it.

[@danyoung9848]

You make that car look so small I would love to see you review a original mini lol

[@barfmeister8509]

One of these definitely on my want radar 😘

[@czrptr6849]

Wait until people discover that the 135i has the same engine...

[@monk3yboy69]

You have just pushed the prices up with that comment…. 🙂

[@grigorioschristodoulou5229]

The engine is the least important bit of the 1M

[@aust8273]

Great investment and very rare! Great vid Jay

[@CarYenta-1]

yes 80s music is back!

[@damilolaakanni]

It's about the size of the E30 M3...or maybe bigger, it has "adequate" power, it's rear wheel drive and it has a 6 speed manual transmission, so what's not to like about these?

[@coolguy91975]

It looks small, but it's way larger than an E30

[@SicSemperBeats]

honestly the fact that you can get a manual pre-lci 135i and just throw the m3/1m control arms on and get 90% of the experience is the reason why most people didn't buy these, I feel. Those 135i's are such a thing of beauty

[@denso6708]

I was lucky enough to buy 1 of these in 2011, i would have loved it to have DCT but it never happened. Owned it 3.5 years and did 36000 miles in it and loved every 1 of them. This along with my GT4 are the only 2 cars i have ever had sellers regret over selling them.

[@dp2901]

I've got mine still and I daily my 981S (manual with all the enthusiast trimmings). I don't plan on selling either one. They are both an absolute joy to drive.

[@Fee.1]

Track Rods? Is that like a Tie rod ?

[@return2med241]

Love the 1M but the price is a stinker. Modded 135i or 335i can be a interesting value proposition and extra change in the pocket for a used Porsche for weekends. I have a slightly modified 335i making around 380/400hp with an upgraded suspensions and arms going for a quarter of the price. Would be interesting to see your reactions vs this

[@MRJAYDANGEROUS]

Yea but nobody wants a modded 135i everyone's got one of them.. This would be super rare.

[@Microfishingstory]

That was a great intro transition, wow!

[@stu4181]

So Mr Jay-Emm the question on my mind, since you’ve now driven both, do you trade it’s old sparring partner the cayman R for it…. ??

[@benday1218]

Puppy Power!

[@ItsTheNada]

It’s like the modern 2002 turbo

[@leenevin8451]

That’s nice leather for a modern Bmw

[@kip8790]

If only they fitted the s65 m3 V8 along with all the other stuff. Seen a few videos of cars that have been converted and I think it transforms the car.

[@lewis72]

BMW can be confusing with their badging. Not only do their last two digits not always correspond to the engine size but "proper" M cars' badging was also a bit confusing. E28 M5 - Proper M car. E28 M535i - E28 with M bits but a std 3.5 engine. E24 M635CSi - Proper M car (with E28 M5 engine). So it _could_ have been called the M130i

[@jedgreco]

I own an orange 2012 1M with about 3000 miles. Not a perfect car... but I think it's worth keeping it

[@James-oo1yq]

I use my wife's 123d M sport, and it's a hoot!

[@GoldenCroc]

Remap it, if you havent. Pretty sprightly after that.

[@darkblueturbo]

Just out of reach, financially, but there's a lovely looking one owner for £40k that made me drool. I looked at original M2 instead and was not impressed (I was surprised I wasn't, but clutch too light, steering too light and no feel). The 1M seems like the next thing I should try but... too much. :(. The one that got away... (fingers crossed for an inexplicable price crash some day)

[@panayotiscoucopoulos5325]

Dear James, I've been waiting for this video for years! As a proud 1M owner, I am thrilled to hear your take on it. I share your thoughts and in the same manner chose it over a M2 and M2C. Keep up the good work!

[@MrRoyck10]

Good choice, as least the 1M has a soul unlike these ultra fast soulless 1000 bhp with turbo the size of a jet engine that sucks out all the engine characteristics of a sports car that typifies new BMWs.

[@GeorgeAusters]

If these came with the S65 V8 then they would be perfect!

[@biggerinjapan298]

Love these… great review thank you. I think 130i ‘s are a great and cheaper alternative.. could be future classics also.

[@dan3092]

Yes sir defo or a 135 does the same job for way less money

[@josephmadkour830]

The best car.