BMW 1M Coupe: The Best M Car Ever? - Carfection+

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There's a reason the BMW 1M Coupe wasn't simply called the BMW M1, but that doesn't mean that it shouldn't have had that badge. Find out the whole story in our latest film with Drew Stearne.
Also is it better than the BMW M2?
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[@porscheguy09]

Only 450 were made for the UK. You failed to specify that. A total of 6309 were built worldwide.

[@paulw5822]

Exactly, you beat me to it!

[@pb7870]

Glad someone said this, it’s still a shame there was so few though

[@mothusimaake1566]

Thanks Ryan 😂

[@Bmw_1M]

Ryan Lange They built 6331 total

[@beluga2857]

I will buy this car!

[@JuanAdam12]

This thing looked like an instant classic the day it came out.

[@Robin-xd6yo]

My favorite M-car ever, a parts-bin special with something magical about it

[@ALMX5DP]

Favorite ever? Are you too young to remember the E92, E46, E60, E39, E36, E30, E34, E28 etc?

[@ALMX5DP]

1betterthanyou1 e36 is definitely not the cream of the crop, but it was certainly more of an ///M car than this (at least in Euro guise).

[@givemeajackson]

hahaha not even close.

[@Robin-xd6yo]

Yes, to young to remember. 22 years young to be precise. I offcourse do remeber de E60 M5 and E92 M3 but they just don't do it for me. To big and to loud, this 1M is perfectly in balance and just does it for me

[@AndorRadnai]

@@ALMX5DP Well, I agree with him. It is magical.

[@DrFrankLondon]

Had the pleasure of driving one in Germany a few years back and it was an unforgettable experience, I drove the M2 last year one the same roads, I like the concept of the 1 M better, but as a daily driver I would take the M2 any day of the week, except Sunday's. Great video, Drew!! Keep up the great work!

[@chrisogrady28]

No one has ever described the N54 as a ‘Pokey little engine’ before A 335bhp 3 litre twin turbo straight six is a massive, beast of an engine, especially for such a small car. You can also tune and modify N54s up to 800bhp...

[@baldeep2]

And this is why I love Carfection; the passion.

[@Andi-fz3ty]

To anyone interested in the matter I strongly advise watching Chris Harris' comparison of this and the M2.

[@Prime.Era.]

Prefer this to the M2

[@GlennsCarCollection]

TheHK2127 I agree. I prefer my 1M to my M2

[@jordivas9592]

Me too, the M2 is really good but i like this better

[@Prime.Era.]

Glenns Car Collection I was just trying to remember your channel name to check your videos, I remember seeing your 1M on Tommy’s channel. So weird that you replied lol.

[@ALMX5DP]

I just want to see one of these with a swapped S54 or even S65. IMO ///M cars need to be high revving and naturally aspirated.

[@GlennsCarCollection]

TheHK2127 Great, glad I did. Thank you for subscribing to my channel. More 1M videos to come

[@M1LIFECREATIVE]

really enjoyed this video, love the passion in your voice

[@chrisogrady28]

I love the shape of the old 1 Series coupe/cabrio so much. Planning on buying a 135 when the right one comes to market

[@The0riginal]

This car's styling has agreed really well. Didn't like it much when it came out. Now? I love the understated aggressiveness.

[@mdcohen]

Thus seems like the introduction of a longer video.

[@audiocosmonaut3883]

Yeah, I agree - how special it would be if Carfection made a film about this car in the style of yesterday’s one about the GT3 🙂

[@cxns155]

This pleases Lord Bangle. Bangle lives on forever.

[@TheAMalik89]

What I don't understand is why people bemoan the fact the M2 doesn't have a "proper" M engine. But you see countless videos like this about the 1M and nobody mentions it "only" has an N54 mildly upgraded from a 135 under the bonnet. Bit odd

[@aidenp5768]

The M2 ended production anyway the new M2 and only M2 you can buy brand new is the competition and it has a Full M engine.

[@TheAMalik89]

III BMW III Yes I'm aware of that. Still doesn't explain the hate for the regular M2

[@aidenp5768]

TheAMalik89 Well it solves a bit because BMW basically listened and ditched the original M2 for something people bitched about even though us BMW guys and Car guys understand it doesn’t need a M engine at all. The baby M car has 410HP now BMW is moving up the scale.

[@ItsMikeArre]

TheAMalik89 true it does not have a S badged engine but that’s being corrected with the M2 CS bc it’s getting the M4 S55 engine dropped in

[@TheAMalik89]

Mike Arredondo You're correct there. What I meant was that doesn't explain the cult status for the 1M. BMW never needed to fit an S series engine in that, nor was it ever really mentioned as an issue that it had the engine out of a 135

[@johnv4866]

Thanks to Carfection for giving us constantly great content.

[@ArunPradeepMusic]

that outro music ❤️

[@1seipai]

Excellent video and history lesson. You need to do one on the Z3M Coupe, the bread van! 😎

[@DeltaCressida]

People should make more cars like this. Small, agile, tight steering,

[@lmc333]

I should have bought this car when I had the chance... What is the ending music of this video, matches the 1M perfectly...

[@chadmackie]

Me too. I've had multiple chances to buy one. I'm not smart

[@melvinblackburn195]

One of my dream cars, for sure.

[@dp2901]

I’m one of the fortunate few that owns a 1M and I can tell you that it’s brilliant. It doesn’t have the legs of a V8 M3 but it is so fun to drive, you just don’t care.

[@phillollard6965]

Great little review on a great little legend. Nice 👀

[@MichaelM-zk7lc]

Drew this was great, you should do more reviews on camera!! 👌

[@MrVatorico]

With no doubt, the best youtube channel!

[@HangHe2key]

1M vs new M2 Competition! Make it happen!

[@MTreddevil12]

If the e46 m3 CSL came with a manual it would be the greatest by far.

[@fohatadri]

manual conversion isn't expensive, though it would probably ruin the originality factor.

[@aviationlba747]

Yes indeed. I probably wouldn’t manual swap an E46 M3 CSL, instead I would just buy a ‘standard’ E46 M3.

[@olo606]

Yeah, great video! I love mine. Not one hiccup from new

[@ghepardogts]

I can’t decide whether to buy this or the M2 Competition. This is the third time in 7 years that I agonize whether to get a current sportscar or the 1M. Help!

[@okeyezeilo6187]

Fantastic exhaust note...

[@BarryBethal-yv2oz]

These are a nice looking motor the proportions are just right in my opinion pity they didn't let a few more in the uk.

[@johnb3159]

love it.. great words Drew

[@ChaosphereIX]

E36 or E46 thanks.

[@MichaelM-zk7lc]

@carfection Drew is great, every always wants Henry who is good as well, but Drew is very underrated!

[@coffeerun7684]

I have it, along with M3 GTS, M3 CRT, e30 M3, etc. The 1M is the best M car I've owned so far. Nothing comes close to it. The driver's car! The M2 doesn't get even close to the 1M

[@Bmwguy2011]

Tony Gantus that’s an impressive collection for sure. After researching the matter for awhile, and being cost conscious, I bought a 128i this week with the MSport package, 6MT, and fully loaded. It only shares the facade, rear bumper, steering wheel and shifter knob with the 1M. But the basic size, handling, chassis, and 6 cylinder components do make it a blast. You never hear about the 128i.

[@coffeerun7684]

It's indeed a great little car. The 128i has also superb handling. With 6 speed MT is very capable. Congrats on the choice!!

[@campari4467]

Tony Gantus and u have tiny hands

[@ItsTeagle]

I don't think the 128i came to the UK, as far as I can tell though it's very similar to the 125i and just a slightly restricted version of my 130i. They're awesome cars, the sound they make with a little bit of exhaust modification is insane too 😁

[@fredriksvard2603]

Tony Gantus CSL > all

[@michaelj7069]

I agree 100% Love this,

[@unowen-nh9ov]

No Twitter, but wrt 2 GC being a Coupe, centuries ago French coachbuilders used their word couper ("to cut") to indicate a lowered roof on a horsedrawn carriage, BMW use it on 4 GC, 6 GC, 8 GC, X2, X4, X6, X8 SACs. Long history, post-War U.S. cars had 4 dr. fastbacks called Sedanettes & lotsa other wonky words, Rover had 4 dr. coupe in the '60's.

[@daveythomas4473]

Thinking of investing in one of these but will parts be hard to find with such a small number made dont want to invest if future parts NLA 😪

[@TheRockrm]

B O L D C L A I M S

[@dsc5957]

LOL at the i8 reference

[@ariffroose6356]

What if... the 1 “M Coupe” name came from the Z3 “M Coupe”? Considering these cars were basically BMW M special projects, I think it could make sense to refer it that way. 🤔

[@beluga2857]

I will buy this car no matter what!

[@arda_]

How is that limited to 450? Wiki says there were 6309 units porduced? Maybe only 450 for UK?

[@SebTref]

Arda Celik Yes, 450 UK cars of which about 300 are left in the country today

[@ssc00p]

Yeah... that´s really weird "journalism" to say 450 ever produced...

[@furiousgeorge6594]

to be fair BMW stuck a plaque inside the car saying XX/450 so if anyone is to blame it's BMW

[@furiousgeorge6594]

0:51 in the video

[@mUnchaMaddNesS]

the n54 is the modern 2jz dont @ me

[@squirtle570]

tacse close but not perfect. The 2JZ was iron block. Takes more HP and is literal perfection. The N54 is aluminum block can't really for 1000 HP or more. Plus the N54 has minor problems but the N55 fixed it's problems.

[@squirtle570]

tacse still is closest thing to the 2JZ

[@mUnchaMaddNesS]

Squirtle agreed but both engines cant make 1000hp on stock block reliably

[@christiann6350]

Squirtle Imo the Barra is just as close

[@mUnchaMaddNesS]

Alpha Nerd im from australia and i reckon the barra is even better xD

[@Maykel8989]

Video en español porfavor ???

[@sleepeatdrive7619]

I almost bought a 1M but another guy beat my offer :( So I ended up buying a Porsche and I don’t miss the chance I had to own the 1M......until a video like this comes up!

[@hazmanhatta9964]

Can you review a bmw 228i/230i? my country has an ancient regulations which the road tax is very expensive for car above 2000cc

[@jegatkinson]

Just love the 1M but have having problems watching anybody who wears two watches.

[@arzanshahzad1795]

Those wheels 😍😍

[@gurkpojken]

The m135i must be a good invest today? How much are different to the 1m? I like when bmw didnt put the m1 badge at this car, the m1 is a gorgeus car and i hope bmw maybe build the true midengined m1 in the future.

[@93455Driver]

Wish the 135 was not such an understeering car, so it could be the cheaper 1M like car. Understand that the 135 can have the understeer dialed back.

[@pixelfahnderTV]

I love my 1m and will never sell it

[@HeinrichGossler]

Z4 M roadster/coupe, has better looks, the legendary S54 engine, the same small package. And actually out performs de 1M round a track. Even less of them where made.

[@Fearzzy]

z4 is more of a GT car than a sports car, it doesn't handle like true sports cars

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@Fearzzy Neither does the 1M. It's become 'trendy' for grown men who have never driven a 1M, to cream their panties over one, based on bro' science and bullshit. They are only desirable because they are worth a fortune, that is all. My OG M2 is a much better car, in every way.

[@ArthurJGibson]

You didn't credit George Peck?

[@FisheeC3]

It's really no surprise that the best M cars are the smallest and least expensive M cars... lower weight, shorter wheelbase, better balance, fewer nannies. The way cars were intended to be.

[@Edwin-km4xk]

Nice video

[@vab120]

3:37 please change the tyres😂

[@15october91]

M140i shadow edition, I think is a very good all round car.

[@1972juankarlos]

That is in fact a really great car

[@GrooveTasticThang]

Fancy 80% of the quirky fun for 20% of the price? I’m loving my eurospec 125i MSport coupe- remaps to 280hp (yep NA, as very destuned 3.0lt 6 cylinder from the 330i, z4 3.0si,) 6 speed Manual- small, agile, analogue ( but with idrive for the techies) flavour of e30, what’s not to like? Iwas to busy paying the mortgage when the 1m coupe was on sale so this is a great alternative ( get them whilst they’re cheap!)

[@Levente20]

the best M car is the M3 CSL. the 1M is not bad but nothing can touch the CSL

[@DjNikGnashers]

Agreed, the M3CSL, the E39 M5, and the E30 M3 are all far better cars. In fact, I would MUCH rather have my OG M2 than this ugly 1 series. The only reason people go on and on about them is because they are rare, and worth money, not because they are good cars.

[@whal8y]

Only 450? I must be a lucky guy here in the US , as I have seen about 10% of them in AZ alone (J/K)... a couple more than 450 were made .

[@StephenButlerOne]

Rather than the true M1, I'd say it is a modern day upgrade to the original M3. The new M3 is huge. I'd love me some 2002 turbo action in my life. So cool, and oh the lag.

[@aster5031]

5/5

[@gamerclips1882]

I don’t think it’s the best M car but damn is it up there. I believe the m2 comp of the best M car. Beautiful design, the “new”engine is very well and it pushes. On top of that the m2C is light, tech is up to date, manual box is not bad, and the automatic gearbox is super smooth and fast. At the end of the day it’s my personal opinion but the e46 is up there too :’(

[@1Beko]

Question, do you guys have anything that is monetary subscription based like a Patreon or anything of that sort? would like to show more support for your content other than just watching ads & liking FB & Twitter pages.

[@simont4708]

not bad for a parts bin car

[@AsifLicious]

This is the car I really want. Couldn’t afford it so I got the 135i instead

[@M4rt_FX]

Dude, no one calls it the '1M Coupe'.. In years to come, this car will be worth very good $$. Why? It's rare you find a limited run car that is universally adored like this one is. Sure bet.

[@superchargedman]

Great video! Do I trade in my gt4 and 1m for a 991.2 manual pts gt3? I’m struggling big time.

[@aviationlba747]

What did you end up doing? If I was in your position, I would struggle too. All three are brilliant cars.

[@superchargedman]

Aviation LBA time has passed significantly. Since letting go of the m, which I miss dearly, I briefly owned a 991.2 Gt3 rs and a 997.1 turbo. However, I’ve found a perfect one owner manual f430 and a 997.2 Gt3 rs. Think the rs will be swapped for a 458 next season. The gated manual f430 is a keeper for life though. I do still hope to find another m down the road. One of my all time favs.

[@aviationlba747]

Quite interesting... It’s hard to beat a gated Ferrari!

[@NikosDIY]

Happy that I watched that, couldn't agree more 1M is the M1! Funny fact both the "entry-level" sports cars from Porsche and BMW (1M/M2 and Cayman) are better than their big brothers...!

[@givemeajackson]

i am still sad there was no M hatchback... the first gen 1 series looks sooo much better as a hatchback than a coupé

[@DjNikGnashers]

No. Not even close. E39 M5, M3CSL, E30 M3 best M cars

[@charliesliferecorded1891]

Look... I love all bmws 2006 and lower. I still cant see the reason as to why this is better over the look and feel of an e30, e36, e46 m3. I just can't. Plus the price for a an e36/46 m3 right now... you just cant beat it. IMO those were and are still the true M cars.

[@kolifun]

1M is the best M car. The only down side for me is that this car wasn't available with a DCT transmission. There were at least one prototype running with DCT, but for whatever reason (marketing and cost probably) it wasn't allowed to be produced. I love the story how the 1M was born, this after hours work at the company, various components used from other models. Perfect car (but DCT) with perfect look and perfect story.

[@dair919]

Actually a few thousand were made. And only 450 came to the UK.

[@CarToneHK]

The 1M actually proves that a turbocharged M car is acceptable, as long as the engine is good and the handling is there, it’s a M car

[@Mrgreen25200]

Perfect 1M. If you don't have the money, take a look for a fantastic BMW e30 320i.

[@Joe-eg7ml]

Too bad the engine is unreliable pos. Had 1 series in n54 and n55 and both had major issues.

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

Gorgeous to look at? Erm noo

[@DjNikGnashers]

It's a fugly, dumpy, horrid thing to me.

[@Checkyoursix77]

M5 E34 is the best M car. Straight six, hand built and no nonsense...

[@Toyota4Life]

Can you gives do a Lexus ISF ? I think BMW has been covered enough now

[@aidenp5768]

Toyota4Life Lexus too new...

[@in54ne82]

Best turbocharged BMW ever made!

[@TomB1988]

‘Best’ is subjective. I’d have an E92 over a 1M. I’m more of an NA guy.

[@philipcooper8297]

E30 M3 was the last proper M-car.

[@ItsMikeArre]

Wait till the M2 CS come out

[@ItsMikeArre]

128-192 u think the M2 is heavy ? The 1M weights like 3300 pounds while I agree it does weight a ton u have to wait for the M2 CS it’s going to be south of 3500 for sure and with that M3/M4 S55 engine it’s going to be the one to get

[@BaseyCrown]

True car enthusiast know the e46 M3 is the pinnacle of the M car series and BMW is still chasing that benchmark set 18 years ago.

[@DjNikGnashers]

E39 M5 and E30 M3, along with the E46 M3 CSL are in my opinion, the greatest M cars.

[@scottfromengland2303]

I've always wondered why the 1M wasn't the M1.. 👍🏻 to be fair the 1M should be the M1 and the 1M should of been the Super BMW in my view 🙄

[@jimmysandshoe]

Do you think they’d still be so special if they weren’t limited numbers?

[@DjNikGnashers]

Exactly. It's an ugly, dumpy, spikey handling, 1 series coupe with a none S engine. It's only so desirable because of it's rarity and value. And it's value will only stay high if you don't drive it, and so these will all now be tucked away and garage queens. The M2 is a much better car, faster, better handling, safer, more modern tech, more practical, better interior, and I think MUCH better looking, and you can drive them without worrying they will lose value.

[@Spartan_Pope]

Coo-pay.

[@kasaGG]

My uncle has one in orange. It really looks better in person.

[@623bruceilc]

Stop staying how glorious the 1M is. It makes it harder for me to buy it in he future.

[@willmac5642]

Something missing from this review.

[@chbrules]

Honestly, the car is overrated. It was a frankenstein creation with E92 M3's parts in a smaller body. It wasn't particularly lightweight, and it wasn't particularly agile or high on performance. I've driven one, and it's kinda fun, but it isn't something I'd spend lots of money on to get. It's still a modern BMW with tons of plastic garbage parts where they should be metal in the engine bay.

[@a.c.vermillion]

this is the only BMW i'd ever own

[@siemprebmw3284]

Funny how people love this wonder car know as the 1M .... until they drive the M1 and the feeling of been inside a machine hits you .... M1 all day . DRIVE A CLASSIC NOT A PLASTIC .

[@Catalina._]

The best M car?LoL it's still a shit 135i with bodykit compared to magnificent BMW M1 duh...

[@JAMAL12382]

They should have just called it the M1 coupe

[@JAMAL12382]

Or M1CSL

[@TorquingcarsOnline]

"This is really the M1" - drive an M1 and you'll realise how special that really was.

[@campari4467]

For fuck sake It's a 1 series BMW Give it a break

[@mattportnoyTLV]

I love my BMW 1, but I hate hearing someone say "cou-pay". It's creepy.

[@hihello6353]

Matt Portnoy how you say it then lol