BMW 1 Series M Coupe Review: She's the 1
The entry point to the world of BMW M motoring just got more accessible thanks to the introduction of the 1 Series M Coupe. Raymond Lai finds out if it deserves the evocative M badge.
What we like:
Superb handling dynamics- looks the business
- strong mid-range punch
- well-judged controls
- there aren’t many around
- Class 3A license holders have to look elsewhere
What we dislike:
A used M3 will probably cost similar money- slight turbo lag at low speeds
- cramped cabin
- hefty clutch
- turbo motor not as satisfying to rev as M engines of old
More than just a 135i coupe with pumped up bodywork and quad tailpipes, the 1M also gets the full M-treatment under the skin. So essentially the M3 underpinnings - suspension arms, brakes and rear differential/axle. The ride though is surprisingly pliant which makes it handling prowess around the track like Pasir Gudang where I drove it even more amazing.
Part of it is surely due to the uprated 3-litre 6-cylinder engine that is used in peasant form in the 335iS/Z4 sDrive35iS. Equipped with twin turbos, the Straight-six gives 340bhp and 450Nm. Best of all, the M engineers have mated it to a sweet-shifting six-speed manual gearbox - the only transmission choice.
On the corners of the tight and twisty Pasir Gudang circuit, the 1 M turns in sharply (thanks, I'm sure to its 100mm shorter wheelbase than a M3) with little roll. Steering feel via the thick-rimed three-spoke wheel is brilliant and there is hardly anything to fault with it dynamics on or off the track.
The only niggle one might have with the 1M is the less than sonorous soundtrack - but with a limited production run that ends in November this year and M3 equaling fun, the 1M looks set to become as iconic as the original E30 M3.
Credits: Story by Raymond Lai Photos by William Whey, Yang and Raymond Lai
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