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| History |
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What makes the 1 Series M Coupe unique?
The E82 1 Series M Coupe is a special version of the standard 1 Series coupe that was developed by BMW M GmbH, the subsidiary of BMW AG responsible for creating its most performance-oriented products. It mates a mildly-tuned version of the twin-turbocharged N54 motor with an M-enhanced chassis, and features massively-restyled bodywork, as well as many unique interior features. |
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When was the 1 Series M Coupe first introduced?
In an unprecedented maneuver, BMW M allowed journalists to ride in pre-production examples of the 1 Series M Coupe during July of 2010, roughly nine months before series production began. The car was officially announced at this time, and some preliminary details were also released. BMW M then continued to tease the car by slowly releasing more details and images until the official unveiling finally took place in Munich during December of 2010. |
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Where was the 1 Series M Coupe produced?
The 1 Series M Coupe was produced on the regular 1 Series assembly line in Leipzig, Germany. |
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Why was the 1 Series M Coupe not given the "M1" designation?
According to Dr. Kay Segler, the managing director of BMW M GmbH at the time of the 1 Series M Coupe's introduction, the "M1" designation could never be used again, as it would remain exclusive to the mid-engined sports car that BMW Motorsport produced between 1978 and 1981. BMW M therefore settled on "1 Series M Coupe" as the official model name, though several alternative designations were considered but ultimately rejected. |
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What was the internal codename for the 1 Series M Coupe?
Before the 1 Series M Coupe was given its official designation, BMW M referred to the model internally as PYRAT, allegedly because of the engineers' affection for a spiced rum of the same name. |
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Why did the 1 Series M Coupe utilize an existing BMW motor and not a unique M powerplant?
The 1 Series M Coupe was created in a very short period and with a very limited development budget. Therefore, BMW M did not have the time or the resources to create a unique powerplant exclusively for this model. Instead, a mildly enhanced version of the twin-turbocharged N54 motor that already powered the 135i coupe and convertible (as well as several other BMW models) was used in the 1 Series M Coupe, as this was deemed an adequate and cost-effective way to provide more than ample performance. |
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| Production Data |
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How many versions of the 1 Series M Coupe were developed?
BMW M developed three versions of the 1 Series M Coupe: Left-hand drive (UR91) and right-hand drive (UR92) European-spec versions, as well as a left-hand drive model (UR93) for North America. |
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How many of each version were produced?
UR91 (European-spec, LHD): 4,155 produced 03/2011 through 06/2012
UR92 (European-spec, RHD): 1,204 produced 03/2011 through 06/2012
UR93 (North American-spec, LHD): 983 produced 03/2011 through 12/2011 |
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Is there much variation between the 1 Series M Coupes sold in different markets?
All 1 Series M Coupes sold worldwide are essentially identical in terms of their mechanical configuration, though there were minor variations in each country to comply with local regulations and requirements. In addition, standard and optional equipment varied slightly from market to market. |
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What significant changes were made to the 1 Series M Coupe during its production?
There were no significant changes made to the 1 Series M Coupe during the 16 months that it was in production. |
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Was the 1 Series M Coupe considered a limited edition model?
No, for most markets BMW M delivered as many 1 Series M Coupes as its restricted production capacity could supply and sales were not limited to a specific pre-determined number. However, there were a few notable exceptions: Production was limited in the UK to exactly 450 examples and each one was equipped with a numbered plaque inscribed with "One of 450," while France received just 100 examples, each with an individually-numbered plaque. |
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| Drivetrain |
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How does the N54 motor in the 1 Series M Coupe differ from the version found in other BMW models?
Though the twin-turbocharged N54 inline-6 used in the 1 Series M Coupe is internally identical to the 2,979-cc unit used in many other BMW models, it does feature specific engine software and a unique exhaust system, both developed by BMW M GmbH. These enhancements, combined with an increase in maximum turbo boost from 0.6 bar (8.7 psi) to 0.8 bar (11.6 psi), raise maximum horsepower from 306 hp (DIN)/300 hp (SAE) @ 5,800 rpm to 340 hp (DIN)/335 hp (SAE) @ 5,900 rpm. Maximum torque increased from 300 lb-ft to 332 lb-ft, and this figure is maintained between 1,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm. In addition, an overboost function provides up to 369 lb-ft of torque for short durations. The only item that distinguishes this version of the N54 cosmetically is the "Powered by BMW M" identification on its valve cover. |
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What kind of transmission is used in the 1 Series M Coupe?
The 1 Series M Coupe is equipped exclusively with a Getrag Type K 6-speed manual gearbox. Lighter and more compact than the earlier Type G, the Type K also features intermediate bearings for reduced noise and wear, carbon synchros for the first two gears, and a dry sump lubrication system. Gear ratios are as follows: 4.11 (1), 2.32 (2), 1.54 (3), 1.18 (4), 1.0 (5), 0.85 (6).
The transmission is mated to a 3.08:1 differential featuring the variable M Differential Lock. (The M Differential Lock is activated when there is a difference in rotational speed between the two rear wheels. This difference pressurizes a viscous silicon fluid, which then operates a multi-disc clutch that directs more power to the wheel with the greatest traction.) |
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What type of electronic stability control system is fitted to the 1 Series M Coupe?
The 1 Series M Coupe is equipped with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which incorporates ABS (anti-lock brakes), ASC (stability control), DBC (hill-hold) and CDC (compensates for brake fade and dries brake pads). In addition to being completely disabled, DSC can be set to M Dynamic Mode (MDM), which raises the threshold at which the system will intervene. |
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Are any of the vehicle systems on the 1 M Coupe adjustable by the driver?
In stark contrast to most M products of the modern era, the only driver-adjustbale feature on the 1 Series M Coupe is the sensitivity of its electronic throttle, which can be altered via the "M" button on the steering wheel. |
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| Chassis |
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How does the suspension in the 1 Series M Coupe differ from the suspension of other 1 Series models?
Like all variants of the E82 platform, the 1 Series Coupe uses a MacPherson strut suspension design up front and a multi-link design in the rear. However, for this application, BMW M adopted nearly the entire suspension system from the E90/E92/E93 M3. This includes the aluminum control arms and links both front and rear, as well as the front shocks, the 26.5mm front anti-roll bar and the front strut tower brace. However, the 22.5mm rear anti-roll bar is unique to the 1 Series M Coupe, as are the rear shocks and all four coil springs. The adaptation of these components to the E82 platform also widened the car's track considerably, both at the front (increased from 68.2mm to 71mm) and the rear (increased from 44.2mm to 46mm). |
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How does the steering system of the 1 Series M Coupe differ from that of other E82 1 Series models?
Like much of the suspension, the 1 Series M Coupe also shares its steering system with that of the E90/E92/E93 M3. The rack-and-pinion design features hydraulic Servotronic (vehicle speed sensitive) assist and an overall ratio of 12.5:1, which is significantly quicker than the 16.0:1 ratio found in other E82 1 Series models. |
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What type of brakes does the 1 Series M Coupe utilize?
Once again, the braking system of the 1 Series M Coupe is interchangeable with that of the E90/E92/E93 M3. The cross-drilled rotors feature a compound construction and measure 360mm X 30mm (14.2 inches X 1.18 inches) in front and 350mm X 24mm (13.8 inches X 0.94 inches) in the back. The calipers are a single-piston design. |
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What type of wheels were offered on the 1 Series M Coupe?
BMW M offered one single wheel and tire package for the 1 Series M Coupe: the same staggered 19-inch M "Y-Spoke" alloy wheels (Style 359M) provided with the E90/E92 M3 Competition Package. These measure 9x19-inches in front (with 245/35R19 tires) and 10x19-inches n the rear (with 265/35R19 tires). |
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| Cosmetics |
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How is the exterior of the 1 Series M Coupe different from that of the standard E82 1 Series coupe?
The exterior bodywork of the 1 Series M Coupe is significantly altered over that of the other 1 Seres coupes and shares only its doors, roof and engine lid with other E82 models. The flared fenders are over two inches wider than those of the standard E82, while the front fenders incorporate LED turn signal strips borrowed from the E90/E92/E93 M3. The front fascia has a far more aggressive design that incorporates innovative "air curtain" openings at the outer corners that are designed to decrease turbulence around the front wheels at higher speeds. Meanwhile, the rear valance features a prominent lower diffuser and incorporates quad exhaust tips. The rear-view mirrors are also unique to the 1 Series M Coupe and resemble those of the E90/E92/E93 M3. Finally, high-gloss Shadowline exterior window trim was standard on the 1 Series M Coupe, though chrome trim was offered as an optional alternative in some markets. |
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How is the interior of the 1 Series M Coupe different from that of the standard E82 1 Series coupe?
In addition to its standard sport seats, anthracite headliner, aluminum M footrest and door sill plates marked with the M logo (all items shared with the optional M Sport package offered on other E82 models), the interior of the 1 Series M Coupe also features a number of unique items:
—Black Boston leather upholstery with Orange contrast stitching
—Anthracite Alcantara (synthetic suede) with Orange contrast stitching for the door panels, dashboard trim strip, door pulls, instrument panel binnacle, shift boot and parking brake boot
—Leather-wrapped M steering wheel with tri-color stitching (shared with the E90/E92/E93 M3)
—M leather shift knob with shortened lever
—M instrumentation with red gauge needles, unique instrument graphics, and grey outer rings on the speedometer and tachometer |
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| Special Versions |
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NO OFFICIAL SPECIAL VERSIONS OF THE E82 1 SERIES M COUPE WERE PRODUCED.
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