Here’s Why The BMW 1M Coupe Will Cost A Fortune Very Soon

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Orange 2011 BMW 1M Coupe


Replacing the M3 was never going to be easy for BMW, and although the E90 version was introduced in 2008, the company wanted something smaller and more ‘affordable’. The M3 was a car that always wore a smile, and made those who drove it, smile too. When the race-bred M3 drove into the sunset in the 1990s, it was a sad moment for purists.

There have undoubtedly been faster and more talented versions of the 3-Series, but somehow, over the years, BMW purists have felt the Three was missing something all along. But after the introduction of the BMW 1M Coupe, things were about to change for the better. Based on the 1 Series, the 1M was a car with a straight-six engine producing 339hp, featuring a compact body, upgraded suspension, and an intention to deliver thrills behind the wheel.

The Motorsport-made 1 Series, when first revealed, looked like the ugly duckling in the range, but as the years have passed, the looks have grown on many. With its flared wheel arches, sporty body kit, and large 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, it was no regular BMW. It was a BMW with tricks up its sleeve and continues to be extremely desirable in today’s used car market.

Related: Here’s Why The 2008 BMW 5 Series Is Still A Good Luxury Car

BMW 1M Is Appreciating In Value

Other bits set it apart from other BMW offerings, like quad exhaust pipes, the M badges, and chrome vents on the front fenders. It’s far from being pretty, but the 1M Coupe is more than a doll with a confused face. It’s more like Harley Quinn: naughty and nice. It continues to pack a punch, and when introduced back in 2011, it was not cheap.

However, having been quite a threat to Porsche Cayman, especially the S, it meant BMW had to undercut its rival in terms of pricing, and so it did. The same doesn’t hold true as of today, because while the Porsche is depreciating in value, the BMW is appreciating.

Which is more like buying a house then. Low-mileage examples of the 2011 model are in the market for a little over $100,000, which can be found on classic.com. That’s shockingly expensive, but purists are buying them, and we’re here to investigate why.

BMW 1M Coupe Is Cute Now, Was Not Then

The compact and high-performance BMW 1M Coupe was sold exclusively in three colors only: Black Sapphire Metallic, Valencia Orange Metallic, and Alpine White (non-metallic). We’re sorry BMW, but the 1M has a flat face – and the only detailing that has saved it a little, are the big air intakes which make way for cool air into the engine.


Then there’s the wide central air intake covered by a honeycomb-structured grille, along with two outer intakes that are open. The shoulder line is prominently visible, and we cannot imagine how bland the side profile would’ve looked if it wasn’t for the shoulder line. It genuinely brings out the distinct look of the car.

More Sporty Details On The BMW 1M Coupe

The wheel arches look like they’ve had Botox fillers injected into them. The door mirrors have also been shaped by the wind, but it’s the sheer width of the wheel arches that grabs your attention first. A neat spoiler lip is found on the boot lid, and it produces extra downforce on the rear axle when you’ve got your foot to the floor. The rear isn’t too bad actually, featuring side openings.


If there’s one thing that’s going to have your jaw drop, it’s the chrome twin exhausts, sticking out from either side. Ten years ago, these looked unusually large, but with today’s exhausts either growing larger or slowly disappearing, they now look normal-sized. The tail light design is neat, and coming back to the front: that kidney grille design – oh, how we miss it on today’s BMWs!

Related: These Are The 10 Most Reliable Modern BMWs

BMW 1M Coupe Has A Cockpit For Drivers

The M-specific cockpit you see in the images was designed exclusively for the 1M Coupe, and that meant it had to be driver-focused, for driving that would tickle the driver pink. Top-quality Alcantara with orange contrast stitching is found on the dashboard, instrument cluster, gearshift, door pulls, door panels, and handbrake lever boots.


The M-specific instrument cluster gets gray dials (we like white ones, just saying), classic M red needles, and white back-lighting. The leather M function steering wheel features the M button, which pulls the trigger for immediate throttle response. The driver is unlikely to feel out of place in a car like this.

Why Purists Are Buying The BMW 1M Coupe

For two reasons: because it packs power that can still give today’s cars nightmares, and secondly because its driver-centric nature cannot be ignored. It was among the first M cars to feature turbocharging. The purists did indeed scoff at it, but that was then, not now.

The engine plays a huge role in the significance of this car’s being. Let’s face it: the manual gearbox is slowly becoming infamous, and the 1M’s 6-speed manual unit will appeal only to those select few purists. The rest will go and buy, maybe, an M2. A 3.0-liter, straight-six engine with 339hp on tap is still a big deal, and with a 0-60mph time coming up in just 4.8 seconds, it’s no slouch either. It’s a car that wants to be driven.

It’s a car that will egg on you to push it hard, not because you should, but because you’re allowed to. As for the handling – the steering reacts immediately, and it’s a far better driving machine than today’s software-hooked BMWs. A perfect reason for the 1-Series M to be the next BMW to cost a fortune.

Source: BMW



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