New for 2011, the BMW 1M adds power and performance to the Bavarian automaker’s smallest model, but at a daunting price.
The 1M is part of BMW’s renowned M line, which produces the sportiest versions of many of the brand’s models.
The new 1M coupe is a clever exercise in life-cycle management, and a good, but not great, car.
The 1M’s increase in power and performance is relatively modest. A cost-conscious shopper should seriously consider the slightly less powerful BMW 135i, or a less-expensive small sporty model from mainstream brands. The Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo or Subaru WRX STi may not match BMW’s prestige, but how much is the blue and white BMW roundel worth to you? The attractive 1M is fast and marvelously responsive. Its interior offers some welcome upgrades from the mainline 1-series. Overall, though, the improvements are relatively mild for an M vehicle.
Since 1972, BMW’s M division has boosted the performance of the automaker’s vehicles by increasing their power and reducing their weight. In addition to producing some tremendously exciting cars, this serves several purposes:
- It reinforces the idea that BMWs are the ultimate driving machines.
- It gives the most performance-oriented BMW owners something special to enjoy and brag about.
- It pads the bottom line.
- It injects new life into vehicles that are about to be replaced by new, presumably better, models.
BMW’s entertaining subcompact 1-series is a perfect candidate for an M makeover. A new version is on the horizon. (The new 1-series hatchback is already on sale in Europe. A U.S.-bound coupe and convertible can’t be far behind.)
The 2011 1M is faster, lighter and more powerful than the admirable 135i that’s one price rung lower in BMW’s smallest car line, but not enough to justify the extra cost. The 1M also lacks some features — voice-recognition, standard Bluetooth for hands-free phone calls — a $46,000-plus subcompact should have.
Prices for the 2011 1M start at $46,135. The car comes with a 335-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine and six-speed manual transmission.
The 1M I tested had a hands-free phone system, power front seats, memory, an iPod adapter and a few other options. It cost $49,035. All prices exclude destination charges.
The 1M’s most-obvious competition is the $31,050 135i, which has a single-turbo version of the same straight-six engine.
It produces a perfectly satisfactory 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque.
The 135i accelerates to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The 1M is 77 pounds lighter than the 135i; 35 pounds of the decrease is because it doesn’t have a sunroof. It has 332 pound-feet of torque, with brief spikes to 370 pound-feet thanks to an overboost feature that cranks up the turbo for all-out acceleration.
Other potential competitors include V6 versions of the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang — 323 and 305 horsepower, respectively — and Japan’s all-wheel drive pocket rockets, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo and Subaru WRX STI.
All those cars have more functional rear seats than the little 1M, though none is especially practical.
The 1M’s real shortcoming is that it invites comparisons to cars like a Camaro, Evo, Mustang and WRX. BMW’s M models should be above such things.
The 1M comes from BMW’s renowned M division, which produces the sportiest versions of many of the brand’s models.
Despite that, the 1M is marvelously enjoyable to drive.
The steering is as precise as a hunting scope. The chassis holds rock-steady through fast curves.
The 1M’s ventilated, cross-drilled brakes promise smooth and confident stops time after time.
The front seat provides plenty of room, but could use more storage bins for phones, iPods, sunglasses and the like.
The interior trim features leather seats and Alcantara inserts on the doors and dash. The gauges are big and legible, with a soft white illumination I prefer to BMW’s usual orange.
The 10.3-cubic-foot trunk holds enough luggage for a weekend getaway. A fold-down rear seat increases cargo space.
The most notable exterior changes are big wheel arches and the car’s wider track. The sides feature chrome M badges. The grille has three large openings for engine cooling.
The 1M delivers some sizzle for the last year or so of the current 1-series’ life, but other small sporty cars offer a better combination of value and performance.
———
2012 BMW 1M:
—Base price: $46,135 (excluding destination charge)
—Price as tested: $49,035
___
©2011 the Detroit Free Press
Visit the Detroit Free Press at www.freep.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services
