CONFIRMED, BMW To Produce An M-Inspired 1-Series...Is THIS What You've Been Waiting For?

Those spy shots from several months ago did not lie. You expressed interest and they listened. BMW is finally going to do it; produce an M-inspired 1-series. Is this what you have been waiting for?

With the latest M3 -- the E92 -- receiving a V8 powerplant and packing on the pounds, it seemed as though there was dissension among BMW M lovers. Should or shouldn't there be a V8? Is the M3 becoming too heavy and too big? Was the styling becoming less subtle? And one of the most controversial topics of all: was the steering becoming too numb?

When it debuted, former M3 owners scoffed and claimed that BMW's Motorsports division had lost their focus. 

With that said, the brand must have known it had to do something to rebuttal this by creating a tighter, smaller package that really speaks to the E30 and E36 generation.

Autocar seems positive that the entry-level M-car will use a bi-turbo six-cylinder motor with upwards of 350-horsepower. Likely, weight will remain around the same as a 135, as in recent years BMW's cars have not been shedding pounds. It can be assumed that with the recent technology upgrades in Bavaria, the company will be implementing more usage of carbon fiber thereby lowering the vehicle's center of gravity.

One aspect that remains up for discussion is whether or not it will actually make it to U.S. shores.

So, is this the news you wanted to hear?

Is there not enough power? Does this car need to have an LSD? Would you rather see a four-cylinder motor?

Let us know what you want to see in this upcoming M!


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1990300zxTT - 1/7/2010 3:58:53 AM

+2 Boost

cmon now u know thats not gonna happen. badgewhore you are so out of your realm lols... what you think this is a toyota or something? not everything in this world has to be economical. the 1 series is the most economical bmw. if you dont like the pricing go get yourself a glorified toyota.

Agent63 - 1/7/2010 5:23:12 AM

-3 Boost

I never liked the 1 series too much. The front looked like a frog to me. Anyways it looks like a fun car to drive but I'm not into small cars so I don't have anything good to say. The M treatment is cool but as long as the price doesn't sky rocket more than 3-5K it should be fine. But for people looking for an entry of entry level Bimmers I think this rocket will more than satisfy them bargain buyers. You get that beautiful BMW motor with a satisfactory interior you can't go wrong. If it's priced well I can see these sell well and be back ordered with certain colors & trims.

PUGPROUD - 1/7/2010 8:06:25 AM

+1 Boost

If you option out a current 135! you can easily push into the mid even high $40K's. My guess is the M1 package will start at no less than $45K and most will go out the door with a $50K price tag ! BMW has the lowest number of days inventory on hand for many models...not because sales are overly brisk but rather to contain dealer supplies in an effort to keep prices high. They are strategizing a scenario where demand exceeds supply and better to sell fewer cars at higher marins. This approacyh will more than likely be used on the M1.

Whelan - 1/7/2010 8:06:31 AM

0 Boost

So this will be the price that the M3 was 3-5 years ago. Given you can get a loaded 135i in the 40's with options (to make it a true BMW as I say). So I expect this to be high 40's low 50's. Why not, the current M3 is above that by a good margin.

M-inspired? Why not just say BMW confirms a M1 is coming. Guess it sounds more oppulent. The M3 has gotten a little overboard for what it is and so they now have to do what they have been doing for years. Move the model lines up. Since the 3 series has gone up so exorbitantly in price, the 1 fills the spot. So what are they going to offer as a TRUE entry level sport luxury. The 128 and 135 failed in that market as they are not priced right for entry level, Think Acura TSX pricing for entry level. So I guess the next BMW will be the .87 series or something.

Agent00R - 1/7/2010 11:22:56 AM

+2 Boost

Well, I believe the M1 is a car from long ago.

With that in mind, I do not believe the brass at BMW are going to call it an M1.

Whelan - 1/7/2010 11:50:56 AM

-1 Boost

Yes I realized afterI hit submit that there already was an M1 nameplate used on a pretty nice Bimmer if I remember. So would that make this the 135 Sdrive35 or the 1iM (1 inspired by M)?

The first wording in the article is great "You expressed interest and they listened." Not quite as there are plenty who expressed a lot of interest in a TRUE entry level that would start at a high 20's low 30's. That will never happen of course, so instead people will buy an older 3 series for 25K with 30-40,000 on the odo that works perfectly well from a used car dealer.

dumpsty - 1/7/2010 12:13:36 PM

+1 Boost

I don't think they're going to call this an "M1" --- probably why it'll be Motorsport-inspired. I think BMW is reserving the M1 for a true successor to the M1 from over a decade ago.

Agent00R - 1/7/2010 6:21:29 PM

+1 Boost

Since BMW has likened the 1-series to the 2002, I would not be surprised if the badging goes along the lines of Tii or something of the like.

M53R - 1/8/2010 11:12:06 AM

+1 Boost

I think it will just be called 135is.

freeagent - 1/7/2010 8:46:00 AM

+1 Boost

The main thing I want to see in the 1-Series is the next generation. This is a very old platform.

Yonder7 - 1/7/2010 10:56:23 AM

-1 Boost

This is the main reason why BMW is not doing well on business..ugly cars..just overpriced ugly cars. Why they are ignoring the cars that can do good money and they are beautiful as the CS or 6GT.....I hate the current BMW management.

LexusKindaGuy12 - 1/7/2010 11:17:48 AM

-1 Boost

no, this is not what I have been waiting for. the 1 series is pretty ugly. Main problems include the curved swoop under the doors and the awkward looking headlights/face

2ndbimmer - 1/8/2010 10:16:02 AM

+1 Boost

Since no one is answering the question, I will:
1) They will call is a 135si (just like the new Z4 si)
2) Carbon fiber roof
3) Slight wide body kit (i.e. Flares)
4) Available 19" wheels (like the CSL style on the E46)
5) quad exhaust pipes like the M3
6) Optional lip spoiler or raised spoiler like the M3 GTR
7) More fun colors! non-metallic yellow, imola red, laguna seca blue, non-metallic orange.
8) High gloss carbon fiber trim, not carbon leather, use the M6 trim
9) optional BMW performance recaro seats

Just a few ideas...

M53R - 1/8/2010 11:13:32 AM

+1 Boost

135is or 135si? If I'm not mistaken, the Z4 is "is"