I remember it like it was yesterday. I was up at Monticello and learning about BMW's all-new M car. The 2011 1M is a vehicle that will haunt me for a very, very long time. I would describe it in one word: "Perfect."
Of course the problem is that the blue and white only sent the U.S. so many models. Extremely limited would be putting it nicely. This car is impossible to find and though it had a base price of around $47-48,000, you can't touch a nice example for less than $55,000-65,000 right now. I've tried to acquire one with no success so far. Wish me luck, boys and girls.
Now the one thing that made the 1M so unique was that it was a through and through Frankencar. Literally from the transmission back it was a BMW M3.
And from what we're hearing about the latest insight about the all-new BMW M2, the Bavarians may have replicated the same greatness in this all-new package. Need some more detail? Check out what a BMW forum user posted.
Below are highlights from the article. Personally, I would love to read it but I am not subscribing to CAR. Don't these guys realize this business model is DEAD in the age of the 'net? Suppose not.
Having said that, what do you think of what you're reading so far? Are you digging the idea of a Frankencar?
Highlights:- Uncapped production numbers
- Subframe suspension components taken from M4
- Tires are 10mm narrower than the M4 because stock M4 size wouldn't fit.
- No adaptive dampening as they designed the shock dampening specifically for the spring rate
- Brakes are pulled off the M4.
- No carbon-ceramic due to cost. Can ask dealer for track pads though.
- DCT and 6 speed pulled straight from M4
- Sound deadening material ripped out to reduce the weight
- Less restrictive air intake, M4 pistons, liners, big-end bearings, oil pump and sump
- Same intercooler as m235i, but larger radiator with better airflow thru bumper
- Increased throttle response vs m235i
- No drivelogic controller (hence the missing M buttons)
- comfort, sport, sport+ selections for steering, throttle, dct settings. Fixed not adjustable
- The M2 should be more stable at the limit than the 1M. This was due to them not having enough time to calibrate based on using a turbo motor.
- One of the guys they interviewed said he prefers the M2 over the M4 bc its smaller and could potentially be faster through a slalom.
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