I've met some idiot in one of i135/140M hatchback with the badge ///M1 - man how I laughed. The name of M1 i sacred in the BMW M world. Hence this car (and she's stunner) was named 1 M.
My favourite M car since the E46 M3.....just epic. You weren't hanging around either, just about the fastest I've seen you drive on those well known Cotswold B roads!!
The reason it worked is it was a skunk works special if engineers are putting their own time in to do something they are giving it some special attention. A lot of great cars have been born this way! I can’t see this sort of project happening in this day and age, but where will the next golf GTi/ audi Quattro 1m come from….
And when was the last time you even walked past a BMW dealership, let alone drive one? Won't ask about the last BMW you actually owned, there is no point.
You are totally correct. In the olden days you were always excited for the new and better to come out. Example e36 to e46. Now it’s just heavier with less feel and more electronics. Not excited with them all after test driving them , just cuz they are quicker doesn’t mean better at all. Hence why I’ll stick with my agile feeling 1m.
@@andrewlucas6214 It was more than the spiritual successor - it was the actual successor. Bear in mind BMW decided to make the coupes even numbered from the F generation chassis onwards - so the M3 Coupe became the M4 and the 1M Coupe became the M2. Also, the official development codename for the 1M was "Pyrat" and the codename for the M2 was "Pyrat2".
I love the 1M; they looked almost comical because the arches were so big and wide. The N54 has a lot of potential in it; various parts of the internals were forged. It can also be a royal pain in the arse as I’ve found out the hard way! It’s not hard to gain a chunk more power too. It’s quite a grumpy sounding engine too compared to other inline sixes. Mine 335i is currently 379bhp with 572nm of torque with a remap and an intercooler. Your M135i was the N55 which has a single turbo rather than the two in the N54. It’s generally a bit more reliable too. I think the EPAS gets worse with every generation; my facelifted 130i had much better steering than my M140i.
The 1M is truly incredible and looks like eye candy to me! It totally pulls off being a daily and a hooligan when you want it to. It deserves the M badge indeed I think, even if it's after the digit number. ✌👍
@@mikespeksnijder8650 The 135i (E87) is not the same model as the M135i (F20). Which one Jack had, I have no idea (though he does repeat a lot of times 'M135i'), but they are fairly different; the M135i had two slightly different tunes of the N55, never the N54.
@@valentijn9 The 'coupe' version is the E82 and the convertible is the E88. They also came with different engines than the N54B30 fitted to the 135i - although the reverse is not true. The 'root' model of that family is the E87.
There are a ton of 135's in New Zealand and they are a quick car on our less than perfect roads. It's not unusual for them to be decatted and have pod intakes as well as a stage 2 engine map and bigger injectors. Most people seem to claim power of around 450 HP which is more than enough in a small car and apparently with engine is good for up to 600 HP without modifying the bottom end. They are also quite well priced with examples from NZ$10k but better ones more towards $20k. Great fun to drive.
@@grenphelps7455 I understand there are differences, but there are so few meaningful differences that they are essentially the same car. Very popular here in NZ, as are E9* 335's
@@onecookieboy the 135 doesn't have a wide track or big brake setup, when you look at the details of the 1M it's completely different to what you're talking about, go find a 1M and drive it
I've only had two BMW's. A Z8 and one of these. The 1M used to feel like it was shredding the tarmac when on boost. An incredible car, so much fun and performance. I used to be literally shaking when I got home after giving it a good hammering. I wish the interior quality had been better, but it could be forgiven for it.
Funny how taste differs . . . I've got one too, and I've always loved its simple classic BMW interior. It's ageless and a really nice place to be. These days BMW interiors look like a Shanghai brothel.
@@nickb- Haha Yes totally agree on the interiors today. I think the new M3 is too "Honda Civic type R". I would've like option to have more of an Alpina look, so that it felt a bit more special. But I'm probably a bit older than you.😃
@Nick B: To add to your comment of awful interiors, the current crop of BMWs also sport 'comical and exaggerated" frontal panels - which I understand is to satsify the burgeoning Chinese market. Needless to say, I'm not a fan.
All the 1st gen 1-series have the same steering this one has. So you can even buy the most pedestrian and you can still get that super excellent steering, if not the power.
It’s generally better in the early 130i’s which had HPAS. It switched to EPAS with the facelift which happens to be better than later cars in my experience. If you’re so inclined, the M3 rack can be fitted.
Thanks for this wonderful video. Personally have a 1 series convertible in alpine white. Even as a 10 year old car, I still get alot of "nice car" comments. Not as powerful as your 1M, but it's still quick, and that open convertible makes it magical.
Hello Jack, since it first appeared I have really loved that car. Its something that I would have designed for myself. And its gorgeous inside and out. The closest to that car that I have owned [and adored] was a 2005 335i M-Sport 6-speed. I may still take the plunge on the series 1 [or 2 series] as I love the size of them. Fun review, as usual.
I have an 09 128i drop top. Although not the same as the M1. But i have coil overs, header 3V intake, ecu tune, Cat delete, Seibon Varbo fiber 3m series style hood, fresh air intake on a set of Federal 595 RS-R 225/45R17’s. Its now a blast to drive! And i love the styling! Best looking car to come out of BMW for quite a while. Kinda has a Bull Dog look to it.
I owned a few BMW`s in my 33 years living in South Africa (e36 325i, e36 M3 Coupe German Spec, e46 320d, e46 330d, e46 M3 (manual) and a 1M) and the only one out of that bunch that came close to the 1M for pure enjoyment from a drivers point of view was the e36 M3 German Spec...both were just so entertaining to drive in just about any condition... Back in the UK now and i`d probably die or be sitting in jail for a lengthy stretch if I bought a BMW in this country...
Speaking of skunkworks... 3 years into owning a Frankenstein "1M" that has been built from a stock 135 with N55 engine. Full E92 M3 suspension swap, OEM fenders and arches. Wagner intercooler and DP with Akrapovic catback and a mild tune... One of if not most fun cars on the road I've ever driven... And all that for the half of the price of an original... Bang for buck if you ask me, also comes with absolutely no regret of using it as it should be... Not a car for a relaxing drive, but boy it will pump your adrenaline when you chuck it into the corner properly 🤗
Yes, they called it "Project Pyrat" because they went out and drank Pyrat Rum after engineering sessions. There are even a few components in the car that have Pyrat on their parts sticker
Lamborghini didn't make the M1. They were supposed to but ran into financial difficulties. BMW ended up carrying out a midnight raid on the Lamborghini factory to liberate the plans/tools/bucks etc
The car that, in my opinion, deserves M1 name better than the actual M1. And to me, still one of (if not outright) the best M cars, simply because it looks like one of those pugnacious friend you have at school. He's a fun guy, but if anyone messes up with him, he'll be out looking for blood.
I am moving away from BMW because of the Elecrtical steering, absolute crap. Not a drivers car anymore. We have a little runner Renault Duster with better steering manners!
so true! For me also e9x are the last BMWs, 130i (hydraulic) steering is bit dull in normal driving but it’s amazing fun and precise when you push it, and it’s also quite fine on motorways.
I’m still wandering should I rather buy some e30 316i/318i which I believe would be better fun for normal b-roads/city driving (which I prefer over driving to the limit) but maybe be a bit annoying for journey to Italy :)
Is it not possible to eliminate most of the turbo lag by messing with the wastegate setting ? Even my modest TD Peugeot is much better following some adjustment, chiming in at 1,500 RPM, rather than at the factory setup which prevented spooling up until 2,200 RPM.
Turbo lag on these is really not significant at all, & besides who doesn't like to feel a turbo kick in? That's what people loved about 80's Turbos, & they really had lag worth mentioning.
@@stevesas632 I know what you mean but in my own case, I'd sooner it was a supercharger, as the car, being a diesel, is out of puff by about 4,000 RPM anyway. Mind you,1,500 to 4,000 is at least a tolerable rev range. A pal had a Renault 21 turbo some years ago and that was a pretty exciting jalopy with plenty up top, albeit a bit of a handful in the wet.
Had it for 2.5yrs, loved the looks and sportiness; and very punchy indeed. Agree on the solidity and precision of the front end, the rear end however was just too twitchy for my taste. Poor interior even compared to the E92 I had just before… Engine very generous midrange, totally absent below 1500rpm, with a sharp tendency to drop rpm’s even from relatively high revs as you approached a tight corner: lots of heel-toeing (and fighting with typical BMW’s not so lovable gear shifter) to keep it in responsive range, not always successfully… As a result, excellent performer for very experienced drivers, a bit less so for the average- albeit passionate- guy…
Just a general observation question. Did BMW Ever REPLACE the 2002 with a small entry level scoot box (car) ?? /// Something you may not want to take on a long trip, but fun for 2 in town. Not talking Z4.
E21 323i would possibly have been its replacement. I have a 1982 Mitsubishi Lancer 2000 turbo and it's tiny for a 4-door! Laughably, It only weighs 1052kg's but was considered a 'family saloon' back in the day. The 323i was one of the cars Autocar used as a direct comparison in its Lancer road test, along with the Saab 900 turbo and Dolomite Sprint.
@Aaron Hussain // Honestly, I am having personal trouble with the 1976 BMW 2002 COUPE as a family car. For Europe sure. Again, in town car reference made. /// Dolomite & Gulia a bit larger 4 door Saloons (sedans).
WIKI Reference: The BMW 3 Series is a line of compact executive cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It is the successor to the 02 Series and has been produced in seven generations.
they just forgot to put the S65 V8 in it from the e9x M3... but they wouldn't have sold any M3s if they did that, but that would've made it complete, the sound, better weight distribution v8 sits further back, N/A masterpiece of an engine, instant throttle response,
Depends what you want, as long as they kept it manual though. The torque from the Turbo's definitely suit the car, with plenty of power without having to over rev all the time. I think the V8 would be more useful on track to be honest.
By the time the 1M got greenlit for development in 2009, the M2 was already in planning - and BMW already knew they were giving it the N55. That's why the 1M got the N54.
Hi Jack, I'm based in South Africa and own an E82 (135i Coupe manual). Whilst the 1m is certainly the better handling car, you have to pay big money to own one. Conversely 135i's can be had for 1/4 the price. They are in many ways a "bang for the buck" bargain. You are correct regarding the low revving engine character, in fact taking it above 5K rpm is rather pointless as the turbo boost drops off rapidly at that point. But here in Jhb at 5000' altitude, turbo cars perform well, easily outgunning similar spec NA cars which are 18% down on power. The lack of boy racer rpm is more than outweighed by the exceptional low rpm torque, so you can enjoy this car without redlining it all the time. All that said my car was a bit lame in the beginning, it could deliver the performance, but only when you put the pedal firmly to the metal. That all changed when I installed MHD Tuning firmware, stage 2. One is really supposed to fit an upgraded intercooler & de-cat the downpipes for this tune, but neither has been effected in my case. Anyhow the tune doubles the boost to about 14 PSI, & that really peps up the acceleration. Thei N54/N55 engine is capable of a lot more than the stock output, the extreme case is fitting a really big single turbo, meth injection etc. However be advised that the basic engine is not that reliable, & obviously single turbo upgrades will not only have a high initial cost, but likely some unwelcome and expensive issues thereafter. N55 engine'd model's circa 2010 onwards are considered more reliable but less tunable. But speaking of upgrades, non run flat tyres are definately recommended as the ride on RF's is very harsh. Of course the E82 has traditional hydraulic power steering, unlike your later model 135i Hatch. Having driven my wife's F30 320'i I agree the E steering is crap. Curiously, it's better in my F25 (X3). The E82 steering is not noted as the best in the business, but tyres can make a big difference to the feedback. In my case RF goodyear F1 tyre's were better than P zero nero none RF's. The car tends to understeer, unless "reverse steer flicked" as per the rally driver's technique. So thank you for enthusing over the 1M, I think your subscribers would all love the opportunity, (but probably never realise it).
You are correct about the steering of latest BMW’s, absolutely crap! My brand is BMW, but since they have gone Elecrtical steering the X4 is the last BM to set foot in my yard. BMW was always a drivers car, we had a few and current two in the family, but I am done till they fix the steering, a Renault Duster have a better steering feel. Go back to hydraulic steering!
I have one, if you add an exhaust the car is very loud and raucous, never had a car that is transformed so much by an exhaust (possibly how small the car is) it has lots of rasp and low end thump from this engine once an exhaust is in place.
I’ve owned mine now for 4 years. I’ve had some nice cars but this car is just insane. Track car for the road. I had an RS3 before it it felt soft and sloppy like grandma couldn’t get rid of it quick enough
One if not the best modern ish bmw; but n54 cheaper to maintain than an s65? Turbos, hpfp, injectors, carbon buildup, cooling system, plethora of oil & potential vacuum leaks, camshaft sealing rings, water pump, plastic valve cover, vanos issue, plastic charge pipes……Yay bmw 👍 Amazing when running well but when they start going wrong 💰💰💰
@@georgebettiol8338 I have a list. The 1 series hatch (first generation) comes in at number 11. To be fair, it needs updating. The new BMW i7 is worse. What a monstrosity!
@@brodiejones2028 You mean the BMW with the "exaggerated cartoon like" front end that was designed to appeal to the burgeoning Chinese market - no disagreement from me.
Meh, 1 hatch looks fine, especially in M sport trim. Better than most hatches I would say, certainly looks "tougher" than most at least. Dont get the hangup lots of people got, seems to be a "brit thing" for some reason.
@@GoldenCroc I'm from New Zealand... They look like a bread van that had a wrecking ball dropped on the roof. Tall and narrow with that ridiculous crease under the doors. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but I have to cover my eyes when I see one!
BMW quite like to use the romantic old tale: "It is based on a special that enthusiastic designers put together in a workshop after hours". There is a particular look on Bavaria that goes with a sort of muffled snort. The implication is "... and if you believe that..." Buyers (customers) are quite taken by the idea of clever, incentive, ambitious, creative designers and engineers coming on at the weekend and quite by chance creating a legendary car. The customer (buyer, income source) feels somehow like a part of the deception. "We all duped the board together when they weren't looking". So... These slightly unlikely tales are included in the press pack or are whispered at the launch.... And the myth grows. And it is a wonderful myth. And it is a myth.
Of course BMW didnt want to build it, its a good car, a good car that gets leaky 7k Headlights, but still, as BMW stands for Broke Moron Werks, where you pay 80K for a car that barely lasts as long as the lease period, this one however actually does, thus why they had to discontinue it, as a good car AND its a BMW, are you mad?! NEIN NEIN NEIN, what are we the Japanease?!!
@@Number27 well to be fare, I guess in isolation it's fine. At the time I was comparing it to my 535d interior and my wife's 435i. The trim finish and leather quality for both these cars was much higher than the 1M I went in.
There are two types of BMW drivers. 1. Fanbois will buy anything with the BMW badge on it especially if it's a used car. 2. People who actually buy them and don't give a crap about anything the fanbois care about (or know which wheels are driven).
It's a cool car but I've always thought a bit overpriced on the used market. I'd rather have an M2 with the more reliable and better sounding N55 and all the other benefits still in tact for less money.
The E82 1M is such a desirable, analogue machine. I’m after one at present and am monitoring the listings but had never seen one in the metal until I zeroed in on one finished in Sapphire Black that was parked a few rows in front of my 20-plate RS4 Avant Vorsprung at the Bicester Scramble on 23rd April. Stunning. By the way, some of those bends you’re flinging the car through look very familiar. Was Harry Metcalfe out that day too?
The addition of an M badge on a BMW means nothing any more as every run of the mill BMW has a fair spattering of them everywhere and the owners of these 'M cars' are all under the dillusion that they have the fastest M car ever produced!
Well the badge doesnt mean anything, the hardware does. And it varies with the many levels of "M" that are availible. M-sport, M-performance and just plain M, as in M3 etc. But all of the have something extra compared to the base model unless its just a badge the owner has put on themselves.
WRONG about the engine. It had various modifications made by BMW M. I believe the pistons were completely upgraded. ALSO, The S55 was built based around this engine with twin turbo concept. This engine is much closer to an M engine than most realise.
The stock N54 has numerous forged internals which is partly why modify so well. The S55 block is based on the N55, although the twin turbo conceit is lifted from the N54.
The 1M is an incredible machine and one of the all time greatest BMWs ever made. Their values have held extremely strong.
I've met some idiot in one of i135/140M hatchback with the badge ///M1 - man how I laughed. The name of M1 i sacred in the BMW M world. Hence this car (and she's stunner) was named 1 M.
My favourite M car since the E46 M3.....just epic. You weren't hanging around either, just about the fastest I've seen you drive on those well known Cotswold B roads!!
"A group of engineers just got together and made it themselves" sounds like a common theme amongst special cars.
The reason it worked is it was a skunk works special if engineers are putting their own time in to do something they are giving it some special attention. A lot of great cars have been born this way!
I can’t see this sort of project happening in this day and age, but where will the next golf GTi/ audi Quattro 1m come from….
@ Stu //
You get not the adults but people with Big Desks out of the way; and, leave alone the passionate, able doers, good things can happen.
Or the "clown shoe".
I’d love one. The look of the saloon 1 is so much better than the hatch
The 1M is a masterpiece of what BMW are capable of if they put their minds to it... unlike the crap they are currently making 🤦
And when was the last time you even walked past a BMW dealership, let alone drive one? Won't ask about the last BMW you actually owned, there is no point.
Well I have one of their latest 'crap' cars ..... and it's rather good in many aspects. Nevertheless, thank you for your erudite comment.
I have a 2018 G30 530d and it is fantastic. Internet sofa experts, never even walked past a BMW dealership, let alone have one.
You are totally correct. In the olden days you were always excited for the new and better to come out. Example e36 to e46. Now it’s just heavier with less feel and more electronics. Not excited with them all after test driving them , just cuz they are quicker doesn’t mean better at all. Hence why I’ll stick with my agile feeling 1m.
@@oilyrag525 They look like crap, thats enough. Move over to another brand
they should never had discontinued this car it’s perfect for modern life …. so much handier than their present day elephants
Think of the m2 as the spiritual successor
@@andrewlucas6214 but it’s bigger …. 1M is the perfect wheelbase … for me
@@andrewlucas6214 It was more than the spiritual successor - it was the actual successor.
Bear in mind BMW decided to make the coupes even numbered from the F generation chassis onwards - so the M3 Coupe became the M4 and the 1M Coupe became the M2.
Also, the official development codename for the 1M was "Pyrat" and the codename for the M2 was "Pyrat2".
@Andrew Lucas the M2 is heavier than a Merc CLS
@@OutRAjious 1.3 inch difference 🤨
Definitely one of the worth seeing channels on youtube. Thank you so much.
From a time when BMW made nice looking cars, not the "chunks" they produce now. Nice review Jack.
I love the 1M; they looked almost comical because the arches were so big and wide.
The N54 has a lot of potential in it; various parts of the internals were forged. It can also be a royal pain in the arse as I’ve found out the hard way! It’s not hard to gain a chunk more power too. It’s quite a grumpy sounding engine too compared to other inline sixes. Mine 335i is currently 379bhp with 572nm of torque with a remap and an intercooler.
Your M135i was the N55 which has a single turbo rather than the two in the N54. It’s generally a bit more reliable too. I think the EPAS gets worse with every generation; my facelifted 130i had much better steering than my M140i.
Yep, the N54 has plenty of potential - my 1M is making 700 brake (and loves it)
The 1M is truly incredible and looks like eye candy to me! It totally pulls off being a daily and a hooligan when you want it to. It deserves the M badge indeed I think, even if it's after the digit number. ✌👍
The engine isn’t the same as the M135i, that used the N55 twin scroll single turbo. The 1M used the N54 twin turbo.
135i had both, first n54 and last 2 or 3 years it changed to the n55
@@mikespeksnijder8650 The 135i (E87) is not the same model as the M135i (F20). Which one Jack had, I have no idea (though he does repeat a lot of times 'M135i'), but they are fairly different; the M135i had two slightly different tunes of the N55, never the N54.
@@mikespeksnijder8650the E8x 135i that had the N54 is the previous generation to the F2x cars that had the N55 and the B58 later on.
The 135i is the E82 / E88.
@@valentijn9 The 'coupe' version is the E82 and the convertible is the E88. They also came with different engines than the N54B30 fitted to the 135i - although the reverse is not true. The 'root' model of that family is the E87.
Great cars, very worthy of the 'M' badge.
There are a ton of 135's in New Zealand and they are a quick car on our less than perfect roads. It's not unusual for them to be decatted and have pod intakes as well as a stage 2 engine map and bigger injectors. Most people seem to claim power of around 450 HP which is more than enough in a small car and apparently with engine is good for up to 600 HP without modifying the bottom end. They are also quite well priced with examples from NZ$10k but better ones more towards $20k. Great fun to drive.
The 1M isn't to be confused with the m135, it's not the same thing...
@@grenphelps7455 I understand there are differences, but there are so few meaningful differences that they are essentially the same car. Very popular here in NZ, as are E9* 335's
@@onecookieboy very few differences except it’s a completely different car
@@onecookieboy the 135 doesn't have a wide track or big brake setup, when you look at the details of the 1M it's completely different to what you're talking about, go find a 1M and drive it
@@stu4181 Its not a completely different car.. re read his first comment. 135i is not an M135i.
Seen a few knocking about now with the S65 in them. The final peice of the pie for me.
I've only had two BMW's. A Z8 and one of these. The 1M used to feel like it was shredding the tarmac when on boost. An incredible car, so much fun and performance. I used to be literally shaking when I got home after giving it a good hammering. I wish the interior quality had been better, but it could be forgiven for it.
Funny how taste differs . . . I've got one too, and I've always loved its simple classic BMW interior. It's ageless and a really nice place to be. These days BMW interiors look like a Shanghai brothel.
@@nickb- Haha Yes totally agree on the interiors today. I think the new M3 is too "Honda Civic type R". I would've like option to have more of an Alpina look, so that it felt a bit more special. But I'm probably a bit older than you.😃
@Nick B: To add to your comment of awful interiors, the current crop of BMWs also sport 'comical and exaggerated" frontal panels - which I understand is to satsify the burgeoning Chinese market. Needless to say, I'm not a fan.
@@nickb- shanghai brothel 😅 mate that's gold! Thanks for the laugh.
All the 1st gen 1-series have the same steering this one has. So you can even buy the most pedestrian and you can still get that super excellent steering, if not the power.
It’s generally better in the early 130i’s which had HPAS. It switched to EPAS with the facelift which happens to be better than later cars in my experience.
If you’re so inclined, the M3 rack can be fitted.
Ive got a tuned n54 in a z4, one of the best bmw engines made, mid range punch is ridiculous ❤
A cult car and no mistake😍
That right there is a proper drivers car, I love it!
Thanks for this wonderful video. Personally have a 1 series convertible in alpine white. Even as a 10 year old car, I still get alot of "nice car" comments. Not as powerful as your 1M, but it's still quick, and that open convertible makes it magical.
I have one, valencia orange of course :) The coolest car I've ever driven. It is like it is always ready to race :D
The 1M is a good looking car, unlike many BMW products produced since.
Not a big BMW fan here. That's the only one I ever wanted aside from a 2002.
Enjoyed learning about how it came about. I applaud any car that gets performance into a smaller package.
Great looking car,I'd buy one just for the looks alone,well balanced and compact.
I remember these coming out and being flipped, with the list price seeming like a bargain. BMW skunkworks in the same vein as the M Coupe (Z3).
Brilliant car. The wheels are not csl wheels. They are 359’s and later used on the E9* as competition pack wheels.
Correct. They are M3 Competition wheels, not CSL wheels
Hello Jack, since it first appeared I have really loved that car. Its something that I would have designed for myself. And its gorgeous inside and out. The closest to that car that I have owned [and adored] was a 2005 335i M-Sport 6-speed. I may still take the plunge on the series 1 [or 2 series] as I love the size of them. Fun review, as usual.
I have an 09 128i drop top. Although not the same as the M1. But i have coil overs, header 3V intake, ecu tune, Cat delete, Seibon Varbo fiber 3m series style hood, fresh air intake on a set of Federal 595 RS-R 225/45R17’s. Its now a blast to drive! And i love the styling! Best looking car to come out of BMW for quite a while. Kinda has a Bull Dog look to it.
E82 135i N54 (2008-2010), N55 (2011-2013).
E82 1M N54 (2011) - with BMW "performance pack" which included an additional rad and software tuning.
Great looking car Jack 👍
One of my mates had one of these, such a special motor
The 1M is a great looking little car, looks muscular I'd say and I can imagine it's a lot of fun 😁
Cracking stuff Jack 👍
Just what I was thinking 👍
Back in the day when BMW produced good looking motors.
I owned a few BMW`s in my 33 years living in South Africa (e36 325i, e36 M3 Coupe German Spec, e46 320d, e46 330d, e46 M3 (manual) and a 1M) and the only one out of that bunch that came close to the 1M for pure enjoyment from a drivers point of view was the e36 M3 German Spec...both were just so entertaining to drive in just about any condition...
Back in the UK now and i`d probably die or be sitting in jail for a lengthy stretch if I bought a BMW in this country...
Speaking of skunkworks... 3 years into owning a Frankenstein "1M" that has been built from a stock 135 with N55 engine. Full E92 M3 suspension swap, OEM fenders and arches. Wagner intercooler and DP with Akrapovic catback and a mild tune... One of if not most fun cars on the road I've ever driven... And all that for the half of the price of an original... Bang for buck if you ask me, also comes with absolutely no regret of using it as it should be...
Not a car for a relaxing drive, but boy it will pump your adrenaline when you chuck it into the corner properly 🤗
Great car, love it's stumpy looks
I think the skunkworks part is why I'd want one :)
Yes, they called it "Project Pyrat" because they went out and drank Pyrat Rum after engineering sessions. There are even a few components in the car that have Pyrat on their parts sticker
Lamborghini didn't make the M1. They were supposed to but ran into financial difficulties. BMW ended up carrying out a midnight raid on the Lamborghini factory to liberate the plans/tools/bucks etc
The car was actually made by Baur
The original plan was for Lamborghini to build the M1, but the car was finished off by Italdesign.
th-cam.com/video/PduHD8s83zs/w-d-xo.html
The car that, in my opinion, deserves M1 name better than the actual M1. And to me, still one of (if not outright) the best M cars, simply because it looks like one of those pugnacious friend you have at school. He's a fun guy, but if anyone messes up with him, he'll be out looking for blood.
I've never been in one of these, I've been in the hatchback type, but I love them.
Great video & review Jack of the fast becoming legendary 1M 😊
Thanks Jack, greater than the sum of it's parts?! 🙏🙏
For sure!!
How do you see the steering in comparison with hydraulic power steering 130i?
Its the same base, I should think.
I am moving away from BMW because of the Elecrtical steering, absolute crap. Not a drivers car anymore. We have a little runner Renault Duster with better steering manners!
so true! For me also e9x are the last BMWs, 130i (hydraulic) steering is bit dull in normal driving but it’s amazing fun and precise when you push it, and it’s also quite fine on motorways.
I’m still wandering should I rather buy some e30 316i/318i which I believe would be better fun for normal b-roads/city driving (which I prefer over driving to the limit) but maybe be a bit annoying for journey to Italy :)
@@adriaanvdberg1600 I just got an older BMW instead, problem solved.
I owned one of the 220 in Canada…great car!
One of a handful of BMW's I'd actually want.
Agree, this and a 2002 turbo!
Everyone cried when they heard that bmw were producing a turbocharged m car, but in hindsight, it probably hasn’t been bettered since.
I think you were being kind about BMW manual gear changes. Notchy doesn't even being to describe the change on my wife's 116.
Love driving mine. Sometimes a manufacturer accidentally makes EXACTLY what enthusiasts want.
Where does the M2 slot into the M lineup? Can you do a test on that car?
Is it not possible to eliminate most of the turbo lag by messing with the wastegate setting ? Even my modest TD Peugeot is much better following some adjustment, chiming in at 1,500 RPM, rather than at the factory setup which prevented spooling up until 2,200 RPM.
Possibly!!
Turbo lag on these is really not significant at all, & besides who doesn't like to feel a turbo kick in? That's what people loved about 80's Turbos, & they really had lag worth mentioning.
@@stevesas632 I know what you mean but in my own case, I'd sooner it was a supercharger, as the car, being a diesel, is out of puff by about 4,000 RPM anyway. Mind you,1,500 to 4,000 is at least a tolerable rev range. A pal had a Renault 21 turbo some years ago and that was a pretty exciting jalopy with plenty up top, albeit a bit of a handful in the wet.
It's a true BMW. Compact body with a big powerful engine.
Had it for 2.5yrs, loved the looks and sportiness; and very punchy indeed. Agree on the solidity and precision of the front end, the rear end however was just too twitchy for my taste. Poor interior even compared to the E92 I had just before… Engine very generous midrange, totally absent below 1500rpm, with a sharp tendency to drop rpm’s even from relatively high revs as you approached a tight corner: lots of heel-toeing (and fighting with typical BMW’s not so lovable gear shifter) to keep it in responsive range, not always successfully… As a result, excellent performer for very experienced drivers, a bit less so for the average- albeit passionate- guy…
Just a general observation question. Did BMW Ever REPLACE the 2002 with a small entry level scoot box (car) ??
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Something you may not want to take on a long trip, but fun for 2 in town. Not talking Z4.
The 02 was a decent-size family saloon in its day. Equivalent of a Triumph Dolomite/Toledo and Alfa Giulia
E21 323i would possibly have been its replacement. I have a 1982 Mitsubishi Lancer 2000 turbo and it's tiny for a 4-door! Laughably, It only weighs 1052kg's but was considered a 'family saloon' back in the day. The 323i was one of the cars Autocar used as a direct comparison in its Lancer road test, along with the Saab 900 turbo and Dolomite Sprint.
@Aaron Hussain //
Honestly, I am having personal trouble with the 1976 BMW 2002 COUPE as a family car. For Europe sure. Again, in town car reference made.
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Dolomite & Gulia a bit larger 4 door Saloons (sedans).
WIKI Reference: The BMW 3 Series is a line of compact executive cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It is the successor to the 02 Series and has been produced in seven generations.
Enjoyed both your responses. Parting comment / title: 1976 BMW 2002 - Jay Leno's
Garage (featuring Marc Norris conversion).
Would love 125i coupe stage 1 remap...270bhp NA engine...
I would be a bit nervous which such a short wheelbase for a performance car.
I had a Z4 35i with the 330 HP and it was nuts-crazy-fast
The m135i had a N55 not an N54.
N54s were only in the early 1 series E82 135i.
they just forgot to put the S65 V8 in it from the e9x M3... but they wouldn't have sold any M3s if they did that, but that would've made it complete, the sound, better weight distribution v8 sits further back, N/A masterpiece of an engine, instant throttle response,
Depends what you want, as long as they kept it manual though. The torque from the Turbo's definitely suit the car, with plenty of power without having to over rev all the time. I think the V8 would be more useful on track to be honest.
By the time the 1M got greenlit for development in 2009, the M2 was already in planning - and BMW already knew they were giving it the N55. That's why the 1M got the N54.
I wouldn’t mind a 1M, but I’d absolutely love an M1!
Absolutely love that car, truly a beautiful machine and still one of my all-time faves! 👍
I don't particularly like BMW cars... however this is the only BMW which I would actually try.
The correct M, in the correct colour.
especially in retrospect a great car!
Hi Jack, I'm based in South Africa and own an E82 (135i Coupe manual).
Whilst the 1m is certainly the better handling car, you have to pay big money to own one.
Conversely 135i's can be had for 1/4 the price. They are in many ways a "bang for the buck" bargain.
You are correct regarding the low revving engine character, in fact taking it above 5K rpm is rather pointless as the
turbo boost drops off rapidly at that point.
But here in Jhb at 5000' altitude, turbo cars perform well, easily outgunning similar spec NA cars which are 18% down on power.
The lack of boy racer rpm is more than outweighed by the exceptional low rpm torque, so you can enjoy this car
without redlining it all the time.
All that said my car was a bit lame in the beginning, it could deliver the performance, but only when you put the pedal
firmly to the metal.
That all changed when I installed MHD Tuning firmware, stage 2. One is really supposed to fit an upgraded intercooler & de-cat the
downpipes for this tune, but neither has been effected in my case. Anyhow the tune doubles the boost to about 14 PSI, & that
really peps up the acceleration.
Thei N54/N55 engine is capable of a lot more than the stock output, the extreme case is fitting a really big single turbo, meth injection etc.
However be advised that the basic engine is not that reliable, & obviously single turbo upgrades will not only have a high initial cost, but likely
some unwelcome and expensive issues thereafter. N55 engine'd model's circa 2010 onwards are considered more reliable but less tunable.
But speaking of upgrades, non run flat tyres are definately recommended as the ride on RF's is very harsh.
Of course the E82 has traditional hydraulic power steering, unlike your later model 135i Hatch. Having driven my wife's F30 320'i
I agree the E steering is crap. Curiously, it's better in my F25 (X3). The E82 steering is not noted as the best in the business, but
tyres can make a big difference to the feedback. In my case RF goodyear F1 tyre's were better than P zero nero none RF's.
The car tends to understeer, unless "reverse steer flicked" as per the rally driver's technique.
So thank you for enthusing over the 1M, I think your subscribers would all love the opportunity, (but probably never realise it).
Dude.. Nobody is gonna read all that stuff
I'd love to see your take on the E30 M3 🙂
Something doesn't look right with the front. I thought all 1Ms had chrome grilles.
You're right, he's blacked out the grill
Test drove a 135i E82 once and thought it was absolutely insane. Imagine this.
I would love one for sure.
You are correct about the steering of latest BMW’s, absolutely crap! My brand is BMW, but since they have gone Elecrtical steering the X4 is the last BM to set foot in my yard. BMW was always a drivers car, we had a few and current two in the family, but I am done till they fix the steering, a Renault Duster have a better steering feel. Go back to hydraulic steering!
I have one, if you add an exhaust the car is very loud and raucous, never had a car that is transformed so much by an exhaust (possibly how small the car is) it has lots of rasp and low end thump from this engine once an exhaust is in place.
I’ve owned mine now for 4 years.
I’ve had some nice cars but this car is just insane.
Track car for the road.
I had an RS3 before it it felt soft and sloppy like grandma couldn’t get rid of it quick enough
Remembering seeing this car for sale online 🍊
Brilliant. Great info
Nerver - typo?
Yep! Now changed thanks!
@1:30 looks like your barn door's open, friend.
🤣🤣
So it's a real rough diamond.
These cars made over list straight away limited numbers they started the Modern Classic thing and Harris has one an Epic M Car
One if not the best modern ish bmw; but n54 cheaper to maintain than an s65? Turbos, hpfp, injectors, carbon buildup, cooling system, plethora of oil & potential vacuum leaks, camshaft sealing rings, water pump, plastic valve cover, vanos issue, plastic charge pipes……Yay bmw 👍
Amazing when running well but when they start going wrong 💰💰💰
Surely all M cars engines are just standard BMW lumps tuned up to M spec ie. M car engines aren’t unique to M cars?
My favorite BMW. The 1 series hatch it started from is one of the ugliest cars of all time yet the 1M is stunning.
Agree, the said hatch was not a good looking car - however as far ugliness is concerned it does not beat the AMC Pacer - now that's ugly.
@@georgebettiol8338 I have a list. The 1 series hatch (first generation) comes in at number 11. To be fair, it needs updating. The new BMW i7 is worse. What a monstrosity!
@@brodiejones2028 You mean the BMW with the "exaggerated cartoon like" front end that was designed to appeal to the burgeoning Chinese market - no disagreement from me.
Meh, 1 hatch looks fine, especially in M sport trim. Better than most hatches I would say, certainly looks "tougher" than most at least. Dont get the hangup lots of people got, seems to be a "brit thing" for some reason.
@@GoldenCroc I'm from New Zealand... They look like a bread van that had a wrecking ball dropped on the roof. Tall and narrow with that ridiculous crease under the doors. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but I have to cover my eyes when I see one!
BMW quite like to use the romantic old tale: "It is based on a special that enthusiastic designers put together in a workshop after hours".
There is a particular look on Bavaria that goes with a sort of muffled snort. The implication is "... and if you believe that..."
Buyers (customers) are quite taken by the idea of clever, incentive, ambitious, creative designers and engineers coming on at the weekend and quite by chance creating a legendary car.
The customer (buyer, income source) feels somehow like a part of the deception. "We all duped the board together when they weren't looking".
So... These slightly unlikely tales are included in the press pack or are whispered at the launch....
And the myth grows. And it is a wonderful myth.
And it is a myth.
Interesting that Australia has kept the skilled design workforce albeit with a small number of employees, but lost the manufacturing workforce
Glad you liked my comment but I'd inadvertently posted it against the wrong video. Love the 1M though.
" Nerver " is that like never but gets on your nerves ?
Wheel arches. Tidy.
Of course BMW didnt want to build it, its a good car, a good car that gets leaky 7k Headlights, but still, as BMW stands for Broke Moron Werks, where you pay 80K for a car that barely lasts as long as the lease period, this one however actually does, thus why they had to discontinue it, as a good car AND its a BMW, are you mad?! NEIN NEIN NEIN, what are we the Japanease?!!
Fantastic drivers car, but when I went in one I was amazed how low rent the interior trim is! The leather is awful!
Didn’t seem too bad to me..
@@Number27 well to be fare, I guess in isolation it's fine. At the time I was comparing it to my 535d interior and my wife's 435i. The trim finish and leather quality for both these cars was much higher than the 1M I went in.
There are two types of BMW drivers. 1. Fanbois will buy anything with the BMW badge on it especially if it's a used car. 2. People who actually buy them and don't give a crap about anything the fanbois care about (or know which wheels are driven).
The 135i had an N54
The 1M had the N54T (N54 + PPK)
The M135i had the N55
It's a cool car but I've always thought a bit overpriced on the used market. I'd rather have an M2 with the more reliable and better sounding N55 and all the other benefits still in tact for less money.
The M1 wasn't built by Lamborghini. I just was supposed to be built by them, but it was actually built by Baur in Germany.
The E82 1M is such a desirable, analogue machine. I’m after one at present and am monitoring the listings but had never seen one in the metal until I zeroed in on one finished in Sapphire Black that was parked a few rows in front of my 20-plate RS4 Avant Vorsprung at the Bicester Scramble on 23rd April. Stunning.
By the way, some of those bends you’re flinging the car through look very familiar. Was Harry Metcalfe out that day too?
English Bulldog personified in the form of a car.
Without this car we wouldn't of had the M2
He keeps saying my old “M1 335i” - what on earth is he talking about?
Nerver say nerver...
🤣
The addition of an M badge on a BMW means nothing any more as every run of the mill BMW has a fair spattering of them everywhere and the owners of these 'M cars' are all under the dillusion that they have the fastest M car ever produced!
Well the badge doesnt mean anything, the hardware does. And it varies with the many levels of "M" that are availible. M-sport, M-performance and just plain M, as in M3 etc. But all of the have something extra compared to the base model unless its just a badge the owner has put on themselves.
Try and do one on the M Coupe. I loathe BMW's but I will definitely make an exception for that car.
Z3M or Z4M? Why the loathing for Beemers- do you not like driving?
WRONG about the engine. It had various modifications made by BMW M. I believe the pistons were completely upgraded. ALSO, The S55 was built based around this engine with twin turbo concept. This engine is much closer to an M engine than most realise.
The stock N54 has numerous forged internals which is partly why modify so well.
The S55 block is based on the N55, although the twin turbo conceit is lifted from the N54.