spied in Siena- "M" version of BMW's 1 series (pic)

[Cary Grant]

Originally Posted by Flambeur

The engine is already perfect. They should concentrate on making a minimalist sports car - cut all the weight and junk out, and tune up the suspension. Would be perfect.


There's that Mini-platform based BMW concept underway.

 

[BankerBoi]

Originally Posted by spencers

Are you totally sure someone didn't just slap an ///M badge on a 1er?

PS- The current 135er has a straight six. Not a V. (In fact, all 1er/3er's have had straight sixes [or fours])

Have had and continue to have, except for the e92 ///M3.

 

[Flambeur]

Originally Posted by Cary Grant

There's that Mini-platform based BMW concept underway.

not RWD = no care.

Of course if they throw the engine in the back and make it RWD, that's a whole different story.

 

[impolyt_one]

I don't doubt the possibility of an M-series 1-series coming out, but the pictured car is likely a 120i (or 120d) with a factory M-Sport aero kit on some Chinese or Eastern European-made M6 replica wheels, and a generic M badge, which is probably not even a genuine BMW part either.

 

[turboman808]

really looks like someone threw a M badge on a car and rather badly.

 

[A Y]

That looks fake to me, too. The twin-turbo I6s actually aren't all that bulletproof: in the 335 and 135 applications, they've often shut down on the track due to overheating. There are some aftermarket coolers and software mods that supposedly solve this problem.

It will be interesting to see how the new turbocharged BMW engines fare (eg. X6M), because BMWs already run hot by design, and a powerful turbocharged engine isn't going to help matters much.

--Andre

 

[TheFoo]

The 1 is ugly, anyway. If they clean up the side profile and fix the headlights, I'll be much happier.

 

[J'aimelescravates]

That's definitely a fake 'M'. Lack of quad exhaust is a dead give-away. ///M Badge is crooked and the fender flares aren't wide enough nor are the tires.

 

[J'aimelescravates]

Originally Posted by radicaldog

I'm probably just about to reveal my car-related ignorance, but what would prevent any idiot from sticking an 'M' badge onto a regular 1-series? Many European BMW drivers are the sort of people who would consider doing that.

You could just shave the numbers off the trunk and stick on the ///M Badge. Unfortunately, the people who care about such things would immediately label you as a poser. The people who do not care would not notice. If you don't have the engine, don't bother with the badge...

 

[spencers]

Originally Posted by J'aimelescravates

That's definitely a fake 'M'. Lack of quad exhaust is a dead give-away. ///M Badge is crooked and the fender flares aren't wide enough nor are the tires.
I believe the discussion refers to the "future ///M 1-series." The mere fact that it doesn't exist provides nothing to base it off of. It's speculation.

 

[jamesbond]

Originally Posted by gnatty8

Never driven an M3, have you?

Definitely not a 4-door

 

[gnatty8]

Originally Posted by jamesbond

Definitely not a 4-door

GFY

 

[x26]

Originally Posted by gnatty8

Never driven an M3, have you?

Read my Mind...

 

[HRoi]

that would be a tough sell without any extra power. especially in America, unless they are going for some kind of race-ready-from-the-dealer version (like the E36 M3 LTW) that's more meant to increase BMW's profile on the track, rather than be a consumer sales success.

btw, i was one of those who voted for the 135i over the M3 with my wallet. no question the M3 is a better car, but the margin doesn't justify the price difference imho. i thought i couldn't settle for anything less than an M3 for sure, but i was (and still am) pleasantly satisfied with the 1.

i drove both cars back-to-back over the better part of a full weekend.

 

[superfans124]

cut 500 lbs off and it'd be golden, horse power is as meaningful as statistics.