Vehicle: 2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe with Executive Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$58500
Performance: If this 1M (this is what we will be referring to 1-Series M Coupe) is any indication of BMW Motorsport Division’s direction, all of them will be powered by forced induction engine instead of normally aspirated powertrain one associates with awesome M series of yesteryears. The main reasons are mainly due to tough engine emission standard. And most importantly, forced induction is easier and less expensive to squeeze out stallion than normally aspirated unit.
Take our 1M, for example. It uses BMW’s N54 twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0 liter 24-valve straight-6; with Double VANOS, direct fuel injection and driven-by-wire technologies all packed together in a tidy package. All of these plus revised engine timing, exhaust and turbo boost difference. The N54 is able to produce 335 stallion and 332 lb/ft of torque. One thing worthy of mention is the overboost feature is able to increase the torque to 369 lb/ft of torque with the press of the “M” Drive button. Another desired result of this “M” button is providing quicker throttle response by adjusting through the throttle mapping. The desired result is a performance car which feels very much like a performance car. The throttle response is quick and responsive, without any sort of abrupt feeling one associates with any quick sports car. There are none of the annoying turbo lag we used to complaint about this N54. Mesh the light throttle, 1M takes off with authority as it moves through both middle and upper ranges without feeling breathless. All are very typical BMW straight-6 fashion. All have done by providing the entertaining solid Teutonic engine note that’s very much of BMW Motorsport engineering integrity. The smooth 6-speed manual gearbox basically wraps up the entire awesome equation. The clutch provides decent feedback without feeling too light nor too damn heavy, with proper engagement point. The gear lever provides sharp and precise throw. Gear ratios are properly done in order to match the wonderful powertrain. In short, a very sublime package.
Handling: As its name suggests, 1M rides on E82 coupe platform. The primary reason is BMW would like us to remember how legendary the E30 M3 in relations to the E82 1M. While the original M3 provides a lightweight package which is both poised and balanced. The 1M gets pretty damn close, except for the weight it has to carry. 1525kg is nothing short of porky consider 1M’s performance prowess. However, we won’t find 1M’s dynamic abilities anything disappointing despite of its weight. Along with any BMW, the chassis is world-class when it comes to rigidty and solidty. Then comes all the suspension upgrades carry through the Motosport division, which is able to transform a good car into a great car. The result is the 1M handles sharply, responsively and entertainingly without any fuss. The steering provides exceptional feel and feedback, also nicely weighted without being too heavy. Push the 1M through the track or on the road, it response instantly without any complaints. All have to credit to its rear-wheel-drive 50/50 perfect balance, a superb suspension calibrations while the M Differential really does control over and understeer exceptionally well. Then add the uninstrusive stability control, which allows for a huge thresold before its stepping in M Dynamic Mode. It pretty much wraps up the wonderful dynamic equation with the excellent body control. Aside from its smitten dynamics, its suspension is firm enough without feeling overly harsh when driven over washboard pavements and patholes. Its supple without feeling softly sprung. Exactly the right compromise between sharp handling and firm ride, which is what make a great sports car. 
Brakes: With large 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, 1M stopped exceptionally well without any complaints. The stopping distance is short while pedal always feels solid and well-modulated. Even after a couple of harsh stops, it remains fade-free. ABS doesn’t step in unncessarily is an added bonus.
Interior: The biggest highlights have to be its superb sports seats and steering wheel. While the M steering wheel provides thick grip, its the M sports seats which are able to hug driver and passenger in all the right places. The driving position is always ideal with easily adjustable seats and steering.
As with all the 1-Series, backseat is cramped. The same goes for the luggage space. It is barely enough to carry both driver and passenger’s luggages without have to search for supermarket for toothpaste, which is already considered a huge praise for its practicality.
Conclusion: The 1M is the sort of product that BMW should have been produced instead of those poorly executed X1, X6, 5-Series GT and 6-Series. That’s because it represents the best of this Bavarian company’s engineering prowess without have to please those badge whore. The latest 1-Series M Coupe reminds me of the last E86 Z4 M Coupe, both cars have put driving fun above everything else, even with compromises. That’s exactly what BMW stands for, even if 1M doesn’t come with the legendary S-series powertrain.
In the meantime, we have added 1M as one of our all-time favourite in Directshift’s “must own” list. The list which consists of E36/8 + E86 M Coupes; E30 to E46 M3s and E28 to E39 M5s. All of those are the hallmarks of BMW Motorsports engineering and technologies wrapped in an understated packages.
Competitions:
Audi TT-RS
Porsche Cayman R
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe
=====================================
Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 4/5
Overall rating: 4.5/5