M1 BMW M1, why we need one....core reasons

[Zafiro]

I found this on 1addicts and its written by Scott

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There are 4 Core reasons why there is a strategy that exists for a BMW M1 Coupe by scott in Munich from 1addicts...

One.- With the M3 Coupe now inheriting a V8 and moving up a segment. Their is belief that there is space for a BMW M1 Coupe and the 1er looks set to be the occupant for this vacancy. BMW engineers are in no denial about having something "back to basics" a very hardcore driving experience with a high revving engine sufficient power and astounding dynamics .

Two.- With the BMW 1er Coupe being developed for certain key markets such as North America and Canada , BMW need a car with the Halo effect to sell the image of the BMW 1er Coupe. it is no secret that customers begin from the basic models and work themselves to the top of BMW's product list - effectively by having an aspiring model that provides the halo effect to the rest of the range. That is the key to successful marketing - A BMW M car has a very profound effect thanks to it's status , desirability and image on the other models of BMW's model range. A BMW M1 Coupe is entirely essential in order for the 1er to win over the North American and Canadian market and the these markets would certainly require an M model of the BMW 1er coupe.

Three.- It is an opportunity far too great to miss. A return to a dynamic , entertaining and fun compact performance car in the vain of the classic E30 M3.
All BMW Coupes from the 3er to the 6er have come in an M variant. And plans are much proceeding in the direction for a BMW M1 Coupe.

Four . Until the next generation model arrives The M1 Will effectively replace the current Z4M Coupe . By late 2008 the next generation Z4 will be about to enter production for first market North American sales. As a last finale current Z4 M Coupe will receive the V8 engine from the M3 . Until the next Coupe arrives on the market.
The M1 will plug the gap until the next generation models arrive more in likely with the BMW M3's V8.

One of the earliest strategies was when the V10 was being used to develop the new BMW M3 V8 engine that they considered using the V8 to develop the engine for the M1 Coupe. Unrealistically this would be a V6 but this was quickly dismissed as BMW does not pose a healthy attitude to V6 engines instead enjoying the smooth transition of power you can only get with six-cylinder power.
The new engine under development heralds from a new magnesium block evolved from the engine of the previous BMW M3 and the current BMW Z4M Coupe and Roadster.
As the engine does not incorporate areas of technology BMW are keen to utilise in their "Efficient Dynamics" programme. Basically it is technology that was not considered when that engine was first conceived in the mid nineties.
The Old engine effectively gets a rebuild to utilise modern energy management technology and achieve stringent emission targets.

Aswell as a manual to really emphasize the passion of the "drivers M3" The E30 The M1 will also be available with the incoming ZSG gear box technology. The engine output is expected to be around 350 PS - development mules have already hit the streets.
Effectively BMW need this car to stabilise the image of the lower Coupe and Cabrio models especially in the North American and Canadian market.

The BMW M1 Coupe will certainly inherit some of it's toned looks and technologies seen with the other M cars available and ones around the corner. BMW always stress that it's M Division cars are not just tuned-up performance versions of the top end luxury models. every M car is different from steering to handling to chassis tuning and performance. An Mcar is greater than the sum of it's parts.

The BMW M1 will follow these ideals by also offering cutting edge developments such as the Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic roof , lightweight body panels and aerodynamic M styling treatment. With styling taking a cue with the new BMW M3 Coupe but with the front appearance becoming more angular with a trapese shape for the central intake.

Initially available as only a Coupe and a Convertible BMW are seriously considering throwing the 3dr hatch into the mix - Although if greenlighted this would be for European/Asian markets only.

Until such a car as the M1 arrives in the meantime BMW will offer a Ltd edition 135i M-Sport - Confined to only the Coupe and 3dr Hatch only this will be the gap until the M1 comes along. To emphasize the sporting credentials of the Coupe the base petrol model will be the 120 Si using the four cylinder petrol engine that was in the limited edition BMW 320Si WTCC Car.

Additionally BMW will eventually offer the BMW/PSA co-operation of the incoming four cylinder Turbo charged model . Although the collaboration has frightened many there is nothing to be apprehensive about - Both companies applie their special requirements and "magic" to their project.
With the BMW project promising "best in it's class" credentials - BMW engine development engineers just don't like winning many awards for nothing.
The same goes for diesel - Now equally well renowned for their diesel powerplants as well as their petrol powered powerplants BMW will again offer the cream of diesel power including the latest 204HP diesel in the 123d.

 

[Giannis]

I am convinced

 

[AdvEvo]

this is an rather old story.

It s quit around an M1 no spy shots of test cars what so ever.

I hope we get some more info soon.

Maybe the whole plan of m1 is off the cards. Because all americans are only talking about buying the 135i and the tuning potiential of it.

M version only comes if a car sells in america. Now if most americans rather buy 135i and tune it. Whats the point of making an M1 and try to sell it.

Bmw made a big mistake if you ask me.

If M wants to bring a M version of the 1 coupe they should not brought out a 135i. A 130i coupe would have been enough before the M version.

Now that bmw brought the 135i i say the M1 is off the cards. It will proberly come in the new model coupe in a few years time.

 

[AdvEvo]

No respons today also just me.

No M1

there is nothing going on at BMW M consider a 1 coupe M version.

I would rather hear otherwise.

 

[Centurion]

^^
Exactly, that's why BMW created a 135i coupe instead. If there was an M1 in the pipe line only a 130 coupe would have seen day light, making way for an M1.

 

[Osnabrueck]

^^
Exactly, that's why BMW created a 135i coupe instead. If there was an M1 in the pipe line only a 130 coupe would have seen day light, making way for an M1.

I agree, and in another way, I disagree. There's now 130, because the '30 line of cars has been discontinued. BMW probably couldn't have made a business case for a 130i, because it would mean the continued production of their 3.0L non-turbo inline 6.

Since BMW's MO is to repurpose off-the-shelf parts and technology, it was a complete shoo-in to create the 128i and 135i. It makes logistic sense, and it makes sense from a service point-of-view.

While the idea of an M1 sounds absolutely tantalizing, there's one big roadblock in its path: the business case. The 135i is already going to sell in limited quantities, due to its considerably steep asking price. It's already a car for the enthusiast who's willing to fork out extra pennies for dynamic performance. So naturally, it's a given that BMW could only sell a handful of M1s, especially when you consider the projected pricetag and the lack of cache that would come along with driving the "least" of the M cars. An M1 would fall into an uncomfortable zone of the upper $40ks, and at the same time, BMW would be compelled to retard its abilities so as to not upstage its more expensive M stablemates.

Ultimately the biggest problem with the M1 comes down to the powerplant. What will they use, and how will they repurpose it? BMW is able to justify the development of their M engines since they get spread-out over the M range. The V10 makes its way to the M5 and M6. The V8 debuts in the M3, but eventually trickles-down to the Z cars. So where does that leave an M1 engine? Do you just further juice the 335i engine? No, that won't work. Do you develop a proprietary inline 6? That would be expensive, and the engine wouldn't have a home outside of the M1 family, unless it was a doner engine for the Mini line - not sure if BMW wants to cross that bridge. What about the old M3 engine? Well, that's already outdone by the prodigious grunt of the 335i.

As I see it - the only way the M1 has a shot is if BMW wants to repurpose the engine for use in a future Mini product. At the same time, the audience for the M1 will be so small that only a handful would find homes. Ultimately, this same audience is addresssed by the Z4 M Coupe. As it is, the Z4 M Coupe takes a loss as a nod to BMW's hardcore enthusiast base.

I talked myself out of it. No M1.

 

[NarutoRamen]

I'm pretty sure there is going to be ///M tune 1er. Now whether they call it the M1 or not is what I'm waiting for.

 

[Giannis]

I think we can hope for a 135si, like in the previous X5 case!

 

[Centurion]

A bunch of text.

Yupp the engine choice for an M1 is a big factor I have thought about. The E46 M3 engine would have been a sweet one under the hood of an M1. But would cost to much in relation to what it offers compared with the 135i engine, which is far more cheaper to use because it's used in the 1er, 3er and 5er.

Then there isn't much room for an M1 either. BMW are off course very caring for their M3 which they don't want to be cannibalized in any way.

 

[Giannis]

Yupp the engine choice for an M1 is a big factor I have thought about. The E46 M3 engine would have been a sweet one under the hood of an M1. But would cost to much in relation to what it offers compared with the 135i engine, which is far more cheaper to use because it's used in the 1er, 3er and 5er.

Then there isn't much room for an M1 either. BMW are off course very caring for their M3 which they don't want to be cannibalized in any way.

Yes, the engine choise is the biggest problem. If you notice, the power difference between M5/M6 and M3 is almost 90hp. The same shouldn't be between M1 and M3? So we need a UNIQUE engine capable of about 330hp. The classic 3.2V6 of the previous M3 would make a great choise, but that is an old engine! And developing a new one costs!

I think the fact that they offered the 3.0I6 TT engine of the 135 is the sign that there won't be a M1. I say again: Can't we hope for a special 135si like in the previous X5 case with the 4.8is?

 

[bmer]

The classic 3.2V6 of the previous M3 would make a great choise, but that is an old engine!

V6?! Giannis, your whiskey is propably contaminated, if I was you I'd throw it down the drain. j/k of course

 

[Giannis]

Gosh, i'm sorry Inline 6 i should say

Ps. it's almost 2am here and i am TIRED

 

[PanterroR]

Ps. it's almost 2am here and i am TIRED

Tired or DRUNK?

 

[Giannis]

For the last time, i am TIRED. Now let's stay on topic

Again: Is a 135is version possible?

 

[AdvEvo]

No M1 but

Ok i sattle for a 135i

but why so damn heavy and why no mechanical limited slip diff.
and what about overheating problems when used hard.

If 135i weighted 80kg less and has lsd standard i already had bought one.

 

[Centurion]

V6?! Giannis, your whiskey is propably contaminated

LMAO!

That sounds as bad as a rotten egg which has been poisoned.

 

[Giannis]

lol, good one Hassan!

 

[AdvEvo]

Also scott doesn t respond anymore in m1 threads so i quess no more news.

The M1 idea bleeds to death.