BMW 1 Series M Coupe is sold out
Related Gallery2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe: First Drive
By Jeff Sabatini RSS feed
Posted Apr 3rd 2012 3:15PM
We knew this was coming, but the BMW 1 Series M Coupe is now history. While BMW is still building out the model run, it has closed ordering and "all cars are spoken for," according to Car and Driver.
The report comes from the magazine's European correspondent, so we assume any remaining cars are destined to remain in Europe, meaning that our friends across the Atlantic are just now catching up to our situation here. Perhaps this news should come as no surprise, as the 1 Series M Coupe was sold in the U.S. for just a single model year, 2011.
Of course, if your heart is set on owning one of fewer than 1,000 1 Series M Coupes that were offered in the States, the only thing standing between you and your dream is money. We imagine values of these cars will not depreciate much (the only used example on eBay Motors at the moment has been essentially bid up to MSRP), though whether the 1 Series M Coupe will achieve the cult status of the 2001-2002 BMW M Coupe remains to be seen.
BMW Stops Taking Orders On 1-Series M Coupe
Viknesh Vijayenthiran Editor BIO Vik is an Editor at High Gear Media
Produced for just one model year, BMW’s 1-Series M Coupe will surely be one of the most sought after models by collectors in years to come so if you have one in good nick it may be a good idea to look after it well.
Models with such short life spans traditionally become favorites among collectors, especially when they are the first generation of a new line or better yet, when they don’t spawn a direct successor.
With BMW’s next-generation 1-Series Coupe expected to be rebadged a 2-Series, and thus its M variant likely to be called an M2, it’s entirely possible that there will never be a 1-Series M Coupe again.
If you're thinking about heading down to your nearest BMW dealer and putting in an order for one now, tough luck as the guys at Car and Driver are reporting that BMW has stopped taking new orders on the car, though production for current orders will continue until summer.
Powered by a twin-turbo straight-six engine rated at 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, the compact 1-Series M Coupe is a hoot to drive. An overboost function allows up to 369 pound-feet for short periods, which means 0-60 mph runs can take as little as 4.7 seconds. The quarter mile is done in 13.2 seconds and top speed is limited to 155 mph.
All adding to the car’s uniqueness is a short-throw six-speed manual (the only available transmission), 19x9-inch alloy wheels from the M3 GTS package, a variable-lock M differential, aggressively-tuned DSC with M Dynamic Mode, effective aerodynamics to reduce lift at high speeds, and three unique colors, including Valencia Orange Metallic, Alpine White and Black Sapphire Metallic.
BMW calls the 1-Series M Coupe one of the most unique and memorable M cars, a "pure Ultimate Driving Machine" inspired by no less a legend than the 1988 M3, and we certainly agree.