Much like the E28 M5, the E82 was a legend before it even hit the market. Press releases and journalists gushed over its superlatives; while most felt it was a return to the classic BMW form, some went so far as to suggest it was the best M product ever. Debate still rages over that and generally fans of each chassis manage to come up with plenty of justification as to why theirs is the most special M produced. However, one thing is undeniable; the 1M might be the only M car to ever immediately appreciate on the market. Perhaps it was the combination of those aforementioned press articles or the limited nature of the model; a scant 983 were produced for the U.S. market over a 10 month production cycle in 2011. As with the E28, color choices were quite limited (though, thankfully more than just black!) – 326 Alpine White III (300), 222 Black Sapphire Metallic (475), and 435 Valencia Orange Metallic (B44) – the model’s signature color. All were mated with the same interior: LWNZ Black Boston leather with contrasting orange stitching. They all featured the same drivetrain specification, too – the boosted twin-turbocharged N54 turned up to 335 horsepower and mated only to a 6-speed manual with a limited slip differential. Wheels were the Competition Package BBS-made Style 359M 19″ options from the E9x. The result was magical – if you can afford it…
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2011 BMW 1M Coupe on eBay
Year: 2011
Model: 1M Coupe
VIN: WBSUR9C51BVP76297
Engine: 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged inline-6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 49,000 mi
Location: Pompano Beach, Florida
Price: $49,995 Buy It Now
BMW 1-Series M.
Extremely rare, one of only 740 1 M’s sent to U.S.
Valencia Orange Metallic
3.0 All-Aluminum 335hp inline 6 Engine
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Adaptive brake lights
Xenon headlights
Heated side-view mirrors and windshield washer jets
Flared front and rear fenders
Rear lip spoiler
M quad polished stainless steel exhaust tips
Black Boston leather upholstery w/contrasting orange stitching
Anthracite headliner
Floor Mats
M-design instrument cluster
3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function M steering wheelAdult owned
Non-smoker
Garage keptNo warranty written or implied. Vehicle sold as is.
In spite of the lackluster photos, this looks like the one to have – the moderate mileage should keep it more affordable, yet it’s only had two owners, no apparent crashes, and it’s the signature color. The problem is that the legendary and limited-production 1M automatically means that the asking price is above what it ‘should’ be. Admittedly, I think given the presentation this one is a bit high – a similar 1M that was better presented and with only a few more miles sold on Bring a Trailer for $46,500 recently. Still it’s not an outrageous delta. But what’s more strange is that you can get into the even quicker, equally spunky, and much newer M2 or M4 for less money. Think I’m joking? I’m not. Here’s a 2018 M2 6-speed with 30k miles for $10,000 less. Okay, the M2 isn’t the 1M. But it’s similar enough that I don’t think you’re missing too much in the experience. You do gain quite a bit, though….
-Carter
beware the BMW twin turbo engines…
I have one. It’s fine.
While I think the 1M is “the one to have”, At $40-50k $I have the same thought. I think I’d rather have an admittedly boss looking N55 M2 and $10k in my pocket. If I really couldn’t live without hydrallic steering (and I shouldn’t), a good 135is at $20-25k is the one I’m looking for. Seems harder to find than a 1M, though.
“Okay, the M2 isn’t the 1M.” Oh lord. Not this again.
The M2 is a better car in every way. Objectively, power and balance… it’s simply a more capable platform. Tossable at the limit. Yeah, I get it… the 1M is rare and looks cool compared to its E-Series siblings, but… it’s old. 335 HP isn’t anything to write home about anymore. Neither is a chassis that’s twitchy at high speeds.
So the 1M is rare and a less capable, less refined, less reliable M2. Gee, where do I sign up for that bargain?
@Jay, you read the following comments, correct?
Let me interject that I think the 1 series hit every branch of the ugly tree on the way down. They are as ugly as the E65 and E63. You could not pay me enough money to ever own one.
while driving it is difficult to observe the exterior of your car… although there are numerous large windows to pass by so…
i personally judge cars by their “feel” while operating them…
the last time i choose a car for its exterior design, a 1957 corvette i was very displeased… it drove like the half ton pick up truck it shared chassis with…
I used to think that too. But I have to say I really love how my 135i looks. It’s like a spunky street fighter. And it draws looks – a lot more than the commonly seen 3-series.