Tag: 1-series

2008 BMW 135i Sport

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The 1-Series sought to return BMW to its more affordable small car roots by shrinking the swollen 3-Series down substantially. What BMW unintentionally did was to create an E46 successor. The E82s are similarly sized, similarly equipped and were similarly priced to the E46. And in its most basic, most sporty form, the early 135i Sport is on paper a close match for the performance of the third generation M3. Okay, there’s no doubt that the 135i isn’t a M3 when you get behind the wheel. But is it a special car? Yes. And does it move? The N54/55 are rated at 300 horsepower – about 10% shy of the S54. But they’ve got 300 lb.ft of torque, almost about 15% more than the M3 had. And because they’re a turbo motor and they were able to tune that torque curve in, it’s about as flat as the Makgadikgadi Pan. That means roll-on performance, and the 135i rewards you any time you want in any gear you’re in. The strange thing is, it really doesn’t drive like it is a turbo motor. There’s no lag, no flat spots, no real woosh. It just feels like a very strong high-compression inline-6. It ALWAYS has power. And though it won’t corner like a E46 M3, it’s not far off in acceleration or driving feel.

So while it’s not quite the visual triumph that is the E46 M3, it’s a very compelling alternative. Better yet, the polarizing looks have meant that these haven’t taken off in value yet compared to full M models. Today, now just over a decade after launch, few come to market looking quite as fresh as this Sedona Red Metallic first-year model:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2008 BMW 135i Sport on eBay

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2011 BMW 1M with 10,600 miles

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The BMW 1M is safely now into cult status. Values for used examples very rarely dip below $40,000 with the nicest one selling for tens of thousands more. Does it surprise me? Yes, a little. I think we all knew it was a really fun car, but I don’t think anyone knew they’d still be trading hands close to MSRP some eight years later. Good value for money? I can’t argue it. These cars are a hoot in daily driver situations as well as the track. Yeah, the N54 has its drawbacks (this example needed new spark plugs at 8,000 miles), but if you stay on top of things, nothing is too severe. Today, I came across an example painted in signature Valencia Orange with just over 10,000 miles. Even better, it was for sale at a BMW dealer in San Francisco. Great news, right? Nope. You aren’t prepared for how much they are asking for this car. Trust me.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2011 BMW 1M Coupe at BMW San Francisco

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2011 BMW 1M Coupe

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I’ve been on a bit of a yellow kick as of late, but even I was surprised when I came upon this BMW 1M. To date, I had not seen a BMW Individual painted 1M Coupe and to spy one in Dakar Yellow seemed especially amazing. Even more amazing was the price; despite only 35,000 miles on the clock, this E87 seemed priced to move at only $50,000 – some $20,000 less than other examples on the market. It was clearly worth a bit of further investigation…

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2011 BMW 1M Coupe on eBay

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2011 BMW 1M

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Like many I was filled with excitement and anticipation when it was announced that BMW would release a M-package 1-series. We were all pretty sure it wouldn’t be called the M1, since that name was taken, but regardless of what it was called there was plenty to be excited about. The 3-series was getting too big and seemed a significant departure from the iconic E30 M3, which was for me, though I didn’t really know it at the time, THE CAR to capture my attention and it elicited “ooohhs” and “aaahhhs” whenever we passed the local BMW dealer. I only saw it from afar so I can’t say exactly what color it was, though I know it was bright – something along the lines of Zinnoberrot I’d guess. Of course the 1M isn’t quite to the E30’s stature, at least not yet, but it was smaller and better proportioned than its siblings and that definitely was a step in the right direction. But whereas the E30 possesses a litheness to its design, the 1M is all muscle and with 335 hp it packs plenty of punch to backup that sculpted appearance. There is an Alpine White 1M that runs around where I live and for a white car it’s pretty darn sexy, but ultimately I come back to that first M3 and look for something a little brighter like this Valencia Orange 2011 BMW 1M Coupe, located in Illinois, with 32,250 miles on it.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2011 BMW 1M on eBay

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2008 BMW 135i

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Like many BMW fans, I was hotly anticipating the release of the 1-series stateside a few years back. It was a return to BMW’s roots of making a two door sport coupe in the vein of the 2002, E21 and E30 or at least so we thought. As it turned out the 1-series wasn’t as big of a hit with enthusiasts, so much as it was with folks looking for the cheapest way to get into a car bearing the blue and white roundel. That being said I do have a soft sport for the car, even with its big funky headlights and not so attractive posterior, I think there are enough redeeming qualities to make it worth considering as a daily driver.

A six speed manual coupled with BMW’s N54 inline-6 is one of the best setups a driver can ask for. With the help of twin turbochargers, the motor delivers 300hp to the rear wheels of a 3,420lb car, which is a recipe for fun. The seller of this particular car claims 380hp to the wheels but makes no mention of what gets it there other than an Dinan exhaust. I’m curious as to what other goodies are under the hood or what lines of code have been changed in order to make those numbers. Certainly would have to do the homework on where these parts were installed and of what quality they are, but 380hp in this vehicle sounds delightful. The vehicle has also been dropped an inch though no specific mention of what brand of suspension has been installed and there are the black wheels which I would be quick to get rid of. I’ve seen a 1-series rolling on 17″ wheels with nice meaty tires and let me tell ya, that is a very good loo for this car.

Click for details: 2008 BMW 135i on Cars.com

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2011 BMW 135i Dinan Stage 3

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Over the past few years the BMW 1-Series has done a pretty great job of filling the niche for a German, light(ish)-weight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. When you take it up in trim to the 135i you get a proper 300-hp turbo mill and even a manual transmission if you prefer to row your own gears. Once you get over the looks, which I find to be akin to a squished-face 3-series, you have yourself a pretty fast and fun automobile. Here we have a 2011 model featuring the single twin-scroll turbo N55 motor that’s been hotted up by Dinan.

Year: 2011
Model: 135i
Engine: 3.0 liter inline-6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 29,382 mi
Price: Reserve Auction, $32,900 Buy It Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2011 BMW 135i with Dinan Stage 3 package on eBay

Factory Options:
Power Front Seats (Originally a $995 Option)
BMW Assist with Bluetooth (Originally a $750 Option)
Heated Leather Front Seats (Originally a $500 Option)
Satellite Radio (Originally a $350 Option)

Upgrades:
Dinan Stage 3 Performance Engine Software (Originally $2,199)
-98 More Horsepower and 129 More lb-ft of Torque over Stock
-Increased Boost Pressure
-Software Tune

Dinan High Capacity Oil Cooler System (Originally a $1,399)
-Controls Operating Temperatures with Increased Boost Pressure

Dinan High Performance Intercooler (Originally $1,399)
-Double the Volume of Stock Intercooler
-More Efficient Heat Exchange

Dinan Free Flow Exhaust System (Originally $1,099)
-Reduces Back Pressure
-Increased Power Output
-Sporty Exhaust Note

17″ Motegi Racing MR118 Black Painted Wheels (Originally $648)

Injen Cold Air Intake System(Originally $368)

Tinted Windows

Vehicle Highlights:
3.0 Liter TwinPower Turbo Inline 6 Cylinder Engine rated at 398 Horsepower and 429 lb-ft of Torque
6 Speed Manual Transmission
Sport Suspension
Xenon Adaptive Headlights
-Auto-Leveling
Powered Moonroof
Automatic Climate Control
Glacier Silver Aluminum Trim
CD/MP3 Player w/HD Radio
iPod & USB Adapter
3-Spoke Multi-function Steering Wheel
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
Heated Mirrors and Windshield Washer Jets
Cruise Control

Vehicle History:
Dinan Upgrades Installed at Authorized BMW Dealer
Spotless Vehicle History Reports
-AutoCheck Guaranteed
-CARFAX Guaranteed
Includes Original Owner’s Manuals, Original Window Sticker and One Key

A stock 135i is good for a sub-5 second 0-60 making it a seriously quick little car. With the extra 100 ponies from the Dinan upgrades I am sure this thing could keep up with almost anything in BWM’s current M-lineup. Prices for the less troublesome N55 135i’s hover right below the $30K range with this kind of mileage. It appears the seller believes he can recoup some of the Dinan upgrade costs with the higher Buy-It-Now but unfortunately the mods may actually hurt the value of this example.  While the extra power is nice I think I’d prefer it in stock form and am doubtful it will break $30K in the auction.

Similar to the M Coupe, I believe the looks of the squinty 1-Series make it one of BMW’s best kept secrets. A simple resolution in this case would be to replace the Motegi wheels that you’d find on a Honda Civic at your local Burger King meet up with some BBS LM’s or M3 CSL wheels and you’d give the car a lot more presence.

-Ben

2011 BMW 1M

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The 1M was a funny choice for modern BMW AG. Seemingly hell-bent on expanding the M line and selling as many M-cars as possible, they created a limited-production, enthusiast-targeted modern interpretation of the E30 M3. Less than a thousand came to North America in total, and I’ve seen as many F10 M5s in the few months they’ve been around as I’ve seen 1Ms in the past couple of years. Today’s comes in Valencia Orange which, while perhaps not as sleek as the white or black options, is definitely the trademark color for these cars. The main talking point on this car is the salvage title – while the damage appears to have been fully remedied, that title issue will be a black mark for the rest of its life.

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Year: 2011
Model: 1M
Engine: N54 twin-turbo 3.0l inline-6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 11,746
Price: $51,995

Click for details: 2011 BMW 1M on eBay

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2011 BMW 1M

This is the Real Deal! 6 Speed Manual Shift!

Stunning Orange Exterior!

Alcantara Trim Interior!

11k Pristine Miles!

19″ Alloys with 9/32 or Better Tread Depth!

Spotless Inside and Out!

Hardtop Coupe!

Rear Lip Spoiler

Heated/Power Seats!

A/C Climate Control

Factory Navigation!

As amazing as this car is it has NYS salvage Certificate # 907A. Come and take a VERY close look from every angle and you will NOT find a thing out of factory order and flawless condition. Simply Google the VIN and you will see several photos of previous body damage.

VIN WBSUR9C56BVT47835

D8541A3D-ADD5-4A13-869B-CB44F4C2FB88_16

Just 746 miles short of a fully pristine life, huh? Getting in a clean one of these right now for $51k is decent, but think about E30 M3s for sale with salvage titles: much harder to sell and significantly less expensive than those with clear titles. While it’d be amazing to get in one of the 740 1Ms in the US, you have to consider the long-term effects of that title. A rare and unique driving experience is worth a lot, but the prudent choice would be to add a few grand to your budget and get one that would be in instant and high demand should you ever choose to sell.

-NR

2011 BMW 1M Coupe

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While the BMW 1M may not quite be the E30 M3 people were hoping for, it is certainly one of the more exciting offerings from BMW’s M-division in some time. It does rock the fattest fenders since the E30 which, combined with the modern BMW style of complex curves and cuts, gives a decidedly over-muscled bulldog stance. Known for a pants-crappingly short wheelbase and a stronger (if parts-bin sourced) N54 twin-turbo, this 1M also benefits from a Dinan software package resulting in almost 40 additional horses. 380hp in an essentially cubic sports car sounds hilarious and scary.

Year: 2011
Model: 1M Coupe
Engine: S54 twin-turbo inline six, Dinan Software (~380hp)
Transmission: 6-speed manual (hallelujah!)
Mileage: 18,300
Price: $59,800

2011 BMW 1M for sale on eBay

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2011 BMW 1 Series M 1M Coupe Dinan Stage 3
* Stunning 1 Series M Coupe Alpine White on Black Boston Seats with Maintenance Plan from BMW until 05/08 17 or 100K miles!
* 1 Owner Local Trade In!
* Dinan Stage 3 Engine Software! (Does NOT void warranty! Link below)
* Safety Car Front Spoiler!
* Convenience Package!
* Premium Package!
* Black 19″ Wheels!
* Harman/Kardon surround sound!
* Heated front seats!
* Satellite radio!
* BMW Apps!
* Voice-command!
* Smartphone Integration!
* Automatic climate control!
* Xenon Headlamps!

* Convenience Package:
– Navigation system
– Comfort Access keyless entry
– Park distance control (rear)

* Premium Package:
– Power seats
– Autodimming mirrors
– Power folding mirrors
– Universal garage door opener!

Dinan Stage 3 Software Details: http://dinancars.com/shop/D900-30TM-Stage-2-Performance-Engine-Software-Boost-Upgrade-1-Series-M.aspx#page=1

I’ve seen this before, but it never makes sense why the ad says Dinan Stage 3 when it clearly links to Stage 2 and there is no Stage 3 to be found on Dinan’s website. Regardless, Stage 2 is plenty of extra beast in an already intimidating car. I normally love Germany’s racing white, but here the white exterior and bland black interior seem to exaggerate the beluganess and obscure the monster. But whatever, it’s number 78 out of 740 for a car that will go down in history as a very special M-car in a time of impressive but less-special ///Ms.

This 1M is already chasing down one of the E30 M3’s most notable recent characteristics: appreciation. Even with options and aftermarket parts, this car cost no more than $55k new (dealer markups notwithstanding) and has now covered 18k miles, yet is for sale at just under $60k. Sure, this is a very cool modern BMW, but can you imagine what kind of M3 (or how many) you could get for $60k!? With that money you could have an exceptional E30 M3, E28 M5, E36 M3, AND an E39 M5. No question which garage I’d choose.

-NR