When you look at the spec sheet of a BMW 1M laid out in front of you, it doesn't look particularly remarkable. BMW took their smallest coupe, put a more powerful engine and some M3 suspension bits in, and called it a day. To truly understand the 1M, you need to get behind the wheel, and within minutes, you will understand why so many automotive journalists and enthusiasts use this car as the benchmark for fun driving. With a design based on the “1 Series tii Concept” which was first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motorshow, the 1M differentiates itself from a standard 135i with a set of exaggerated fender flares as well as more aggressive front and rear bumpers. Upon its debut in 2011, the car immediately received rave reviews, placing 3rd in Evo Magazine's Car of The Year Awards, behind a 997 GT3 RS 4.0 and the new McLaren MP4-12C.

This 2011 BMW 1M is finished in the launch color of Valencia Orange over black leather and Alcantara interior with orange stitching. The overall condition of the car is exceptionally good- especially when you consider there are over 93,000 miles on the odometer! It is clear that the enthusiasts who owned this car previously loved to drive it but were equally passionate about keeping it in top shape both inside and out. As with all 1Ms, this car is fitted with a beautiful set of 19” M3 Competition wheels, shod in a sticky set of Continental Extreme Contact tires.

The inside of a BMW 1M has a strong focus on driving. Although there is a screen in the center stack, it sits far enough back on the dashboard to not be in the driver's face, while still providing the information you need for the infotainment system. A simple gauge cluster with a subtle Alcantara hood houses a large tachometer and speedometer, along with a small screen to display a car's vitals. On the multi-function steering wheel, there is an “M” button which, when pressed, alters the parameters of the stability and traction control to allow the driver to have even more fun behind the wheel.

Powering the 1M is a variant of the twin-turbocharged inline-6 from the contemporary Z4 sDrive35is, making it the first M-car to utilize a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine. Producing 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in normal driving, when you are really getting after it, an additional 37 lb-ft of torque is available during “over-boost” for a few seconds at a time, bringing peak torque to 369 lb-ft. The only gearbox available in the 1M is a sweet shifting 6-speed manual that has perfectly spaced ratios for canyon carving. Under the car, the suspension received numerous bits off of the M3 making for a car that is 2.9 inches wider up front and 1.8 inches wider in the rear- which, along with the wider tires, necessitated the car's legendary fender flares.

Upon the 1M's arrival, BMW stated that they would only produce 2,700 examples of the special car. But thanks to rave reviews, over 6,300 cars were built at the end of the production run- that being said, only 983 of these special cars ultimately made it stateside. This example is ideal for the enthusiast who wants to experience a 1M and enjoy driving it, without so much concern for the value as you continue to rack up the miles. Offered in stunning original condition, this 1M will quickly earn its place as a favorite in any car collection- regardless of what it is pitted against.