Skip to main content
Page actions
Model

BMW M1

Production1978–1981
CategorySupercar
Status
Discontinued
Previous model
Model
BMW M1
Next model
Manufacturer

Key specifications

Body style
Coupe
Engine
3.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-six
Power
277 PS
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Transmission
Manual · 5 speeds

Generations and variants

Generation

BMW M1 - production series

1978–1981 E26
Variant

BMW M1

1978–1981
Body style
Coupe
Engine
3.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-six
Power
277 PS
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Transmission
Manual
· 5 speeds

Facts

Engineering

The road-going BMW M1 produced 277 hp, with BMW quoting a top speed of roughly 262 km/h.

Engineering

The road-going M1 engine used four valves per cylinder, mechanical fuel injection and individual throttle bodies.

Engineering

The M1 was powered by a 3.5-litre M88 inline-six mounted behind the passenger compartment.

Production

BMW produced the M1 from 1978 to 1981, with official BMW material recording 453 cars built in total.

Production

After the project was reorganized, production M1s received final assembly in Germany by Baur.

History

Developments of the M88 engine family used in the M1 later powered other BMW M road cars, including early M5 models.

Design

The M1's wedge-shaped body was designed at Italdesign under Giorgetto Giugiaro, evolving themes from the earlier BMW Turbo concept.

Development

BMW initially planned to produce the M1 with Lamborghini, but the Italian company's financial problems forced the project to be reorganized.

Development

The BMW M1 was conceived around Group 4 racing homologation, which required a production run of road cars.

Development

The M1 was the first car developed by BMW Motorsport GmbH as a distinct model rather than a performance derivative of an existing BMW.

More facts about BMW M1

Showing 1–10 of 10 facts

Continue exploring

Other models from the same manufacturer.