Part II: BMW 1M - Exciting Curves For More Driving Pleasure

[southlight]

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BMW 1M - Exciting curves for more driving pleasure

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Here is part two of M-Power's series of technical articles on the 1M. Following Part One which focussed on engine and transmission, this article centers around the suspension and limited slip differential. There's also a short cutback to the early phase of development using a spy shot from this humble site (thanks M-Power!). As usual, here are our favourite quotes:

"Anyone looking at the BMW Series 1 M Coupé today will readily admit: the BMW M design team has worked miracles. Every aspect of the powerful, athletic design with its M-specific aesthetic leaves you wanting more. Anyone with a genuine love of cars will immediately feel the same “must-have reflex” that was once evoked by the BMW M3 E30 Sport Evo."

"“The kinematic qualities of the M3 were incorporated because the way in which the tracking and camber respond when deflected is just phenomenal,” confirms developer Jürgen Schwenker. The transverse link and trailing arm constructions have already undergone their baptism of fire in the BMW M3. It was possible to do without the thrust panel, the aluminium support that reinforces the front of the BMW M3, because the inline six-cylinder turbo engine is even lighter than the already compact V8 engine of its bigger brother. Thus, the chassis of the BMW Series 1 M coupé is lighter than that of the BMW 135i. The standard 19 inch competition wheels play their part in this."

"Thus, for example, the variable M differential lock from the BMW M3 with a newly developed characteristic curve."

Continue after the jump to read the whole article.

Exciting curves for more driving pleasure.


It all began with the statement: “Let’s build a genuine BMW M.”

Ideas for an entry-level model M automobile that was worthy to carry the name have long been entertained. After the model palette was expanded with the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M, and the sporty profile of the BMW M3 was further sharpened with the BMW M3 GTS, the time was ripe for the BMW Series 1 M Coupé. The engineers at BMW M were to be given an opportunity to show how they imagined a small BMW M – and the executive management under the chairmanship of Dr. Kay Segler was impressed with the results. It is not hard to see why.


BMW 1 Series M Coupé.


Anyone looking at the BMW Series 1 M Coupé today will readily admit: the BMW M design team has worked miracles. Every aspect of the powerful, athletic design with its M-specific aesthetic leaves you wanting more. Anyone with a genuine love of cars will immediately feel the same “must-have reflex” that was once evoked by the BMW M3 E30 Sport Evo.


BMW 1 Series M Coupé and BMW M3 Evo E30.

“Form Follows Function”: just as one would expect from BMW M, the vehicle’s exciting curves are more than window-dressing.

A logical decision has been taken in line with the aims of BMW M. “The kinematic qualities of the M3 were incorporated because the way in which the tracking and camber respond when deflected is just phenomenal,” confirms developer Jürgen Schwenker. The transverse link and trailing arm constructions have already undergone their baptism of fire in the BMW M3. It was possible to do without the thrust panel, the aluminium support that reinforces the front of the BMW M3, because the inline six-cylinder turbo engine is even lighter than the already compact V8 engine of its bigger brother. Thus, the chassis of the BMW Series 1 M coupé is lighter than that of the BMW 135i. The standard 19 inch competition wheels play their part in this.


Exciting curves for more driving pleasure.

But back to the prototype car: the tyres should be covered even on a pre-series development model. Hence, hand-made extensions to the mudguards were modelled and documented in countless prototype photographs.


Spy image: One of the first BMW 1 Series development cars at the Nürburgring Norschleife. (Source: 1addicts.com)

Of course it would also have been possible to produce the mudguard extensions in series with glass fibre reinforced add-ons. However, as you’d expect at BMW M, Development doesn’t believe in half measures. It was decided to pour a great deal of effort into developing a completely new rear side section. The extreme flexibility shown by the BMW plant in Leipzig means that special measures can be integrated in the normal production process without any problems.


BMW 1 Series M Coupé in production: BMW plant Leipzig.

Even if the latest member of the BMW M model family shares many of the genes of the BMW M3, the BMW Series 1 M Coupé is a completely separate car with a specific character and highly expressive nature. The driving experience is characterised by the rich turbo torque and the compactness of the BMW Series 1. This was taken into account.


Variable M differential lock.

Thus, for example, the variable M differential lock from the BMW M3 with a newly developed characteristic curve. Key parameters in this include the lightweight tyres and engine. If the basic lock torque is too high, the car could tend to under-steer. That is why the BMW M engineers thoroughly tested precise aspects of the lock on courses such as the northern loop of the Nürburgring. “The BMW Series 1 M Coupé also has a lot of traction in alternate curves and impresses with its neutral handling style,” enthuses chassis expert Jürgen Schwenker.



The powerful extended mudguards are visible evidence to all of the design principle of the joy of driving, however this is an experience reserved for the drivers of the BMW Series 1 M Coupé.


Exciting curves - also underneath the car.

The fact that this pleasurable experience will not have a trace of regret is also thanks to the light compound brake system which is meticulously tailored to the vehicle’s sporty driving style. It will even be possible to obtain racing brake linings as accessories for these brakes.


Powerful brakes - race track linings available.

[HERR FSTIR]

Exciting Curves For More Driving Pleasure - M-Power.com Closed Room

Not much new info. Interesting tidbit regarding tweaking the M differential to accommodate the increased n54 torque. Also references weight savings compared to the 135 by using the M3 suspension arms.

[blueshark]

Also, racing brake linings will be made available as accessories.

[skyphab]

Originally Posted by blueshark

Also, racing brake linings will be made available as accessories.

What is the difference to the normal ones?
I guess they're available for the M3 already?

[rapter]

Originally Posted by skyphab

What is the difference to the normal ones?
I guess they're available for the M3 already?

I am going to assume that they will offer braided lines as an add on??

This is a problem in canada as they are Dot certified...

[discoboy1]

Originally Posted by rapter

I am going to assume that they will offer braided lines as an add on??

This is a problem in canada as they are Dot certified...

I think they are talking about brake pads...

[elitt13]

Thanks M-Power and 1addicts ....

scoop : a bmw ///M with good brake !!!!!

[aajami]

It's still a turbo, though

[alice]

Thanks for posting South.

I'm assuming the car that they show "in production" is one of the promo cars because I didn't think production officially started until the 7th of March or something like that?!

[hwelvaar]

Originally Posted by aajami

It's still a turbo, though

It's still a turbo
More torque, more MPG, less CO2.

Get used to it. That's where MB, Audi and BMW sportscars are all headed to.

[jmunro]

Stronger half shafts/CV joints please!

[Augenbrauezug]

Originally Posted by hwelvaar

It's still a turbo
More torque, more MPG, less CO2.

Get used to it. That's where MB, Audi and BMW sportscars are all headed to.

Christ, when will we hear the end of this it has a turbo, it's not an M specific engine CRAP?????????????????????

[conradb]

Originally Posted by Augenbrauezug

Christ, when will we hear the end of this it has a turbo, it's not an M specific engine CRAP?????????????????????

Well, it really isn't an M division motor. This is just the N54 with some tweaked software.

Turbo or NA doesn't make a difference, it's the fact that BMW just kinda pushed this out the door in a hurry. I figure the car is an excellent performer and a blast to drive, but this isn't the same as the M3/5/6.

[Robert]

I am liking these new tech focused marketing message much more than pre-release message bmw pushed out.

[crumb]

Originally Posted by Augenbrauezug

Christ, when will we hear the end of this it has a turbo, it's not an M specific engine CRAP?????????????????????

+1,000

[///Mike135i]

Originally Posted by conradb

Well, it really isn't an M division motor. This is just the N54 with some tweaked software.

Turbo or NA doesn't make a difference, it's the fact that BMW just kinda pushed this out the door in a hurry. I figure the car is an excellent performer and a blast to drive, but this isn't the same as the M3/5/6.

....and the new M3 will share as similar 3.0 I6 bi turbo in the future.

[Mu Mu]

Originally Posted by conradb

Well, it really isn't an M division motor. This is just the N54 with some tweaked software.

Turbo or NA doesn't make a difference, it's the fact that BMW just kinda pushed this out the door in a hurry. I figure the car is an excellent performer and a blast to drive, but this isn't the same as the M3/5/6.

Ehhh! Rumor has it that the N54 was actually developed by the M division.

[MDORPHN]

I'm really excited about the powerful extended mudguards

Neil

[Art__Vandelay]

Originally Posted by Mu Mu

Ehhh! Rumor has it that the N54 was actually developed by the M division.

Exactly.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by conradb

Well, it really isn't an M division motor. This is just the N54 with some tweaked software.

Turbo or NA doesn't make a difference, it's the fact that BMW just kinda pushed this out the door in a hurry. I figure the car is an excellent performer and a blast to drive, but this isn't the same as the M3/5/6.

Really?

So what about the new M5? Is it not "real"? Because the engine in it is "tweaked"...or the X5M? or X6M? Do none of those count?

New world economy = parts sharing wherever possible...as a result, even the ///M cars will share...so I guess there won't ever be another real M in your book...

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Augenbrauezug

Christ, when will we hear the end of this it has a turbo, it's not an M specific engine CRAP?????????????????????

+16475869392

It is so old....already...it is like the last thing to hold onto...

[hwelvaar]

I find it funny that it's mostly M3 drivers that are saying "this not not a real M" car...

Anyway, can someone please explain me what "race brake linings" means ? Thanks.