Hurry up if you want one - these are the last three available units in the world. Yours for RM509k.... [+ click to enlarge] BMW 1 Series M Coupe (L) pictured alongside the BMW M5. Malaysia was allocated the last three units in the world. Based on the now-discontinued E82 Coupe, the 1 Series M's interior naturally appears a little dated. Power comes from BMW's award-winning N54 twin-turbo engine.

The BMW M Track Experience Asia 2012 is currently ongoing at the Sepang International Circuit for members of the media and invited BMW customers from throughout the region. In conjunction with the event, BMW Group Malaysia also officially launched the much sought-after BMW 1 Series M Coupe and also gave us a sneak preview of the all-new BMW M6 Coupe.

Based on the now-discontinued E82 1 Series Coupe, the 1 Series M Coupe was limited to a one-year production run in 2011, and Malaysia is the recipient of the last three units of this model, described by many as the spiritual successor to the original E30 M3.

It is the first car by BMW M GmbH that does not use a specialized M engine. Still, the multiple award-winning N54 3.0-litre twin turbo straight six remains one of the best performance engines in the business, providing 340hp and 450Nm's worth of propulsion. For the record, peak torque is spread from 1,500 to 4,500rpm, with peak power arriving at 5,900rpm, and the red line at 7,000rpm.

Standard gearbox is a 6-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels, with no automatic or double clutch options. The rear axle is fitted with the variable M differential lock as standard, which able to vary torque distribution between the left and rear right wheel by as much as 100% within a fraction of a second.

Resultant performance of the setup is a car that hits 100kph from rest in 4.9 seconds, and then taking a further 12.4 seconds to hit 200kph on the way to its capped v-max of 250kph. Energy consumption is optimized with the use of brake energy regeneration and on-demand ancillaries, and the result is a quoted fuel consumption of 9.6 l/100km and carbon dioxide emission of 224 g/km on the EU test cycle.

Highlight of the M division's work on the 1 Series M is naturally its chassis, which features many components transplanted from the E90 M3. Suspension components feature extensive usage of aluminium for reduced weight. Certain suspension components and the overall suspension geometry are unique to this model and not shared with other members of the 1 Series family.

Braking is provided by a set of cross-drilled vented disc brakes measuring 360mm across for the front pair and 350mm for the rear. The brake pump is electrically operated, and a wear indicator is provided to allow continuous monitoring of brake pad conditions. A display in the cockpit indicates residual service life of the pads, alerting the owner when the time has come for change.

“With the all-new BMW 1 Series M Coupé, the fascinating driving experience offered by a high-performance sports car is brought to the premium compact segment in Malaysia for the very first time. We are confident that the new car will deliver a whole new dimension of sports-style driving pleasure to our customers as it combines BMW M GmbH’s innovative technology and outstanding power delivery with the premium day-to-day practicality and luxurious quality of a BMW,” said Mr. Sashi Ambi, Corporate Communications Manager, BMW Group Malaysia.

BMW M Track Experience Asia 2012

The BMW M Track Experience Asia 2012 was held in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of BMW M GmbH. The programme's Malaysian leg commenced yesterday at the Sepang International Circuit, and was open to participation by members of the local and regional media.

Invited BMW customers from Malaysia and Singapore will be taking their turns in the coming days, as they will be enjoying activities such as track time with BMW M vehicles such as the M3, M5, and X6 M. Off the track, participants get to try a mini gymkhana with slalom, lane change and oversteer exercises in a fleet of E90 325i demo cars under the watchful eye of BMW Driver Training instructors.

“The BMW M Track Experience Asia 2012 covers everything from essential driving skills to advanced competency levels. It aims to provide BMW customers with a proactive approach to manage road risk and optimize their own reactions in critical situations while ensuring the highest levels of safety, comfort and driving pleasure - be it when avoiding an obstacle on a wet road, moving away from an impending collision safely and most important of all, knowing and respecting the full capabilities of a BMW M car,” said Mr. Marcel Muhl, Head of Sales and Marketing in the Asia-Pacific Region, BMW M GmbH.

The programme also features a Static Workshop Display conducted by Mr Muhl presenting on history, technology and capabilities of the BMW M Division. Participants will also get to preview the all-new BMW M6 in this portion of the programme.

Further Details:
- BMW car prices and specifications in Malaysia.
- List of BMW Group Malaysia official dealers and branches.

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