One to Buy: 10,000km 2012 BMW E82 1M Coupe with M Performance Decal Kit
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Produced for just 16 months between March 2011 and June 2012, BMW shifted a little over 6000 copies of its E82-based 1M Coupe. By contrast, the contemporary M3, manufactured from 2007 until 2013, sold more than ten times as many copies.
Today, the 1M’s rarity, compact size, light weight and the fact it only came with a six-speed manual gearbox, means it has come to be regarded as on of the most collectible BMW products of the 21st century.
Despite a limited development budget and a requirement that none of the engine’s internals were changed, the Motorsport department created a cracking little machine. By simply hiking the boost pressure, re-mapping the engine management software and fitting a new exhaust, peak output of the twin turbocharged three-litre N54 engine rose by over 10%.
Elsewhere, the suspension, brakes, wheels and tyres were uprated in typical M car fashion. As for the bodywork, only the roof, doors and hood were sourced from the regular E82 Coupe. Inside, the cockpit was configured to a very high specification with all the usual BMW Motorsport enhancements.
Of the myriad optional extras offered on the 1M Coupe, among the most infrequently seen is the M Performance Decal Kit, as depicted on this low mileage example currently residing at the Contempo Concept showroom in Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Inspired by those 1970s stripe kits offered on the E9 CSL and E20 2002 Turbo, the 1M sticker pack was equally suited to those cars finished in Alpine White or metallic Black Sapphire. Having covered a little over 10,000km, Contempo Concept’s two owner 2012 car looks to be in immaculate condition throughout and is accompanied by its original book pack.
