When the 1M Coupe was introduced to the world, most journalists claimed that it was the true successor to the amazing E30 M3 and a definite challenger for the E92 M3's throne.
It seemed at the moment that the M3 Coupe was under threat and cannibalism would unavoidably occur between the two. However, BMW decided to limit the production of E82 1Ms to around 2,000 units at first and then at 6,331 so the danger was averted.
The E82 135i is a close car to the original 1M though, and you can still buy one for a limited time. The 135is is even better but a bit more expensive. On a recent drag racing event we caught the former racing an M3.
The two cars are pretty far apart one from another performance wise, as stock. The M3 has a 4-liter V8 with 420 HP whilst the 1er goes for 300 HP out of a inline 6-cylinder 3-liter turbocharged engine.
Judging by the way they sound and the race's result we're guessing the 1 Series wasn't stock but we can't tell for sure what lurked under that bonnet. Watch the clip and judge for yourself.
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