BMW M1
BMW Motorsport’s first standalone car wrapped a mid-mounted straight-six in Giugiaro’s wedge.
- Power
- 273 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 5.3 s
- Top speed
- 163 mph
- Est. value
- $473k–$770k
About the BMW M1
The M1 entered production in 1978 as BMW Motorsport’s first independently developed model. Its tubular frame and fibreglass body surround a mid-mounted, naturally aspirated straight-six linked to a ZF five-speed gearbox. Giorgetto Giugiaro shaped the low coupé while a complex Italian-German production chain brought it to completion. This entry describes the road car, not the more powerful Procar racing version.
BMW M1 specs
The BMW M1 produces 273 bhp (204 kW) and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and has a top speed of 163 mph (262 km/h).
| Make | BMW |
|---|---|
| Model | M1 |
| Years | 1978–1981 |
| Type | Supercar |
| Body style | 2-door mid-engine coupé |
| Country | Germany |
| Production | About 453 built |
| Engine | 3.5L naturally aspirated inline-6 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,453 cc (3.5 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 273 bhp (204 kW) at 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) |
| 0–60 mph | 5.3 s |
| Top speed | 163 mph (262 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,300 kg (2,866 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 210 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a BMW M1 worth?
A typical BMW M1 is estimated to be worth $473,000 – $770,000 (about £352,000 – £574,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
BMW M1 rarity in CarSpot
The BMW M1 is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
BMW M1 fun facts
- The commonly cited total is 453 M1s, including 399 road cars and 54 competition cars.
- Each cylinder has its own throttle butterfly.
- The M1 Procar series placed Formula 1 drivers and sports-car racers in identical M1 racing cars.
