BMW M1

BMW M1
Overview
ManufacturerKarosserie Baur, BMW M GmbH
Model codeE26
Production1978–1981
453 produced
Assembly
  • Italy : Turin, Italy (initial assembly)
  • Germany: Munich (final assembly and inspection)
DesignerGiorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign
Body and chassis
ClassSports car (S)
Body style2-door coupé
LayoutMid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine3.5 L M88 I6
Transmission5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,600 mm (102.4 in)
Length4,361 mm (171.7 in)
Width1,824 mm (71.8 in)
Height1,140 mm (44.9 in)
Curb weight1,300 kg (2,866 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorBMW Turbo

The BMW M1 (model code E26) is a mid-engined sports car produced by German automotive manufacturer BMW from 1978 until 1981.

In the late 1970s, Italian automobile manufacturer Lamborghini entered into an agreement with BMW to build a production racing car in sufficient quantity for homologation, but conflicts arose that prompted BMW to produce the car themselves. The resulting car was sold to the public, from 1978 until 1981, as the BMW M1.

It was the first mid-engine BMW automobile to be mass-produced; the second was the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car.