Last week I wondered just why BMW were loading up the 7-Series cars with “M” performance parts. After all, the 7 is a gentleman’s carriage, but now they are fiddling with the bottom of the line 1-Series!
BMW has released the M140i, it is only A$7,000 more than the standard 1-Series and has some exterior touches to make the limited edition standout, including grey 19 inch M Performance light alloy wheels, carbon fiber exterior mirrors, gloss black grille and black rear fins as well as a roof-mounted spoiler. An M Performance exhaust system is highlighted by chrome tailpipes.
On the inside, BMW has used Alcantara and carbon fiber extensively throughout the cabin adding an Alcantara M Performance steering wheel with a carbon fiber trim and red leather stitched central marker. It also comes with a carbon fiber central console and an Alcantara trimmed dash and the cloth sports seats with Alcantara trim.
Adding to its sporty flavour the model gets aluminum pedal covers while manual variants gain a carbon fiber gear shift knob.
A mechanical limited slip differential has also been added to manual versions.
Each vehicle comes with a numbered plaque and an M Performance logo.
It remains powered by the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six cylinder engine that produces 250 kW and 500 Nm, which is mated to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic with power delivered to the rear wheels.
Does the 1-Series lend itself to hot-rodding? Yes it does, with Zero to 100 kph in 4.6 seconds! That makes the ugly duckling a performance car!
