Man drives the 1M Coupe car BMW refused to build and is left blown away
Published on Dec 13, 2025 at 6:39 AM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Dec 10, 2025 at 5:53 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
This is the 1M Coupe that BMW wouldn’t build, and one YouTuber was lucky enough to take it for a drive.
Louis, the host of YouTube channel OG Schaefchen, had gotten his hands on a white BMW 1M lookalike.
What set this car apart was its S65 V8 engine from an M3 E92, making this the car that BMW ‘didn’t want to make’.
How much of a difference would a V8 make? Louis was about to find out.
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Taking a closer look at this distinctive 1M Coupe that BMW ‘won’t build’
Some cars just don’t have V8 engines – even if factories sometimes slip one in.
In the case of this BMW-1, it began life as a BMW 123d diesel, but had been converted using BMW 1M parts, including fenders and M3 axles.
With the introduction of an M3 S65 V8 engine, it’d now become something like a cross-over between an M3 E90/92 and a 1M.
“In theory, this should be the best BMW ever created,” Louis speculated.
Would it be that? Louis took a closer look to find out.
This isn’t the first time he’s test-driven an exclusive type of car before, as he previously took the most expensive Audi Sport Quattro for a spin.
The interior felt less authentic than a real 1M, still showing signs of its 123d diesel origins and a ‘diesel smell’.
The steering wheel and door cards show wear; it felt unfinished compared to a factory M car.
But the interior wasn’t the big draw here; it was the engine underneath the hood.
Key Features: BMW 1 Series M Coupe
Powertrain: 3.0 L twin-turbocharged straight-six
Top Speed: 155mph
0–62 mph: 4.9 seconds
Drive Modes: Standard, with a M Dynamic Mode activated via M button on steering wheel
Starting Price: $61,427
How did this car handle when it was out driving?
Despite the heavy V8, the car’s balance was surprisingly good.
It also sounded great, which is always a great asset for a car to have.
The gearing of the car is long, meaning the gear ratios are spread further apart.
As such, Louis ended up using first gear for drifting, which is not ideal.
Ultimately, it felt like a more nimble M3 E92 than it did a 1M – and the lack of power did hinder it as far as street driving was concerned.
“The general concept of it is really cool, and the shorter wheelbase makes it way more fun to play around with,” Louis said in his conclusion.
“All in all, the more I got to drive it, the more familiar I got with how everything worked.
“Right now, I see it more on the racetracks than on the road.”
To see Louis’ full review of this BMW 1M Coupe for yourself, visit his YouTube channel.
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