BMW M1 E26 3.5 (277 Hp)
People\'s Opinion
N/A / 5
E26 Overview:
BMW M1 (E26). With 330 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1300 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.6 s). The top speed reaches 262 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
Euro NCAP Year
N/A
Adult Occupant
N/A
Stars
N/A
Performance Verdict
The M88 3.5-liter inline-six delivered exceptional performance for its time, with a strong 277 Hp, rapid acceleration (5.6s 0-100km/h), and a top speed exceeding 260 km/h, making it a true supercar.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy of 12.9 l/100 km combined is typical for a high-performance sports car of the late 70s. While not efficient by modern standards, it was acceptable for its power output and intended use.
Best Use Case:
Track / Enthusiast Driving / Collector Car
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic Giugiaro design and mid-engined layout
- • Legendary M88 inline-six engine performance
- • Exceptional rarity and collector appeal
- • Significant BMW M division heritage
- • Engaging and pure driving experience
Cons:
- • Very high acquisition and maintenance costs
- • Limited practicality and comfort for daily use
- • Fuel economy is poor by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • Parts can be difficult to source
Specifications:
| General: |
| Brand: | BMW |
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| Model: | M1 |
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| Generation: | E26 |
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| Modification (Engine): | 3.5 (277 Hp) |
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| Start of production: | 1978 |
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| End of production: | 1981 |
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| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
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| Body type: | Coupe |
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| Seats: | 2 |
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| Doors: | 2 |
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| Engine: |
| Power: | 277 Hp @ 6500 rpm. |
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| Power per litre: | 80.2 Hp/l |
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| Torque: | 330 Nm @ 5000 rpm. |
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| Engine Model/Code: | M88 |
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| Engine displacement: | 3453 |
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| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
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| Engine configuration: | Inline |
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| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
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| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
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| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
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| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
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| Engine layout: | Middle, Longitudinal |
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| Cylinder Bore: | 93.4 mm mm |
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| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
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| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
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| Maximum engine speed: | 7000 rpm. |
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| Performance: |
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
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| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 19.6 l/100 km |
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| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.9 l/100 km |
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| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.9 l/100 km |
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| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.6 sec |
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| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.6 sec |
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| Maximum speed: | 262 km/h |
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| Weight-to-power ratio: | 4.7 kg/Hp, 213.1 Hp/tonne |
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| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.9 kg/Nm, 253.8 Nm/tonne |
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| Acceleration 0 - 200 km/h: | 20.7 sec |
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| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.3 sec |
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| Space: |
| Kerb Weight: | 1300 |
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| Max. weight: | 1600 |
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| Max load: | 300 |
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| Fuel tank capacity: | 116 l |
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| Size: |
| Length: | 4360 mm mm |
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| Width: | 1824 mm mm |
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| Height: | 1140 mm mm |
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| Wheelbase: | 2560 mm mm |
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| Front track: | 1550 mm |
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| Rear (Back) track: | 1576 mm |
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| Ride height (ground clearance): | 125 mm |
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| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13 m |
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| Powertrain: |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
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| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
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| Number of gears | 5 |
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| Transmission type | Manual |
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| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 300x32 mm |
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| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 297x26 mm |
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| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
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| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 205/55 R16 |
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| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 7J x 16 |
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| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
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| Rear suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
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