Of all the M cars BMW has produced since the legendary E30 M3, many agree that the 1 Series M Coupé, or 1M as it is more commonly known, is the car that most closely adheres to that 1980s performance legend’s core appeal. However, despite a limited production run of just 6,331 units, values of these certified future classics have yet to disappear into the stratosphere. With the 1M’s bulging wheel arches and more aggressive front and rear bumpers, looks certainly weren’t an issue, nor was handling considering it shared most of its suspension components with its bigger brother, the E92 M3, but the critics were quick to identify one major shortcoming with BMW’s baby M car: the engine.
Powered by the N54 turbocharged inline six-cylinder shared with other non-M cars from BMW’s range, many were outraged that the 1M missed out on a bespoke engine from the M division, and to this day it has been a thorn in the side of 1M fans the world over. One such enthusiast was Johannesburg-based BMW fanatic Zafar, who hatched the idea to rectify BMW’s wrongs and finally do the 1M justice after discovering a damaged E92 M3 online. Zafar explains the reasoning behind this rather daunting undertaking: “Working in a dealership, we regularly perform engine and drivetrain conversions, though nothing at this level in terms of motorsport-grade engineering. This was an opportunity to push our capabilities further.”
However, before Zafar’s Bavarian hotrod — dubbed the 1M CSL — was ready to receive its V8 heart transplant, the S65 V8 in question needed to be given a clean bill of health. Zafar recalls all the work that went into getting the V8 back to factory-fresh condition, “Mechanically, the engine was completely refreshed, with new rod bearings, starter, water pump, power steering pump, and more to ensure longevity and reliability. To break it in properly, three oil changes were done within the first 1,000km to flush out any contaminants.” Clearly nothing was being left to chance, and Zafar made sure all the necessary changes were done under his watchful eye: “The entire swap was completed in-house, including the full drivetrain, manual gearbox, LSD differential, cooling system, and electronics. Since the donor M3 was originally a manual, it was the perfect starting point to keep the car true to the 1M’s DNA, as the original 1M Coupé only came with a 6-speed manual.”
At this point, one might think that shoehorning in a whopping V8 might upset the 1M’s excellent weight balance and driving dynamics, but somehow it managed to improve its handling, as Zafar explains: “The combination of the shorter wheelbase, wider track, M3 suspension, and naturally aspirated V8 makes the car feel like a proper motorsport product. The V8’s shorter length compared to the N54 inline-six improves weight distribution, enhancing balance and handling. You can feel this difference immediately when driving—the car rotates beautifully through corners and feels more responsive than an M3. It’s not about outright speed; it’s about raw driving pleasure.”
Despite the monumental transformation under the bonnet, Zafar’s ‘1M CSL’ appears shockingly OEM, even to those in-the-know. Unsurprisingly, this is no coincidence, but the result of hundreds of hours of hard work. "Attention to detail was key in this build. Every body panel used is an OEM BMW part, ensuring an authentic factory-level finish. Even the rear quarter panels were tag-welded to maintain BMW’s original construction methods. The M3 seats were retained but reupholstered in Alcantara, creating an OEM+ motorsport feel. The exterior features new OEM bumpers, fenders, headlights, taillights, and a factory rear silencer, making the car look and feel brand new. By part numbers alone, this car is a genuine BMW 1M, yet it delivers a completely different level of performance.”
With the engine installed and run-in, Zafar was finally able to sample the true potential of the 1M platform, an experience that certainly didn’t disappoint; “On the road, the 1M CSL feels like a true race car but remains comfortable enough for daily use. The naturally aspirated V8 delivers linear power, making it more predictable and engaging than modern turbocharged M cars. Turbo engines have their appeal, but the instant throttle response and high-revving nature of the S65 give the driver more trust and control, especially mid-corner. The result is a car that is as thrilling on the street as it is on track.”
“Ultimately, this car is everything BMW M could have built if they had given the 1M a naturally aspirated V8. It’s raw, engaging, and perfectly balanced—one of the most exciting driver’s cars BMW never made.”
Photos by Stefan Kotze
