Used car buying guide: BMW 1 Series M Coupe

What does help pile on the pennies, because it’s quite sought after, is Valencia Orange paintwork, one of only three exterior colours offered, the others being Black Sapphire and Alpine White. That said, some of the most expensive 1Ms are in these last two colours, proving that, ultimately, mileage, condition and provenance are the most important determinants of price. 

Even so, the model can throw a curve ball, such as the immaculate 43,000-mile example with full BMW service history and extended warranty we found for £34,000. It seems too good to be true. It’s got to be worth a gander, surely?

An expert’s view 

Jack Day, Sutherland M Power Cars: “Because it’s rare, great to drive and has that M badge, the 1M is always going to be valuable and sought after. Prices are rising fast. It’s a fickle market, though. We sold one overnight but another hung around for four months. Collectors are moving in now and paying strong prices for the best cars. By ‘best’, I mean immaculate, finished in orange and unmodified. When buying a 1M, I always check for signs of track day use and sub-premium tyres that suggest shallow pockets.” 

Buyer beware 

â–  Engine: Start it from cold and check for poor running caused by failing injectors. Rev the engine to around 2500rpm, then throttle off and listen for the turbo wastegate bearing chattering. It’s around £2000 to fix. Related warning signs are engine management issues. However, these could also relate to a failing fuel pump or worn nitrogen oxide sensor. On the display screen, check the service history that’s stored on the key fob. 

â–  Drivetrain: On the test drive, feel for the propshaft bearing vibrating (also felt as a thumping sensation) and listen for the limited-slip differential groaning during low-speed turns. 

â–  Gearbox: Check for abused clutches and synchros and note that a replacement dual-mass flywheel costs over £1200. 

â–  Suspension, steering and tyres: Make sure the rear springs aren’t broken. Check the brake discs aren’t heavily lipped. Suspect track day use if the brakes judder. Ensure all tyres are the same, premium brand and not wearing unevenly. 

â–  Body: Any rust will be repair related. Check the consistency of panel gaps and for fresh paint and overspray. Lift the boot carpet and examine the floor for signs of buckling or fresh paint. 

â–  Interior: Inspect the driver’s seat bolster and be sure the heating system works. Check the iDrive control system functions. Most failed units freeze up and are expensive to replace. Feel for damp carpets in the footwells and boot, where blocked drain channels can direct water to the interior, jeopardising the electronics. 

Also worth knowing 

Dealers we spoke to were clear that the 1200-mile running-in service is key to preserving a 1M at peak value. One even said they wouldn’t consider buying a 1M that hadn’t had it. 

How much to spend 

£34,000-£35,499: Cheapest 1Ms with up to 65,000 miles but in good condition and with solid histories. Most in black and white. 

£35,500-£37,999: Mileages generally below 50,000. 

£38,000-£39,999: Good number of 1Ms, including a BMW approved used example in black with only 30,000 miles for £39,000. 

£40,000-£44,999: More Valencia Orange cars in this price range, with mileages of about 20,000. 

£45,000 -£60,000: Low-mileage, one-owner cars, including a 5000-mile example “only driven in the dry” for £55,000.

One we found

BMW 1 Series M Coupé, 2011, 40k miles, £39,980: Around £4500 more than a similar private-sale car but it’s approved used so fully warranted and properly prepared. Like the private-sale car, it’s also finished in Valencia Orange.