During the 1970s BMW carried out major technological developments for sports motorsport. In order to overcome the seemingly unbeatable Porsche 911 of that time, BMW decided to develop a brand new car to take part in Group 5 races of the World Brand Championship.
Known as the E26 project, the BMW M1 was conceived by Jochen Neerspach, the manager of the BMW Motorsport division This car was destined to compete in the aforementioned category, also known as Silhouette (silhouette), as the cars involved had to look similar in silhouette to their serial production version.
As a consequence of an unexpected regulatory change, BMW Motorsport should produce 400 street units of the car in question to obtain approval. Since this division had planned to produce only two units per week at most with its installed capacity, this change completely altered its plans.
In order to meet the required production in the shortest possible time BMW Motorsport turned to companies such as Marchesi and Ital Design in Italy and Baur in Germany. Lamborghini had designed the chassis of the M1 and its expert Giampaolo Dallara designed the suspension schemes. Marchesi manufactured that chassis, then Ital Design added the body and finallyBaur installed the mechanical and interior components.
Giorgetto Giugiaro was responsible for the design that Ital Design presented to BMW. This design was totally innovative, without starting from any previous BMW car. With features never before adopted by the German brand, such as retractable headlights, Giugiaro adapted it to the aesthetics of the brand with features such as small front grills. The manufacture of the carbon fiber body was entrusted to another company. Then the pieces returned to Ital Design for the final process.
The aesthetics of the BMW M1 matched the aerodynamic requirements. His smooth lines were extremely elegant. This racing car lacked ornamental elements. It only incorporated a front spoiler needed for aerodynamic support.
Keeping the crankcase lubrication system dry, BMW Motorsport chose to incorporate Kugelfischer-Bosch electronic injection plus a new Magnetti Marelli ignition system. Thus, with a compression radius of 9 to 1 and a five-speed ZF gearbox, the BMW M1 accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds; while its top speed exceeded 262 km/h.
The servo assisted brake circuit included Bosch ABS system, ventilated disks at the front and solid disks at the rear. The 16 inch diameter Campagnolo alloy wheels fit on the then revolutionary new Pirelli P7 tires.
The interior of the passenger compartment combined sporty look with standard elements of other BMW models. There was great detail in the finish and comfort elements such as air conditioner, thermal window and electric mirrors and window lifters.
All the specimens were manufactured with black leather interiors and grey upholstery. The chosen seats were of the brand Recaro.
After a very complex manufacturing and assembly process, the M1 built were tested by BMW engineers in Munich. The BMW M1 was first revealed to the public in 1978 in Munich. This car was prepared for the Group 4 competitions, it only differed from the Group 5 model because it lacked the huge rear spoiler.
Subsequently, the BMW M1 was officially presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1978. Production began in February 1979 and ended in 1981 with 456 equally constructed units. The high price of the car was problematic, so they had to apply discounts to sell it.
By 1980, the M1 had improved, but not what was necessary. His best result was a third place in the 1000 km Nürburgring. During the 1981 season the results improved, achieving a third place at Brands Hatch, second place at Silverstone and a victory at Nürburgring.
The following year was much better, achieving 4 wins in the Pool B. Although these victories were not enough, losing the championship to Porsche by just 2 points.
During 1984, technical development continued. The BMW M1 dominated Group B with 8 victories, being the most valuable for the Nürburgring brand and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. BMW achieved the goal of crowned Group B Champion, now defeating Porsche in a crushing manner.
In 1985, the BMW M1 won 3 wins, including Le Mans again. That was the last year this fabulous car competed. In 1986 a private team presented an M1 in two competitions, leaving both. BMW had fulfilled its goal and its technology had now reached Formula 1.
© Adrián Blanco 2007 - No full or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —
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