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The 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe is an all-star performance car

BMW adds an M model to its 1 series, taking the 135i and increasing horsepower and handling. The car is an excellent sport driver, but doesn't hit the performance level of its other M cars.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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BMW built its 1 Series M Coupe off the existing 135i model, widening the track, boosting horsepower, and tuning the suspension for better performance.

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Along with the M badges placed around the car, the 1 Series M Coupe can be distinguished from the 135i by the fender flares and the air dam with its large intakes.

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The 1 Series M Coupe gets BMW's N54 engine, a twin-turbo direct-injection 3-liter, tuned up for 335 horsepower.

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The front seats are very comfortable in the 1 Series M Coupe, but back seat space is tight. Taller drivers will end up cutting off the leg room of the rear-seat passenger.

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BMW does not offer the 1 Series M Coupe with a dynamic suspension. It tuned the fixed suspension for a compromise between road comfort and sport handling. At times, the ride can feel spongy, but the comfort level is appreciated.

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As a small car, the 1 Series M Coupe does not have much trunk room.

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The 1 Series M Coupe can be had with a navigation system and premium Harman Kardon audio, but the car sent to CNET only included iPod integration and a Bluetooth phone system.

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The M steering wheel has a thick rim, making it easy to grip and turn.

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The M tachometer includes a yellow zone in the area just before redline. It's a good visual cue when seeking maximum horsepower.

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The six-speed manual is the only transmission available for the 1 Series M Coupe, although BMW offers its seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission on the 135i.

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BMW shoehorns phone and MP3 player information into the minimal radio display, not the best interface.

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