| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1978 |
| Production Years: | 1978 - 1981 discontinued in 1981 |
Precise measurements of the 1978 BMW M1, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4360 mm171.7 in14.3 ft |
| Width: | 1824 mm71.8 in6.0 ft |
| Height: | 1140 mm44.9 in3.7 ft |
| Ground Clearance: | 125 mm4.9 in0.4 ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 1300 kg2866 lbs |
| Maximal permitted Weight: | 1600 kg3527 lbs |
| Tire Specifications | |
| Rims Sizes: | 8J x 16, 7J x 16 |
| Tire Sizes: | 225/50 R16 (W:225 | H:50 | D:16) 205/55 R16 (W:205 | H:55 | D:16) |
The BMW M1 (E26), produced from 1978 to 1981, remains one of BMW's most iconic and rare sports coupes. As BMW's first mid-engine production car, the M1 showcases a unique combination of striking design and racing heritage. Measuring 4360 mm (171.7 inches) in length, 1824 mm (71.8 inches) in width, and standing at a low height of just 1140 mm (44.9 inches), the M1's compact and aerodynamic proportions highlight its sports-focused engineering. These dimensions contribute to the vehicle’s sleek silhouette and nimble handling characteristics.
The coupe has a curb weight of approximately 1300 kg (2866 lbs), allowing for a well-balanced and responsive driving experience. Its maximum weight capacity reaches 1600 kg (3527 lbs). The relatively low ride height of 125 mm (4.9 inches) further enhances stability and cornering performance by lowering the center of gravity. The BMW M1 rides on distinctive rim sizes, featuring front wheels sized 8J x 16 and rear wheels 7J x 16, fitted with tire dimensions of 225/50 R16 at the front and 205/55 R16 at the rear. This tire and rim setup emphasizes the car’s balance between grip and agility.
Overall, the BMW M1 (E26) exemplifies a perfect harmony between compact size and dynamic driving capabilities. Its precise engineering and distinctive middle-engine layout set it apart from other coupes of its era. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, the M1 remains a benchmark for classic sports car design, offering an exceptional blend of performance, exclusivity, and timeless style.
Discover the standout features that make the 1978 BMW M1 a leader in its class
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The BMW M1 (E26) sports coupe measures 4360 mm (171.7 inches) in length, 1824 mm (71.8 inches) in width, and stands at a low height of 1140 mm (44.9 inches). These dimensions reflect the car's sleek and aerodynamic design, contributing to its sporty appearance and performance on the road. Its relatively compact width and low profile height make it a quintessential supercar of its era, optimized for speed and handling.
The BMW M1 (E26) has a curb weight of 1300 kg (approximately 2866 lbs), which is quite light given its supercar status, emphasizing a focus on performance and nimble handling. Its maximum gross vehicle weight is 1600 kg (around 3527 lbs), which accounts for the car's weight including passengers, cargo, and fuel. This weight balance plays a crucial role in maintaining the M1’s agility and speed characteristics.
The BMW M1 (E26) has a ground clearance of just 125 mm (4.9 inches). This low ride height is typical of sports and supercars, contributing to a lower center of gravity which enhances stability and cornering performance at high speeds. However, the low clearance means that drivers need to be cautious on speed bumps, steep driveways, or uneven surfaces to avoid potential damage to the undercarriage.
The BMW M1 (E26) uses a staggered tire and rim setup to optimize performance and handling. The front tires are 205/55 R16, fitted on 7J x 16 rims, while the rear tires are wider at 225/50 R16 on 8J x 16 rims. This setup provides greater rear grip for improved acceleration and handling balance, which is vital for a rear-wheel drive supercar like the M1. The rim sizes and tire profiles reflect the car’s performance-oriented design priorities.
Yes, the BMW M1 (E26) generally fits into a standard residential garage. With a length of 4360 mm (171.7 inches) and a width of 1824 mm (71.8 inches), it fits comfortably within the typical US residential garage dimensions, which average about 6 meters (20 feet) deep and 3 meters (10 feet) wide. Due to its notably low height of 1140 mm (44.9 inches), it also easily clears standard garage door heights, allowing for convenient storage without special modifications.
The BMW M1 (E26) was a pioneering model with no direct predecessor in the BMW lineup, making it unique for its time as BMW's first mid-engine sports car. Compared to contemporary BMW models of the late 1970s such as the 3 Series or 5 Series, the M1 was significantly smaller in height and built strictly for performance with a more compact footprint. Its low-slung design contrasts sharply with the more traditional sedan dimensions, emphasizing its role as a dedicated supercar.
Compared to other supercars from the late 1970s and early 1980s, the BMW M1 (E26) holds its own as a compact, low-slung coupe. Cars like the Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari 308 GTB are longer and wider — for example, the Countach is about 4280 mm in length but wider at over 2000 mm, making the M1 narrower but similarly low in height. The M1’s relatively smaller dimensions contribute to its nimble driving character, while competitors often emphasized aggressive styling and width for a more muscular stance.
Given the BMW M1 (E26) is a two-seater sports coupe with a length of 4360 mm and a very low height of 1140 mm, interior space is tight but ergonomically designed for driver focus and comfort. The compact interior prioritizes driver and passenger posture conducive to sporty handling rather than spaciousness. Headroom and legroom are limited due to the low roofline, making it best suited for agile driving rather than long-distance comfort or carrying multiple passengers.
The BMW M1 (E26) features a sleek, wedge-shaped body with a low height of 1140 mm and an aerodynamic width of 1824 mm, designed to minimize drag and enhance high-speed stability. Its smooth, flowing lines, pop-up headlights, and rear spoiler all contribute to reducing air resistance. The car's mid-engine layout allows for balanced weight distribution and a compact design, which along with the low ground clearance, further improves aerodynamic efficiency, essential for a supercar achieving high performance in its era.
The BMW M1 (E26) stands out as BMW's first and only mid-engine car in regular production, released between 1978 and 1981. Its dimensions—4360 mm in length, 1824 mm width, and an extremely low profile at 1140 mm height—mark it as a radical departure from BMW’s typical front-engine sedans of the time. Designed in partnership with Lamborghini and engineered by BMW Motorsport, it embodies a pure sports car ethos with a compact and aerodynamic shape, setting the benchmark for BMW's future M performance division and mid-engine aspirations.
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