With a multi-tube chassis, a central engine of about 280 hp, a dress Giugaro signed and given to 260 km / h, this first BMW GT was born to race. With this model, BMW is then to compete in Group 4 with the Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari 512BB or De Tomaso Pantera based on the positive experience of cut 635 CSI in Group 2. To meet the certification criteria, 450 M1 are produced. Group 5 version of 850 hp is planned from the start. The success is however not at the rendezvous.

The genesis of the project is to seek 7 years ago: study in 1971 revealed in trade shows in 1972, the BMW Turbo "Studie" already contains all the genes of the M1.

The vagaries of the oil crisis, why we must wait so long between the prototype and production model. Given the scandal of the era for the firm in Munich the BMW 2002 Turbo, it is understood that the project "Studie" is bracketed for some time.

The "Studies" is a 2 seater coupe equipped with a central transverse engine (4 cylinder 2-liter Turbo from the 2002) with the tube chassis was studied by Lamborghini. The polyester body is the work of Paul Bracq. Its aerodynamics are designed to reach 250 km / h.

In 1977, Jochen Neerspach clear the draft board to start the study of "M1", the first BMW to sport the famous acronym "Motorsport". The tubular frame made of rectangular profile includes a multi-arch. The engine, which was subsequently included in the 635CSi is equipped with a 24-valve cylinder head already seen on the cut CSL Group 2 (before the regulation requires a number of identical valve engine series), d ' injection mechanical, electronic ignition and a system dry sump lubrication. The 277 hp and 33.5 kgm torque is transmitted via a ZF and a dual-disc clutch. Unlike the "Studie", this engine is positioned lengthwise for obvious reasons of industrial rationalization, thereby positioning 2 tanks of 58 liters of both sides of the powertrain for centering the masses. Trains rolling fragrant competition: wide track suspension with triangulated adjustable anchors, anti-dive.

Charm of the small series, the chassis are produced from Marchesi in Modena, at the Body ItalDesign and assembly is done at Baur in Germany.
Nelson Piquet in the BMW M1 at Nurburgring

Primary purpose of the model, preparing Group 4 is equipped with 16-inch wheels, a body and an enlarged engine capacity increased to 3 498 cm ³. She reached the 740 hp to nearly 9 000 rpm! Too heavy and unreliable, the car does not win big success. Oreca yet developed in 1982 a rally version (led by Darniche and Beguin) whose clearance appears incompatible with the special championship of France.

Yet it is the competition to attend the mythic dimension of the M1 in the form of single-brand championship "Procar [1]" played in 1979 and 1980 curtain raiser of GP F1 cars which were assigned to the names prestigious Andretti, Hunt, Lauda, Laffite, Jari, Pironi ...