With only 2700 units produced contributing to 750 sold in the US, the 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe remains one of the more sought after M models ever.
With such exclusivity and an undeniable prowess in both performance and the looks department, the used market for these rare gems has soared, with models selling close to $70k. Also have it as a marketing tool for his company, even though with this in mind Alberto Torres, CEO of Slek Designs in Long Beach, CA, decided he would not only buy a completely new one from the lot.
Starting life being a pristine Alpine White 1M, Alberto’s ride was special even in stock form. But also in the BMW tuning market it can take a lot to stand out. I wanted to use the limited edition car to get attention for us, Alberto explained. Since the purchase of the birth and car of the company were simultaneous, his plan made sense, and at only 23 yrs old, it seems he knowsaround the BMW aftermarket; designing and manufacturing carbon fiber components for cars like the E9X M3, F30 3 Series, 128/135i as well as the 1M, with additional on the horizon.
With 14 employees, the Slek carbon parts are of top quality to many competitors and the aggressive styling suits the cars well, especially this 1M.
With only three colors available for the vehicle from BMW, Alberto wanted something exclusive, and red suits the automobile beautifully, exposing its masculine lines and massive fenders. So, daring to become different, Alberto wrapped the white exterior in a Carmine Red vinyl cloak, applied by Precision Dynamix in Irvine, CA.is an excellent contrast on the red, so Slek manufactured a front lip, rear diffuser, side skirt splitters, trunk and hood for the car. If you’d like to adorn your 1 Series the same way, every one of these parts are actually available for purchase.
The 1M is known for its near perfect handling, so Alberto felt a set of H&R springs will bring a good compromise of ride height lowering while keeping the car usable every day.
After some light massaging from the fenders by LT Motorwerks in El Monte, CA, they could actually fit massive 19×12 HRE C20 wheels out back, with meaty 315/25 Michelin PS2 tires. Up front they haveAs a result, the N54 motor screams at wide-open throttle, with all the glory BMW’s straight-six twin-turbo can muster.
Thanks to the extra boost and much more aggressive software mapping, the 1M now makes more than 400hp, resulting in the wide tires to squeal in second gear.
After he was finished, Alberto was approached with an offer most couldn’t refuse: I needed to keep the auto, I love it too much. It’s too much fun, he laughed. We wouldn’t let go either, we approve of his decision because if we had a 1M.
Moving forward, Slek Designs hopes to open a design studio to focus on creating parts for other manufacturers, instead of fabricating and manufacturing their own. There will still be Slek parts, and Alberto intends to design pieces for every new BMW before eventually moving onto more several exotic badges.and others.
There’s something to be said for modifying a car that numerous see as already perfect. We can vouch for the stock 1M’s ability to make a grown man salivate at the mere site from it, but when approached from a new angle with delicately sculpted carbon fiber parts, a number of the world’s finest wheels and further horsepower, Alberto has certainly made his BMW 1M even better.
With enthusiasts in agreement, Slek parts are currently flying off the shelves, so keep an eye out for products out of this young company.