1980 BMW M1 Specs: Power, Performance, and Pioneering Design

Born from a vision of pure driving exhilaration, the 1980 BMW M1 stands as a legendary milestone in automotive engineering—where performance meets precision in a sleek, mid-engine masterpiece.

Powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter M88/2 inline-six, the M1 delivered up to 335 horsepower in early models, with a redline exceeding 7,000 RPM. This high-revving powerplant, developed with Lamborghini collaboration, enabled a 0-60 mph time under 5 seconds—a rare feat for its era, blending raw speed with refined throttle response.

The M1 featured a sleek, mid-mounted 3.85:1 final drive and independent multi-link suspension front and rear, offering exceptional grip and responsive handling. Its low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution made it a benchmark in driver engagement, setting the foundation for future BMW performance models.

Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and engineered for track dominance, the M1’s aggressive wedge shape and exposed carbon fiber components reflect its racing soul. Limited to just 453 units, it remains a symbol of exclusivity and innovation, influencing decades of BMW M division developments.

The 1980 BMW M1 is more than a classic—it’s a pioneer that married motorsport DNA with road usability. Its specs and legacy continue to inspire enthusiasts and engineers worldwide. Discover why this icon endures as a benchmark in high-performance automotive history.

All BMW M1 Coupe E26 versions offered for the year 1980 with complete specs, performance and technical data in the catalogue of cars. The BMW M1 (model code E26) is a mid-engined sports car produced by German automotive manufacturer BMW from 1978 until 1981. In the late 1970s, Italian automobile manufacturer Lamborghini entered into an agreement with BMW to build a production racing car in sufficient quantity for homologation, but conflicts arose that prompted BMW to produce the car themselves.

[2][3] The resulting car was. Explore the BMW E26 M1 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981 detailed specs, including 0-60 mph times, horsepower, and handling data. Get all the Info.

1980 BMW E26 M1 technical specifications and data. Engine, horsepower, torque, dimensions and mechanical details for the 1980 BMW E26 M1. CO2, emissi.

BMW M1 (E26) 1978-1981 specs, photos, engines, years, launch date and history. BMW M1 (1980), Automobile manufacturers and car models - detailed technical specifications, comparisons, charts, automotive superlatives, car images, logos, automotive dictionary. Technical Specs: BMW M1 (E26) 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981 Fuel consumption, Space, Volume and weights, Power, Maximum speed, Torque, Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h, Engine.

Technical specifications for the 1978-1981 BMW M1 (E26) 2 door coupé. Find & compare performance, practicality, chassis, brakes, top speed, acceleration, suspension, engine, weights, luggage & more. Years produced: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981.

All specification about BMW M1 1980 models. You can find BMW M1 1980 specs about engine, performance, interior, exterior and all parts. A great example is the BMW M1, introduced at the 1978 Paris Motorshow as the German company's latest GT racing weapon.

Problem was that before the M1 could race in the intended Group 5 class, 400 road cars had to be built and sold.