The BMW 1M was never meant to be the ultimate M car, but somehow it became one of the most desirable. Based on the small 1 Series, it received the twin-turbo straight-six from the Z4 35is and plenty of M3 hardware underneath. What came out was a short, wide, and somewhat angry BMW that quickly developed a cult following.

At the time, the 1M was often compared to the E92 M3, despite being smaller and using a turbocharged six-cylinder instead of the M3’s naturally aspirated V8. On paper, the M3 was the more serious car, but the 1M had something the larger car couldn't quite replicate. Its shorter wheelbase and compact dimensions made it feel more playful, while the wide body and aggressive styling gave it an attitude of its own.

It wasn’t necessarily the most advanced M car, but it served its purpose as an entertaining and arguably more characterful sports car. The 1M was also one of those rare cars where BMW seemed to get the proportions just right. It had the bones of a proper M car without feeling overly serious, and its relatively simple formula has aged remarkably well.

A good way to look at it is that the 1M isn't simply a cheaper M3 in a smaller suit. It offers a different experience, which is probably why its reputation has grown so much over the years. The problem is that its reputation has also pushed prices into territory where an E92 M3, or even a later M car, starts to make more sense.