The 1M
Code: E82; BC kit name: E82M
Good to know: Four brands make kits just for the 1M: BC (in BR, DS or RM), KW, Öhlins Road & Track and Ksport. Kits for non-M cars are separate.
BMW 1 Series and 1M Coilovers
Start with your car: a 128i, a 135i or the 1M, and coupe or convertible. We carry twenty sets of BMW 1 Series coilovers, and the M Coupe kits have their own section.
Not sure which body code you have? Call 1-800-460-9106.
The 1M
BMW 1 Series
Animated illustration. It shows where coilovers sit on a car, not your exact kit. Depending on the car and the kit, coilovers can lean forward or back or stand straight up, and some cars use a separate spring and shock in the rear. Your ride height depends on the kit and how it is set up.
Find your 1 Series
Three checks for 1 Series and 1M coilovers
Check these three things before you choose a coilover kit.
Coupe or convertible
KW sells separate E82 coupe and E88 convertible kits. BC also makes its own convertible kit.
1M or not
The 1M has its own kits. A 135i kit is not a 1M kit.
Kit name notes
The name of BC's main kit says "No End Links," and Bilstein's B12 kit is for Base cars. Ask us about both.
Three BC Racing coilover kits
Coupe, convertible and 1M kits from BC
BC Racing coilovers for the BMW 1 Series and 1M come in five series: BR, DS, ER, RM and ZX. ER and ZX come only on BC's main E82/E88 kit. The convertible and 1M kits come in BR, DS or RM. Free shipping on BC Racing kits in the continental US.
How the BC series differ on these BMWs
Here is what each BC series gives you.
BR and DS
BC Racing BR coilovers have one 30-click knob for compression and rebound together. DS is the same plus a digressive piston for firmer control.
RM
RM is BC's upside-down (inverted) monotube, made for MacPherson strut cars. All three BC kits come in it.
ER and ZX
ER is an upright damper with a separate oil reservoir, and compression and rebound each have their own 30-click knob. ZX is the one BC calls "most track-tested."
Seven more brands for the 1 Series
These kit counts come from our own catalog. Call 1-800-460-9106 and we will help you compare.
The B12 kit is for Base cars. The B14 kit also fits the 2013 135is.
Feal makes four kits, one for each body code from the E81 to the E88.
Fortune Auto makes one kit for all four E8X bodies, with the rear spring and shock mounted apart.
Ksport makes one kit for the coupe and convertible, plus a 1M kit.
KW makes three kits: coupe, convertible and 1M.
Öhlins makes two Road & Track kits, one for the E8X and one for the 1M.
Solo-Werks makes one E8X kit and two F20/F21 kits.
Three example cars and where to start
2009 135i coupe
BC's main kit comes in all five BC series.
Kits to look at: BC 128i/130i/135i RWD (E82 & E88), KW E81/E82/E87 Coupe
2010 128i convertible
Look at kits made for the E88. BC's main kit also lists the E88, so call us to pick the right one.
Kits to look at: BC 1 Series Convertible RWD (E88), KW E88 Convertible, Feal 1 Series (E88)
2011 1M
Use a kit made for the 1M.
Kits to look at: BC 1 Series M Coupe RWD, KW 1 Series M Coupe, Öhlins 1M Road & Track
Every kit we carry, by model
We list the 1M first, then the E8X cars and the F20. Each card shows the kit's product name.
128i, 135i and 135is, plus the E81 and E87 hatchbacks
Code: E81, E82, E87, E88
Good to know: BC's main kit lists the E82 and E88 and comes in all five BC series. Its name also says "No End Links". BC also sells a separate E88 convertible kit in BR, DS or RM. KW has separate coupe and convertible kits. Bilstein's B12 kit is made for the 128i Base and 135i Base.
- BC Racing2007-2013 128i/130i/135i RWD (No End Links), E82 & E88Series: BR, DS, ER, RM, ZXSee price and details
- BC Racing2008-2013 1 Series Convertible RWD, E88Series: BR, DS, RMSee price and details
- KW2008-2013 1 Series E81/E82/E87 Coupe (all engines)See price and details
- KW2008-2013 1 Series E88 Convertible (all engines)See price and details
- Öhlins2007-2013 1 Series RWD (E8X), Road & TrackSee price and details
- Bilstein2008-2012 1 Series 128i Base/135i Base, E82, B12 Pro-KitSee price and details
- Bilstein2008-2013 1 Series 128i/135i (Also Fits 13 135is), E87, B14 PSS KitSee price and details
- Solo-Werks2007-2012 3 Series Coupe (includes 3-door, 5-door hatchback), E81/E82/E87See price and details
- Fortune Auto2007-2013 1 Series, Separate Style Rear (E81/E82/E87/E88)See price and details
- Feal2004-2011 1 Series (E87)See price and details
- Feal2007-2011 1 Series (E81)See price and details
- Feal2007-2013 1 Series (E82)See price and details
- Feal2007-2014 1 Series (E88)See price and details
- Ksport2008-2011 1 Series RWD (E82/E88) 128i, 135i, 135is and Cabrio ModelsSee price and details
The F20 and F21 hatchbacks
Code: F20, F21
Good to know: Only Solo-Werks makes kits, one for cars with EDC (electronic dampers) and one without. The EDC kit includes a delete kit. Both kits include the M135i. Neither kit name lists xDrive; call us if your car is all-wheel drive.
Quick comparison table
| Model | Years | What decides the kit | BC Racing series |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Series M Coupe | 2011 to 2013 | Just the brand | BR, DS, RM |
| E81 to E88 hatch, coupe and convertible | 2004 to 2014 | Coupe or convertible, and trim for Bilstein | BR, DS, ER, RM, ZX |
| F20 and F21 | 2011 to 2016 | EDC or not, for Solo-Werks | No BC kit |
Before you buy: what 1 Series owners run into
What owners report most often, from owner forums, recalls and service bulletins, and what each point means for your BMW 1 Series coilovers.
Little front camber adjustment from the factory
E82 and E88, 2008 to 2013
1addicts members report little or no front camber adjustment on the 128i and 135i, and a locating pin at the strut top often cannot be removed. Many fit E9X M3 front control arms or camber plates for more negative camber. Once lowered, front camber may be limited without camber plates or other parts.
Before you install: Check whether the kit includes adjustable camber plates, and give the alignment shop exact camber targets rather than asking for a sporty setup.
Soft rear subframe bushings and wheel hop
E82 and E88 rear drive, 2008 to 2013
135i owners on 1addicts report that firmer rear subframe bushings lock down the rear and stop it feeling nervous under power. Parts makers call the factory bushings failure prone and say solid subframe bushings reduce wheel hop. Coilovers do not stop subframe movement, so worn or soft bushings can still let the rear hop.
Before you install: Inspect the rear subframe bushings for tears or voids while the rear is apart, and replace them in the same visit if worn.
BMW 1M history
Its suspension came from the M3
BMW launched the 1 Series M Coupe "with the original 1988 BMW M3 as its inspiration."
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Power335 hp"Maximum output of 335 hp (250 kW) is delivered at 5,900 rpm."
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ChassisSuspension from the M3BMW described "an aluminum suspension originally conceived for the current-generation M3"
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2011Limited runIt came "in limited quantities and with a limited range of options."
Questions about the 1M, convertibles and end links
Does a 135i kit fit the 1M?
No. The 1M has its own kits from BC, KW, Öhlins and Ksport.
Which BC kit fits an E88 convertible?
Two BC kits list the E88: its main kit and a separate convertible kit. Call us and we will match yours.
What does "No End Links" mean on the BC kit?
It is part of the name of BC's main kit. Ask us what comes in the box before you order.
Which BC 1 Series kit comes in ER or ZX?
Only BC's main kit does, and it lists the E82 and E88. The convertible kit and the 1M kit come in BR, DS or RM.
Do the F20 and F21 hatchbacks have kits?
Yes, from Solo-Werks, with or without EDC. Both include the M135i.
Do BC kits for this car carry a warranty?
BC Racing North America currently lists a two-year limited warranty on full kit orders, subject to its warranty terms. Other brands publish their own.
Other BMWs and guides
Coilover Kits by CarEvery car page.
Does Your Car Have Adaptive Dampers? Keep Them, Cancel Them or Replace ThemKeep, cancel or replace the electronic dampers on your 1 Series.
AWD, RWD or FWD: Why Drivetrain Changes the Coilover Kit You OrderWhy the drivetrain changes which kit fits your 1 Series.
Comfort and Stance on a Daily Driver: Setting Up Coilovers for BothA comfortable drop on a 1 Series you drive every day.
How to Set Ride Height on CoiloversMeasure and set the drop on your 1 Series.
After You Lower It: Alignment Timing, Driver-Assist Calibration and Headlight AimAlignment, driver-assist and headlight checks once the 1 Series is lower.
BMW 2 Series and M2The next BMW coupe page.
BMW 3 Series E90 to E93The 3 Series of the same years.
BC Racing series explainedBR, DS, ER, RM and ZX in detail.
How to install coiloversA weekend job, planned.
BC Racing for BMWBC's BMW kits.
Coupe, convertible or 1M: we will match the 1 Series kit with you
Call us weekdays, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern.