Tuningwerk’s BMW 1 Series M RS Delivers 521hp and 300km/h Top Speed
German tuner Tuningwerk has transformed the BMW 1 Series into a 521hp track-focused machine, using carbon fibre components and uprated brakes to support its 3.0-litre turbocharged engine.
Tuningwerk has unveiled its most powerful take on the BMW 1 Series to date, extracting 521hp from the 3.0-litre turbocharged engine and pushing the car’s top speed to 300km/h. The German specialist, based near Munich, has named the project the 1 Series M RS, focusing on both raw power and weight reduction.
The core of the conversion is a heavily uprated version of BMW’s 3.0-litre straight-six, tuned to deliver 521hp and 614Nm of torque. This output far exceeds the standard 1 Series M Coupe, which left the factory with 340hp. Tuningwerk’s upgrades enable the M RS to reach a top speed of 300km/h (186mph), putting it in the territory of super saloons and outpacing most hot hatches.
Weight-saving measures are extensive. The bonnet, boot lid, rear spoiler and front GT4 lip are all made from carbon fibre, reducing mass and improving aerodynamics. The interior swaps standard seats for lightweight Recaro PolePosition buckets, further trimming weight and underlining the car’s track intentions.
Chassis and braking upgrades
Tuningwerk fits 19-inch rims wrapped in Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres, giving the car a wider, more aggressive stance. Behind the wheels, the braking system is upgraded with 370mm carbon ceramic discs at the front and 380mm at the rear, providing fade resistance and stopping power to match the engine’s output.
The exterior changes are functional rather than decorative. The carbon fibre aero elements are designed to improve high-speed stability and cooling, not just to signal intent. The overall look remains close to the original 1 Series M Coupe, but the details mark out the M RS as a purpose-built machine.
No official price announced
Tuningwerk has not published a price for the full conversion. Given the extent of the modifications, including high-spec carbon ceramic brakes and bespoke bodywork, the cost is likely to be well above the base car’s original list price. The package is aimed at enthusiasts seeking a compact BMW with supercar-chasing performance and track-day potential.
The 1 Series M RS sits alongside other Tuningwerk projects, such as the 7 Series L with 720hp, showing the company’s focus on high-output, BMW-based builds. For buyers wanting a more mainstream approach to performance, BMW’s own M division continues to expand its range, including the forthcoming 2 Series models. For those interested in the evolution of BMW’s coupe and gran coupe offerings, see BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe visualised in early renderings.
With the 1 Series M RS, Tuningwerk has created a car that pushes the limits of what BMW’s compact platform can deliver, targeting drivers who prioritise power, weight reduction and track performance above all else.
