BMW 118d transformed into 1M replica with 555hp V10
German tuner TJ Fahrzeugdesign has re-engineered a BMW 118d Coupe into a 1M lookalike, fitting it with a 5.0-litre V10 from the M5 and boosting output to 555hp.
TJ Fahrzeugdesign has rebuilt a BMW 118d Coupe into a 1 Series M Coupe replica with a 5.0-litre V10 engine developing 555hp. The German tuning firm took the diesel-powered 1 Series as a base, replaced its drivetrain and reworked its chassis, resulting in a car that outpaces the original 1M and even most M cars of its era.
V10 powertrain and performance
The most dramatic change is under the bonnet. The original 2.0-litre diesel four-cylinder has been replaced by the 5.0-litre S85 V10 from the E60 M5 and E63 M6, an engine known for its high-revving character and motorsport roots. TJ Fahrzeugdesign increased the power output to 555hp and raised the redline to 8,800rpm, far beyond what any standard 1 Series engine could reach. Power is sent to the rear wheels via BMW’s seven-speed SMG automated manual gearbox.
According to the tuner, the car accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds and reaches 200km/h in under 12 seconds. The 0 to 300km/h sprint is claimed at 36 seconds, figures that place it in supercar territory for the period. These numbers far exceed those of the standard 1M Coupe, which used a turbocharged inline-six with 340hp.
Chassis, brakes and exterior modifications
To handle the extra power and weight of the V10, TJ Fahrzeugdesign fitted the car with a KW Clubsport Variant 3 coilover suspension and borrowed the rear subframe and other suspension components from the M3 E92. Braking comes courtesy of the previous-generation X6 M, providing stopping power to match the performance. The car rides on 19-inch wheels with 285mm wide sport tyres. A custom stainless steel exhaust system was fabricated to suit the new engine and deliver a suitable soundtrack.
Visually, the car has been converted to resemble the 1M Coupe, with widened arches and M-style bumpers. The result is a car that looks like BMW’s high-performance coupe but with a far more exotic powertrain.
Cost and context
TJ Fahrzeugdesign priced the full conversion at €85,000, not including the donor car. For comparison, the original BMW 1M Coupe was produced in limited numbers and has become a sought-after model in its own right, but no factory 1 Series ever received the S85 V10. The project echoes other ambitious V10 BMW swaps, such as the Z3 M V10 build covered previously (see: Bulgarian Teen Builds 530hp BMW Z3 M V10 Coupe).
