Verified Performance Tests Updated Apr 2026 · 3 recorded runs

BMW M1 0–60 Times

The BMW M1 0–60 times and quarter mile times below are from 3 recorded performance tests sourced from reputable automotive resources such as Car and Driver and Road & Track and more.

The fastest tested BMW M1 is the 1981 BMW M1 Coupe (Race Car), which went from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, reaching the ¼ mile in 11.60 seconds at 122.0 mph, according to Car and Driver.

The slowest tested BMW M1 is the 1980 BMW M1 Coupe, which took 6.2 seconds to reach 60 mph, running the ¼ mile in 14.50 seconds at 97.0 mph, according to Road & Track.

Out of all the BMW M1 tests in our database, the average 0–60 mph time is 5.03 seconds The average quarter mile time is 13.27 seconds at 107.00 mph.

Fastest 0–60 3.5sec 1981 Coupe (Race Car)

Average 0–60 5.03sec Across 3 runs

Avg ¼ Mile 13.27sec @ 107.0 mph trap

Slowest 0–60 6.2sec 1980 Coupe

Across 3 verified runs, the BMW M1 ranges from 3.5 to 6.2 seconds 0–60, with a 5.03-second average.

Jump to results ↓

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Tests by model year

3 tests · 2 years

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1981

BMW M1 · 2 verified runs

Avg 0–60 4.45 sec

Avg ¼ Mile 12.65 sec

Recorded Tests 2

#01

1981 BMW M1 Coupe (Race Car)

3.5sec 0–60

0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph

11.60s ¼ mi @ 122.0 mph

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0–60 mph 3.50 sec

¼ Mile ET 11.60 sec

Trap Speed 122.0 mph

Engine 3.5L I-6

Drivetrain RWD

Transmission 5M

Production Vehicle

Body Type Coupe

Powertrain Gasoline

Test Source Car and Driver

Overall Rank #1 of 3

#02

1981 BMW M1 Coupe

5.4sec 0–60

0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph

13.70s ¼ mi @ 102.0 mph

▾

0–60 mph 5.40 sec

¼ Mile ET 13.70 sec

Trap Speed 102.0 mph

Engine 3.5L I-6

Drivetrain RWD

Transmission 5M

MPG EPA 13 Obs

Production Vehicle

Body Type Coupe

Powertrain Gasoline

Test Source Car and Driver

Overall Rank #2 of 3

1980

BMW M1 · 1 verified run

Avg 0–60 6.20 sec

Avg ¼ Mile 14.50 sec

Recorded Tests 1

#03

1980 BMW M1 Coupe

6.2sec 0–60

0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph

14.50s ¼ mi @ 97.0 mph

▾

0–60 mph 6.20 sec

¼ Mile ET 14.50 sec

Trap Speed 97.0 mph

Engine 3.5L I-6

Drivetrain RWD

Transmission 5M

Production Vehicle

Body Type Coupe

Powertrain Gasoline

Test Source Road & Track

Overall Rank #3 of 3

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Performance distribution

0–60 vs ¼ mile · lower-left is faster

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Frequently asked

6 questions

The quickest BMW M1 on record is the 1981 BMW M1 Coupe (Race Car), which runs 0–60 mph in 3.5 seconds and clears the quarter-mile in 11.60 seconds at 122.0 mph.

The slowest recorded BMW M1 is the 1980 BMW M1 Coupe, which takes 6.2 seconds to reach 60 mph and runs 14.50 seconds in the quarter.

Averaged across all 3 verified runs, a BMW M1 reaches 60 mph in 5.03 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 13.27 seconds at roughly 107.0 mph.

We have verified test data for 2 model years. Each year shows every recorded run, the publication that measured it, and the trim-level details.

Every figure is sourced from published road tests by Car and Driver and Road & Track. We don't use manufacturer claims — only independently timed runs — so the numbers reflect what the car actually does.

0–60 and quarter-mile results depend on driver technique, ambient temperature, tire condition, road surface, altitude, and testing instrumentation. A published figure is a single sample, not an absolute — which is why we show the range of verified runs rather than one number.

Sources

Car and Driver

Road & Track

0–60 and quarter-mile times vary with driver, weather, tire temperature, and wear. We collect every verified run we can find — so you see the range of what a BMW M1 can do, not a single marketing claim.

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