BMW 1 Series: Sleeper cell in plain sight
This BMW 1 Series is a sleeper build, with performance mods like a tuning box and custom suspension under the skin
Instead of going all-in on an ECU remap, Nick opted for an AC Schnitzer tuning box that churns out an extra 18bhp and 80Nm. -Shot by Nirmeet Patil for Evo India
BMW 1 Series? Is that even a car? I lose count of how many times I hear this when I tell my mates about the hatchback I’ve always wanted. But confusion quickly turns to recognition the moment I mention that advert – you know, the one where a small blue BMW goes sideways with Sachin Tendulkar at the helm. Because who forgets the cricketing god and that legendary TVC? But why do I want to own one?
Simple. Because there’s no other rear-wheeldrive hatchback out there! There wasn’t one before the 1 Series and there isn’t one now. And before any of you smart folks chime in with, “But what about the Tata Nano?” – yes, technically, that was a rear-wheel-drive hatchback. But I’m talking about one for the driving enthusiast. And Nikhil, the owner of this 1 Series is like me – a sucker for sleeper mods! I’m sure you’re already wondering by looking at the exterior if the car is even modded, but that’s what sleepers are. All the meat is under the skin.
The 1 Series was already a proper driver’s machine but a few carefully chosen performance mods have taken it up a notch. Instead of going all-in on an ECU remap, Nick opted for an AC Schnitzer tuning box that churns out an extra 18bhp and 80Nm, and bumps up power to 158bhp and 400Nm. Not mind-blowing numbers, but this isn’t about chasing figures – it’s about gradual upgrades. Nick’s philosophy is to learn the car with more power, master it, then push for more.
Nick’s philosophy is to learn the car with more power, master it, then push for more. -Shot by Nirmeet Patil for Evo India
The suspension’s been upgraded to Bilstein B4s, keeping it planted even when the tail’s out. The 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox has been coded and ratios have been changed for the car to perform better when in Sport mode. On the outside, the tyres have been swapped out for sticky Michelin PilotSport rubber and a blacked-out M Sport grille. But for the real performance boost, he’s added the all-important M Performance stickers. We all know each sticker is good for extra 10bhp!
Inside, there’s no change except for the massive OEM 10.25-inch infotainment unit, pulled out of a 2017 BMW X5 and retrofitted into this car. Nick runs a 3D printing business and his ingenuity shines in the little things. He’s printed accessories you wish you had but never knew you needed – like a custom case for his Little Trees air freshener to make it last longer. Or a tiny clip behind the air-con vents to stop them from wobbling when the car’s on the move. While this tuned BMW 118d might not outrun other souped-up 2-litre diesels in a straight line, the moment you chuck it sideways, it serves up ‘The Thrill of Driving’ on a silver platter.
