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# Someone put a BMW M3 V8 into a 1 Series convertible with a 1M body
- URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-bmw-1m-v8-convertible-for-sale/
- Published: 2026-10-20T05:00:38.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-20T05:00:38.000Z
- Description: There are many custom cars which make us wish they’d been that way from the factory, and this unique BMW 1 Series is one of them.
- Author: Jordan Mulach
- Tags: News

The first-generation BMW 1 Series coupe and convertible have become modern classics of sorts, loved by some for being a mini 3 Series, while being modifiable enough on its own.

BMW’s most extreme factory version was the 1M – or technically the 1 Series M Coupé – which featured a higher output version of the 135i and 335i’s turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine, but for some this isn’t enough.

Due to the rarity of the 1M, many chasing more power have based their modified 1 Series on lesser variants, though not many have gone down the extreme path of making a 1M replica out of a convertible – and chucking a V8 under the bonnet.

![BMW 1 Series convertible with M3 V8 and 1M body](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/bmw-1m-convertible-v8-1-1.webp)

The V8-powered BMW 1 Series convertible Image Credit: Pistonheads

That’s exactly what one owner in the UK has done though, with the finished product currently for sale via [*Pistonheads*](https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/21205163?ref=torquecafe.com), showcasing the mad modifications to turn a basic 1 Series convertible into a V8-powered 1M tribute.

What started life as a 120i convertible, one of the more basic petrol-powered variants on offer, BMW specialists M Kraft swapped the 4.0-litre V8 engine from the E90-generation M3 into it, as well as its six-speed manual transmission.

While no specific figures were provided, the 120i’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine made up to 125kW and 210Nm in standard form, while the M3’s V8 produced 309kW and 400Nm.

![BMW 1 Series convertible with M3 V8 and 1M body](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/bmw-1m-convertible-v8-3-1.webp)

The V8-powered BMW 1 Series convertible Image Credit: Pistonheads

To keep up with the extra power, there’s brakes from the BMW M4, sitting behind the wheels from a 1M, while body panels from the flagship 1 Series M Coupe are also fitted.

Inside, the owner opted from newer M4 Competition seats as well as a reworked interior by specialists Transcal.

According to the listing, £106,000 (A$202,400) was spent in 2024 and 2025 to create the V8-powered 1M convertible tribute, making its listed price of £56,500 (A$107,900) seem affordable by comparison.

![BMW 1 Series convertible with M3 V8 and 1M body](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/bmw-1m-convertible-v8-2-1.webp)

The V8-powered BMW 1 Series convertible Image Credit: Pistonheads