It'due south day three of our European Commitment feel, and we finally had a chance to sleep in.  I know what you're thinking: how could one perhaps slumber in with the key to a lightly used 1M lying on your bedside table?  Hmm.  On second thought… I wish I would have woken up for an early morning smash.

Afterwards grabbing breakfast near our hotel, we jumped on the Autobahn and made haste for the Nurburgring.  A cute trip through the countryside followed with rolling hills, towering current of air mills, old churches, and far off castles crowning the skyline.  Spending several hours on the Autobahn has shown united states of america the car'due south highway character.  Its suspension is compliant enough over bumps that you lot are not thrown effectually or beaten up over bumpy roads, although it is responsive and tight plenty to make yous aware of every crash-land and undulation in the route surface.  This is a compliment of the highest order, considering from a sport driving background yous both want and need to feel the intricacies of the road surface.  To this end, the 1M is 2d to no other M car – perhaps the M3 GTS which nosotros take not had the opportunity to drive yet.

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On the way to the Nurburgring nosotros stopped in the town of Karlsruhe for a photograph shoot.  Winding upward a switchback route, we climbed above the metropolis to capture the 1M in its element.  Blocking off the roadway for a few photos, we garnered both friendly and less friendly looks from passers by.  In the 1M it takes more time to photograph the motorcar on location than it does to arrive at said location, I cannot say the same of many other cars.  As much as I savour photography, I would actually rather drive.  Of course, in the interests of bringing you the latest photos from our European route trip, I mustered every ounce of my cocky control and frequently pulled the trigger.

After becoming accustomed to the dimensions of the generic 1 series information technology is surprising to see how much wider the 1M is while driving downwards narrow streets.  There are plenty of the aforementioned in Europe, and Karlsruhe is no exception.  This only serves to boots the 1M's appearance because it looks so muscular and broad shouldered driving through the narrow lane-means.

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A flattering moment establish us on the Autobahn equally we overtook 2 gorgeous sports cars.  The commencement was an Aston Martin Vantage, the 2d a BMW M Coupe.  While passing the Aston from the fast lane the driver looked over at united states of america and smiled approvingly.  And so, he presented a bold, confident 'thumbs up.'  This from the driver of a sports machine priced three times the cost of our 1M.  A few hundred meters beyond, the commuter of the G Coupe gave a similarly enthusiastic grinning and thumbs upwards – unsolicited, likewise driving the brightly painted Valencia orange sports auto down the roadway.  There is a reputation that transcends the price tag of BMW's 1M.  Drivers who know how to bulldoze, volition find it irresistible.

Finally reaching the foot hills of the Nurburgring, we were surrounded by precious metal.  A Porsche GT2 RS blew our doors off and sang a full bodied warrior weep near redline in the process.  It was highly enjoyable.  A Ferrari F50 fabricated a cursory advent; the brevity secondary to its speed.  A measure of intensity was palpable as nosotros approached the racetrack; as much as lapping the Nurburgring has been about the pinnacle of my 'bucket listing' for many years, I did not conceptualize such feelings of excitement based merely on proximity.  This 'Greenish Hell' really does accept an issue on yous, information technology is a special feel just to be here, trackside.

Next, information technology is important to mention the amount of attention our 1M has been gathering from the sidewalk.  Entire groups of young men and women literally turned their heads in unison to admire our passing M machine.  The last time I garnered this much attending in a automobile – I was driving the Rolls-Royce Drib Head Coupe.  Once again, it feels the 1M is swinging above its league.

After checking into our trackside hotel, we enjoyed the opening festivities of "M Fest," held by BMW in an auditorium beside the race track.  The all-time of German foods were served, and quality German Lagers flowed like water.  Nosotros were treated to live music (from a band whose atomic number 82 vocalizer is Brian Watts, the Global Sales and Marketing Manager of BMW One thousand) in a fun still relaxing environment.  Xbox 360s were ready up with steering wheels and human foot petals to demonstrate Forza Motorsport'south 4th version of their driving simulator game, featuring the new M5, of class.  Several laps of the 24 Hours of Nurburgring race excursion only wet my ambition for the racing all the same to come, and we are eager to picket the race while providing you with live coverage and updates from pit wall.

Speaking of the M5, it made a dinner appearance along with the new BMW M3 CRT.  Under coloured lights with dry ice fog surrounding, it was stunning to behold these two M cars for the first time in the flesh.  Please enjoy our breaking photos in the photo gallery below.

We're back in the hotel, and we're winding downward our night.  Tomorrow is another decorated twenty-four hour period full of motorsport, adrenaline, and cheek stretching smiles.  Thus far, European Delivery has been worth every moment of our time; we at BMWBLOG look forward to bringing you lot updates from the race throughout the weekend!

Special thank you to Manny Antunes at JMK BMW for setting us up with the 1M.