If there’s one thing we know about the Nürburgring, it’s that the German race circuit doesn’t suffer fools gladly. This BMW 1 Series M Coupe driver found that out the hard way when he lost control of his car in the track’s Kallenhard corner.

It’s not clear exactly what went wrong, but the 1 Series M Coupe suddenly snaps sideways, sliding along the track at a 90-degree angle until it smashes into the barrier. The car comes to rest halfway across the track with serious damage to its nose; the front fascia is gone, broken pieces litter the ground, and smoke from the engine bay signals some mechanical damage.

Fortunately, the driver is said to have escaped without serious injury. He’s also lucky that quick-thinking drivers managed to avoid hitting his immobilized car as it blocked approaching traffic.

While we’re never happy to see an accident on the ‘Ring or any other track, seeing this 1 M Coupe crumpled is especially sad. Widely regarded as one of the most driver-focused BMWs sold in recent memory, the car was sold in limited numbers worldwide. Based on the 135i coupe, the M versions packed a 335-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, widened bodywork, and upgraded brakes and tires. The car’s closest successor is the new BMW M2; perhaps if this owner can’t repair his ride, he can simply upgrade to the M2 instead.

Source: BMWBlog

Gallery: Watch a BMW 1 Series M Coupe crash at the Nürburgring