Pros and cons on switching to the 1M...

[James T. Kirk]

I have the ability to get my hands on a 1M. This would require that I trade in my M3 E90 DCT ZCP DD.
I purposely posted this on this M3 forum to get the most critical reasoning on the pros and cons.

Changing right now is going to cost me, but I'm tempted by the lighter weight, 6MT gearbox, and its low-end torque.
Every 1M review has been glowing. Am I nuts contemplating this or will the 1M be more fun?

[gthal]

It is a great car if you like the looks. I wouldn't mainly because it is too small, fugly (IMO) and less practical for me (my M3 is a DD). If it looked better I would consider it more closely but I really don't like the looks. Performance wise, I really think it is a toss up.

[M3tallicar]

Originally Posted by gthal

It is a great car if you like the looks. I wouldn't mainly because it is too small, fugly (IMO) and less practical for me (my M3 is a DD). If it looked better I would consider it more closely but I really don't like the looks. Performance wise, I really think it is a toss up.

Pretty much sums up my POV as well. What people think looks good is subjective so take it fwiw, but when I see them I can't get past the headlights/ expression on the car and the lines (droopy belly and overall tall greenhouse isn't my fav either)

[Gkap]

stick with your E90

[persian54]

i wouldn't do it

I can see it now: HPFP fails on 1Ms!

[CalgaryX3]

Having considered both when ordering my (E90) M3, I opted for the M3. I'm torn on the exterior styling of the 1M, didn't care much for the quality of the "Boston" leather, and didn't like the fact that it has no sunroof. What caused me to even consider the 1M was the value quotient (comparable performance to the M3 for less money), relative exclusivity, and that Valencia Orange paint option.

Both are superb cars IMO; you have to decide what it is about each vehicle that will cause you to make your ultimate decision.

Asif

[eisenb11]

Pretty much the same opinion here. The looks is the main thing that killed it for me, but it also didn't help that I wanted a DCT and I didn't really want to deal with the potential HPFP issues that seem to plague cars with N54/55 engines.

[M3maniac20]

If you want something new, then try it. I personally do not like the 1M enough to consider at all. But I'm already thinking about trading my M next year for the new Jeep GC SRT8 because I miss having a high performance SUV. Do what you want, nothings permanent. Just do extensive testing (if you can) before you buy.

[1Sleeper]

I think for me it would come down to how much. A few grand and I really liked the car? Sure. More than that, probably not. I also considered the 1M when looking at the M3, really just liked the "package" more (E90). No doubt its quick and its probably a hoot to drive, just comes down to how much do YOU like it and how much do you want it ($$).

[James T. Kirk]

Re: HPFP
My dealership said the HPFP issue was resolved for the N54/55s in 2010.

Re: Looks
I'd like to think the front end looks more like a catfish than anything else, but I still think it looks great.

My other concern is where the design is going with the new 1 series. Talk about ugly. The new 1 is totally Pokemon IMO and the new 2-series renders aren't looking much better.

[Grail05]

I personally like the 1M but just not practical....

EDIT: if you like the look and not care about space much... i would get it...

[sameh]

You lose:
2 cylinders
Linear UNINTERRUPTED power
2 doors
1000 RPM
Iconic car (especially E90)
Money
Engine sound

You gain:
Lighter but smaller car (Smart car is even lighter!!)
Turbo (I wouldn’t count that as a gain myself)
Overall similar performance (well until you overheat)

I guess if you were to gain money in this transaction, I would understand, but PAYING!!

[persian54]

Originally Posted by James T. Kirk

Re: HPFP
My dealership said the HPFP issue was resolved for the N54/55s in 2010.

We all believe dealers now?

I had 2 HPFP replaced in my Z4 35i (same N54 engine) twice this year.
Once last year.
Hence why I lemoned it and returning it next week (though I did pick up another Z4 35i with the N54, but that's the only car my mom likes so I got it for her, plus if it breaks again, I can easily lemon it).

A friend of mine has a 335iS, very similar to the 1M N54 in terms of improved cooling and whatnot and his HPFP went out this spring.

The HPFP issue is unfortunately not fixed completely.

For me, I wouldn't let the HPFP get in the way of getting a car (hence the new Z4 35i..) but I wouldn't give up the S65 for a N54.
I loved my previous 335i, and that 335i of mine had a crap load of power (see link in sig), but it was no S65

To each his own; I love the Z4 for driving around town more than the M, but it's not as fun for spirited driving and it has nothing on the M on the track
I know the Z4 isn't a Z4-M with the N54, but the engine is essentially the same, minus a few small upgrades (that one can do himself if he were to mod the car; but I hate comparing modded cars and stock cars...)

[ChrisK]

Kirk!!! (Insert Kahn here)

The 1M is a great car, but everyday I looked at my old 135i, the headlights drove me nuts.

Besides what everyone else has mentioned, the M3 has a higher quality interior, and much better seats.

I do like the 1M size, but not the other trade-offs.

[jimmyeatsworld]

Not too long ago I received a 135 w/ dct loaner from my dealer during service. It was a fun fun car to drive. It put a smile on my face the moment i opened it up Driving that thing made me realize how practical torque is as a DD. Based on my experience w the 135, I wouldn't hesitate in getting the 1m. Honestly though I do not like the looks of the 135 albeit the 1m looks a lot better. But the drivability and the fun factor would outweigh any reservations I have on the looks.

I still feel there is more prestige with the m3. The last true NA motor M car is special as well. Honestly it will be considered a downgrade from the m3 if that matters to you.

If I were in your shoes I would strongly consider it. The deciding factor for me would be the economics of the deal.

[AngelinIsRich08]

Originally Posted by M3maniac20

If you want something new, then try it. I personally do not like the 1M enough to consider at all. But I'm already thinking about trading my M next year for the new Jeep GC SRT8 because I miss having a high performance SUV. Do what you want, nothings permanent. Just do extensive testing (if you can) before you buy.

If you want a high performance SUV, get the X5M.

[Moo]

Keep the M3

[lhsa]

if you could keep the M3, i would do it. given the demand for 1M's, you could probably try it out and sell it at msrp if you don't like it and keep driving the M3. it's really a no lose situation if you can get you hands on one.

if you need to sell or trade in the M3, it's probably not worth the loss.

you really need to ask yourself what's most important for you. if smaller size, stripped down, more nimble handling and more usable power band are key factors 1M is probably your car. if larger size, comfort, better technology, more upscale car are key factors, stick with the M3.

it's the same dilemma i'm facing between the 1M and M3.

[M3maniac20]

Originally Posted by AngelinIsRich08

If you want a high performance SUV, get the X5M.

I would, but I prefer to stay in the same price range. The SRT8 has the NA 6.4, 470hp, 465lb-ft torque, 0-60 in 4.8 seconds with more creature comforts than my M and its going to be around 55-60k. Don't get me wrong, the X5M is sick, but I wouldn't want to spend more than 100k for it. Especially if I wanted to spend another 80k, I'd just go for the RR Sport Supercharged. Its no rush at all,just thinking about the future.

[montreal red]

if you DIDNT have the m3, i think it would 50/50 on the 1M vs M3... however considering that you already own an m3 and have to lose money on it to jump into an 1M, i dont think the decision is wise. i mean the 1M is a good car but its not good enough for me to lose money on my m3 in order to get it.

[F82_SID]

I think in 10-20 years people will say "yeah the 1M is cool and limited production but I still want a V8 M3". Put the numbers aside, the M3 is repeatedly called the benchmark of luxury performance and handling. It has a reputation that speaks for itself and a significant following for that reason. Numbers are numbers, if that is all we cared about then we would all be driving ZO6's, GT500's, GTR's, and Vipers. There is more to the soul of an M3 then just the 0-60 or lap time. The M3 is a legend, the 1M is just the boy band of now.

Stay with the M3. Dont be tempted by the new factor. Although I will admit, I love that Valencia Orange.

[radiantm3]

I would not sell a 2011 M3 to get into the 1M. Maybe if you had a 2008 and were looking for something a little different. I love the 1M coupe, but there's definitely not enough incentives to trade in a brand new M3 for one. Don't get sucked into all the "New M Car" hype. It's definitely well-deserved, but in no way does it make it a better car than the M3.