M3 or 1M??

[sensi09]

I do expect the smaller, lighter 1M will be more fun to drive, but in terms of raw performance and track times, it should be closer to the e46 M3 than to the e90.

[radiantm3]

As an owner who owned a modified 135 and now an M3, I'd say it would be a very tough choice. My 135i was a blast to drive and with M suspension, wider track, and the M diff, I know for a fact the car is going to be amazing. The only reason I went with the M3 instead of waiting a year for the 1M Coupe is because turbo cars are the future of BMW and I have all the time in the world to own a 1M Coupe or whatever else they bring out later. This is my last chance to own a high-revving NA M car.

The E9x M3 is an amazing car and I have absolutely no regrets with my purchase, but you guys knocking the 1M Coupe really don't know what you are talking about. I prefer NA cars over turbo just like most of you do, but you have to face it. F/I is the future of BMW (and M division) and the 1M coupe is going to be an amazing car considering how good the 135i is (aside from it's suspension). Sure it doesn't have a high revving N/A, but there's a good chance that no M car will anymore. I think this car will reveal a lot about the future of the M division (especially considering this car was put together on a low budget).

Like any self-respecting car enthusiast, I suggest we actually drive the car before coming to absurd conclusions. My 135i was actually quite a bit more fun to drive in the mountain/backroads compared to my M3. It just felt so much more nimble. I can only imagine how fun the 1M coupe will be.

[saeedg48]

M3

[sensi09]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

Like any self-respecting car enthusiast, I suggest we actually drive the car before coming to absurd conclusions. My 135i was actually quite a bit more fun to drive in the mountain/backroads compared to my M3. It just felt so much more nimble. I can only imagine how fun the 1M coupe will be.

I think smaller cars with less HP are more fun to drive in those type of roads in general. Other than being more nimble, you can typically drive the car harder and have more fun at lower speeds.

[itf joegun]

+1

Question here is: Do you want to have a real M-Car or not?

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by sensi09

I think smaller cars with less HP are more fun to drive in those type of roads in general. Other than being more nimble, you can typically drive the car harder and have more fun at lower speeds.

Well my car was modded and I'm sure not that far off from the power/weight ratio of an E9x M3, but yes I agree.

[FruitCake]

Originally Posted by Serious

yeah because a tarted up 3 series is SOOOOOOoooooo MANLY.

PLEASE.... I understand this is M3post... so the bias is going to be pretty strong but really the only real difference between the cars is the engine. Essentially with a 1M you get everything the M3 has (except for the v8), with less weight for significantly cheaper than an m3.

My vote is 1M.

BTW anyone who says the 1M is a "real" M car is an idiot.

sad part is you take me seriously

irony

[Kiemyster]

I cant believe people would say get the 1M over a CPO'd M3. 1M can eat a dick! lol

[piloto]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

As an owner who owned a modified 135 and now an M3, I'd say it would be a very tough choice. My 135i was a blast to drive and with M suspension, wider track, and the M diff, I know for a fact the car is going to be amazing. The only reason I went with the M3 instead of waiting a year for the 1M Coupe is because turbo cars are the future of BMW and I have all the time in the world to own a 1M Coupe or whatever else they bring out later. This is my last chance to own a high-revving NA M car.

The E9x M3 is an amazing car and I have absolutely no regrets with my purchase, but you guys knocking the 1M Coupe really don't know what you are talking about. I prefer NA cars over turbo just like most of you do, but you have to face it. F/I is the future of BMW (and M division) and the 1M coupe is going to be an amazing car considering how good the 135i is (aside from it's suspension). Sure it doesn't have a high revving N/A, but there's a good chance that no M car will anymore. I think this car will reveal a lot about the future of the M division (especially considering this car was put together on a low budget).

Like any self-respecting car enthusiast, I suggest we actually drive the car before coming to absurd conclusions. My 135i was actually quite a bit more fun to drive in the mountain/backroads compared to my M3. It just felt so much more nimble. I can only imagine how fun the 1M coupe will be.

QFT. If possible, why not enjoy the N/A V8 M3 (and for some the 6MT), knowing the future is likely going to be all FI? I for one couldn't care less which car is faster. It's more about experiencing the different driving dynamics of one and the other. Neither is better than the other, but certainly different.

[brizzom]

Originally Posted by Mthusiast

Can anyone talk me out of a 1M? I am really just not sure what I want. I can only afford about $52k so thats a new 1M or a gently used M3 sedan. I have an x3 and an x5 so space is not a concern, I am looking for the best driving experience.. Can the M3 forum help me?

Why should anyone talk you out of anything. Test drive both and make your own decisions.

[MVF4Rrider]

Originally Posted by shift@red

I believe youre overestimating how quick the 1M will be. You know, just as well as I do and anyone who has driven or owned a 335/335is, they have nothing after 5500 rpms and the 1M will be nothing different. It wont have the gearing nor the top end to contend even though it will be a couple hundred pounds lighter.

I have over 4,000 miles driving a 2008 135i in Germany over the course of about 6 months (spring through late summer). I'm well aware of that motor's torque drop off. I'm no fan of the N54. I can tell you the normal 135i is hard to drive fast with the torque drop in top gear. Even hitting 155 mph is a challenge at times, and the car walks all over the place at speed. The 1M has overboost and more torque than the 135i to begin with (plus slightly lower rear diff). It'll be a definite improvement, and I'm sure the car will be far more stable at speed. I'm not saying it's ready to pounce on a M3, but it might be the car of choice on tight twisty roads where the M3 can't stretch its legs nor rev to full potential. Of all the Ms I've driven, the Z4M Coupe was not only the most fun to drive, but dead stable at high speed. The little thing cuts through the air quite well. I have about 5,000 miles in Germany in a Z4M. Fastest I ever went in the Z4M was in the low 170s (5th gear). Never had any problem pushing through 155 even in top gear.

[MVF4Rrider]

Originally Posted by sensi09

I think smaller cars with less HP are more fun to drive in those type of roads in general. Other than being more nimble, you can typically drive the car harder and have more fun at lower speeds.

+1. The new 320si is probably the most fun car in the BMW lineup today. Better balanced than anything else and a screamer of a motor. Of course BMW doesn't bring it to the States.

[1sikbmr]

Originally Posted by FruitCake

sad part is you take me seriously

irony

lol... What happened to your troll??

[Trier Germany]

M3 all the way... 1M is all hyped up by Dr Kay Seigler. I know BMW has there hands knee deep in these Forums!!! And have the power to bann members and delete several posts or entire threads just to keep there marketing strong and mute the opinions of real enthusiasts just to hear there marketing crap. I know your ont the board BMW or you have this sight on the take $$$$$$ & moderators are on the take $$$$$. Never ever, ever I really mean Never, put a series engine in a ///M Car and advertise it as ///M pure

[Serious]

Originally Posted by Trier Germany

M3 all the way... 1M is all hyped up by Dr Kay Seigler. I know BMW has there hands knee deep in these Forums!!! And have the power to bann members and delete several posts or entire threads just to keep there marketing strong and mute the opinions of real enthusiasts just to hear there marketing crap. I know your ont the board BMW or you have this sight on the take $$$$$$ & moderators are on the take $$$$$. Never ever, ever I really mean Never, put a series engine in a ///M Car and advertise it as ///M pure

Better watch out for the government tapping your phone as well. /tinfoilhat

[JonnyM3]

Originally Posted by Serious

Better watch out for the government tapping your phone as well. /tinfoilhat

lol

[M3Dreams]

Originally Posted by MVF4Rrider

I think you're under explaining what BMW did with the 1 series to make the 1M. They beefed up quite a bit and really enhanced the balance. To beat one, you'd have to drive your M3 at ten-tenths and you better pray you're a better driver than the other guy (or girl). Don't underestimate it. Two things for sure, it's going to be rare to see, and it'll be a lot of car for the money.

Not that I was going to go for a 135 b4 buying my used M3, but to rule out any doubts I did test drive a 135. The car was amazing until I took the ramp at about 9/10 handling limit and pretty much plowed into the guard rail. The car under steered brutally.

My suggestion would be to drive the 1M before you make any decisions. I know they have reworked the suspension but I would make sure it is to my liking before I commit 52K of my hard earned money.

And yes, I bought a garage queen M3 and have never regretted my decision.

[Roaders]

How about 1 of each!

I have a similar dilemma. I have an M3 and have done a lot of track days in it. I find that the weight of the car is starting to become an issue for me and as my track day instructor says - I am spending all the time managing the weight transfer of the car.

I want something a bit lighter so I am looking at the 1M. I have one on order and am 99% sure that i'll go ahead with it - despite the lack of DCT which I will sorely miss.

The plan at the moment is to keep both cars for 1 track day season and see how we like them. At the end of the year we'll sell one of the cars depending on which one we (the wife and I) like.

Even if I could test drive the 1M it won't really tell me what it is like on the track so I have no option really but to buy one! (that's what I am telling myself anyway).

[Ken37.73]

1M a pig ugly Noddy car of a thing IMO. Would not consider it for even one second. Get a loved E92 M3 and be happy.

[sameh]

Originally Posted by FruitCake

Why do you want to drive a chicks car?
are u a chick OP?

Can't agree more. 1M is a great 22 years old blond chick's car OR an 18 years old young man with a sugar daddy. I know I'm gonna get flamed for saying this but the way I see it, if you have a 1M your second car is probably Volkswagen bug!!

[N8dawg]

used m3 sedan, you won't regret it.

[joelk]

You can't ask a question like that on this forum and expect much useful discussion. Too much fanboyism toward the 3er and too much insecurity regarding a potential challenger.