should i replace my E92 M3 with a Valencia 2012 1M?

[dd1981]

Since you look like you could afford it, I say keep the m3 and just pick up the 1M as well. I think you will miss the M3. Its too sexy too appealing!

[jonasaurus]

Originally Posted by marwan

guys, i just shelled out the cash for an italia and an X5M. i can only afford to by another car by replacing the M3. My M3 has some funny issues with the gearbox/differential, which is why it's in the service center.

i'll drive the 1M today or tomorrow and decided for myself.

Good luck with your decision, either way you can't go too wrong!

[Prince_of_Persia]

Originally Posted by marwan

guys, i just shelled out the cash for an italia and an X5M. i can only afford to by another car by replacing the M3. My M3 has some funny issues with the gearbox/differential, which is why it's in the service center.

i'll drive the 1M today or tomorrow and decided for myself.

Yeah no doubt you have issue with your M3 when you guys drive your cars like this:


Make sure you don't do the same with your 1M, or that will have some issues too

[bruce.augenstein@comcast.]

Originally Posted by Prince_of_Persia

You need to know how to drive a high rev NA car to be able to enjoy it

Yeah, that's really rocket science.

[Team Plutonium]

Originally Posted by bruce.augenstein@comcast.

Yeah, that's really rocket science.

+1.

[Prince_of_Persia]

Originally Posted by bruce.augenstein@comcast.

Yeah, that's really rocket science.

Seems like it for some people who think M3 is slow out of a corner!

[Nine]

Only infidels and peasants drive 1 series cars in the motherland.

[rdollie]

If you already have a 458 and a M3 and want something different I'd suggest that the 1M isn't going to cut it (it's a good car for what it is but really falls below your current garage mates.) I'd suggest you mosey on over to the Lotus dealer and have fun doing some test drives...I bet you find something that hits the spot.

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by Mr.Metak2you

Actually the interior dimensions are practically identical....
and those that are saying the interior is not as 'luxurious' as the M3 or it feels 'cheap' in comparison, I don't really agree. Sure the M3 has Nappa leather which is nicer instead of Dakota but after 3 M cars with Nappa I can honestly say I prefer the more durable Dakota in the 1M, and of corse the orange stitching and alcantara accents definitely help the little car feel luxurious enough, IMO. Other than that, both have available SAT/NAV, heated power seats, BlueTooth, etc. The exterior is definately anything but 'plain Jane', the fenders alone IRL are gorgeous!

Having said that, i'm not suggesting the 1M is better just different and for someone looking for a change it is a legitimate option. If i was buying a car today and choosing between an M3 and a 1M i would pick the M3. But having owned an M3 for 3 years and looking for something new i can totally understand why someone would make the switch to the 1M.

The M3 has Novillo leather. The 1M has Boston leather which is similar to Dakota. Novillo leather is a lot nicer and more durable than either one of those. My 135i leather started peeling after 3 months. Interior materials are much more plush in the 3 series compared to the 1. But that's fine because that's not what the 1 series is about.

The 1M coupe really is much more raw and visceral than the M3. The M3 has the screaming V8, but that raw feeling really stops there. Everything else is compromised with refinement and comfort (not saying that's a bad thing). The 1M's steering is much tighter, the clutch and shifter feel worlds better, and that short wheel base really keeps you on your toes. I'm going to be in the minority here, but as someone who has owned a modified 135i, driven a 1M, and own an M3, I can say the 1M is a more enjoyable car to drive. And you don't really have a valid opinion unless you've driven both cars. But I still love the M3 for more reasons than I love the 1M. Both are amazing cars and would be happy owning either one.

[persian54]

I like the idea of getting a convertible

[ssabripo]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

The 1M coupe really is much more raw and visceral than the M3. The M3 has the screaming V8, but that raw feeling really stops there. Everything else is compromised with refinement and comfort (not saying that's a bad thing). The 1M's steering is much tighter, the clutch and shifter feel worlds better, and that short wheel base really keeps you on your toes. I'm going to be in the minority here, but as someone who has owned a modified 135i, driven a 1M, and own an M3, I can say the 1M is a more enjoyable car to drive. And you don't really have a valid opinion unless you've driven both cars. But I still love the M3 for more reasons than I love the 1M. Both are amazing cars and would be happy owning either one.

and as I guy who also owns an m3, owned a highly modified 135i for 3 years (see here), and drove the 1M extensively in the track at PCD, I have to disagree and tell you that the M3 is the more enjoyable car to drive.

The 1M has a better/tighter clutch and shifter compared to my old 135i, but neither is as enjoyable as an M-DCT at the track! And this coming from a guy who has never driven anything but Manual Trannies.

In terms of "enjoyment", the 1M outshined the M3 IMO in very tight turns and in shorter tracks with lots of turns, whereas the M3 needs a little more straights and pin turns to spread it's legs. Having said that, is there a more enjoyable feeling out there than keeping the S65's engine in it's power band (5.5-8.5k) and hearing this lighting fast shifts when you take an Apex?

I'm sure your feeling and your experience is what you described, as is anyone's opinion, but I wanted to make sure that you don't just generalize what an M3/135i/1M experienced person would say.

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by ssabripo

and as I guy who also owns an m3, owned a highly modified 135i for 3 years (see here), and drove the 1M extensively in the track at PCD, I have to disagree and tell you that the M3 is the more enjoyable car to drive.

The 1M has a better/tighter clutch and shifter compared to my old 135i, but neither is as enjoyable as an M-DCT at the track! And this coming from a guy who has never driven anything but Manual Trannies.

In terms of "enjoyment", the 1M outshined the M3 IMO in very tight turns and in shorter tracks with lots of turns, whereas the M3 needs a little more straights and pin turns to spread it's legs. Having said that, is there a more enjoyable feeling out there than keeping the S65's engine in it's power band (5.5-8.5k) and hearing this lighting fast shifts when you take an Apex?

I'm sure your feeling and your experience is what you described, as is anyone's opinion, but I wanted to make sure that you don't just generalize what an M3/135i/1M experienced person would say.

Well obviously my opinion is based on comparing manual transmissions. No doubt DCT is great for the track, but more enjoyable? It really depends on the skill level of the driver. My first few times at the track were pretty rough with the manual, but I'm slowly getting the hang of it.

I have a lot more fun driving when I'm in the corners. Hitting 120mph in the back straights just doesn't do much for me as it's just about having the most HP. The car does sound good though.

[Mr.Metak2you]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

The M3 has Novillo leather. The 1M has Boston leather which is similar to Dakota. Novillo leather is a lot nicer and more durable than either one of those. My 135i leather started peeling after 3 months. Interior materials are much more plush in the 3 series compared to the 1. But that's fine because that's not what the 1 series is about.

........Both are amazing cars and would be happy owning either one.

You're right, I misspoke. My E46 M3 had the Nappa in Cinnamon. Nappa and Novillo look the same much like the Dakota and Boston. However even though the Novillo/Nappa is nicer and more supple/luxurious, that definitely does not translate into more durable. It was work keeping the M3 leather looking nice after 3 years.

[CSanto]

Originally Posted by FCTrs4

Marwan, my brother has a 1m. Its a great car And a blast to drive. It has the best gear box of any car ive ever driven. It is a lot more raw than the m3, but the interior is not as refined/comfortable as the m3.

As an owner of both, this is spot on.
Also, RadiantM3 and Metak are both spot on with their short summations of both cars.

The 1M is more enjoyable to drive, more raw. M3 is more comfortable, more of a GT.

[luckychicken]

Hahah he can "only afford..." Why not take some time to appreciate the cars you just bought.

[Alex07M3]

IMO , the 1M just does'nt look good !! ESS your M3 !!

[tibra1]

Originally Posted by Nine

Only infidels and peasants drive 1 series cars in the motherland.

..Off with their heads!!

[Kaylin032]

Originally Posted by SD-E93-11

Does that mean you'll spend the majority of your time on the 1M board?

Then yes, yes you should.

Hahahaha

[EvosM3]

DD the X5M and for a (more) fun car drive the 458.

[IFX]

I would never buy a 1M due to it's looks. But that one guy who browses this side of the forum with the white one in his sig does look sexy. Too much work to get it to look good though, lol

[DaFish]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

2011.5 AW E92 M3 ZCP 6MT
(Akrapovic, ESS, Brembo, Rays Engineering, KW, Yokohama)

He should just take his M3, and do what you did...

Forget the 1M, with his cash, do up the M3 he has and do it properly - then talk to us about fun.

This is what I want to replace my car with.

[kwike92]

Originally Posted by SD-E93-11

Foodle, perhaps I overreacted to the absurdity of someone with the means to spend $350,00 in recent vehicle purchases laboring over the replacement of a $60k car with a $50k car. It may have been my recent promotion to "Private First Class" that went to my head.

Lol