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      02-20-2020, 02:05 PM   #1
SunDevil_M3
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E90 M3 or 1M

I recently sold my E90 M3 and to me it was the best M car I have owned. I have an E36 M3 I will use for tracking/dd purposes but I wanted everyones opinion on purchasing another E90 M3 or maybe heading the route of a 1M. I know... very different cars but I want peoples opinions.

What the car will be used for:
Strictly a weekend car as I am gone 3-4 days a week traveling for work.

Has anyone made the jump to a 1M? From what I have read and seen online, it is the best M car built in terms of being connected to the driver and just the overall heritage of the brand is very special to most with the 1M. It may not be the fastest car out there but I am past speed. I want something special and what better than owning a 1M if you are looking for special and exclusivity.

But the S65.... Alpine White competition E90 M3 with fox red is what I would be looking for. The lower mileage the better.

Budget:
Nothing above $60k.
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      02-20-2020, 02:10 PM   #2
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The 1M is definitely desirable, but keep in mind the N54 motor will give you problems down the line.
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      02-20-2020, 02:15 PM   #3
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If its strictly weekend use, I would go with a 1M.

Deep down, what do you really desire to own? an E9X M3 or a rare 1 Series M?

However, nothing is stopping you from buying a cheaper E90 M3 and getting is resprayed and done in a way special to you.

If I had the funds, I would respray my E90 and get the interior redone to a different colour.
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      02-20-2020, 02:22 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by R3dliner View Post
The 1M is definitely desirable, but keep in mind the N54 motor will give you problems down the line.
I think with proper maintenance and care the N54 can be as reliable as any other M motor. I think the N54 gets a bad rap from the cheap group with the 335's.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ItsGary View Post
If its strictly weekend use, I would go with a 1M.

Deep down, what do you really desire to own? an E9X M3 or a rare 1 Series M?

However, nothing is stopping you from buying a cheaper E90 M3 and getting is resprayed and done in a way special to you.

If I had the funds, I would respray my E90 and get the interior redone to a different colour.
Quite honestly, I have owned many cars and the E90 was special to me because of the sound, the way it handled, and I love the look. BUT, I have never owned a 1M and from what I hear, it's just an overall amazing car. To me, either would be nice and both would be special to me.

I just wanted others peoples comments to see if anyone had made the direct swap from an E9x to a 1M.
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      02-20-2020, 02:32 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SunDevil_M3 View Post
I think with proper maintenance and care the N54 can be as reliable as any other M motor. I think the N54 gets a bad rap from the cheap group with the 335's.
On the flip side it's so easy to mod since it has forged internals, but there are highly suspected failure parts(ex. e9x throttle actuators will go at some point). 10-15k mile carbon cleaning is a pain. They did extend the warranty on the HPFP to 10 years. Waste gate rattles, vanos, leaky injectors are some things you can't control.
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      02-20-2020, 02:54 PM   #6
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If you're not driving it much you might actually make some money on this deal, ignoring the insurance costs you'll pay to own any car and any extra tax etc. I'd do 1M just to experience something different if you're biturbo-curious, sell it if you don't like it, don't sell it if you do, can't lose really. A nice low miles E90M is still being dragged down by the claws of cruel 5000+unit depreciation as soon as it's driven, where the 1M's seem to be holding steady and the difference between 40k and 60k doesn't seem to be much of any so long as condition is good

We have a 12 year old N54 in the family and it's had some minor issues but, it's in an E93 and doesn't get driven much and still gets where it's going at 30k miles. For a weekend car you don't depend on all the time, who cares, if it throws a code it tells you what's wrong and you get it fixed

SO yeah. If you were willing to sell your E90M, that tells me you weren't willing to mate for life with it, which tells me you should try the 1M on and see how it feels
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      02-20-2020, 03:33 PM   #7
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You recently sold the best car you've owned and immediately want to buy another one? No offence bro but what happened?
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      02-20-2020, 03:46 PM   #8
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1M costs too much of a premium. Just buy a 135i and mod it. Or buy another M3. Just about everyone who has come from an N54 motor car to the M3 with S65 has preferred the M3 and not gone back.

I actually like turbo motors and would be just as happy with a 1M.
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      02-20-2020, 04:04 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SunDevil_M3 View Post
I think the N54 gets a bad rap from the cheap group with the 335's.
No. You could have a pristine service history and everything will still shit the bed.

I know a few people who are first owners of their 335i that they purchased new. Yet all the common issues still plagued them. Luckily for them they were under warranty when it happened.
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      02-20-2020, 04:09 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Richbot View Post
If you're not driving it much you might actually make some money on this deal, ignoring the insurance costs you'll pay to own any car and any extra tax etc. I'd do 1M just to experience something different if you're biturbo-curious, sell it if you don't like it, don't sell it if you do, can't lose really. A nice low miles E90M is still being dragged down by the claws of cruel 5000+unit depreciation as soon as it's driven, where the 1M's seem to be holding steady and the difference between 40k and 60k doesn't seem to be much of any so long as condition is good

We have a 12 year old N54 in the family and it's had some minor issues but, it's in an E93 and doesn't get driven much and still gets where it's going at 30k miles. For a weekend car you don't depend on all the time, who cares, if it throws a code it tells you what's wrong and you get it fixed

SO yeah. If you were willing to sell your E90M, that tells me you weren't willing to mate for life with it, which tells me you should try the 1M on and see how it feels
I sold its for some life changing reasons to spring me forward. Gave up having a nice car for about a year or so. I agree with you though, trying something different might be nice and can always resell it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Helmsman View Post
You recently sold the best car you've owned and immediately want to buy another one? No offence bro but what happened?
I am getting engaged here within the next 6 months and I am 4 months into building a home. Sold the M3 to help fund the house build. I am waiting another 8 months until I close with the bank to make another purchase due to mortgage companies not liking to see large purchases prior to closing on a home.

Quote:
Originally Posted by pbonsalb View Post
1M costs too much of a premium. Just buy a 135i and mod it. Or buy another M3. Just about everyone who has come from an N54 motor car to the M3 with S65 has preferred the M3 and not gone back.

I actually like turbo motors and would be just as happy with a 1M.
1M costs a premium for a reason. I could care less about the speed, more so interested in what makes that 1M special. Low production numbers, one year only, and you will never see a car like it again most likely.
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      02-20-2020, 04:12 PM   #11
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i own an e90m3, and have had the opportunity to spend alot of time with a 1M as well. In the beginning i loved the 1M. It felt unique, and reminded me of my e30 size and handling wise. But after having driven the 1m on a dozen occasions, i realize that its not more fun to drive than the m3. The n54 engine just isnt special enough to make it an event, the 1m is purely a collectors car at this point. I found myself happier getting back into the m3 at the end of the day.
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      02-20-2020, 04:23 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SFCM3 View Post
i own an e90m3, and have had the opportunity to spend alot of time with a 1M as well. In the beginning i loved the 1M. It felt unique, and reminded me of my e30 size and handling wise. But after having driven the 1m on a dozen occasions, i realize that its not more fun to drive than the m3. The n54 engine just isnt special enough to make it an event, the 1m is purely a collectors car at this point. I found myself happier getting back into the m3 at the end of the day.
100% true statement in regards to collector car. I think when you purchase a 1M, or at least in my eyes, you keep it stock and you drive it for what it is which is a 1M. Very very good answer. I like it.
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      02-20-2020, 05:54 PM   #13
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Option 3: Build an S65 powered "1M" for the best of both worlds...




Realistically speaking, I'm sure the 1M is a fantastic car, but at the end of the day I'd rather hear that v8 under the hood.
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      02-21-2020, 08:35 AM   #14
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On never seeing another car like the 1m, I don't think that's true at all. The M2 is superior in just about every dynamic way but steering, and follows the exact same formula of small 2door practical FR coupe with a turbo 6, flares and a manual

The 1M is expensive because it's extremely rare, not because it's especially good compared to its contemporary cars, IMO. Good car, but there's no secret sauce.

Still a hoot of a car, but the M2 is just as much of a hoot, with a lot of the problems the 1M has fixed (and some new problems, like an extra 100+lb and steering that isn't super great). The 1M appeals to people who want a rare car that doesn't have mandatory idrive and has hydraulic steering, and there's no where else to get that, but it's not the kind of step-change/shift in philosophy the move from E9x to F8x represents.
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      02-21-2020, 10:16 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Richbot View Post
On never seeing another car like the 1m, I don't think that's true at all. The M2 is superior in just about every dynamic way but steering, and follows the exact same formula of small 2door practical FR coupe with a turbo 6, flares and a manual

The 1M is expensive because it's extremely rare, not because it's especially good compared to its contemporary cars, IMO. Good car, but there's no secret sauce.

Still a hoot of a car, but the M2 is just as much of a hoot, with a lot of the problems the 1M has fixed (and some new problems, like an extra 100+lb and steering that isn't super great). The 1M appeals to people who want a rare car that doesn't have mandatory idrive and has hydraulic steering, and there's no where else to get that, but it's not the kind of step-change/shift in philosophy the move from E9x to F8x represents.
The M2 might be superior in power but the 1M is everything the M2 is not. I have driven an M2 Comp dozens of time. Is it a fun car because of the stupid power it has and the electric steering.. yes. Do I feel as connected to it as I did even my E90? No. Newer cars which are more 'superior' lack the character older cars do. Hence why E30, E36, and even the E46 are as desirable as they are today. I know countless people who have went to the F8x platform then came back to the E9x platform because of lack of driver connection and feel.
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      02-21-2020, 03:34 PM   #16
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lol ok - sounds like you need to drive a 1M back to back with an M2 and make up your mind then
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      02-22-2020, 11:41 AM   #17
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Quote:
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lol ok - sounds like you need to drive a 1M back to back with an M2 and make up your mind then


Title is E90 M3 or 1M.
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      02-22-2020, 01:29 PM   #18
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IMHO i would go E90. You cannot beat that V8. I think the 1m is overhyped because there are only 700+- in the US. If you were buying a car strictly to collect/invest in a car buy the 1m but if you are buying to enjoy I would get an E90 ZCP with a sunroof put an exhaust on it and beat the living hell out of it. You cannot replicate that v8 the practicality of a sedan and speed of the e90 m3. One of the best cars ever made along with the B7 Audi RS4.

Also have you ever seen a 1M in person? They are not that cool. Too small looks like a chick car to me. Lol! E46 m3 or an M2 over a 1M. Ya know what I would even say get an old Z4 m coupe or even convertible over the 1M. For the price of a 1m you could probably buy 2 nice e90 m3s or shoot even a GT350 mustang or a supra! Think of all the car you could buy for 60k+

1M is for people who have a ton of cash and just want to say they have a 1M lol. I almost bought one awhile back and instead got an E92 ZCP and never once have i regreted it or thought what if. I love hitting 8300rpm any day over hearing a turbo hiss. Lol!!

If you want a badass turbo car wait for the 2020 Type R, 2021 Golf R or 2021 Subaru STI. All 3 of those cars are going to be insanely awesome along with all the tech you need, top stereos, hold their value, super fast, etc.

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      02-22-2020, 07:50 PM   #19
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It sounds like you have your mind set on 1M. Since you already experienced e90 try something else and if you don't like 1M you can sell it without losing much money.
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      02-23-2020, 09:43 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SunDevil_M3 View Post


Title is E90 M3 or 1M.
I take the time to write a thoughtful response to your thread (several actually) and this is what I get back? F off
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      02-23-2020, 12:12 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Headhunter.M3 View Post
IMHO i would go E90. You cannot beat that V8. I think the 1m is overhyped because there are only 700+- in the US. If you were buying a car strictly to collect/invest in a car buy the 1m but if you are buying to enjoy I would get an E90 ZCP with a sunroof put an exhaust on it and beat the living hell out of it. You cannot replicate that v8 the practicality of a sedan and speed of the e90 m3. One of the best cars ever made along with the B7 Audi RS4.

Also have you ever seen a 1M in person? They are not that cool. Too small looks like a chick car to me. Lol! E46 m3 or an M2 over a 1M. Ya know what I would even say get an old Z4 m coupe or even convertible over the 1M. For the price of a 1m you could probably buy 2 nice e90 m3s or shoot even a GT350 mustang or a supra! Think of all the car you could buy for 60k+

1M is for people who have a ton of cash and just want to say they have a 1M lol. I almost bought one awhile back and instead got an E92 ZCP and never once have i regreted it or thought what if. I love hitting 8300rpm any day over hearing a turbo hiss. Lol!!

If you want a badass turbo car wait for the 2020 Type R, 2021 Golf R or 2021 Subaru STI. All 3 of those cars are going to be insanely awesome along with all the tech you need, top stereos, hold their value, super fast, etc.
Size an chassis make a big difference when it comes to fun even if the engine isn't as interesting. An interesting engine in a boat, is still in a boat.

Also how is a 1m a chick looking car because it's small but the z4m isn't?
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      02-23-2020, 07:17 PM   #22
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In terms of footprint, the most notable dimension change of a 1M vs an e90 is wheelbase and length.

Certainly have an effect on driving, and do result in a greater sense of agility. However, the compromise is stability and predictability. An e90 will be a much more willing dance partner at the limit of grip, and is more balanced over the limit of grip.

Love the 1M - they drive very uniquely. However. Unique doesn’t mean better: it’ll come down to preference.

The trade offs required for a 1M compared to a e90 (engine, predictability, looks, etc) make it a good fit for a very narrow subset of buyers, buyers who primarily value its limited production or bulldog looks.
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