BMW 1M vs. M3 Direct Comparison Review by Motortrend

Jason · 06-15-2011, 02:12 PM

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW 1M vs. M3 Direct Comparison Review by Motortrend

182
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Motortrend takes on a direct comparison of the BMW 1M coupe and 2011 BMW M3 on the backroads. What's their conclusion? Here are some of their more notable reactions:

Quote:

The 1M may pull strongly when its computer allows the torque boost, but while it's figuring that out, the M3 simply revs. And how it revs! This exhaust note should be weaponized; anyone within earshot is rendered a quivering mess.

We meet in the first corner, and I watch as the 1M's rear wiggles along the pavement. Both cars are adept at these speeds, but Lieberman is working harder. The M3 requires little effort; every steering input feels faultless, as if you aren't controlling the car by a wheel but instead willing it along a preordained path.

Quote:

When we pull over, Lieberman is stupefied about the 1M's torque supply, asking, "370 pound-feet? On what planet? This feels like so much more."

Quote:

Nevertheless, the functional changes work excellently. The shift knob fits my palm agreeably and returns neat and tidy throws (Lieberman, for the record, expresses wanton distaste for the feel of the stick as well as all BMW manuals), while the gray-faced gauges clearly indicate redline. The clutch feel is the best of any BMW currently available.

The 1M's steering feels distinctly quicker and lighter, and while entertaining, it's a tick less communicative than the M3's telepathy.

Quote:

The 1M's wide torque delivery means a smoother commute during the daily grind, but the M3's race motor characteristics make it feel special. This special sensation is what the 1M most lacks, but that's not to say it disappoints. It is perhaps one of the most entertaining cars since the Z3-based M Coupe: light, involving, and bonkers quick.

SUMMARY:

Quote:

The 1M signals a return to driving-focused enjoyment, not to mention it's as fast as the M3 and costs way less.

But is it better? Lieberman and I agree: No. This big, heavy, and expensive M3, with its unflappable confidence and lascivious powertrain, is the car we want, the car we'll remember as the best of the naturally aspirated Ms. It's the one we'll tell young gearheads about in a few decades with the same fondness and reverence as given its E30 ancestor. The 1M doesn't measure up to the M3's standard. Few cars do.

Full review at Motortrend

VIDEO:

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Seattle S65B40 · 06-15-2011, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason

Quote:

The 1M signals a return to driving-focused enjoyment, not to mention it's as fast as the M3 and costs way less.

But is it better? Lieberman and I agree: No. This big, heavy, and expensive M3, with its unflappable confidence and lascivious powertrain, is the car we want, the car we'll remember as the best of the naturally aspirated Ms. It's the one we'll tell young gearheads about in a few decades with the same fondness and reverence as given its E30 ancestor. The 1M doesn't measure up to the M3's standard. Few cars do.

M3!

That video is sooper cheezy btw!

LeifW · 06-15-2011, 02:35 PM

I think it was a good review (and I have 1M on order).

Leif W.

cmk227 · 06-15-2011, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeifW

I think it was a good review (and I have 1M on order).

Leif W.

I think you are going to enjoy your car. Congrats.

mach330 · 06-15-2011, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeifW

I think it was a good review (and I have 1M on order).

Leif W.

how much are people getting their 1///m for? msrp? or is it feasable to go under that?

Just_me · 06-15-2011, 02:53 PM

If 1M had the same engine as M3 then 1M would be the better sportscar, thats the conclusion you can read between the lines.

PaulBailey@ltbmw · 06-15-2011, 02:53 PM

How are they comparing 6MT again DCT?
Stupid...
Terrible and pointless review.
There was no reason comparison there... Just useless opinions

Tiz113 · 06-15-2011, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shift@red

M3 - still king of the M cars.

+1

Prince_of_Persia · 06-15-2011, 02:56 PM

M3 FTW! I am glad I could afford to get the last NA M car!

Malek@MRF · 06-15-2011, 02:58 PM

Great review. Much of what I feel between both cars too.

3s-a-charm · 06-15-2011, 02:58 PM

That was funny... typical banter between drivers of each car - yet respect when they switch!

Vegas_Sirk · 06-15-2011, 02:59 PM

Liberman is a clown ... the guy cant drive and if anyone remembers him from helping make fast and the furious or running the NIRA drag racing circut back in the 90s they will know what kind of clown he is.

His opinion is worthless to me.

Kiemyster · 06-15-2011, 03:01 PM

Good, glad the 1M has been put in its place. All has worked out well. lol

TheBingoBalls · 06-15-2011, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just_me

If 1M had the same engine as M3 then 1M would be the better sportscar, thats the conclusion you can read between the lines.

+1. The first thing I thought of after reading/watching the comparison. But with that said, the M3 will continue to be the ///M car to get while the 1M is an excellent alternative for those wanting to experience what an ///M car is with a lower price tag.

Just_me · 06-15-2011, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiemyster

Good, glad the 1M has been put in its place. All has worked out well. lol

EVO had a different opinion in their comparison

-Ryan- · 06-15-2011, 03:03 PM

VIDEO:

I'm so glad these guys were able to work through their differences and eventually see eye to eye. It was a real nail bitter in the beginning.

huskercubfan · 06-15-2011, 03:05 PM

M3!!!

Kiemyster · 06-15-2011, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Ryan-

VIDEO:

I'm so glad these guys were able to work through their differences and eventually see eye to eye. It was a real nail bitter in the beginning.

how so? i found it annoying. lol

edit: i see what happened here. Youv'e got a 335... See the M3 drivers already know what was going down... So to see everybody else really guess we just like what?

Vegas_Sirk · 06-15-2011, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just_me

EVO had a different opinion in their comparison

I agree ... I want to see an actual track comparison with skilled drivers, not this bullshit bantering back and forth. To me that video was worthless.

jrlee53 · 06-15-2011, 03:09 PM

Nice review, but oh boy, that video, lol. I was expecting to see "Top gear USA audition Take 1" at the end of it.

F82_SID · 06-15-2011, 03:15 PM

All of the emotions that they expressed over the M3 is the exact reason why I drive one and not a 1M or a C63 or an S5. The M3 is just special. It history and driving characteristics are just legendary. To me, all the other competitors are just "knock offs". Some of them are VERY good knock offs but they will never be the real thing. All of those other cars use the M3 as the benchmark that they are trying to beat because it is the best.

-Ryan- · 06-15-2011, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiemyster

how so? i found it annoying. lol

edit: i see what happened here. Youv'e got a 335... See the M3 drivers already know what was going down... So to see everybody else really guess we just like what?

i was being sarcastic. I was actually hoping they would crash into each other and be paralyzed for life. Their next video would be them comparing breath controlled wheel chairs.

06-15-2011, 02:35 PM	#3
LeifW Captain 48 Rep 691 Posts Drives: 1M AW Join Date: May 2007 Location: CT, USA iTrader: (0)	I think it was a good review (and I have 1M on order). Leif W.
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06-15-2011, 02:53 PM	#6
Just_me Captain 200 Rep 657 Posts Drives: RWD Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0)	If 1M had the same engine as M3 then 1M would be the better sportscar, thats the conclusion you can read between the lines.
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06-15-2011, 02:53 PM	#7
PaulBailey@ltbmw General 675 Rep 26,877 Posts Drives: 2-325 330 2-335 2-Z4 2-135 X5d Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Huntington Beach, CA iTrader: (34) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i E90 [7.00] 2011 BMW 335i E92 [7.96]	How are they comparing 6MT again DCT? Stupid... Terrible and pointless review. There was no reason comparison there... Just useless opinions Last edited by PaulBailey@ltbmw; 06-15-2011 at 03:07 PM..
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06-15-2011, 02:56 PM	#9
Prince_of_Persia Colonel 251 Rep 2,519 Posts Drives: 6MT E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (1)	M3 FTW! I am glad I could afford to get the last NA M car! __________________ AW\|FR 6MT E92 ///M3
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06-15-2011, 02:58 PM	#10
Malek@MRF BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 734 Rep 3,732 Posts Drives: E92 M3, E46 M3, G82 M4 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Irvine, California iTrader: (5)	Great review. Much of what I feel between both cars too. __________________ BMW PERFORMANCE SPECIALISTS. Race Engines. Suspension. F/I. Brakes. Race Preparation. Factory Service. Alignments. OFFICIAL PARTNERS: KW. MOTON. Brembo. AP Racing. BBS Motorsport. iND. HRE. Turner Motorsport. VAC. BMW Motorsport. Facebook \| Instagram \| Yelp! \| Flikr Phone: 949-233-0448 \| E-Mail: info@mrfengineering.com
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06-15-2011, 02:58 PM	#11
3s-a-charm Major 138 Rep 1,328 Posts Drives: 2017 Tesla Model X Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Calgary, Canada iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 BMW X5 [0.00]	That was funny... typical banter between drivers of each car - yet respect when they switch! __________________ 17 Tesla Model X 90D (I've been converted!) PAST: 14 Tesla Model S P85D, 16 X1, 13 X5 M-sport, 04 M3 Cab, 08 E92 M3, 08 535xiT, 07 X5 4.8i, 06 E90 325i, 87 E30 325i, 85 E30 318i
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06-15-2011, 02:59 PM	#12
Vegas_Sirk Banned 593 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: 2013 JKU Wrangler Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Boise, ID iTrader: (11) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 ZCP [0.00] 2008 535xi [0.00] 2009 John Cooper Wo ... [9.50] 2007 E90 335i [0.00]	Liberman is a clown ... the guy cant drive and if anyone remembers him from helping make fast and the furious or running the NIRA drag racing circut back in the 90s they will know what kind of clown he is. His opinion is worthless to me.
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06-15-2011, 03:01 PM	#13
Kiemyster Bimmerpost Resident Marijuana Consultant 474 Rep 3,202 Posts Drives: 320i, 325xi, 335Xi, 335i, M3 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Queens/NYC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2010 BMW 335i [0.00] 2011 BMW X335i [0.00] 2006 BMW E90 325xi [0.00] 2011 BMW E90 335xi [4.00] 2011 BMW M3 E90 [7.00] 2006 E90 320i [0.00]	Good, glad the 1M has been put in its place. All has worked out well. lol __________________ "AMG What! S-Line Who? If you ain't got that M I got no respect for you!" '06 Alpine Weiss E90 320i \| '06 The Green Machine E90 325xi \| '11 Alpine Weiss E90 M3 ZCP \| '10 Silverstone X5M \| '11 Alpine Weiss E90 335xi
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06-15-2011, 03:03 PM	#16
-Ryan- First Class Privates 29 Rep 437 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Rancho Mirage, CA iTrader: (1)	VIDEO: I'm so glad these guys were able to work through their differences and eventually see eye to eye. It was a real nail bitter in the beginning. __________________ \| Matte Black Grilles and Side Vents \| Painted Reflectors \| Remus Race Exhaust CF Tips \| CF Emblems \| 19" Volk TE37 \| KW \| More to come...
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06-15-2011, 03:05 PM	#17
huskercubfan STM TRPR 36 Rep 358 Posts Drives: 2012 335i MW Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Omaha, NE iTrader: (0)	M3!!!
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06-15-2011, 03:09 PM	#20
jrlee53 Captain 163 Rep 843 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 M3 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Queens, NY iTrader: (0)	Nice review, but oh boy, that video, lol. I was expecting to see "Top gear USA audition Take 1" at the end of it. __________________ 2003 Cobra -> 2010 BMW e90 M3 - Space Grey - Black on Carbon Leather Int. - BRILLIANT CAR!! Last edited by jrlee53; 06-15-2011 at 03:15 PM..
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06-15-2011, 03:15 PM	#21
F82_SID Brigadier General 218 Rep 3,150 Posts Drives: 2020 M2C 6mt HK Silver Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Denver, CO. USA iTrader: (2)	All of the emotions that they expressed over the M3 is the exact reason why I drive one and not a 1M or a C63 or an S5. The M3 is just special. It history and driving characteristics are just legendary. To me, all the other competitors are just "knock offs". Some of them are VERY good knock offs but they will never be the real thing. All of those other cars use the M3 as the benchmark that they are trying to beat because it is the best. __________________ 2011/E92/M3/MR/BB/ZCV/ZP2/EDC/2MT
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