BMW 1 Series M Coupe - experiences
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
BMW 1 Series M Coupe - experiences
Hi guys,
tell me more about your experiences with the BMW 1M coupe.
Thanks.
tell me more about your experiences with the BMW 1M coupe.
Thanks.
#3
Rennlist Member
Don't know BMW models, but rented a BMW 125i at the Ring last month. It had an "M" on it, but I think that was for "M" suspension, not a full "M" car. Lots of fun for a 200HP car. Took a minute off my BTG time, but that was also versus a 120HP car... Car was stable, predictable at the limits. First time I ever drove a paddle shift, so I cannot really comment on the trans - it felt weird to me, but that was probably just the newness...
#4
It's a cool car, but I wouldn't pay the $60k that they are going for.
#5
Drifting
Overpriced I’d rather get a M2 or M2C for the same or slightly more which is what I did. Much more modern car and in the m2c case way more tuning potential, 530rwhp with just software.
#6
Advanced
The one I drove was somewhat heavily modified but I loved it. The engine isn't anything that special but it is fun nonetheless. The chassis is great though, tons of grip. I definitely prefer it to the M2. I would say the difference between 1M/M2 is similar to the difference between 997 GT3 and 991 GT3. The newer is a lot more refined and is technically better but I have a strong preference to the older, rougher, more involving cars. I'd give it a strong recommend, it's by far the best BMW I've driven one of the most fun cars I've experienced in general. You can't do any better with a front engined four seater as far as I'm concerned.
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#8
Rennlist Member
I own one. Its my primary DD. Have about 70,000+ Kms on it now. Its an ideal city car for me and I use it for everything. Its small, so I can fit it through city traffic, parking etc.
Engine:
Good amount of power for in city. Never tracked it [the GT3 trumps it every time], but probably could use more power there. Never modified mine, so I can't comment. Considered doing a Cobb, but I'm guessing its already a 135 with a tune, so for the sake of reliability I've left it alone. The fuel tank is very small for an engine with this level of thirst. It gets about 400Km/tank. Its been perfectly reliable so far. There is some drone at around 4K rpm, I'm used to it, but people on the internet tend to moan [pun alert] about it. Never had a heating issue. Eats a little oil, nothing worst than any other turbo car I've owned. Far less than the 911 turbos.
Handling:
Would call it "sporty". Its not super smooth/soft, but it handles very well. Very easy to live with daily. On throttle over street is easy to induce [particularly in the rain] and can be very snappy. The modern 911s are more progressive. But once you get used to it, its easy to control and play with. Been told that a set of Ohlins does wonders, but have no first hand experience. Will probably get that done at 100,000 Kms.
Transmission:
Its fine. Nothing like the 911s, but very good still. Getting a little notchy into 2nd, specially when cold. Clutch wear seems OK. Diff made some noise at 50,000Kms, a fluid change fixed that.
Fit and finish:
Not bad at all, but you have to keep in mind its a 1 series.
Room:
Fine for my family. We've always had small/sporty cars, so we don't know any better. 4 hours trips with kids have been fine. You can fit up 5 2x6's @ 8' lengths through the ski pass-through. Or 6 Panasonic bathroom fans with the back seats folded.
Winter:
I ski a lot and its never been stuck. I do run smaller winter wheels and tires. They look silly but work. The nose is a little low, so if there more than a 10" of fresh snow, your the plow.
Street-cred:
Most people don't know what it is, which is my style. And the people who get it, obviously get it. You can get many 911s for less money, but I can't drive those to work, people are strange. Even a C63 got a bunch of comments. With the 1M, nothing.
M2:
Its a better car in every way. But its also bigger, which I don't like. And it does not seem such a huge leap in performance/looks/etc to warrant the switch for me. Maybe when the M2 CS comes in.
Value:
I paid about CND$50k for mine and that seemed like good value to me. US$60, might be too high. But I don't care about resale on any of my cars. When I purchase, I assume the future value is $0 and just enjoy them.
Engine:
Good amount of power for in city. Never tracked it [the GT3 trumps it every time], but probably could use more power there. Never modified mine, so I can't comment. Considered doing a Cobb, but I'm guessing its already a 135 with a tune, so for the sake of reliability I've left it alone. The fuel tank is very small for an engine with this level of thirst. It gets about 400Km/tank. Its been perfectly reliable so far. There is some drone at around 4K rpm, I'm used to it, but people on the internet tend to moan [pun alert] about it. Never had a heating issue. Eats a little oil, nothing worst than any other turbo car I've owned. Far less than the 911 turbos.
Handling:
Would call it "sporty". Its not super smooth/soft, but it handles very well. Very easy to live with daily. On throttle over street is easy to induce [particularly in the rain] and can be very snappy. The modern 911s are more progressive. But once you get used to it, its easy to control and play with. Been told that a set of Ohlins does wonders, but have no first hand experience. Will probably get that done at 100,000 Kms.
Transmission:
Its fine. Nothing like the 911s, but very good still. Getting a little notchy into 2nd, specially when cold. Clutch wear seems OK. Diff made some noise at 50,000Kms, a fluid change fixed that.
Fit and finish:
Not bad at all, but you have to keep in mind its a 1 series.
Room:
Fine for my family. We've always had small/sporty cars, so we don't know any better. 4 hours trips with kids have been fine. You can fit up 5 2x6's @ 8' lengths through the ski pass-through. Or 6 Panasonic bathroom fans with the back seats folded.
Winter:
I ski a lot and its never been stuck. I do run smaller winter wheels and tires. They look silly but work. The nose is a little low, so if there more than a 10" of fresh snow, your the plow.
Street-cred:
Most people don't know what it is, which is my style. And the people who get it, obviously get it. You can get many 911s for less money, but I can't drive those to work, people are strange. Even a C63 got a bunch of comments. With the 1M, nothing.
M2:
Its a better car in every way. But its also bigger, which I don't like. And it does not seem such a huge leap in performance/looks/etc to warrant the switch for me. Maybe when the M2 CS comes in.
Value:
I paid about CND$50k for mine and that seemed like good value to me. US$60, might be too high. But I don't care about resale on any of my cars. When I purchase, I assume the future value is $0 and just enjoy them.
#9
How does the 1M compare to the e92 m3 for those who have sampled both? The 1M is valued almost twice as much as the m3 today and I personally don't see it. Sure the 1M is more limited, but it's motor is simply a higher tuned n54 where as the M3 has a jewel of a motor in the s65 .
#10
Interesting thread. I'm contemplating a m2c vs a 997.1 gt3 with a back seat retrofit. I know I'm crazy. M2c i know will be a better DD but won't scratch the itch like a gt3. I already have a weekend toy and don't want a second. And from a practical perspective depreciation will be less for a gt3.
#11
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
^ nice idea. what is your other weekend car?
#12
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
I have driven 1M vs. M2 and i think the 1M is a drivers car and more fun.
It size feels perfect and a little bit oldschool.
Another point its rare.
But can it be fun next to a 997 GT3 (in garage) for a mountain blast?
Do you think a 987 Spyder/Cayman R or 981 GTS is more fun, challenging and special longterm?
It size feels perfect and a little bit oldschool.
Another point its rare.
But can it be fun next to a 997 GT3 (in garage) for a mountain blast?
Do you think a 987 Spyder/Cayman R or 981 GTS is more fun, challenging and special longterm?
#13
there's something special to a M car in the same way there is to a GT Porsche... similar philosophy, different execution
a good BMW is a perfect companion to a good Porsche...
a good BMW is a perfect companion to a good Porsche...
#14
FWIW above, despite an accurate gauge, a well broken-in/maintained Mezger turbo engine uses near zero oil btw intervals,,.. turbo 911 customers don't come back for top-ups...