1M - Is it the 'new' M3. Discuss!
Discussion
Have BMW pulled a flanker on us. Many people (me included) who buy and run M3s wouldn't look at an M5 - not because of price but because it isn't our sort of car. Too big and heavy - an awesome 'GT' really - and not the lighter more 'sportng car we're looking for. BUT having now spent time in a 1M and then had a refresher in an M3, that car (the M3) looks overly large/heavy and luxurious. To me it has become an M5! The 1m is as fast as the M3 on track - same times in EVO's test and actually faster round Hockenheim - and I think a fair bit faster most of the time in the real world of road driving thanks to monster torque and killer in gear times plus it's size. It's also more immediate 'fun' more of the time.
M3? Still a simply awesome car but to me it's now moved up into the M5 bracket. the 1M is my new M3. Didn't see that one coming! Clever old BMW...............
M3? Still a simply awesome car but to me it's now moved up into the M5 bracket. the 1M is my new M3. Didn't see that one coming! Clever old BMW...............
Shoot me down in flames but didnt the E46 M3 have more power and weigh less. That model is 10 years old so its hardly progress. Great looking car though and 2 or 3 years ago I would have been all over it like a rash, but I'm starting to wonder is there a need for cars that have way too much performance for the road and are primarily used as trinkets.
The state doesnt want us to drive and they certainly dont want us to drive cars that do late teens early twenties MPG. We get shafted on every front, tax, fuel, insurance. I found my old mileage spreadsheet for 2001 when I did 19K miles in 10 months in my P1. Without at doubt the best 10 driving months of my life. At the time SUL was 71p per litre and I spent just over £3K that year on fuel. Fast forward 10 years and that amount doubles. For some people the cost of running a car are neither here nor there but for us mere mortals its something that has to factored into any car purchase nowadays. Dont even mention the D word.
I've woken in a sombre mood this morning and I will probably feel completey different about this after first hit of caffine. Anyhow my trinket needs cleaning. It rained last night and I didnt put it away.
P
The state doesnt want us to drive and they certainly dont want us to drive cars that do late teens early twenties MPG. We get shafted on every front, tax, fuel, insurance. I found my old mileage spreadsheet for 2001 when I did 19K miles in 10 months in my P1. Without at doubt the best 10 driving months of my life. At the time SUL was 71p per litre and I spent just over £3K that year on fuel. Fast forward 10 years and that amount doubles. For some people the cost of running a car are neither here nor there but for us mere mortals its something that has to factored into any car purchase nowadays. Dont even mention the D word.
I've woken in a sombre mood this morning and I will probably feel completey different about this after first hit of caffine. Anyhow my trinket needs cleaning. It rained last night and I didnt put it away.
P
paulmon said:
Shoot me down in flames but didnt the E46 M3 have more power and weigh less. That model is 10 years old so its hardly progress. Great looking car though and 2 or 3 years ago I would have been all over it like a rash, but I'm starting to wonder is there a need for cars that have way too much performance for the road and are primarily used as trinkets.
The state doesnt want us to drive and they certainly dont want us to drive cars that do late teens early twenties MPG. We get shafted on every front, tax, fuel, insurance. I found my old mileage spreadsheet for 2001 when I did 19K miles in 10 months in my P1. Without at doubt the best 10 driving months of my life. At the time SUL was 71p per litre and I spent just over £3K that year on fuel. Fast forward 10 years and that amount doubles. For some people the cost of running a car are neither here nor there but for us mere mortals its something that has to factored into any car purchase nowadays. Dont even mention the D word.
I've woken in a sombre mood this morning and I will probably feel completey different about this after first hit of caffine. Anyhow my trinket needs cleaning. It rained last night and I didnt put it away.
P
That was then, this is now. We are where we are in terms of legislation/necessary weight/safety etc. I was discussing current cars/the future. BMW have brought out a new and 'lighter' M3 - but called it something else was my arguementThe state doesnt want us to drive and they certainly dont want us to drive cars that do late teens early twenties MPG. We get shafted on every front, tax, fuel, insurance. I found my old mileage spreadsheet for 2001 when I did 19K miles in 10 months in my P1. Without at doubt the best 10 driving months of my life. At the time SUL was 71p per litre and I spent just over £3K that year on fuel. Fast forward 10 years and that amount doubles. For some people the cost of running a car are neither here nor there but for us mere mortals its something that has to factored into any car purchase nowadays. Dont even mention the D word.
I've woken in a sombre mood this morning and I will probably feel completey different about this after first hit of caffine. Anyhow my trinket needs cleaning. It rained last night and I didnt put it away.
P
Edited by Pugsey on Sunday 22 May 09:59
Pugsey said:
That was then, this is now. We are where we are in terms of legislation/necessary weight/safety etc. I was discussing current cars/the future. BMW have brought out a new and 'lighter' M3 - but called it something else was my arguement
In which case I concur. Edited by Pugsey on Sunday 22 May 09:59
paulmon said:
Pugsey said:
That was then, this is now. We are where we are in terms of legislation/necessary weight/safety etc. I was discussing current cars/the future. BMW have brought out a new and 'lighter' M3 - but called it something else was my arguement
In which case I concur. Edited by Pugsey on Sunday 22 May 09:59
Oh, and drive one! You won't even consider an E46 after you have. Maybe not even a CSL!E39 M5; bit big and heavy for me.
E46 M3; perfect mix of zingy power and handling.
135i; able to use more of the performance more of the time due to torque and size.
E9x M3; felt more 'grown up' than E46, not able to really exploit engine to full potential very often.
Conclusion;
Can't wait for my 1M. Should be the perfect blend of ingredients necessary for today's performance motoring.
E46 M3; perfect mix of zingy power and handling.
135i; able to use more of the performance more of the time due to torque and size.
E9x M3; felt more 'grown up' than E46, not able to really exploit engine to full potential very often.
Conclusion;
Can't wait for my 1M. Should be the perfect blend of ingredients necessary for today's performance motoring.
Dan S said:
Hmmm,
This will be a completely different story after the Fxx M3 arrives, however the S65 makes the M3 for me and for that reason I wouldn't ever consider replacing it with a turbo powered unit.
Understand BUT try one. Sounds as good (maybe better) than n/a straight six - and better most of the time than V8. In reality goes harder more of the time too. I'm sort of with you re n/a v turbo but....................This will be a completely different story after the Fxx M3 arrives, however the S65 makes the M3 for me and for that reason I wouldn't ever consider replacing it with a turbo powered unit.
Wouldn't swap back to my old V8 M3 now. Consider that a heavier 'GT' now.
Had the opportunity to drive the 1M around London during lunch time, and one thing the car had over any M3 I've ever driven is presence. And not because of looks. I was driving a black one, and to the untrained eye it looks like any other 1 series coupe. But its the noise. Fluttering the accelerator made the hairs on the back of my neck stand. An extremely fun, un-baffled, menacing exhaust note.
I do also like the idea of it being a limited run of 450. No more, no less. These will be cars you'll only see on the road once or twice a year.
I do also like the idea of it being a limited run of 450. No more, no less. These will be cars you'll only see on the road once or twice a year.
robsti said:
Can't you get a new M3 for £46k? 
Not to my spec! Even though more stuff is standard on M3, i would still need to add over £3k of extras and thats not including the competition pack.Plus i don't want an M3, i want what the M3 was, before it became too big and too upmarket.
Must admit though, there are some amazing finance offers on M3's at the moment. But the running costs will also be significantly more than the 1M.
ks...as7920 said:
robsti said:
Can't you get a new M3 for £46k?
Not to my spec! Even though more stuff is standard on M3, i would still need to add over £3k of extras and thats not including the competition pack.Plus i don't want an M3, i want what the M3 was, before it became too big and too upmarket.
Must admit though, there are some amazing finance offers on M3's at the moment. But the running costs will also be significantly more than the 1M.
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