RE: You Know You Want To: BMW 1 M
Discussion
I was one of the lucky ones who got a deposit in early, allowing me to buy a 1M last year (Alpine White), which I unfortunately had to sell due to then uncertainly with my job. To this day I deeply deeply miss it. The 1M was by far the best all round car I've ever owned, in fact I would go as far to say it was perfection. Epic usable power in all condition, totally balanced & composed, responsive feedback, brutish looks (no picture in the world can show how brutal one actually looks in the metal!), good levels of practicality, lowish cost to run. Residually they are bomb proof, but the bubble has to burst at some point, prices haven't changed since I got out of mine nearly a year ago!
I recently had a long(ish) test-drive of a new M135i. Here's my comparison to my old 1M. I don't think it's pitched to be a like-for-like replacement so don't go in thinking it is, but I thought it would be useful because on paper there's not that much in it so it'll no doubt draw comparisons in the press. I won't talk about equipment or looks etc as that's subjective. So I'll talk about what it's like to drive..
Power
The power delivery in the M135i is very linear, there's no noticeable 'oooomph' or shove in the back when you plant the loud pedal. The 1M constantly felt brutal, especially in M mode which made the car come alive and beg to be pushed. The M135i felt much more refined and less of handful, you have to really work it hard to get it to misbehave, which could be due to character of the N55 as opposed to the 1M's N54. Lots of low end toque in the M135i that pulls all the way to the red line, but the lack of oomph makes it feel as if something is lacking (even if it actually isn't), meaning you can hit silly MPH without any realisation.
Handling
In all honesty I felt the M135i was quite nose heavy, it reminded me of my old Golf MKV R32 (although not quite as bad!). It doesn't dart into corners or feel as composed like the 1M did, and I found quite a bit of understeer could be had if you pushed into a corner too hard. It's not that forgiving round the back either, granted, it was raining, but I couldn't get the power down liberally when the back end broke loose. In the 1M if the back end went you could feather the throttle and continue the drift with ease until the big grippy 19" Pilots dug themselves into the road and snapped you back. I didn't get that same sense of reassurance in the M135i, there just wasn't the same driver feedback through the steering or seat.
Noise
AWOL. Quite what BMW have done with the idle noise and low RPM burbles, is beyond me. Start a 1M up at cold and the whole world knew about it, after a minute it would settle down to a lovely tick-over burble and a growly/metallic acoustic that was always there, indicating where you were in the rev range (and more importantly what gear you were in when pushing the loud pedal). Push the M135i hard and you get noise, yes, but it's only really in the higher part of the rev band. Cantering around normally is no more noisy than driving around in a 116i, it's quite muted.
Overall
The M135i is no 1M, not by a long mile, but that's because the 1M had most of the M3 parts bin bolted to it. The M135i is what it is, a F20 with a big engine in it. It is a very capable hatch that can reach silly speeds with minimal effort and good levels of comfort. If you're looking for rewarding fizz & sparkle that leaves you grinning everytime you press the loud pedal, then you might be left a bit disappointed. But, if you want a powerful hatch that makes light work of journeys and can do it without the drama of a more focused car, this could be it. BMW seem to have pitched this just right, in-between a full blown M car and the rest of the range.
I recently had a long(ish) test-drive of a new M135i. Here's my comparison to my old 1M. I don't think it's pitched to be a like-for-like replacement so don't go in thinking it is, but I thought it would be useful because on paper there's not that much in it so it'll no doubt draw comparisons in the press. I won't talk about equipment or looks etc as that's subjective. So I'll talk about what it's like to drive..
Power
The power delivery in the M135i is very linear, there's no noticeable 'oooomph' or shove in the back when you plant the loud pedal. The 1M constantly felt brutal, especially in M mode which made the car come alive and beg to be pushed. The M135i felt much more refined and less of handful, you have to really work it hard to get it to misbehave, which could be due to character of the N55 as opposed to the 1M's N54. Lots of low end toque in the M135i that pulls all the way to the red line, but the lack of oomph makes it feel as if something is lacking (even if it actually isn't), meaning you can hit silly MPH without any realisation.
Handling
In all honesty I felt the M135i was quite nose heavy, it reminded me of my old Golf MKV R32 (although not quite as bad!). It doesn't dart into corners or feel as composed like the 1M did, and I found quite a bit of understeer could be had if you pushed into a corner too hard. It's not that forgiving round the back either, granted, it was raining, but I couldn't get the power down liberally when the back end broke loose. In the 1M if the back end went you could feather the throttle and continue the drift with ease until the big grippy 19" Pilots dug themselves into the road and snapped you back. I didn't get that same sense of reassurance in the M135i, there just wasn't the same driver feedback through the steering or seat.
Noise
AWOL. Quite what BMW have done with the idle noise and low RPM burbles, is beyond me. Start a 1M up at cold and the whole world knew about it, after a minute it would settle down to a lovely tick-over burble and a growly/metallic acoustic that was always there, indicating where you were in the rev range (and more importantly what gear you were in when pushing the loud pedal). Push the M135i hard and you get noise, yes, but it's only really in the higher part of the rev band. Cantering around normally is no more noisy than driving around in a 116i, it's quite muted.
Overall
The M135i is no 1M, not by a long mile, but that's because the 1M had most of the M3 parts bin bolted to it. The M135i is what it is, a F20 with a big engine in it. It is a very capable hatch that can reach silly speeds with minimal effort and good levels of comfort. If you're looking for rewarding fizz & sparkle that leaves you grinning everytime you press the loud pedal, then you might be left a bit disappointed. But, if you want a powerful hatch that makes light work of journeys and can do it without the drama of a more focused car, this could be it. BMW seem to have pitched this just right, in-between a full blown M car and the rest of the range.
Edited by kmpowell on Monday 8th October 14:56
sgq89 said:
I had already responded to this arguement if you read through the thread.
however, I do feel that the M3, M5 and M6 all offer something slightly different to each other, meaning you could choose any of the 3 depending on what suits your needs, whereas the 1M just seems like a budget version of the M3. Thats how I see it anyway.
You once had a porsche boxter right? however, I do feel that the M3, M5 and M6 all offer something slightly different to each other, meaning you could choose any of the 3 depending on what suits your needs, whereas the 1M just seems like a budget version of the M3. Thats how I see it anyway.
Was that your choice because you could not afford a cayman?
So, now that we've discussed which 2nd hand cars you could fill your garage with for the cost of the 1M, can we now concentrate on the initial premise of cars released in the last year that you would choose if it had to be your only car?
I have to say that I really like the look of the 1M. But then I am an Essex Boy at heart.
If I was in the position to choose anything, regardless of cost, and live with it in the real world for a year, I think a basic 991 would be top of the list.
I have to say that I really like the look of the 1M. But then I am an Essex Boy at heart.
If I was in the position to choose anything, regardless of cost, and live with it in the real world for a year, I think a basic 991 would be top of the list.
kmpowell said:
..
Overall
The M135i is no 1M, not by a long mile, but that's because the 1M had most of the M3 parts bin bolted to it. The M135i is what it is, a F20 with a big engine in it. It is a very capable hatch that can reach silly speeds with minimal effort and good levels of comfort. If you're looking for rewarding fizz & sparkle that leaves you grinning everytime you press the loud pedal, then you might be left a bit disappointed. But, if you want a powerful hatch that makes light work of journeys and can do it without the drama of a more focused car, this could be it. BMW seem to have pitched this just right, in-between a full blown M car and the rest of the range.
ThanksOverall
The M135i is no 1M, not by a long mile, but that's because the 1M had most of the M3 parts bin bolted to it. The M135i is what it is, a F20 with a big engine in it. It is a very capable hatch that can reach silly speeds with minimal effort and good levels of comfort. If you're looking for rewarding fizz & sparkle that leaves you grinning everytime you press the loud pedal, then you might be left a bit disappointed. But, if you want a powerful hatch that makes light work of journeys and can do it without the drama of a more focused car, this could be it. BMW seem to have pitched this just right, in-between a full blown M car and the rest of the range.
Good marketing by BMW to create a niche and super niche.
SpudLink said:
So, now that we've discussed which 2nd hand cars you could fill your garage with for the cost of the 1M, can we now concentrate on the initial premise of cars released in the last year that you would choose if it had to be your only car?
You can't still buy a new 1M can you? So people are comparing second-hand with second-hand which doesn't seem unreasonable. aussieinlondon said:
sgq89 said:
I had already responded to this arguement if you read through the thread.
however, I do feel that the M3, M5 and M6 all offer something slightly different to each other, meaning you could choose any of the 3 depending on what suits your needs, whereas the 1M just seems like a budget version of the M3. Thats how I see it anyway.
You once had a porsche boxter right? however, I do feel that the M3, M5 and M6 all offer something slightly different to each other, meaning you could choose any of the 3 depending on what suits your needs, whereas the 1M just seems like a budget version of the M3. Thats how I see it anyway.
Was that your choice because you could not afford a cayman?
SpudLink said:
So, now that we've discussed which 2nd hand cars you could fill your garage with for the cost of the 1M, can we now concentrate on the initial premise of cars released in the last year that you would choose if it had to be your only car?
That's not the initial premise - there's no stipulation in the article about a car needing to have been released in the last year.GroundEffect said:
Simond S said:
The real successor to the original M3.
Modern M3 is too big, too heavt, too cumbersome. 1M is a small nimble lightweight M in comparrison.
Great car.
It's still over 1500kg. It's not a light car.Modern M3 is too big, too heavt, too cumbersome. 1M is a small nimble lightweight M in comparrison.
Great car.
If I were to draw any lines of comparison, it would be between the 1M and the E36 M3 Evolution. Similar weight, similar power, an ability to lug it out from low revs (albeit the double Vanos torque losing out to twin turbos), a willingness to go to the red line etc etc... Both good cars!
Would love one in these colours if BMW ever offered it. Wraps aren't too expensive though I do think on the road such a look could look a bit chavvy.
Sounds the bees' knees though with full Akra http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1Jw8Do0WRw
If you logically think about it BMW make the best used performance cars in basically all the segments they compete it and against all their competitors
E36 M3 – for £3-4k you can get a total mint E36 M3. A friend recently bought a totally mint [inside, outside, undernearth] and mechanically 100% E36 M3 for just over £3k. A 300bhp M car for 3k that does near 30mpg – these cars are total bargains if you get a good one. I know they aren’t the best M Car and I hate the steering on them but its better than their competitors [i.e. Audi S4 and the C43. I love C43’s personally probably would prefer one to an E36 M3 but couldn’t live with the fuel con of sub 20mpg [plus they are auto only and don’t have a proper LSD which are another 2 massive drawbacks]
Same with the E46 M3, amazing car and once of the best used cars you can buy for £8-10k – as now you can get totally mint one under £10k. No point even talking about why the E46 M3 is the best car in its class and price range because everyone obviously is aware of this simple fact
E92 M3’s are great used buys, you can get a mint low mileage one with a yr BMW warranty for about £22k. see above
Then you have M5’s [all versions from E28, E34, E39 and E60] are great cars in their own ways and all the best when compared to their competitors. See above
And the 1M Coupe – see above, best car in segment
And so on…
And they also make the best superbike too, the S1000RR
Poor BMW haters are simply complete idiots, as for no reason other than they are BMW’s, they hate the best cars you can buy at the money in any segment the compete in
PS - there is no point anyone replying to this as all the above is 100% true, fact, gospel etc
E36 M3 – for £3-4k you can get a total mint E36 M3. A friend recently bought a totally mint [inside, outside, undernearth] and mechanically 100% E36 M3 for just over £3k. A 300bhp M car for 3k that does near 30mpg – these cars are total bargains if you get a good one. I know they aren’t the best M Car and I hate the steering on them but its better than their competitors [i.e. Audi S4 and the C43. I love C43’s personally probably would prefer one to an E36 M3 but couldn’t live with the fuel con of sub 20mpg [plus they are auto only and don’t have a proper LSD which are another 2 massive drawbacks]
Same with the E46 M3, amazing car and once of the best used cars you can buy for £8-10k – as now you can get totally mint one under £10k. No point even talking about why the E46 M3 is the best car in its class and price range because everyone obviously is aware of this simple fact
E92 M3’s are great used buys, you can get a mint low mileage one with a yr BMW warranty for about £22k. see above
Then you have M5’s [all versions from E28, E34, E39 and E60] are great cars in their own ways and all the best when compared to their competitors. See above
And the 1M Coupe – see above, best car in segment
And so on…
And they also make the best superbike too, the S1000RR
Poor BMW haters are simply complete idiots, as for no reason other than they are BMW’s, they hate the best cars you can buy at the money in any segment the compete in
PS - there is no point anyone replying to this as all the above is 100% true, fact, gospel etc
Chris, I doubt you'll see this but if you do can you explain what the 1M does better than a working e39 M5 as I'm pretty sure you were a fan of them too?
The reason I ask is I hired an e92 (?) M3 Convertible with DCT a few weeks ago and I came away with very mixed thoughts, which mainly ended up in me thinking on most days I'd rather have the M5.
The reason I ask is I hired an e92 (?) M3 Convertible with DCT a few weeks ago and I came away with very mixed thoughts, which mainly ended up in me thinking on most days I'd rather have the M5.
My missus is a total car nut and is more than a capable driver (better than me to be honest).
Anyway she came home to tell me one day she had ordered a 1M.
I was a bit worried because it was Orange and it had the same engine as my Z4, so it wasn't going to be a true M car was it.
Well I was full of s
t. I was totally blown away by how good it really is.
A year on and it still delivers. I don't think we shall ever part with it.
It really is an outstanding car and the wife has now been approached three times to sell it for considerably more than she paid for it.
Anyway here's a pic.
Anyway she came home to tell me one day she had ordered a 1M.
I was a bit worried because it was Orange and it had the same engine as my Z4, so it wasn't going to be a true M car was it.
Well I was full of s
t. I was totally blown away by how good it really is. A year on and it still delivers. I don't think we shall ever part with it.
It really is an outstanding car and the wife has now been approached three times to sell it for considerably more than she paid for it.
Anyway here's a pic.
I get the love for the 1M, but if I was spending that much on a nearly new, 2 door, 4 seater, I think I would be more tempted by this:
http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...
Feels (to me) like a lot more bang for your buck...
http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...
Feels (to me) like a lot more bang for your buck...
I love the 1M, but would only want one as a daily. No point in comparing them to an E46 CSL, as if you want to use one of those as a daily you need to make sacrifices
Never really understood why the 1M is compared to the E30 M3 either. Now perhaps if BMW-M (under Gerhard Richter) had stuck to the original plan of making this a lightweight 1-series with a turbo'd version of the 320si 4-pot and about 260bhp... What they have produced is a very different sort of car, but I do love them all the same
Never really understood why the 1M is compared to the E30 M3 either. Now perhaps if BMW-M (under Gerhard Richter) had stuck to the original plan of making this a lightweight 1-series with a turbo'd version of the 320si 4-pot and about 260bhp... What they have produced is a very different sort of car, but I do love them all the same
I have a 1M in Valencia Orange, and it's an absolute hoot. As Mr. Harris says, there is no other car I can think of that mixes so effortlessly 'on' performance, character and practicality. I owned an e46 M3 for nearly six years, and though the 1M lacks the last 10% of finesse (25% if we're talking about the engine), it is so much more of a vicious little creature that it is miles ahead in the smile-per-mile department.
The only BMW I can think of with the same totally nutty, up-for-anything character is my much-missed Z3M Coupe. Probably not a coincidence that both were skunk-works projects...
I like it so much that I really don't see myself changing it any time soon. The cheapest car currently produced which even tempts me is the 991S, and that is over £90k optioned up. I think me an the Orange are going to be together for quite a long time yet...
The only BMW I can think of with the same totally nutty, up-for-anything character is my much-missed Z3M Coupe. Probably not a coincidence that both were skunk-works projects...
I like it so much that I really don't see myself changing it any time soon. The cheapest car currently produced which even tempts me is the 991S, and that is over £90k optioned up. I think me an the Orange are going to be together for quite a long time yet...
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff