RE: BMW M Division Wants A 1-series M
Discussion
k-ink said:
You won't get any half decent powered German car with an affordable price. These sort of badge engineering companies are far too greedy these days. Buy a VXR if you want value for money and no BS.
If you want a nicely balanced reasonably light rear drive coupé though (e.g. Cayman) you have to just accept that sort of baggage that comes with a German car, because they're the only people making cars like that. Everyone else just tunes up shopping cars. It's a great shame, but that's the way it is.anonymous said:
[redacted]
Oops - I forgot that! It stands alone these days though. We used to have all sorts of nice Jap machinery around (200SX, 300ZX, Mazda RX-7, Celica GT4). Having said that, I've driven a 350Z and wouldn't put it in the same category as the Cayman etc. I just found the steering over heavy and devoid of feel, the DBW throttle jumpy and the car just too big and heavy really. Just my opinion mind you! I know I'll be flamed for saying that. A four seater saloon can weigh 1500kg+, but a coupé?!
anonymous said:
[redacted]
probably, yes. The one I drove was a first release version - Mk1 350Z. Probably just not my sort of car - I like small communicative cars. I've got to say - very cheap interior too.. Something like an EVO VI gets away with it, but in my opinion the 1500kg 350Z is playing the long distance GT game (like the Z4 Coupé), and for that I'd want fewer rattles and flimsy plastic bits.
baz1985 said:
They're having a laugh, it's a sign that they are planning an X1 M, and then an X3 M.
But seriously a 1 M with a M-diff, slick manual box and proper brakes, would get me interested.
To be fair then, you're suggesting fitting a 135i with an M-Diff would do the trick?!?But seriously a 1 M with a M-diff, slick manual box and proper brakes, would get me interested.
Because it already has a perfectly slick manual box and highly effective 6-pot calipers....commented on in all roadtests as "BMW finally fits fast car with decent brakes".
Personally, I think if they took a 135i, sharpened up the throttle response, fitted the diff, the performance exhaust (quad might be OTT) and slightly flared the arches, they'd be pretty much there with a 1M.
The performance is already pretty epic - only the softish throttle response slightly takes the edge off.
Lil' Joe said:
R66STU said:
I think i get the idea of this car and who its aimed at..youngerish drivers that cant afford to insure/run/buy an M3..
Believe me, young drivers have no hope of insuring a 135i!Edited by RacingTeatray on Tuesday 17th November 17:36
RobM77 said:
jamiesim said:
BMW please make this happen...
Make it £25k and you will sell these like hot cakes..
Light, simple and rapid!!! - M1 - LSR - sounds good to me
Make it £25k and you will sell these like hot cakes..
Light, simple and rapid!!! - M1 - LSR - sounds good to me
The comfort options can always be on the options list. Practical driver's cars are very thin on the ground. The Integra Type R and Lotus Elise are the only two I can think of, but the Elise isn't as practical as the Integra. I don't like FWD, so ended up with an Elise and then bought a BMW for motorways. A rear drive ITR style car would be amazing as it would cover both bases. Would it sell though?My ideal car would have characteristics from the ITR, the E46 M3, and probably some NSX in there too...
...and it's about as likely to happen as me winning the lottery (at which point I'd bloody-well MAKE it!
)Racingteatray
^^^^
That is a pertinent assessment.
If I had the capital to spunk, I'd be inclined to add BMW Performance engine tuning kit, silencer system and air intake system. ACS Shortshift/Racing Strut-Brace, KW V3, H&R ARBs, transplant an E46 M3 diff is possible...and Mich PS2 non-run sh!t tyres.
^^^^
That is a pertinent assessment.
If I had the capital to spunk, I'd be inclined to add BMW Performance engine tuning kit, silencer system and air intake system. ACS Shortshift/Racing Strut-Brace, KW V3, H&R ARBs, transplant an E46 M3 diff is possible...and Mich PS2 non-run sh!t tyres.
Edited by baz1985 on Tuesday 17th November 17:54
Edited by baz1985 on Tuesday 17th November 18:03
It's ugly, and heavy and small.
I'm far happier with my E21 with E36 'M' subframes and brakes and steering rack, Z3 M rear suspension subframes and a carbon fibre front bonnet covering a high revving 3.1 M20.
All in a car that weighs about 1080 Kg (when I'e finished with it).
I'm far happier with my E21 with E36 'M' subframes and brakes and steering rack, Z3 M rear suspension subframes and a carbon fibre front bonnet covering a high revving 3.1 M20.
All in a car that weighs about 1080 Kg (when I'e finished with it).
Edited by Marquis_Rex on Tuesday 17th November 18:37
I have a 135i and love it. It's that bit smaller than a 3 series which makes it more nimble and quicker around town, it's just more fun. However, having had E46 M3's in the past I think the 135i could do with being a bit more focused in that direction. An M version with about 330bhp and the same lbs/ft would be just about right I reckon and if they could lighten it up a bit and maybe address the 'challenging' looks I'd be very keen on one indeed.
3ftandclean said:
I have a 135i and love it. It's that bit smaller than a 3 series which makes it more nimble and quicker around town, it's just more fun. However, having had E46 M3's in the past I think the 135i could do with being a bit more focused in that direction. An M version with about 330bhp and the same lbs/ft would be just about right I reckon and if they could lighten it up a bit and maybe address the 'challenging' looks I'd be very keen on one indeed.
And remove the throttle delay! That's the single reason why I went for the Z4C instead of the 135i for my practical everyday car.anonymous said:
[redacted]
There's no reason why it can't be pretty good, it's just a matter of getting it right. I've driven a few turbo cars in their sport mode that have acceptably good throttle response.anonymous said:
[redacted]
Yes. I was intending to get a 130i but that got canned when BMW dropped it for the UK market.A ///M version of the N52 would be nice, 300hp should be doable with a few tweeks and a serious TB setup for a lovely induction noise and with a nice exhaust, and.....oh wait a minute, that wouldn't be allowed under EU noise and emissions nanny state rules.....
So, sadly, the days of that sort of tuned n/a engine are over, and people will just have to get used to that.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
270bhp is ample anyway with a decent weight car, and being valvetronic can't have tb's or hotter cams per se. As an engine in the z4 it seems to sound ace too, better than the 3.0i m54 IMHO.It is as M as an engine needs to be, cheaper than s62, lighter, fits all euro bulls
te, drives better than most other stuff and is a lovely na motor. Just shy on power, BUT, we already agree that isn't so important anyway!Would have been the 1 coupe I'd have bought, but 2.5 isn't enough IMHO, and the turbo misses the point somewhat for me. Like an n52 3.0 is shy on torque or power already for sub 1400kg. Gah BMW are just stoopid!
anonymous said:
[redacted]
The N52 is still preferable, to me, and meets all the silly regs, than a 2.5 turbo piece of crap.OK, it'll probably make good numbers, and drive ok for what it's worth, but driving an emotive car is about more than paper stats. It's about the way it makes you feel!
I'd rather go buy an older car, and when the M1 is old, I'll just buy an older better car instead.
Encouraging mediocrity by buying this sort of stuff from BMW M is not a good idea imho. M is starting to just mean the most powerful and heavy car in the range, oh, and the most expensive. Down the pan goes the heritage of a quality drivers product!
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff