RE: BMW 1M | Rise
Discussion
Great to look at, underwhelming to drive. Wide on the outside, surprisingly narrow and high to sit in.
N54 not a great sound, certainly not as good as the N55. Open deck engine block, too.
Steering, gearbox and brakes might be decent in isolation but not a patch on any Cayman.
My choice would be a regular 135i Coupe, 2011 or later which has the N55 and the Performance brakes.
A little remap, Ohlins dampers and a LSD and you would still have 20k to spare. More colors to choose from as well.
N54 not a great sound, certainly not as good as the N55. Open deck engine block, too.
Steering, gearbox and brakes might be decent in isolation but not a patch on any Cayman.
My choice would be a regular 135i Coupe, 2011 or later which has the N55 and the Performance brakes.
A little remap, Ohlins dampers and a LSD and you would still have 20k to spare. More colors to choose from as well.
Earthdweller said:
Cheapest one is £28k with 100k
Mid 30’s is where they start really ... there’s an approved used ones for £34k and a couple more in the mid 30’s
There’s a 12k mile approved used for £50k whilst an Indy has a similar mileage one for £65k and another Indy has a 9k one for £46k .. you cant tell me there’s nearly £20k difference between the two cars
6 months ago the approved used ones would have been mid 40’s
Prices are all over really
Cheers - seems like typical small M-car prices then - quite a spread but still high overall - see also E30 M3 and E46 CSLMid 30’s is where they start really ... there’s an approved used ones for £34k and a couple more in the mid 30’s
There’s a 12k mile approved used for £50k whilst an Indy has a similar mileage one for £65k and another Indy has a 9k one for £46k .. you cant tell me there’s nearly £20k difference between the two cars
6 months ago the approved used ones would have been mid 40’s
Prices are all over really
Edited by Earthdweller on Saturday 8th June 11:08
I was one of the lucky 450 back in 2011. I managed to confirm my slot a few days before the Sunday Top Gear Clarkson review (he raved about it) which saw it immediately sell out the day after on the Monday.
Mine was a basic spec, no options, just some BMWP pedals and kidney grills. I didn't want the 'cut-out' in the dash for the nav as it was going to be a low milage weekend and short commute car.
When I ordered I got a bit of a discount (£2k from memory) and I got back what I paid for it 12months later, when I was going through a possible redundancy, which eventually didn't happen. I have regretted the sale ever since. No other car I've owned has evoked so much feedback, enjoyment and pleasure. A truly epic car for me on so many levels. It punched way above it's class (I fondly remember absolutely destroying a 997.2 one sunny afternoon in Wiltshire). A bit squirrely sometimes, but that was part of the fun, the MPS's really do dig deep and give untold amounts of grip when needed.
If there's one comment I would make, no matter what picture or video you look at, it cannot demonstrate how pumped up and angry these cars are in the metal. The rear stance is almost jacked-up on it's haunches, and I love that they are a skunkworks build that was done just because they could. M parts bin special, who cares, they are still M parts off good M cars and the N54 twin-turbo means it has punch the N55 can only dream of.
I drove an M2 a while back, and it didn't come close to the enjoyment the 1M gave me. It felt dull in comparison. The 1M felt alive, it was an event every time I got in it, it evoked a grin, it was always keen and eager. God I miss it, and I promised myself I'd get another one day.
It's interesting because the majority of negativity the car gets is normally from people who've never lived with on or have only test driven one. I don't think I've met or heard an owner who didn't feel the same as me, after a period of ownership where you can get to know the car.
Mine was a basic spec, no options, just some BMWP pedals and kidney grills. I didn't want the 'cut-out' in the dash for the nav as it was going to be a low milage weekend and short commute car.
When I ordered I got a bit of a discount (£2k from memory) and I got back what I paid for it 12months later, when I was going through a possible redundancy, which eventually didn't happen. I have regretted the sale ever since. No other car I've owned has evoked so much feedback, enjoyment and pleasure. A truly epic car for me on so many levels. It punched way above it's class (I fondly remember absolutely destroying a 997.2 one sunny afternoon in Wiltshire). A bit squirrely sometimes, but that was part of the fun, the MPS's really do dig deep and give untold amounts of grip when needed.
If there's one comment I would make, no matter what picture or video you look at, it cannot demonstrate how pumped up and angry these cars are in the metal. The rear stance is almost jacked-up on it's haunches, and I love that they are a skunkworks build that was done just because they could. M parts bin special, who cares, they are still M parts off good M cars and the N54 twin-turbo means it has punch the N55 can only dream of.
I drove an M2 a while back, and it didn't come close to the enjoyment the 1M gave me. It felt dull in comparison. The 1M felt alive, it was an event every time I got in it, it evoked a grin, it was always keen and eager. God I miss it, and I promised myself I'd get another one day.
It's interesting because the majority of negativity the car gets is normally from people who've never lived with on or have only test driven one. I don't think I've met or heard an owner who didn't feel the same as me, after a period of ownership where you can get to know the car.
Julian Thompson said:
I think Dan makes a great presenter - loved the video and the car.
PS Dan - never shut a bonnet with your hand- very easy to dent them. Always drop them instead.
I really enjoyed the video too. My heart was in my mouth when he pushed the bonnet and I always just drop it. PS Dan - never shut a bonnet with your hand- very easy to dent them. Always drop them instead.
kmpowell said:
If there's one comment I would make, no matter what picture or video you look at, it cannot demonstrate how pumped up and angry these cars are in the metal. The rear stance is almost jacked-up on it's haunches, and I love that they are a skunkworks build that was done just because they could.
When I first saw one in the metal I loved the way the rear arches looked and it does have a really nice pumped up look about it for sure. I always thought that the headlights are really ugly though and they ruin the overall looks for me. cerb4.5lee said:
kmpowell said:
If there's one comment I would make, no matter what picture or video you look at, it cannot demonstrate how pumped up and angry these cars are in the metal. The rear stance is almost jacked-up on it's haunches, and I love that they are a skunkworks build that was done just because they could.
When I first saw one in the metal I loved the way the rear arches looked and it does have a really nice pumped up look about it for sure. I always thought that the headlights are really ugly though and they ruin the overall looks for me. 
Properly exciting little car with bags of character, far more so than my old E90 M3 and the M2’s I drove around the time of buying one.
Looks absolutely fantastic in the metal, lovely to drive and the slightly muted exhaust note is easily fixed.
Prices have dropped off a little recently but I just think that makes them an even better buy at £40k ish - nothing new or more modern appeals to me at that level.
Enjoyed the video Dan, keep ‘em coming
Looks absolutely fantastic in the metal, lovely to drive and the slightly muted exhaust note is easily fixed.
Prices have dropped off a little recently but I just think that makes them an even better buy at £40k ish - nothing new or more modern appeals to me at that level.
Enjoyed the video Dan, keep ‘em coming
kmpowell said:
cerb4.5lee said:
kmpowell said:
If there's one comment I would make, no matter what picture or video you look at, it cannot demonstrate how pumped up and angry these cars are in the metal. The rear stance is almost jacked-up on it's haunches, and I love that they are a skunkworks build that was done just because they could.
When I first saw one in the metal I loved the way the rear arches looked and it does have a really nice pumped up look about it for sure. I always thought that the headlights are really ugly though and they ruin the overall looks for me. 
323ti said:
Great to look at, underwhelming to drive. Wide on the outside, surprisingly narrow and high to sit in.
N54 not a great sound, certainly not as good as the N55. Open deck engine block, too.
Steering, gearbox and brakes might be decent in isolation but not a patch on any Cayman.
My choice would be a regular 135i Coupe, 2011 or later which has the N55 and the Performance brakes.
A little remap, Ohlins dampers and a LSD and you would still have 20k to spare. More colors to choose from as well.
You’re probably in the minority who prefer the N55 over the N54. Certainly in performance terms the N54 is superior. Forged internals and comparing stock turbos/ twin scroll turbo, the N54 can make more power. N54 not a great sound, certainly not as good as the N55. Open deck engine block, too.
Steering, gearbox and brakes might be decent in isolation but not a patch on any Cayman.
My choice would be a regular 135i Coupe, 2011 or later which has the N55 and the Performance brakes.
A little remap, Ohlins dampers and a LSD and you would still have 20k to spare. More colors to choose from as well.
Open deck doesn’t seem to be an issue with these unless you’re running massive power. Guys in the states making 5/600 bhp with no issues.
Performance brakes on the 135i are pointless as the 135i comes with the upgraded brakes. The performance ones are literally just painted a different colour.
Agree that suspension and LSD is meant to transform them.
J4CKO said:
Is it rarity or is it that good ? never remember is being that well received at the time ?
I remember the mags I read back then seemed to like them - quite a bit internet naysaying though I guess
[
Even the class winning Cayman only got half a star more and that was a proper sports car with only 2 seats.
The things they disliked seemingly were the hard ride, plain interior and limited wet traction
Handling, raw feel and performance were their likes
Then again I can remember quite a bit of disappointment in the mags when the E36 M3 arrived
323ti said:
Great to look at, underwhelming to drive. Wide on the outside, surprisingly narrow and high to sit in.
N54 not a great sound, certainly not as good as the N55. Open deck engine block, too.
Steering, gearbox and brakes might be decent in isolation but not a patch on any Cayman.
My choice would be a regular 135i Coupe, 2011 or later which has the N55 and the Performance brakes.
A little remap, Ohlins dampers and a LSD and you would still have 20k to spare. More colors to choose from as well.
I really like this line of thinking. N54 not a great sound, certainly not as good as the N55. Open deck engine block, too.
Steering, gearbox and brakes might be decent in isolation but not a patch on any Cayman.
My choice would be a regular 135i Coupe, 2011 or later which has the N55 and the Performance brakes.
A little remap, Ohlins dampers and a LSD and you would still have 20k to spare. More colors to choose from as well.
kmpowell said:
I was one of the lucky 450 back in 2011. I managed to confirm my slot a few days before the Sunday Top Gear Clarkson review (he raved about it) which saw it immediately sell out the day after on the Monday.
Mine was a basic spec, no options, just some BMWP pedals and kidney grills. I didn't want the 'cut-out' in the dash for the nav as it was going to be a low milage weekend and short commute car.
When I ordered I got a bit of a discount (£2k from memory) and I got back what I paid for it 12months later, when I was going through a possible redundancy, which eventually didn't happen. I have regretted the sale ever since. No other car I've owned has evoked so much feedback, enjoyment and pleasure. A truly epic car for me on so many levels. It punched way above it's class (I fondly remember absolutely destroying a 997.2 one sunny afternoon in Wiltshire). A bit squirrely sometimes, but that was part of the fun, the MPS's really do dig deep and give untold amounts of grip when needed.
If there's one comment I would make, no matter what picture or video you look at, it cannot demonstrate how pumped up and angry these cars are in the metal. The rear stance is almost jacked-up on it's haunches, and I love that they are a skunkworks build that was done just because they could. M parts bin special, who cares, they are still M parts off good M cars and the N54 twin-turbo means it has punch the N55 can only dream of.
I drove an M2 a while back, and it didn't come close to the enjoyment the 1M gave me. It felt dull in comparison. The 1M felt alive, it was an event every time I got in it, it evoked a grin, it was always keen and eager. God I miss it, and I promised myself I'd get another one day.
It's interesting because the majority of negativity the car gets is normally from people who've never lived with on or have only test driven one. I don't think I've met or heard an owner who didn't feel the same as me, after a period of ownership where you can get to know the car.
Fabulous pics and totally on the money comments!!Mine was a basic spec, no options, just some BMWP pedals and kidney grills. I didn't want the 'cut-out' in the dash for the nav as it was going to be a low milage weekend and short commute car.
When I ordered I got a bit of a discount (£2k from memory) and I got back what I paid for it 12months later, when I was going through a possible redundancy, which eventually didn't happen. I have regretted the sale ever since. No other car I've owned has evoked so much feedback, enjoyment and pleasure. A truly epic car for me on so many levels. It punched way above it's class (I fondly remember absolutely destroying a 997.2 one sunny afternoon in Wiltshire). A bit squirrely sometimes, but that was part of the fun, the MPS's really do dig deep and give untold amounts of grip when needed.
If there's one comment I would make, no matter what picture or video you look at, it cannot demonstrate how pumped up and angry these cars are in the metal. The rear stance is almost jacked-up on it's haunches, and I love that they are a skunkworks build that was done just because they could. M parts bin special, who cares, they are still M parts off good M cars and the N54 twin-turbo means it has punch the N55 can only dream of.
I drove an M2 a while back, and it didn't come close to the enjoyment the 1M gave me. It felt dull in comparison. The 1M felt alive, it was an event every time I got in it, it evoked a grin, it was always keen and eager. God I miss it, and I promised myself I'd get another one day.
It's interesting because the majority of negativity the car gets is normally from people who've never lived with on or have only test driven one. I don't think I've met or heard an owner who didn't feel the same as me, after a period of ownership where you can get to know the car.
I'd have one of these over any current BMW. As already stated it's a "cult classic".
Noticed Dan had the centre arm rest up, made worse his flask positioning..
Better off without the armrest though and makes changing gear much easier due to the lower position of your elbow (imho).
Easy modification, just need a centre console cover BMW part 51169110414 and 30 or so minutes of your time.
Better off without the armrest though and makes changing gear much easier due to the lower position of your elbow (imho).
Easy modification, just need a centre console cover BMW part 51169110414 and 30 or so minutes of your time.
Had mine from new like it better than Cayman GT4. Low mileage examples Is where the higher prices can be obtained. My local dealer just valued mine at £60k as full service history (some people lock them away and don’t get serviced) owned since new , mint condition and 4000 miles. Only 369 of 450 left on DVLA database of which 118 SORN!
One of the best cars to ever come from the M Division. Makes a lot of sense why people say the M2 is the modern day equivalent of these, and they weren't exactly that old in the first place. If I had the money and this was solely a car for fun, the 1M would be what I would take over an M2, as it does have much less electronic fettling. But as a daily it would be the M2, as they aren't cars that are appreciating.
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