MDifficult’s E82 1M Coupe & Ariel Atom 3
Discussion
So MrTouring suggested that we start 2022 as we mean to go on... so today's bank holiday was our first opportunity for an absolutely filthy run to the coast 
Observations? Well I knew his Megane was proper quick but in cold, wet, slimy conditions the 1M simply couldn't see which way he went! Once up to speed alls-good but anywhere where grip is hard to come by (so 2nd or 3rd gear acceleration with any kind of lock on) and he'd grip and GO while I was still flailing away with armfuls of opposite lock, careful feathering of the throttle and eyeballs out on stalks
On warm, dry tarmac they'd be trading blows, but in the cold, wet, slimy stuff, the gap is staggering. Fun though!
Also, although I completely forgot to take any pics at the recent C&M event, it seems BenLowden was much more on-the-ball. Absolute cracking shot that puts my stuff to shame. Thanks again Ben!
Credit BenLowden
Observations? Well I knew his Megane was proper quick but in cold, wet, slimy conditions the 1M simply couldn't see which way he went! Once up to speed alls-good but anywhere where grip is hard to come by (so 2nd or 3rd gear acceleration with any kind of lock on) and he'd grip and GO while I was still flailing away with armfuls of opposite lock, careful feathering of the throttle and eyeballs out on stalks
On warm, dry tarmac they'd be trading blows, but in the cold, wet, slimy stuff, the gap is staggering. Fun though!
Also, although I completely forgot to take any pics at the recent C&M event, it seems BenLowden was much more on-the-ball. Absolute cracking shot that puts my stuff to shame. Thanks again Ben!
Credit BenLowden
MDifficult said:
So MrTouring suggested that we start 2022 as we mean to go on... so today's bank holiday was our first opportunity for an absolutely filthy run to the coast
Observations? Well I knew his Megane was proper quick but in cold, wet, slimy conditions the 1M simply couldn't see which way he went! Once up to speed alls-good but anywhere where grip is hard to come by (so 2nd or 3rd gear acceleration with any kind of lock on) and he'd grip and GO while I was still flailing away with armfuls of opposite lock, careful feathering of the throttle and eyeballs out on stalks
On warm, dry tarmac they'd be trading blows, but in the cold, wet, slimy stuff, the gap is staggering. Fun though!
Also, although I completely forgot to take any pics at the recent C&M event, it seems BenLowden was much more on-the-ball. Absolute cracking shot that puts my stuff to shame. Thanks again Ben!
Credit BenLowden
That's the reason why I changed the suspension set up on my 1M, the way my car will put its power down in wet conditions is night and day different from the standard set up with the added bonus of a much better ride.Observations? Well I knew his Megane was proper quick but in cold, wet, slimy conditions the 1M simply couldn't see which way he went! Once up to speed alls-good but anywhere where grip is hard to come by (so 2nd or 3rd gear acceleration with any kind of lock on) and he'd grip and GO while I was still flailing away with armfuls of opposite lock, careful feathering of the throttle and eyeballs out on stalks
On warm, dry tarmac they'd be trading blows, but in the cold, wet, slimy stuff, the gap is staggering. Fun though!
Also, although I completely forgot to take any pics at the recent C&M event, it seems BenLowden was much more on-the-ball. Absolute cracking shot that puts my stuff to shame. Thanks again Ben!
Credit BenLowden
MBeemerman said:
That's the reason why I changed the suspension set up on my 1M, the way my car will put its power down in wet conditions is night and day different from the standard set up with the added bonus of a much better ride.
Don’t want to clog the Op’s thread-but-what suspension changes did you make?helix402 said:
Don’t want to clog the Op’s thread-but-what suspension changes did you make?
I fitted ac schnitzer rs coilovers and they made such a massive improvement how the car rides, handles and puts it power down.The schnitzer suspension isn't cheap but it's developed specifically for that car and they really do know there stuff when it comes to fast road set up.
MBeemerman said:
I fitted ac schnitzer rs coilovers and they made such a massive improvement how the car rides, handles and puts it power down.
The schnitzer suspension isn't cheap but it's developed specifically for that car and they really do know there stuff when it comes to fast road set up.
Thanks. The schnitzer suspension isn't cheap but it's developed specifically for that car and they really do know there stuff when it comes to fast road set up.
MDifficult said:
So MrTouring suggested that we start 2022 as we mean to go on... so today's bank holiday was our first opportunity for an absolutely filthy run to the coast
Observations? Well I knew his Megane was proper quick but in cold, wet, slimy conditions the 1M simply couldn't see which way he went! Once up to speed alls-good but anywhere where grip is hard to come by (so 2nd or 3rd gear acceleration with any kind of lock on) and he'd grip and GO while I was still flailing away with armfuls of opposite lock, careful feathering of the throttle and eyeballs out on stalks
On warm, dry tarmac they'd be trading blows, but in the cold, wet, slimy stuff, the gap is staggering. Fun though!
Also, although I completely forgot to take any pics at the recent C&M event, it seems BenLowden was much more on-the-ball. Absolute cracking shot that puts my stuff to shame. Thanks again Ben!
Credit BenLowden
It might not be great in cold, damp conditions but it looks ace!Observations? Well I knew his Megane was proper quick but in cold, wet, slimy conditions the 1M simply couldn't see which way he went! Once up to speed alls-good but anywhere where grip is hard to come by (so 2nd or 3rd gear acceleration with any kind of lock on) and he'd grip and GO while I was still flailing away with armfuls of opposite lock, careful feathering of the throttle and eyeballs out on stalks
On warm, dry tarmac they'd be trading blows, but in the cold, wet, slimy stuff, the gap is staggering. Fun though!
Also, although I completely forgot to take any pics at the recent C&M event, it seems BenLowden was much more on-the-ball. Absolute cracking shot that puts my stuff to shame. Thanks again Ben!
Credit BenLowden
Ben got a cracking picture of it there.
MBeemerman said:
That's the reason why I changed the suspension set up on my 1M, the way my car will put its power down in wet conditions is night and day different from the standard set up with the added bonus of a much better ride.
MBeemerman said:
I fitted ac schnitzer rs coilovers and they made such a massive improvement how the car rides, handles and puts it power down.
The schnitzer suspension isn't cheap but it's developed specifically for that car and they really do know there stuff when it comes to fast road set up.
That’s really interesting, thank you! The schnitzer suspension isn't cheap but it's developed specifically for that car and they really do know there stuff when it comes to fast road set up.
It’s tempting, I’m torn about making the car more usable vs keeping it standard. I don’t do a lot of miles, and even less in wet, s
tty weather, so probably not worth it for me. Plus, there’s a certain entertainment value in its wet weather waywardness I was very much along the same thought process of keeping the car original and I don't do very miles either but when I do use it it's used to go on car runs on bumpy back roads and those runs really did show up the cars short comings.
I've now had 3 different set ups on my car, standard, Birds b series non adjustable and the current ac schnitzer rs coilover set up.
The Birds set up that retains the standard ride height gave the best ride quality and was just brilliant at ironing out a bumpy road, massive improvement over the standard set up and developed specifically for UK roads and the only reason I swopped them out for the schnitzer set up is so I could play around with the ride height but as far as cross country b Road ability was concerned the Birds set up was very good.
Both set ups are quite a bit softer on the rear that just allows the car to get its power down.
I did a little experiment with the schnitzers and wound the rear dampers up to there hardest setting and went for a drive, the way the car would just spin up the rear wheels over bumps and out of corners on a twisty road was unbelievable from the bumpy fast road settings.
I've now had 3 different set ups on my car, standard, Birds b series non adjustable and the current ac schnitzer rs coilover set up.
The Birds set up that retains the standard ride height gave the best ride quality and was just brilliant at ironing out a bumpy road, massive improvement over the standard set up and developed specifically for UK roads and the only reason I swopped them out for the schnitzer set up is so I could play around with the ride height but as far as cross country b Road ability was concerned the Birds set up was very good.
Both set ups are quite a bit softer on the rear that just allows the car to get its power down.
I did a little experiment with the schnitzers and wound the rear dampers up to there hardest setting and went for a drive, the way the car would just spin up the rear wheels over bumps and out of corners on a twisty road was unbelievable from the bumpy fast road settings.
MBeemerman said:
I was very much along the same thought process of keeping the car original and I don't do very miles either but when I do use it it's used to go on car runs on bumpy back roads and those runs really did show up the cars short comings.
I've now had 3 different set ups on my car, standard, Birds b series non adjustable and the current ac schnitzer rs coilover set up.
The Birds set up that retains the standard ride height gave the best ride quality and was just brilliant at ironing out a bumpy road, massive improvement over the standard set up and developed specifically for UK roads and the only reason I swopped them out for the schnitzer set up is so I could play around with the ride height but as far as cross country b Road ability was concerned the Birds set up was very good.
Both set ups are quite a bit softer on the rear that just allows the car to get its power down.
I did a little experiment with the schnitzers and wound the rear dampers up to there hardest setting and went for a drive, the way the car would just spin up the rear wheels over bumps and out of corners on a twisty road was unbelievable from the bumpy fast road settings.
That's all really useful info - thank you. Birds have an excellent reputation in the BMW community so sounds like it's deserved on the 1M too. If I remember right, you've had your 1M from new? I know you've done mechanical stuff to the car, but anything else?I've now had 3 different set ups on my car, standard, Birds b series non adjustable and the current ac schnitzer rs coilover set up.
The Birds set up that retains the standard ride height gave the best ride quality and was just brilliant at ironing out a bumpy road, massive improvement over the standard set up and developed specifically for UK roads and the only reason I swopped them out for the schnitzer set up is so I could play around with the ride height but as far as cross country b Road ability was concerned the Birds set up was very good.
Both set ups are quite a bit softer on the rear that just allows the car to get its power down.
I did a little experiment with the schnitzers and wound the rear dampers up to there hardest setting and went for a drive, the way the car would just spin up the rear wheels over bumps and out of corners on a twisty road was unbelievable from the bumpy fast road settings.
Yes that's right I've had mine from new.
I've always found it very frustrating trying to get real world reveiws of mods for a 1M as obviously there's not many out there and people tend to leave them alone but I've always been one to fettle my cars not just because I feel the need to tune it for tunings sake but just to improve it for what I use it for which is fast bumpy b roads.
So current spec of mine is Akrapovic slip on back box with sound kit the same as yours I think which I fitted to get rid of the drone from the standard exhaust, n55 mid pipe, performance seats, solid charge pipe, forge intercooler to keep intake temps down, schnitzer rs coilovers, 18inch 260m wheels which I will run if we are going on some really badly surfaced roads and ac schnitzer pedals, so all just simple bolt on stuff really but collectively they have made a significant improvement to the car.
Apart from when it has the 18's fitted it still looks completely standard.
I still have the Birds kit and never intended to change it but having the schnitzer rs kit on my m3 I had always wanted the same on the 1M but the kit had sold out at the time then a kit became available so I grabbed the opportunity to buy them.
I've always found it very frustrating trying to get real world reveiws of mods for a 1M as obviously there's not many out there and people tend to leave them alone but I've always been one to fettle my cars not just because I feel the need to tune it for tunings sake but just to improve it for what I use it for which is fast bumpy b roads.
So current spec of mine is Akrapovic slip on back box with sound kit the same as yours I think which I fitted to get rid of the drone from the standard exhaust, n55 mid pipe, performance seats, solid charge pipe, forge intercooler to keep intake temps down, schnitzer rs coilovers, 18inch 260m wheels which I will run if we are going on some really badly surfaced roads and ac schnitzer pedals, so all just simple bolt on stuff really but collectively they have made a significant improvement to the car.
Apart from when it has the 18's fitted it still looks completely standard.
I still have the Birds kit and never intended to change it but having the schnitzer rs kit on my m3 I had always wanted the same on the 1M but the kit had sold out at the time then a kit became available so I grabbed the opportunity to buy them.
MDifficult said:
That's all really useful info - thank you. Birds have an excellent reputation in the BMW community so sounds like it's deserved on the 1M too. If I remember right, you've had your 1M from new? I know you've done mechanical stuff to the car, but anything else?
Whilst not in the same league as your car, I’ve been massively impressed with the Birds set up that came on my 130i; it just feels so controlled on a UK B road. Whilst lost slower on paper than the previous M140i, I think on a decent B road the little 130i is far easier to carry speed with because the suspension set up is sooooo much better.Some find the Birds suspension too soft (the other chap with the white 1M at C&M had a 130i before hand and found the Birds set up too soft). They do tend to go a fair bit softer on the rear which helps with the B road ability.
MBeemerman said:
Yes that's right I've had mine from new.
I've always found it very frustrating trying to get real world reveiws of mods for a 1M as obviously there's not many out there and people tend to leave them alone but I've always been one to fettle my cars not just because I feel the need to tune it for tunings sake but just to improve it for what I use it for which is fast bumpy b roads.
So current spec of mine is Akrapovic slip on back box with sound kit the same as yours I think which I fitted to get rid of the drone from the standard exhaust, n55 mid pipe, performance seats, solid charge pipe, forge intercooler to keep intake temps down, schnitzer rs coilovers, 18inch 260m wheels which I will run if we are going on some really badly surfaced roads and ac schnitzer pedals, so all just simple bolt on stuff really but collectively they have made a significant improvement to the car.
Apart from when it has the 18's fitted it still looks completely standard.
I still have the Birds kit and never intended to change it but having the schnitzer rs kit on my m3 I had always wanted the same on the 1M but the kit had sold out at the time then a kit became available so I grabbed the opportunity to buy them.
Your car sounds fantastic and I agree, real world mod reviews are so hard to some by. The big sales markets are very different to the UK - In Germany, where there's far more, 1Ms are increasingly going down the track-car route and in the USA it's all about adding glittery-sI've always found it very frustrating trying to get real world reveiws of mods for a 1M as obviously there's not many out there and people tend to leave them alone but I've always been one to fettle my cars not just because I feel the need to tune it for tunings sake but just to improve it for what I use it for which is fast bumpy b roads.
So current spec of mine is Akrapovic slip on back box with sound kit the same as yours I think which I fitted to get rid of the drone from the standard exhaust, n55 mid pipe, performance seats, solid charge pipe, forge intercooler to keep intake temps down, schnitzer rs coilovers, 18inch 260m wheels which I will run if we are going on some really badly surfaced roads and ac schnitzer pedals, so all just simple bolt on stuff really but collectively they have made a significant improvement to the car.
Apart from when it has the 18's fitted it still looks completely standard.
I still have the Birds kit and never intended to change it but having the schnitzer rs kit on my m3 I had always wanted the same on the 1M but the kit had sold out at the time then a kit became available so I grabbed the opportunity to buy them.
te and stupid power. Birds might be well worth a look though - time for some Googling. I've also not had a proper geo done on the 1M yet and that alone might help!
Court_S said:
Whilst not in the same league as your car, I’ve been massively impressed with the Birds set up that came on my 130i; it just feels so controlled on a UK B road. Whilst lost slower on paper than the previous M140i, I think on a decent B road the little 130i is far easier to carry speed with because the suspension set up is sooooo much better.
Some find the Birds suspension too soft (the other chap with the white 1M at C&M had a 130i before hand and found the Birds set up too soft). They do tend to go a fair bit softer on the rear which helps with the B road ability.
Funnily enough, when Birds were mentioned I immediately thought of your car!Some find the Birds suspension too soft (the other chap with the white 1M at C&M had a 130i before hand and found the Birds set up too soft). They do tend to go a fair bit softer on the rear which helps with the B road ability.
MDifficult said:
Thanks again Ben!
You're welcome 
MDifficult said:
Observations? Well I knew his Megane was proper quick but in cold, wet, slimy conditions the 1M simply couldn't see which way he went!
You know what you need to do... https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12758761 (it's a good friend of mine selling it too 
)MDifficult said:
Your car sounds fantastic and I agree, real world mod reviews are so hard to some by. The big sales markets are very different to the UK - In Germany, where there's far more, 1Ms are increasingly going down the track-car route and in the USA it's all about adding glittery-ste and stupid power.
Birds might be well worth a look though - time for some Googling. I've also not had a proper geo done on the 1M yet and that alone might help!
Every mod that's put on the car has to improve the drive, it's never interested me at all fitting big wings, spitters and covering the car in carbon fiber and all that kind of stuff, apart from wearing different wheels the car looks pretty stock.te and stupid power. Birds might be well worth a look though - time for some Googling. I've also not had a proper geo done on the 1M yet and that alone might help!
A good geo does make a big difference.
Ben Lowden said:
You know what you need to do... https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12758761 (it's a good friend of mine selling it too )
Hahah, I saw your IG post and felt my wallet twitch! )I’m sorely tempted - but the prevailing view in my household is we need less cars, not more! Tempting though, very tempting!
MBeemerman said:
Every mod that's put on the car has to improve the drive, it's never interested me at all fitting big wings, spitters and covering the car in carbon fiber and all that kind of stuff, apart from wearing different wheels the car looks pretty stock.
A good geo does make a big difference.
Your car looks box fresh! I’m very much not a fan of changing the wheels (sounds crazy, but the CSL-style wheel is my favourite wheel design of all time and one of the things that makes the 1M such a favourite of mine)…A good geo does make a big difference.
…but…
I think the wheels you have (the M5 18” option right?) actually look better than anything aftermarket I’ve seen on the 1M - and I can see the attraction of winter wheels - especially as the 359M wheels are getting much harder to find.
On the geo point, it’s crazy I’ve not done it yet. A good one did wonders on my M5 so something else to put on the ‘to do’ list!
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