1M or M3?

[white_goodman]

The reviews of the 1M have been excellent. It's more torquey, more compact (similar in size to an original M3 I would imagine), limited numbers so fairly exclusive (which should mean good residuals), cheaper and more economical than an new M3. Jeremy Clarkson loved it but I still can't see him selling his AMG and getting one! The big question is, what would you rather have a 1M or an M3?

The M3 is quite a big car now and seems to deliver most of its power at high revs, so I imagine that on twisty roads the 1M might actually be quicker. On the other hand, the M3 has a proper bespoke BMW Motorsport V8, the heritage of the M3 name and an open air option which is quite appealing (although maybe not what BMW Motorsport is all about). I can see the appeal of both though. At £50k plus I think the M3 is too expensive now (knocking on the door of Evora/911 money) and the 1M costs about as much as the M3 should. Having said that for the cost of a new 1M, you could get a nice used example of an M3.

I have driven BMWs but never an M car (unfortunately they are a bit out of my budget)but I was just interested to see what the consensus would be. So, 1M or M3 and why?

[minimatt1967]

I'd love a 1M, just the right size, plenty of poke. Ideal for the modern age.

[ZeeTacoe]

M3. If I could afford either I couldn't miss out on that engine. For £50k though i'd have a Z06.

[kambites]

I'd have an E46 M3.

[TameRacingDriver]

Driven neither... but from what I know, I'd find it a hard decision; the 1M is good value, very torquey, so genuinely real world quick, I like the looks, small and compact enough to be fun. The M3 on the other hand, its reputation precedes it, a legend. The V8 engine will certainly sound better and probably have better throttle response, and ultimately slightly quicker.

For me, without driving either, I'm swaying towards the 1M, mainly because I like the looks and I think a quick remap and you'll have the slightly quicker car too. Besides, I've always preferred the E46 to the E90... and the 1M looks more like a small E46!

[willisit]

For all the reasons you shouldn't consider when thinking "M", the 1M would be my choice. It's the right size and probably about right in running costs... but I am a sucker for a V8.

[Deerfoot]

1M here. In black.

They`ll only be here in limited numbers so will be a rarer sight than the M3. Personally I think they look great though I`m not keen on the orange or white cars.

[SteveS Cup]

1M every time! In White.

I've not been a lover of the new M3 since it came out and I actually prefer the look of the 335i.

However, chuck a minty mint E46 CSL in to the mix and it's a tougher choice!

[nottyash]

kambites said:

I'd have an E46 M3.

And 30 grand in your pocket!

[Urban Sports]

SteveS Cup said:

1M every time! In White.

I thought they only came in orange

[Helicopter123]

M3.

It's a legend.

[spud989]

1M by a mile

Cheaper to run, nearly as quick, opportunities for a quick and easy remap thanks to the turbo, sounds very nimble, limited numbers/presumably better residuals.

The only downside I can think of is the lack of noise. But give it a little while and someone should bring out a nice, subtle aftermarket one (which combined with a remap will send it into serious performance territory, if it isn't already so).

[Zwoelf]

white_goodman said:

1 M - similar in size to an original M3 I would imagine...

Not quite:


There are loads of pics from that shoot with an E30 M3 Sport Evo and a One Series M, no matter the perspective, the One looks considerably bigger, although the stance and proportions to my eyes are pretty analagous and that's no bad thing at all.

white_goodman said:

I have driven BMWs but never an M car (unfortunately they are a bit out of my budget)but I was just interested to see what the consensus would be. So, 1M or M3 and why?

If E30 M3 vs. One M, then it'd most likely end up being the One, purely as I'm stupid enough to choose almost any BMW straight-six petrol engine over any four-pot. I'd be the odd sort to seek out an Alpina B6 3.5S, rarer still than the One M at 62 built and at least possessed of an NA six. Even if it is a bit less delicate by dint of being a touch nose-heavier.



Choosing between the One M and the contemporary M3 to me isn't such a straight choice. I've driven one of those and that felt closer in character to the E39 M5 than any quick Three I've sampled before. As a lover of that car and now following exposure, a HUGE fan of the S65 V8, then that would probably be the one that ended up having £25-35k spent on it - less £££ than any of the other examples mentioned so far to boot, a couple of decades having passed notwithstanding.

So if anyone wants to lend me their One M to re-evaluate my thoughts, then I'd be happy to have them rearranged.

But then there's always the Alpina B8 4.6 to consider...




Try getting that out of an unmodified M Car

Edited by Zwoelf on Friday 1st July 09:18

[minimatt1967]

spud989 said:

1M by a mile

Cheaper to run, nearly as quick, opportunities for a quick and easy remap thanks to the turbo, sounds very nimble, limited numbers/presumably better residuals.

The only downside I can think of is the lack of noise. But give it a little while and someone should bring out a nice, subtle aftermarket one (which combined with a remap will send it into serious performance territory, if it isn't already so).

This didn't sound too shabby, better than I expecting TBH.

[spud989]

Still a bit too refined if you ask me. But the potential is clearly there.

[Lets Torque]

Having driven any I would sway towards the 1M.

To me it looks slightly better, and does nearly everything (maybe all) the things the M3 does but for approx £10,000 less.

Looks great in orange aswell.

[Superhoop]

The 1M for me

Much closer in size to the E30 M3, plenty of power, and for me, I think it looks much more like an M car than the M3

The M3 is just too big, and far to common these days

[vescaegg]

M3 v8 saloon

[davislove]

My god - who cares- there're both outstanding!

[4sure]

1m for me.