Wednesday 3rd August 2011

BMW 1-Series M Or Track-Prepped M3 CSL?

In-car video fans flames of debate

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To paraphrase a certain large-collared TV presenter/comedian, we like the 1-series M, and we like the M3 CSL, but which is better? There's only one way to find out...

...which is to put them together on the Nurburgring, apparently.

To be honest, we weren't too sure about posting this video, being as articles involving the words 'Nurburgring' and 'BMW 1-series M' tend to inspire what we shall politely call lively debate on the PH forums, but we like a good forum scrap as much as the next chap, so we couldn't resist.

Of course, in reality this video settles nothing: the track is full of slower (and faster) cars, we have no way of knowing which of the drivers is faster, and we can't even be sure whether they're both really trying hard. And anyway the 'official' 'Ring times for the M3 CSL and 1M are 7m50s and 8m15s respectively, so the 1M shouldn't really be getting a look in.

Still, we suppose it makes a moderately amusing way to solve an unsolvable argument...

 

[drewbagz]

I love the way the CSL pulled away once it got the tow from the 911 at about 2mins. Goes to show what a dramatic effect the tow has, especially when looking at the 2 mins prior to this when the 1M is right up it's trumpet.

[Laird]

Dare I be the first to suggest 'remap'?

[BigTom85]

I'll take the 1M for the drive to the 'Ring, but definitely the CSL when I get there, ta.

[GTRene]

Andre the driver in the 1M is a very good driver, although not a real Ring driver, but with his experiences and car control he can do a lot
The CSL ring time 7.50 is always discussed how that is/was done...
The the 8.15 in this video with traffic is very good considering the 1M on standard road tires and the car is standard (almost new) and all traffic and that slow CSL in front of him ;-)

The CSL however is track focused.

Edited by GTRene on Wednesday 3rd August 13:06

[tomvcarter]

E92 M3 did it in 8:05 so not a bad effort on the 1Ms behalf, but that CSL time is amazing!

[BigTom85]

Laird said:

Dare I be the first to suggest 'remap'?

I thought the same, but don't really care tbh! Off the shelf the CSL is the faster car without a doubt.

[NotNormal]

Dare I be the first to call repost

Thread already running here - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Bolognese]

NotNormal said:

Dare I be the first to call repost

Thread already running here - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Crunchy Nutter]

Whatever else is true, racing in cars like this is aaaaalways easier when you're following. There's more to think about and be responsible for as the guy up front, and if that's you, while you're making decisions that might be reducing your ultimate pace, the guy behind can keep right on your tail. I smell a HOOOOGE can o' worms here, unless everyone's argued themselves out on the subject.

[Steve Gunnis]

8:15? The Megane 265 Trophy just did a 8:08. Poor show. I'll take the CSL thanks. Then buy a used Megane with the change if I want to do fast, understeery 'Ring laps.

[dvance]

Crunchy Nutter said:

Whatever else is true, racing in cars like this is aaaaalways easier when you're following. There's more to think about and be responsible for as the guy up front, and if that's you, while you're making decisions that might be reducing your ultimate pace, the guy behind can keep right on your tail. I smell a HOOOOGE can o' worms here, unless everyone's argued themselves out on the subject.

+1

[don logan]

I`ll take the 1M, because it has a gearstick and 3 pedals, I like to be busy even if it`s slower!

[Maxus]

Surprised me how few gearchanges are made in the 1 M during the lap.

[InRong Ghia]

Crunchy Nutter said:

Whatever else is true, racing in cars like this is aaaaalways easier when you're following. There's more to think about and be responsible for as the guy up front, and if that's you, while you're making decisions that might be reducing your ultimate pace, the guy behind can keep right on your tail. I smell a HOOOOGE can o' worms here, unless everyone's argued themselves out on the subject.

I was thinking exactly the same.

[Riggers]

NotNormal said:

Dare I be the first to call repost

Thread already running here - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Booo... hisss...

[Riggers]

Crunchy Nutter said:

I smell a HOOOOGE can o' worms here, unless everyone's argued themselves out on the subject.

(Lights blue touch paper)

[s m]

don logan said:

I`ll take the 1M, because it has a gearstick and 3 pedals, I like to be busy even if it`s slower!

Spot on! Were both cars on the same rubber?

[rallycross]

Some good driving from the 1M driver, pushing it quite hard, from the camera view it looks like the E46 driver was not trying very hard at all or didnt have confidence to push.

[ewenm]

I'm with James May on this one - Ring times shming times. Which one is best for the commute across town or the jaunt up the motorway? As that's all the vast majority of people will use them for.

If forced... 1M for me as it's better suited to the real world.

Edited by ewenm on Wednesday 3rd August 14:32

[Ne0]

BigTom85 said:

I thought the same, but don't really care tbh! Off the shelf the CSL is the faster car without a doubt.

I would say that 1 M was standard and more than likely the CSL had been mapped and race cats etc given it was a "track car".

Off the shelf, given equal drivers, a CSL is possibly quicker round a track than the 1 M but for straight line speed the CSL is the slower car, but who cares when it makes that induction noise?