[GeorgeJ.]

Originally Posted by deshields

People who want an M3 will get an M3 irrespective of the 1M. The same goes vice-versa.

The argument that BMW would slow down one car relative to another is ludicrous. The 1M could have 414HP and the person who wants the M3 would still get the M3 and the person who wants the 1M would get the 1M. In the real world marketplace theres very little competition between the two, but of course it gets overly dramatized by current M3 owners (and maybee future 1M owners) looking for reasons to justify one thing or another.

Show me a real percentage of prospective buyers deciding between the 1M and M3 vs people deciding between the M3 and C63, I promise you the M3 vs C63 # is much larger.

I disagree with your assertion that the performance of the 1M is not limited by concerns about encroaching on the M3. Many posts indicate BMW did not go far enough with the power in the 1M but I think they had good reason to do what they did. BMW is trying to walk a fine line by providing enthusiasts a real M option in the 1 series and not really stepping on the toes of those loyal enthusiasts that have bought and will buy the M3. Aftermarket Dinan kits get you another fifty hp so I imagine BMW could have easily bumped it into a whole different level.

I like what they have done with the 1M and have a deposit on one. They have comprehensively updated the chassis, done meaningful drivetrain changes, provided a decent job of creating a specific look on the exterior without going too far in the boy racer look, and have tasteful tweaks inside the cabin. All at a decent price (just try to get similar changes in the aftermarket for anything near the 1M).

I agree that some folks just want an M3 and others just the 1M. I could afford either, I just prefer the smaller and lighter car. That said if I had a M3 I'd be miffed if the 1M had a significant edge on it.