Who has moved on from their 1er?

Ginger_Extract · 12-20-2014, 10:06 PM

Hey all, the idea of trading my 135i for something else keeps poking away at the back of my mind. As my wants and needs from a car evolve, so do my expectations. The 1'er has moved from my only car to my weekend car, for autocross and track use. Frankly, the 1'er/N54 platform isn't exactly great from trying to go fast, unless you're loaded with cash. Has any one moved on from their 1'er a more focused sports car, if so, which one?

3002 tii · 12-20-2014, 11:40 PM

Have not moved on but without knowing your budget, my vote is always Cayman S for 2dr and M3 (E90 or F80) for 4dr.

suspenceful · 12-21-2014, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ginger_Extract

Hey all, the idea of trading my 135i for something else keeps poking away at the back of my mind. As my wants and needs from a car evolve, so do my expectations. The 1'er has moved from my only car to my weekend car, for autocross and track use. Frankly, the 1'er/N54 platform isn't exactly great from trying to go fast, unless you're loaded with cash. Has any one moved on from their 1'er a more focused sports car, if so, which one?

This sentence strikes me as... odd.

You can hit 400whp / 450wtq for well under $2k on these cars. Ask me how I know. In my mind, that's pretty cheap given the power gains. You're not driving a cheap Honda Civic.

This is coming from a 22-year-old college student.

Either way, I came to my 135i from a 200whp track Miata and will always miss the handling of that car. Other than that, I can't find a reason to move on... yet.

02rsxpilot · 12-21-2014, 06:17 PM

The Cayman S will have just as many issues. In fact, the 1st gens have two known issues that can literally blow up your motor. So instead of spending money fixing suspension issues like on a 1er, you spend it on Accusump, IMS bearing, and other failure prevention mods. And once you're done with that, you'll be buying PSS9 coilovers, and then you'll be complaining how it only has 295 HP, and you'll start wanting a 911. How do I know? I spent 6 months researching them and almost bought one before I decided to go for the 135i, and that is what half the population on planet-9 (Boxster/Cayman forum) complains about. Don't get me wrong, I love that car, but unless you can afford an 09+ or are prepared to replace a motor at some point, don't believe the grass is necessarily greener.

The 135i is ridiculous performance for the price, which is what I have to remind myself of when I, too, start looking at other options.

Ginger_Extract · 12-21-2014, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suspenceful

This sentence strikes me as... odd.

You can hit 400whp / 450wtq for well under $2k on these cars. Ask me how I know. In my mind, that's pretty cheap given the power gains. You're not driving a cheap Honda Civic.

This is coming from a 22-year-old college student.

Either way, I came to my 135i from a 200whp track Miata and will always miss the handling of that car. Other than that, I can't find a reason to move on... yet.

Making numbers on the dyno isn't the issue, making power at the track when the temp gauge is pegged for 20 minutes straight is. Besides, power is only one component of the equation, I cant stuff enough tire under the stock body to have to car corner like I think it should. For example, a 370Z can roll 18x10+ F/R with no issues, same with Corvettes, etc.

BMWX1-35i · 12-21-2014, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ginger_Extract

Making numbers on the dyno isn't the issue, making power at the track when the temp gauge is pegged for 20 minutes straight is. Besides, power is only one component of the equation, I cant stuff enough tire under the stock body to have to car corner like I think it should. For example, a 370Z can roll 18x10+ F/R with no issues, same with Corvettes, etc.

Have you done anything to reduce temps like oil cooling or a radiator?

ilikebmxbikes · 12-21-2014, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ginger_Extract

Making numbers on the dyno isn't the issue, making power at the track when the temp gauge is pegged for 20 minutes straight is. Besides, power is only one component of the equation, I cant stuff enough tire under the stock body to have to car corner like I think it should. For example, a 370Z can roll 18x10+ F/R with no issues, same with Corvettes, etc.

Aside from cooling, you really need a ton of other parts to really make the 1er track worthy. I have done them all and I love the car, but I agree it takes quite a bit more than just boosting the thing up to 400whp to make it a track performer.

I have and love my 1series. I will never sell the car. I recently got an e92 m3 but still enjoy the 1 series the more.

P6 · 12-23-2014, 11:37 AM

Had a modified 135i. Tracked it often. Had all the go fast goodies. Replaced it with a 1M. Problem solved.

Kgolf31 · 12-23-2014, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suspenceful

This sentence strikes me as... odd.

You can hit 400whp / 450wtq for well under $2k on these cars. Ask me how I know. In my mind, that's pretty cheap given the power gains. You're not driving a cheap Honda Civic.

This is coming from a 22-year-old college student.

Either way, I came to my 135i from a 200whp track Miata and will always miss the handling of that car. Other than that, I can't find a reason to move on... yet.

I'd rather drive a light car that makes 100-hp than a car that can't turn.

There is much, much more into a car other than handling.

OP - If I was to add up all of my modifications on my car, I'm around $9k give or take. There are limitations sure, but in the end you have to be ready to write a car off if you want to track it. Helps that my car is a lemon, so I don't take much of a loss if it goes into a wall....but it will still hurt.

IMO - Spec Miata, Spec E30 or something of the sort will be a perfect track car. Look around $15,000 for full safety and modifications and you're golden

suspenceful · 12-23-2014, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

I'd rather drive a light car that makes 100-hp than a car that can't turn.

There is much, much more into a car other than handling.

I agree. I came from a 250whp Miata and I do miss that car's handling. It was basically a go-kart on steroids. However, I do enjoy the 1er more.

chris82 · 12-24-2014, 09:10 AM

I've poked around at the idea as well but I don't think I'd buy new unless I had the money to drop on a Carrera S (or a GT3 if only it came in manual) or F80 M3.

12-20-2014, 10:06 PM	#1
Ginger_Extract California-bound 383 Rep 1,480 Posts Drives: BMW 135i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (3)	Who has moved on from their 1er? Hey all, the idea of trading my 135i for something else keeps poking away at the back of my mind. As my wants and needs from a car evolve, so do my expectations. The 1'er has moved from my only car to my weekend car, for autocross and track use. Frankly, the 1'er/N54 platform isn't exactly great from trying to go fast, unless you're loaded with cash. Has any one moved on from their 1'er a more focused sports car, if so, which one? __________________ Streets of Willow: 1:27.7 CW 11/15/15; 1:29.5 CCW 8/15/15 \|\|\|\| Autoclub Speedway ROVAL (CCW): 1.52.6 - 12/2/17 Willow Springs - Big Willow (CW): 1:35.8 - 3/31/18 \|\|\|\| Buttonwillow #13 (CW): 1:59.3 1/27/18 https://www.facebook.com/JakeStumphRacing \|\|\|\| http://www.youtube.com/user/RaceMeMZ3
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12-20-2014, 11:40 PM	#2
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2280 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.20]	Have not moved on but without knowing your budget, my vote is always Cayman S for 2dr and M3 (E90 or F80) for 4dr. __________________ Follow for latest mods
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12-21-2014, 06:17 PM	#4
02rsxpilot First Lieutenant 47 Rep 327 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 135i Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: NorCal iTrader: (2) Garage List 2012 BMW 135i [10.00] 2013 Mini Cooper S [0.00] 2002 Acura RSX [0.00]	The Cayman S will have just as many issues. In fact, the 1st gens have two known issues that can literally blow up your motor. So instead of spending money fixing suspension issues like on a 1er, you spend it on Accusump, IMS bearing, and other failure prevention mods. And once you're done with that, you'll be buying PSS9 coilovers, and then you'll be complaining how it only has 295 HP, and you'll start wanting a 911. How do I know? I spent 6 months researching them and almost bought one before I decided to go for the 135i, and that is what half the population on planet-9 (Boxster/Cayman forum) complains about. Don't get me wrong, I love that car, but unless you can afford an 09+ or are prepared to replace a motor at some point, don't believe the grass is necessarily greener. The 135i is ridiculous performance for the price, which is what I have to remind myself of when I, too, start looking at other options. __________________ 2012 BMW 135i DCT - M3 Front Control Arms, Whiteline RSFB, Dinan camber plates.
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12-23-2014, 11:37 AM	#8
P6 Private First Class 14 Rep 123 Posts Drives: 1M sold, X5M sold, X6M current Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: DFW, TX iTrader: (1)	Had a modified 135i. Tracked it often. Had all the go fast goodies. Replaced it with a 1M. Problem solved.
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12-24-2014, 09:10 AM	#11
chris82 Brigadier General 827 Rep 3,856 Posts Drives: 128i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: NY NY iTrader: (8) Garage List 2009 BMW 128i [9.80]	I've poked around at the idea as well but I don't think I'd buy new unless I had the money to drop on a Carrera S (or a GT3 if only it came in manual) or F80 M3.
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