BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read




 

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-21-2010, 06:44 PM   #1
JasonCSU
Colonel
United_States
696
Rep
2,548
Posts

Drives: '08 135i, '88 325is
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Denver, CO

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
1988 BMW 325is  [0.00]
2008 BMW 135i  [0.00]
Lightbulb BMW 1M Coupe Pre-drive - The review

Featured on
1ADDICTS HOMEPAGE




Hi everyone. I was one of the three participants from the US and my reference for comparison is my 2008 135.

Let me start with some cliff notes for those of you who may not want to read the entire review. After this experience, and depending on how the 1M will be priced, I'm looking at putting my 135 up for sale which I never thought I would do. I really do like my 135, but the 1M is on a whole different level.

Before this pre-drive event, I took out a 2008 E92 M3 6MT to get an idea how it would compare. The first thing I noticed compared to my 135, was that the clutch felt lighter. This car only had about 14,000 miles on it, so I assume it was still the factory clutch. It also felt like this M3 had active steering on it, as when driving through the parking lot, the steering felt over-boosted. That feeling completely changed once on the highway and on a curvy backroad. On those roads, the steering became very direct, with a nice weight to the wheel. Now, I have heard the exhaust note of M3s on the track before, but hearing the engine note from behind the wheel was like pure audio ecstasy. As I was expecting, the car didn't feel very torquey off the line compared to an N54/N55 powered car, but that didn't matter once you had the revs up and the engine was singing its glorious song with fantastic throttle response. In my opinion, it's a much more focused driving machine than my 135, but it also has presence with a large footprint.

On to the 1M. Once we were given the go ahead to fire the cars up, I instantly noticed the louder, slightly more bassy exhaust note compared to the stock exhaust on my car. To be honest, I was blipping the throttle every chance I got when I was behind the wheel because I couldn't get enough of the sound. Chis Harris was right, it sounds like an M car. I suppose my co-pilot and I were lucky, we were the only people in the car during our entire test drive and not burdened by any extra weight. Getting up to cruising speed on the Autobahn (210-230kph) was absolutely effortless. We'd have liked to push the car further, but it wouldn't have been smart in the rain we were driving in. However, I was fortunate to hitch a ride in a 1M down to Munich. During that ride, the driver had the car up to 250kph for a brief period and it was still pulling strong all while feeling completely stable and composed.

There is an M button on the steering wheel that when pressed, puts the car into "Sport" mode which is indicated in the gauge cluster. Once in this sport mode, the most noticeable change is the throttle response. When you blip the throttle in my 135, there is a definite delay, but not so in the 1M with sport mode engaged. It really did feel like I was driving a naturally aspirated engine with its quick throttle response. Speaking of NA engines, this engine in the 1M does its best to act like one. The power does not drop off after 5500 rpm like it does in other N54 powered cars. It kept pulling past 6500 with the same sense of urgency as it does from 2000 rpm.

The clutch in the 1M felt similar to that in the M3 I drove, but the shifter of the 6MT felt different than both the M3 and my 135. It was absolutely superb. The throws were short and direct, most likely the result of a short throw linkage. I always thought the steering in my 135 was well weighted with great feedback, but the 1M took it to a telepathic level. The retuned suspension, wider track, and larger grippier tires are certainly confidence inspiring, providing much sharper handling than that of my 135 and without feeling hefty like that of an M3. I also say that knowing we never really got to use the tires to their full potential in the cold and wet conditions. The car does feel much flatter in the corners, but will oversteer a bit if you push it. The 1M also rides much firmer with these changes, but not to the point of adversely affecting the ride which is still quite comfortable. This was quite noticeable on some cobblestone streets that we drove down which would be unbearable in my 135 with the run-flats. Driving out in the wet conditions also did give us a chance to feel the LSD at work, which will be greatly appreciated by any driver talented enough to exploit it.

On the subjective side of things, the 1M looks absolutely aggressive with its wider stance, and revised front and rear fascias. Valencia Orange is absolutely stunning once you see it in person. I'm usually a fan of silver and gray colors, but I was surprised at how well the car also looked in Alpine White. In white, it really allows you to see the details of the new bodywork.

To sum up, I think the M division did a great job putting together a focused driver's car that's not overloaded with tech options/features, which should hopefully keep the price more affordable, allowing it to attract a new generation of M car enthusiasts. This was an experience I will never forget, and I would like to thank BMW for giving us the opportunity to be a part of it.
__________________
Delivered in Munich, broken in on the Nurburgring.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2010, 07:27 PM   #2
Greenkirby21
Vrooom :)
Greenkirby21's Avatar
United_States
313
Rep
2,602
Posts

Drives: C7 Stringray
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Dream Land

iTrader: (1)

great review! happy u had fun
__________________
2014 C7 Corvette Stringray - Laguna Blue - NPP Exhaust - Competition Seats
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2010, 07:32 PM   #3
cpippolo
Second Lieutenant
United_States
66
Rep
285
Posts

Drives: 2020 M2 Comp
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: TX

iTrader: (0)

Great review. Thanks a lot, but I'm still pretty insanely jealous.

Last edited by cpippolo; 11-21-2010 at 07:39 PM..
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2010, 07:35 PM   #4
spiderz17
Not a BMW Insider
spiderz17's Avatar
United_States
13
Rep
302
Posts

Drives: X5 M50i
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by JasonCSU View Post
The power does not drop off after 5500 rpm like it does in other N54 powered cars. It kept pulling past 6500 with the same sense of urgency as it does from 2000 rpm.
Awesome, thanks for the great write-up!
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2010, 07:57 PM   #5
TunedM2C
Brigadier General
TunedM2C's Avatar
No_Country
826
Rep
4,190
Posts

Drives: 2016 LBB M2
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Earth

iTrader: (2)

Thanks. Any negatives?
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2010, 08:06 PM   #6
adc
Major General
United_States
2713
Rep
6,743
Posts

Drives: 2018 F80 M3 ED
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: MD/DC

iTrader: (12)

Music to my ears... Thanks for your report!

Can't wait to try it out for myself...
__________________

2018 F80 Santorini
2019 Z4 3.0i
2022 X2 M35i
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2010, 08:08 PM   #7
kred
Lieutenant
kred's Avatar
United_States
80
Rep
532
Posts

Drives: '07 e92 328i 6mt
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Arizona

iTrader: (0)

is that bear grylls in the passenger seat?
__________________
2007 Space Gray 6MT 328i / BMW SSK
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2010, 08:20 PM   #8
slamako
Metal cutter
slamako's Avatar
Canada
15
Rep
97
Posts

Drives: 135i 08 6MT Sed Red Met.
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Ontario Canada

iTrader: (0)

Jason,

Thank you for sharing your input and yes, I am in the jealous camp (!)

Do you have any mods to your 135i? I ask as I'm curious about the baseline of your assessment to the 1M.

I do not want to start a debate, but from a performance standpoint only, do you think that the "feel" could be replicated with the mods that are available right now?

For me, I planned on keeping my '08 135i for a while and your cliffs have me intrigued and hence, the question above. I do have mods to my car and wondering if I should stop and consider a 1M.

Thanks in advance for any input.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2010, 08:30 PM   #9
TunedM2C
Brigadier General
TunedM2C's Avatar
No_Country
826
Rep
4,190
Posts

Drives: 2016 LBB M2
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Earth

iTrader: (2)

^ Doubt he does nor will he acknowledge it due to BMW knowing everything about him now. lol
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2010, 08:43 PM   #10
BenTrovato
Driver
BenTrovato's Avatar
Canada
37
Rep
1,577
Posts

Drives: e92 335i
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (4)

looks like it was a lot of fun, thanks for sharing!
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2010, 08:45 PM   #11
pyrat
First Lieutenant
pyrat's Avatar
16
Rep
329
Posts

Drives: 3 series
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: New England

iTrader: (0)

thanks for the great review. glad we sent you.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2010, 09:23 PM   #12
FAN_F1
Private First Class
FAN_F1's Avatar
74
Rep
174
Posts

Drives: 2017 F87 M2 / 2009 997.2 C4S
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Encinitas, CA

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for sharing Bro!
__________________
2017 F87 M2 M-DCT ALPINWEISS / Oct 2016 / BMW WELT European 'Re-Delivery'
2016 F87 M2 M-DCT ALPINWEISS May 2016 / BMW WELT European Delivery (Gone)
2009 997.2 C4S PDK PCCB (DD)
1991 E30 318is Diamondschwarz/Blk (Garage Queen)
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2010, 10:01 PM   #13
My535i
First Lieutenant
My535i's Avatar
14
Rep
345
Posts

Drives: 2008 535i
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: MIA - Florida

iTrader: (1)

Very nice write up.. can't wait to see this car in person for my self.
__________________
'09 135i - Step - Sport - M.Blue - JB3 - Eibach Drop -Alufelgen SF-71 for 1 Series
'08 535i - Step - Sport - JB3 - BMS Air Filter - HKS BOV/Pipe - Aquamist water/meth injection - EuroLights Yellow ION Foglight Bulbs -
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2010, 10:46 PM   #14
GOLFFRR
GOLFFRR's Avatar
10687
Rep
27,506
Posts

Drives: GOLFFRR cart
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states

iTrader: (4)

great read, thanks for the write up. what a awesome opportunity.
__________________

BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, PM ME FIRST WE CAN HOOK YOU UP!
Jimmy Miller:Jimmym@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-509-2048
If you have any issues getting a hold of Jimmy M PLEASE PM me, I'm available everyday till 545pm!
Appreciate 0
      11-22-2010, 02:01 AM   #15
serali
Serali
0
Rep
27
Posts

Drives: E92 330
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: China

iTrader: (0)

good experience, more solid from a 135i owner
Appreciate 0
      11-22-2010, 02:46 AM   #16
Dackelone
European Editor
Dackelone's Avatar
Germany
10505
Rep
22,992
Posts

Drives: N54 e82
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Bayern, Germany

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for your input Jason. Great writeup/feedback on the 1M.

Last edited by Dackelone; 11-22-2010 at 03:14 AM..
Appreciate 0
      11-22-2010, 03:12 AM   #17
Bigmouth Studio
Lieutenant
Bigmouth Studio's Avatar
Hong Kong
282
Rep
514
Posts

Drives: BMW Z4 M40i
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: HKSAR

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Your group have a better weather than our group in the afternoon. When we were on the Autobahn, it was raining cats & dogs, we can only make it up to 170km/hr at most.
Very nice review. Nice to meet you too.
Appreciate 0
      11-22-2010, 03:14 AM   #18
as7920
Colonel
as7920's Avatar
United Kingdom
595
Rep
2,374
Posts

Drives: 2023 SG/FR M4 xDrive Competiti
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for the write up Jason. Nice review!
Appreciate 0
      11-22-2010, 03:29 AM   #19
ORIGIN M.
Banned
3160
Rep
9,134
Posts

Drives: ///M
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Northern Hemisphere

iTrader: (0)

Lots of info, thanks for taking the time to write it up.

Anything you did not like?
Appreciate 0
      11-22-2010, 04:05 AM   #20
Racing Teatray
Lieutenant
Racing Teatray's Avatar
United Kingdom
218
Rep
492
Posts

Drives: BMW 440i GC
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Central London

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigmouth Studio View Post
Your group have a better weather than our group in the afternoon. When we were on the Autobahn, it was raining cats & dogs, we can only make it up to 170km/hr at most.
Very nice review. Nice to meet you too.
I doubt it! I have rarely seen rain on a motorway like we had in the morning. I could barely see the X6M pace car ahead of me. Certainly I think 190ish kph was the most I saw on the motorway.

Good review BTW.
__________________
____________________

Current: Macan GTS
Previous: 440i GC, M135i, E60 M5, Z1, 330d, 135i, Alfa 156 GTA, Mercedes 500E, Audi S3, Audi A3 quattro, VW Golf GTI 16v
Appreciate 0
      11-22-2010, 04:31 AM   #21
HS_01
New Member
2
Rep
28
Posts

Drives: BMW M6
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Indonesia

iTrader: (0)

Great write up.
Cannot wait to see the actual car.

Cheers....
Appreciate 0
      11-22-2010, 05:01 AM   #22
Elsabor67
aiming for 450.....
Elsabor67's Avatar
United_States
301
Rep
2,910
Posts

Drives: Totaled :-(
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Louisiana

iTrader: (28)

Garage List
2009 135i  [10.00]
Great review and insight. Now to be on the fence and decide which route to go.
__________________
Quote from Ezeedee regarding car mods:
"you're only done when you sell the car "
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:07 AM.




1addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST