Thanks for the welcome everyone. Can't believe it has been 9 years!!! Since then I've been driving a black MINI JCW as a daily. Super fun! I still haven't sold it and day dream of turning it into a track car, but I don't have the room so it'll have to be sold I think...
This is my old 1Addicts thread:
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=552895
Quote:
Originally Posted by Goombeh
Have to admit, I'm slightly nervous about the charge pipe failing somewhere distant.
Interested to hear your thoughts as I've had mine since new and my wife has an '09 125i M-Sport, and what a gorgeous engine in that thing, but, power of course aside, the way the two feel is so different it's almost unbelievable.
So I find it interesting when those who've not driven a 1M but own 125's or 135's comment that it's just a wide body version that a few mods could replicate. Apart from the interior appearance, there is nothing about the two cars that to me, feel alike.
Nice car, you'll love it.
|
My thoughts on the charge pipe? Well, it's always hot. Heat kills most types of plastic over time. Seems destined to break eventually. Dissapointed that I have to replace it with an after-market part because this car, up until last week, has been totally unmodified.
I love modding cars, but the 1M is starting to move into the territory where some buyers care more about unmodified examples. I mean, if someone were to see a metal charge pipe under there, they'd reasonably assume I'd turned up the boost with a tune etc etc...
The N52 is a lovely & underrated motor - smooth. Especially in the 130i, where it is a great match for the chassis.
Before driving the 1M, answers I got on the 'differences' question weren't satisfying. Now I know why. It's kinda the same and kinda isn't.
How the 1M is the same as a 135i:
- Interior feels very similar, 1M has different bits and pieces, but it's not that much different to be honest.
- The seats are the same (I find them uncomfortable with my pretzel-shaped spine)
- Practicality is the same - same decent boot (trunk), same stupid cup-holder under the arm-rest, same handle stupidly close to the door hinge (on a long door which is prone to catching the wind)
- Lets be honest, the engine isn't THAT much different - the difference in tuning is obvious, and the M-Button...but it's not night and day. More subtle.
- Same dumb N54 problems (ie. HPFP, Charge Pipe)
- Same stupid clutch-delay valve (planning to remove)
- Same silly small fuel-tank
How it's different:
- Shifter is shorter throw, smoother (nicer)
- I always found the 135i hard to get moving off the line, it was kind-of reluctant. The 1M is easier to get moving from stand-still.
- The alignment and suspension make for better turn-in and cornering.
- Obviously the wheels, wide-body, front and rear bumpers look amazing.
- The M-button and the factory ECU tuning are sportier
- Revs free-er than a 135i - lighter flywheel? Easier to rev-match, heel-toe etc
- It doesn't depreciate like a 135i!
- I reckon this chews through fuel quicker (on it's tiny fuel tank!)