After 80 miles in my 1M (first US delivered 1M coupe)

[AW 1M]

I had a little more time in my new AW 1M. My first impression is that this is the car I was hoping the E9x M3 was when I first test drove it. It is small, nimble and oh so responsive. I immediately felt one with this car. The transmission and clutch are just perfect. The tactile feel and sensation are spot on. The shape and feel of the gearshift knob is ideal in my hand. The steering is quick but not too quick. It does not feel heavy or overboosted.

The sound of the engine was a little disappointing at first but seems to be improving. I will reserve judgement. Otherwise the engine is wonderful. There is lots of power immediately and smooth power delivery as far as I have pushed it which is to about 5000 - 5500 RPM. There is no discernible turbo lag. I certainly feel no lack of power. When I hit the M button the throttle response became way more lively. I'll wait to explore that until after break in.

Regarding the suspension, the ride is firm but very smooth. It was very comfortable on the freeway. I didn't feel any harshness whatsoever. Of course I am coming from Porsches and MINI's. It hides it's competence well. It was impressively flat through a 270 degree onramp I am very familiar with. My wife and I have a running dialog on our exit speed from that onramp. We are happy with anything over 50 and 55 is reason to gloat. The 1M did 52 on it's first attempt.

I have found the DSC to be too agressive. The light comes on with any attempt at agressive acceleration or acceleration in a turn. In reading the Supplementary Manual last night, I found the M Dynamic Mode (MDM). According to the manual, in this mode "Only at the absolute limit of stability does the system intervene to stabilize the vehicle by reducing power and apply the brakes on the wheels." I engaged this mode today and found the car more enjoyable. I smiled as I felt the car lurch when I got on the gas on a freeway onramp. I have a feeling the only time I will not use this mode is when I have sensitive passengers in the car.

So far I like the interior appointments in the car. I have not figured out the iDrive yet. I was surprised to lean that I need an adapter to get the BMW Apps to work. My CA tells me the adapter is several hundred dollars and is specific to each type of iPhone. So if I have a 3GS and my wife has a 4G, I would need two adapters to have them both work. And then when I get an iPhone 5 later this year, I will need a new adapter for that. I will have to clarify this with the parts department next week.

I didn't care about the power seats but am happy I have them. At first I found myself sliding around in the seats with mildly aggressive driving. After making many adjustments to the seat height, seat angle, back angle, side bolsters and thigh bolsters, I think I have found a comfortable and stable position. I doubt I could have made all those adjustments without the power seats.

So my overall impression is that this is a fantastic little car. It can be quiet and reserved but can show it aggressiveness at a moments notice. Compared to a Cayman or Boxster, it is more reserved. It doesn't have that visceral feel and responsiveness unless you push it. Think of the 1M as the quiet, introverted but just as competent cousin to the more extroverted, sometimes in your face Cayman. If I could only have one car, I'd probably opt for the Cayman.

Luckily, I have more than one car. And I'm having a blast in my 1M.

[More Photos Here: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showp...82&postcount=8]

[Rasya]

Thanks for your thoughts!

Interesting to hear from the seats. I asked my dealer if the manual seats had the EXACT same functions as the electric ones and he said yes. Since I don't care for electric seats I did not get them, but I will change if what you think is true!

Anyone with more funded info on this topic?

[Wild Bill]

Does the mirror have HomeLink buttons for the garage door opener?

[PA135i]

Thanks for taking the time for the write up. Tell us more after break-in and few more pics. I like the BSM, but your AW is very very nice. Congrats

[AW 1M]

Originally Posted by Wild Bill

Does the mirror have HomeLink buttons for the garage door opener?

No, I was surprised to see that it does not. That's something else to talk to the parts department about.

[AW 1M]

Originally Posted by Rasya

Interesting to hear from the seats. I asked my dealer if the manual seats had the EXACT same functions as the electric ones and he said yes. Since I don't care for electric seats I did not get them, but I will change if what you think is true!

Even if the standard seats have the exact same adjustability, the ability to fine tune and save one or more specific positions is why I'm happy to have the power seats.

[Wild Bill]

Thanks, we should be picking up our Black 1M from South Bay BMW tomorrow.
I am in the Irvine area, we should get together and compare notes.

WB

[Denso]

Originally Posted by Wild Bill

Thanks, we should be picking up our Black 1M from South Bay BMW tomorrow.
I am in the Irvine area, we should get together and compare notes.

WB

Would be awesome if you guys met up and took pictures of the cars together

[as7920]

Originally Posted by Denso

Would be awesome if you guys met up and took pictures of the cars together

Yes please!

Congrats BTW OP.

[Denso]

Originally Posted by as7920

Yes please!

Congrats BTW OP.

Still struggling on the colour choice Mark

[as7920]

Originally Posted by Denso

Still struggling on the colour choice Mark

Yup. Fast running out of time.

[Redadair]

To the OP, how much over MSRP did you have to pay for your car? Hopefully none.

Nice car.

[Denso]

Originally Posted by as7920

Yup. Fast running out of time.

Me too, desperately need to see pictures of black and white together so that i can make up my mind once and for all. Hope these guys can help me out

[AW 1M]

Originally Posted by Redadair

To the OP, how much over MSRP did you have to pay for your car? Hopefully none.

Nice car.

I paid MSRP. Nothing more.

[DiavelM3]

Thanks for the write up AW 1M. I like that you were honest about how you felt about the 1M overall. Good and bad..Especially compared to the caymen.
I guess I wonder how many people out there, will actually (and honestly) say, "I bought this car without test driving it (because you really can't), and I am not happy with it?"
I would imagine that this car is similar in ergonomics, feel etc, like the current M3?
I also mention this is because, I once purchased a MV Agusta SPR (limited edition of only 300 bikes worldwide -matt black) from a dealership out of state. Not one dealership in my state even had one or could get one (very rare exotic sport bike). I purchased it without test riding it first. Got it delivered. Rode it for awhile, and it was the worst purchase I had ever made. It felt like they weighed it down with a ton of bricks, lacked power and handling etc etc. It was literally pitiful (compared to my R1 which was a 1/3 the price).
Turned around and sold the SPR the next day.

[Redadair]

Originally Posted by AW 1M

I paid MSRP. Nothing more.

Glad to hear you found a good dealer to work with.

[AW 1M]

Here are more pics in response to questions.

The rearview mirror without door openers.

Below the view from the trunk showing a split seat but the next pic shows no latch to fold it down.

[EINSER M]

this split fold seat mystery is killing me. LOL.

but that looks like there aint no split fold seats in the 1M....

[dicker]

Are there not handles on the ceiling of the trunk like on all other 1er coupes??

[Kamal]

The latch for the seats, if there is one, would be in the trunk.

[cracka]

The lack of the homelink buttons is astonishing. What gives, BMW USA?

[MrRoboto]

Originally Posted by kirkx5m

this split fold seat mystery is killing me. LOL.

but that looks like there aint no split fold seats in the 1M....

Are you looking at the pix? 60/40 split is pretty clear.