Which Will You Buy: 1M vs M3 vs Z4M

[GaryS]

Originally Posted by Future M1 owner

The more I think about it, the more the 335is is starting to look like a better deal than the 1M, with only a guestimated 3k difference in baseprice.

Really.

Really? Afaik 335is is just tune + exhaust + cosmetics. No suspension, no LSD, no wheels and tires. I think 1M will be a much better value.

[E82tt6]

Originally Posted by GaryS

Really? Afaik 335is is just tune + exhaust + cosmetics. No suspension, no LSD, no wheels and tires. I think 1M will be a much better value.

It looks like you won't be able to make a 135i better using the aftermarket for less money, which makes it a winning proposition, IMHO.

That's especially true if they do something fancy with the engine other than just more boost. Scott's using "Hybrid" kinda suggests they will do something fancy.

[Robert]

Here's a person's opinion on E92M3, M coupe and Cayman

http://www.planet-9.com/cayman-boxst...-cayman-s.html

Well, after making the big mistake of test driving a Cayman S last March I've finally given in to temptation and purchased a 2007 with 14K miles!

It's pretty basic--6MT, Bose Surround, Standard Seats--but I love it! I'm coming from a fully loaded 2009 E92 M3 with DCT and I don't miss it one bit (after driving the Cayman S all I could think about while driving the M3 was that "it's not a Cayman S").

The final nail in the M3's coffin was the fact that every chance I'd get I'd "steal" my wife's Z4M since it was just way more fun to drive--maybe not as fast as the M3, but still more fun. Great steering feel and communication with the driver and most of all it didn't weight 3,700 pounds!

I finally found what I was looking for this past weekend--low miles, basics, great condition, and a good deal and haven't looked back since! It's even better than I remember and so balanced and composed compared to the Z4M (which is a handful at times--fun--but a handful). My wife is mightly pleased as well, as this "gets me the hell out of her car".

She's being detailed this weekend in preparation for a clear-bra. She's in great shape--one rock chip on the hood but other than that looks brand new aside from some slight micro-marring in the paint.

I've already found the information around here to be great and I look forward to learning from you guys as I find the inevitable mod-monkey jumping on my back!

[JasonCSU]

While the 1M is tempting, I do like the option of keeping my 135 and picking up a used Z4 M. I am still curious what will materialize with the rumored Z2 coupe and roadster as well.

[Vertigo//SD]

I drive an '07 Z4M Coupe with just over 50K miles. The 1M is the only car I'm remotely interested in as a replacement.

[Milligan]

Keeping my 135i right now. As much as I would love to get a 1M, I just can't justify it. I am going to drive this thing through the 100k mile CPO warranty and then look at the new model 1 in a few years. Maybe if this does well, I'll just get the next 1M

[friscogypsee]

Originally Posted by Robert

Here's a person's opinion on E92M3, M coupe and Cayman

http://www.planet-9.com/cayman-boxst...-cayman-s.html

Thanks for the link, the Cayman S deserves to be cross shopped with the 1M, granted you can live w o a backseat, nice ride.

[RäDIOCLäSH]

Either keep the 135 and mod the hell out of it, or go find a straight e46 and make it a monster. Mr Siegler can keep his MPure "frankenbimmer"
ITS TIME TO GO MADMAX ON 'EM!

[VitaminT]

I owned an E46 M3, currently own a E85 M Roadster, and since the 1M won't have DCT, will probably look towards the E90/92 M3. I had SMGII in my M3 and enjoyed it a lot and have driven a new Z4 with DCT and it was enough to seal the deal that my next car would have DCT.

[tgxmike]

1) 1M Coupe
2) E86 Z4 M Coupe
3) E90/92 M3
4) E46 M3

Honestly I'd take any of them, but the 1///M is first on my list. I went into my little upstate NY dealer, and they already have 2 people on the 1///M list. WTF!!!!!!!!

I love my 128i and will NOT be trading it in when I get my next car, so i'll wait until the 2nd gen 1///M to make my choice on next sporty car.

I have a 335d for the day, and am really considering buying a diesel for my next (family) car . SO MUCH LOW END POWER

[PKumarM3]

this poll is obviously biased since its on a 1 series forum, but lets be honest.

1. we don't know the weight of the 1M
2. you ask for purist driving experience. no M car, until the my2010-2011 has been turbo charged. therefore, the purity you are referring to - what are you referring to?

Porsche has always considered the Turbo its top of the line model. BUT most enthusiasts refer to the GT3 or RS as the purist car Porsche makes. Why? Naturally aspirated, RWD, 6sp manual, lightweight.

Out of the cars that you are list - the M coupe or E46 M3 are the purist cars. But the E9x M3 is the best car. The E9x chassis is 10-15x stiffer than the E46 chassis, and the motor is lighter than the S54, and the car is better in all ways - sort of like the 996 GT3 and the 997 GT3. Just a better car.

An M car will always be better than a non-M car in the BMW line. I have no concerns or worries that BMW M Division will make a great car with the 1M. So no I am not hating on the 1M, but your poll really makes no sense. Assuming price does not matter - the E9x M3 is the best car and it comes in 4 doors. For me that is important as I like a car that can rip on the Ring and be docile enough to be able to be my chariot on a date with my girlfriend.

Each of the cars you list are made for different purposes

m coupe - 2 door car with a small boot thats made for 2 person or 1 person voyages and track duty. for all practical purposes it is a toy - not much of a daily driver

1M - 2 door car - the rear seats are good if you are under 5'6 and less than 150lbs - its an economy entry based model with M tidbits. another toy, but has the ability to be a daily driver, but usually a bachelor or bachelorettes primary car - by no means a family coupe -unlike the 2 next choices.

e9x m3 - the benchmark in sports saloons. every road car turned performance car is compared to the m3.

e46 m3 - 11 year old technology that will still make you smile. functional rear seats, and boot.

all 4 of those cars are great, but each serve a different purpose. choose the best for you. and don't lie and say that the 1 series is spacious enough. Maybe for children or small people. But for the average sized male 5'9 - 5'11 - 160-180 lbs. It is a 2 seater at that point.

[008]

Couldn't get the 1M because of the no DCT option and a long wait. I ordered an E92 M3 last week, will trade the Cayman S in on it. Had an 01 E46 M3, liked the car but am really looking forward to the S65.

[Atropos]

voted E46 M3 because it's been one of my 'realistic dream cars' for a very very long time.

[Robert]

Originally Posted by Atropos

voted E46 M3 because it's been one of my 'realistic dream cars' for a very very long time.

+1

[HERR FSTIR]

Originally Posted by PKumarM3

The purity you are referring to - what are you referring to?

Clearly, what makes for the purest M car is arbitrary and subject to personal opinion. However, I think we can all agree it is a quality related to a combination of handling, dynamics and powertrain.

Asking which vehicle best embodies the essentials of the perfect M car is simply an attempt to stimulate discussion about the pros and cons of recent M division offerings.

In reality there is no perfect M car, as each model has its strengths and weakness.

I am not hating on the 1M, but your poll really makes no sense. Assuming price does not matter - the E9x M3 is the best car and it comes in 4 doors. For me that is important as I like a car that can rip on the Ring and be docile enough to be able to be my chariot on a date with my girlfriend.

The e92 M3 is undoubtedly a fantastic car. But it has one problem - it's getting a bit heavy. I admit this complaint is overemphasized as it still offers excellent dynamics. However, the "fun factor" tends to go down as the weight goes up, and I would prefer a lighter car on the order of 3200 pounds with a power to weight ratio similar to the e92 M3. It is in this context that the poll makes sense.

I suspect the 1M coupe will be around 3300 lbs and 350 hp. The power to weight ratio will be less than the e92 M3, but I'm happy to have a little better feel at the expense of less power. At 3200 lbs and 360 hp, the 1M would slightly exceed the current M3 in both feel and power, but based on what we've learned so far this will not be the case.

[niuniu]

Originally Posted by PKumarM3

this poll is obviously biased since its on a 1 series forum, but lets be honest.

1. we don't know the weight of the 1M
2. you ask for purist driving experience. no M car, until the my2010-2011 has been turbo charged. therefore, the purity you are referring to - what are you referring to?

Porsche has always considered the Turbo its top of the line model. BUT most enthusiasts refer to the GT3 or RS as the purist car Porsche makes. Why? Naturally aspirated, RWD, 6sp manual, lightweight.

You confuse people's 'opinions' for 'facts'. At the end of the day it's just metal lumped together. If it's a good drive, you enjoy driving it, then that's what matters.

All the other stuff about purity is masturbation. Some guys seems to enjoy a good circle-jerk though.

1 in 10 isn't it?

[///M1]

I guess you are assuming one has to stay in the BMW family? If so, prolly the 1 ///M tops my list, but plenty of other equally credible options to consider if you factor in things like TT-RS, Cayman S, etc.

[Fuerza]

I already own an E46 M3. The 1M seriously interests me. What is killing it now is the lack of options. DCT wasn't a deal breaker but it sure would have made it easy on selling the 1M to the wifey. I want a carbon fiber roof, or a fixed roof, no sunroof option. I hate them and that is what I don't like about my E46 M3. I can deal with the white color, but at least give up some options on interior leather colors Fox Red, Black or Carbon leather trim. Please! I'm not commited yet so I'm not voting.

[Fuerza]

Originally Posted by formula M

All that banter^^ is another way of saying that the M3 is too upscale and big, for it's own good. Who cares about how big the backseat is, if you are taking the family on vacation, you are going to take the Ford Escape... right?

The 1M will out handle the M3 & it will have more torque and less techno-glitz. It is not hard to understand what it is going to be. Why the downtalk?

1M = drivers car
M3 = bloated family saloon


2 ways to look at it..

Oh boy, you do realize the M3 is the "bench mark" sports car that other car manufacturers TRY and compete with right? I'm seriously, 1M isn't even out yet and you are saying its better than the current M3? Um NO. Lets see the 1M beat the 8:05 lap time for the E92 M3 before we start tossing hyperbole here.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Adgar

Oh boy, you do realize the M3 is the "bench mark" sports car that other car manufacturers TRY and compete with right? I'm seriously, 1M isn't even out yet and you are saying its better than the current M3? Um NO. Lets see the 1M beat the 8:05 lap time for the E92 M3 before we start tossing hyperbole here.

I have to agree...and BMW won't let the 1M be "better", because the M3 is their best car, IMO...

The 1M will be a little lighter, have some additional HP over the 135--but have much better suspension, wider tires, LSD, and the like....don't see it as being an M3 killer--BMW won't do that to themselves....

[niuniu]

Maybe Porsches Cayman is their best driver's car. The 911 is still seen as their benchmark. The two can exist side by side. Especially as these things are subjective.

The 1M can easily snatch that crown under the M3's nose.

[Robert]

Originally Posted by niuniu

Maybe Porsches Cayman is their best driver's car. The 911 is still seen as their benchmark. The two can exist side by side. Especially as these things are subjective.

The 1M can easily snatch that crown under the M3's nose.

Cayman owners have long complained Porsche purposely under powers the car to protect 911.