1M or F80 M3

[Doctor///M]

Cost aside, if you had to choose, which would you and why?

[SlimAndy]

cost aside? I will take both...lol one pure fun car, one family car

[IEDEI]

I had a choice last month....to buy a used 1M or to buy a brand new F80 M3. I could afford either. I chose the 1M.

I'm sure the M3 is a great car....but it doesn't even come close to capturing my imagination like the 1M does.....not even close!

[doug_999]

Dunno - really thinking about unloading my 1M (almost 3,400 miles now ) and getting into the M3. Nicer interior, could let my wife drive it with no fear of someone hitting me/her and not being able to replace the car. Basically more of a daily driver rather than something truly special. Ack - I'm almost talking myself out of it.

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by doug_999

Dunno - really thinking about unloading my 1M (almost 3,400 miles now ) and getting into the M3. Nicer interior, could let my wife drive it with no fear of someone hitting me/her and not being able to replace the car. Basically more of a daily driver rather than something truly special. Ack - I'm almost talking myself out of it.

you've had it since new? FWIW I drove my 1M for 3500 miles in the last 1 month. lol

[doug_999]

Originally Posted by Ian///M

That's a disgraceful mileage! I'd go so far as call it 1M abuse

Originally Posted by IEDEI

you've had it since new? FWIW I drove my 1M for 3500 miles in the last 1 month. lol

Bought it almost one year old with... wait for it.... 200 miles on the clock.

The previous owner did not drive it much - I on the other hand did 8x more than him per year

[Doctor///M]

Originally Posted by SlimAndy

cost aside? I will take both...lol one pure fun car, one family car

/thread.

Originally Posted by IEDEI

I had a choice last month....to buy a used 1M or to buy a brand new F80 M3. I could afford either. I chose the 1M.

I'm sure the M3 is a great car....but it doesn't even come close to capturing my imagination like the 1M does.....not even close!

were you able to drive the M3 before deciding?

Originally Posted by doug_999

Dunno - really thinking about unloading my 1M (almost 3,400 miles now ) and getting into the M3. Nicer interior, could let my wife drive it with no fear of someone hitting me/her and not being able to replace the car. Basically more of a daily driver rather than something truly special. Ack - I'm almost talking myself out of it.

haha, does practicality trump fun? This is what I'm debating at the moment.

[Dee Pee]

Buy the 1M.
Ain't no shortage of M3s.
If you hate the 1M (you won't) then you can flip it and break even or make money. The depreciation of the M3 will start the second you make eye contact with it.

[mrphil]

m3, i came from a m3 and i still think the m3 is a more complete car with no holding back

i always feel the 1m was held back cause it couldnt be better than the m3

[david.orr]

Originally Posted by S3RI35

Cost aside, if you had to choose, which would you and why?

They are really 2 very different animals.. size, performance, behaviour, value etc. It really depends on what you're looking for. In this 1M forum, you would probably not get any 1M distractors but M3/4 are great but for a lot of us, just a tad big, that's about all.

[JeffyD]

Before I bought my 1M the other week, I took a look at my other options in a similar price bracket - ie. a Cayman (and S), the new M3 and M4, and etcetera, and a M235i as a preview of a M2.

The M3 and 4 were just so massive when I finally got to see them in person. I mean, it really took me by surprise. Driving them felt weird- the steering is precise, surgical in a way, but it still felt like I was piloting all of that footprint. Neither car hid any of their mass from the driver like a few big'uns can do.

The interiors were nice, and very swanky, but I don't really buy cars for posh cabins. I expect a certain level of creature comforts, but, beyond that personal threshold, ever nicer interiors really don't hold that much appeal for me. The 1series' insides are plenty nice for my taste.

So, I went with the 1M - all had great driving attributes, but the M coupes are always more interesting for me. And it wasn't so gargantuan.

Chip chip, Cherio.

[chris82]

Originally Posted by JeffyD

Before I bought my 1M the other week, I took a look at my other options in a similar price bracket - ie. a Cayman (and S), the new M3 and M4, and etcetera, and a M235i as a preview of a M2.

The M3 and 4 were just so massive when I finally got to see them in person. I mean, it really took me by surprise. Driving them felt weird- the steering is precise, surgical in a way, but it still felt like I was piloting all of that footprint. Neither car hid any of their mass from the driver like a few big'uns can do.

The interiors were nice, and very swanky, but I don't really buy cars for posh cabins. I expect a certain level of creature comforts, but, beyond that personal threshold, ever nicer interiors really don't hold that much appeal for me. The 1series' insides are plenty nice for my taste.

So, I went with the 1M - all had great driving attributes, but the M coupes are always more interesting for me. And it wasn't so gargantuan.

Chip chip, Cherio.

I really like the M3 but I'm super afraid that when I drive it it will feel bigger than it should.

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by S3RI35

Cost aside, if you had to choose, which would you and why?

Cost aside, the F80 M3 hands down. Some of these comments are clearly biased.

On paper the M3 is better in every way. More power, more torque, higher redline, better suspension, better technology, the interior with extended leather is much improved, the seats are amazing too, exterior wise much more sleek and modern.

A lot of people saying the M3 is too heavy without even driving it. The M3 is very light for what it is and not much heavier at all. Plus 335hp v 420hp more than makes up for it.

I rate the 1M for being simple and focused on the driving experience. Being so rare is a big plus too. But the F80 M3 is the better car to live with and drive to work every day, plus it can do everything the 1M can.

For those that think it's just too big in size, I would hang out for the M2. It's going to be epic. The 1M is always going to be a great car though.

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by S3RI35

were you able to drive the M3 before deciding?

i have not. i have seen a few M3s and M4s but not driven one. I was offered to drive an M4 recently but didn't feel like it because i was too excited to pick up my 1M after service! haha....and THAT is an example of how much excitement the 1M generates for me and how little the M3/M4 does....i will drive one someday....maybe in a few years when i feel like ADDING a car to the stable. The 1M, on the other hand, will likely never leave my hands.

In reality, the M3/M4 are great cars though----i will not deny it. But when it comes to feeling 'special'...i think the 1M is in a league of its own when it comes to 'modern' BMWs. It is in line with the 2002 Turbo and the E30 M3.......not as comparable to the new M3/M4, IMO.

[Amnizu]

Full disclosure, I've only driven the 3 and 4 series line, not the M.

That said, the lack of steering feedback due to the electronic steering really lessens the driving experience. The HUD and other interior features are nice, no doubt, but if you want a fully involved driving experience then it is still really tough to beat the 1M.

Maybe you'll feel otherwise, but for my money I want to be able to feel the grip level of the front tires through the steering wheel.

[ozinaldo]

Originally Posted by Dee Pee

Buy the 1M.
Ain't no shortage of M3s.
If you hate the 1M (you won't) then you can flip it and break even or make money. The depreciation of the M3 will start the second you make eye contact with it.

This is the best practical advice OP should listen for.

[craina]

Originally Posted by Amnizu

Full disclosure, I've only driven the 3 and 4 series line, not the M.

That said, the lack of steering feedback due to the electronic steering really lessens the driving experience. The HUD and other interior features are nice, no doubt, but if you want a fully involved driving experience then it is still really tough to beat the 1M.

Maybe you'll feel otherwise, but for my money I want to be able to feel the grip level of the front tires through the steering wheel.

I have driven an M4 as well as the a F30 328i and this comment regarding steering is spot on. While the system is better in the M car, it is still not even close to the 1M when it comes to feel. Words like numb and vague come to mind. It weights up nicely at speed but there is no sensation other than weight.

I liked the M4. It was stupid fast and the seats were amazing. On paper the M3/4 is better in every measurable statistic and if that is your thing then you will not be disappointed. But I didn't feel connected to the car like I do in the 1M and that mostly came down to the steering. Steering "feel" will not show up on the stat sheet.

I also prefer a smaller car, the M4 is noticeably bigger than the 1M.

[Artemis]

E82 1M, F80 M3 or F82 M4 ?

Speaking for myself, "The Pocket Rocket" keeps suiting best my current needs.

Comparison of figures about size and weight:

1M

• Length: 172.4 in / 4380 mm | Width: 71.0 in / 1803 mm | Height: 55.9 in / 1420 mm
• Wheelbase: 104.7 in / 2660 mm | Front Track: 60.7 in / 1541 mm | Rear Track: 60.7 in / 1541 mm
• Curb Weight: 3296 lbs / 1495 kg (all fluids / 90% fuel / no driver) | Weight unladen: 3461 lbs / 1570 kg (+ 68 kg driver + 7 kg luggage)
• Weight Distribution: ± 50:50 (Front: 51.7% | Rear: 48.3%)

M235i

• Length: 174.5 in / 4432 mm | Width: 69.8 in / 1774 mm | Height: 55.8 in / 1418 mm
• Wheelbase: 105.9 in / 2690 mm | Front Track: 59.9 in / 1521 mm | Rear Track: 61.3 in / 1556 mm
• Weight: 3373 bs / 1530 kg
• Weight Distribution: ± 50:50

F80 M3

• Length: 183.9 in / 4671 mm | Width: 73.9 in / 1877 mm | Height: 56.0 in / 1424 mm
• Wheelbase: 110.7 in / 2812 mm | Front Track: 62.1 in / 1579 mm | Rear Track: 63.1 / 1603 mm
• Weight: 3300 lbs / 1497 kg (all fluids / 90% fuel / no driver) | 3466 lbs / 1572 kg (+ 68 kg driver + 7 kg luggage)
• US curb weight (including full fluids and frequently ordered options): 3585 lbs (DCT) | 3530 lbs (Manual)
• Weight Distribution: ± 50:50

F82 M4

• Length: 183.9 in / 4671 mm | Width: 73.6 in / 1870 mm | Height: 54.4 in / 1383 mm
• Wheelbase: 110.7 in / 2812 mm | Front track: 62.1 in / 1579 mm | Rear track: 63.1 / 1603 mm
• Weight: 3300 lbs / 1497 kg (all fluids / 90% fuel / no driver) | 3466 lbs / 1572 kg (+ 68 kg driver + 7 kg luggage)
• US curb weight (including full fluids and frequently ordered options): DCT: 3585 lbs / 1626 kg | Manual: 3530 lbs / 1601 kg
• Weight Distribution: ± 50:50

[wobbles1]

Hands down 1m. Just another M3. Buy it and be like everybody else. No thanks. The rarity and exclusiveness of the 1m is priceless.

[Doctor///M]

Originally Posted by wobbles1

Hands down 1m. Just another M3. Buy it and be like everybody else. No thanks. The rarity and exclusiveness of the 1m is priceless.

This is my main point of contention in attempts to avoid succumbing to practicality. All my CCA buddies are trying to talk me out of it due to the ability to configure my own (practical) M3, and that the '16 M2 will somehow reduced the perceived value of the 1M. Not sure that's really a point, but it is what it is. I've spent a lot of time with two 1Ms since 2012 and it is indeed my favorite of the lot to this day.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Very tough decision.
If it was my only car i would pick the M3.
If its my fun car i would pick the 1M

[TonySCV]

Originally Posted by Chrisar82

I really like the M3 but I'm super afraid that when I drive it it will feel bigger than it should.

The harder you drive the M3, the more the car "shrinks". Hard to describe it. The M5 has the same characteristics. Settings on Sport Plus, driven in a spirited manner and the car belies its size. Pretty neat trick.

Both are still big cars, don't get me wrong (the F80 M3's got basically the same legroom front and rear as the old E39 M5) and the F10 M5 is massive and heavy, but still a hell of a lot of fun to drive. Just different.