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      08-26-2018, 05:12 AM   #1
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For those of you tracking your 1M on a regular basis

Hey guys,

I am saving up some money for winter, and i am not 100% sure which direction i should go and i am hoping i can hear from you guys that track very frequently.

My current E82 125i is really a peach of a car, i got KW V3 suspension, 330i front discs and a software tune. It is not the fastest BMW NA out there, even a Golf GTI can probably be faster (time wise) but it really is a sweet package. I put around 6 track days in total on it, to my surprise the PS4 i have on have 8.2mm thread left on the front and 7.5mm on the rear, i was expecting them to be toast.

Sadly, as with all non M BMWs, it needs quite a bit up upgrades for really being more capable on track. Namely the sway bars, rear subframe bushings and a LSD. Not to mention aftermarket wheels and tires for track days (Cup 2s for example) as well as the front M3/1M control arm upgrades.

When i did some calculations, it would cost me around €4,000 to do the above, +/- €500 depending in the work (i do everything myself).

Thing is, for the same amount of expenses, one can get the brakes/wheels and tires for a 1M and just go to the track and daily drive it in all conditions.

What is stopping me? well, i have to sell the 125i and probably finance the 1M (through an authorised BMW used car dealer) for a year or to. Not to mention the running costs would be double that of the 125i, at least the tires would be double (225/40/18 all round compared to 245/275's on the 1M).

Yet, every review i came across for tracking the 1M, including some of you here, say how "twitchy" the car is, or how that factory LSD is unpredictable and it could benefit from a clutch type LSD. I am also not a big fan of going sideways on the track, i prefer that "planted" or "handles like rails" and all the videos i have seen of the 1M are of people getting a lot of tail happy corner exits.

I even looked at E46 M3's and spoken with a specialist M shop, that car really has some serious running costs. Rod bearings every 80,000 kms for those that see frequent track days, head gasket recommended every 120,000 kms and it runs on my not do desireable 10w-60 (i wonder how that effects -18c winters here) and not to mention valve adjustments every 30,000 kms and significantly increased fuel consumption. Assuming you get one that has the rear subframe also reinforced, and one would need to seriously look at the brakes for track days on that car.

Bang for buck the 125i is obviously a no brainer, but i really do not like changing a lot of things, and i have already spent around €3,500 on the KW V3 suspension and software tune, adding another €4K is a bit steep, where i could get the 1M, spend that €4K on track days tires/brakes and call it a day.

Thing is, the only thing stopping me from the 1M is the turbos, i really am "living in the stone age", so to speak and just adore that NA instant responding inline 6 from BMW, something truly unique, not special like the 1M but it makes me smile.

With that said, did anyone here own and track the E46 M3 and the 1M? i would appreciate any positive feedback. I am in no rush, this will be a long winter and i am already saving up early, just wondering which direction i should go.

Much appreciated and thank you for reading this long-ish post.
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      08-26-2018, 08:55 AM   #2
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Every time I mash my right foot, I appreciate the turbos.

The 1M is track ready out of the box, including the brakes if you just had to scratch the itch before buying anything. They are up to the task, but wear quickly. You will eat the pads AND rotors in 2-3 days on track, so a good set of track pads that are easy on rotors (PFC-08) are a smart buy. Swapping the pads takes about an hour once you have done it a few times. Replace the chargepipe. It will break eventually and could ruin a track day.

The 1M has better cooling capacity so the limp mode that plagues other N54 powered cars on track are not an issue unless you add power. I *may* need to upgrade the oil cooler if I want to do open lapping days where I seem to stay out for 45 minutes at a time, LOL. Oil will overheat after about 30 minutes on a hot day. HPDE's rarely give you more than 15 minutes of hot laps at a time.

The diff is OK out of the box. With added power, I am finding its limitations and may upgrade soon. . . looking at options. I would upgrade the rear subframe mounts at the same time.

If you do your maintenance yourself, its reasonable. We are blessed with a common off the shelf BMW engine, which helps.

I smile all day when I am autocrossing or lapping.
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      08-26-2018, 02:03 PM   #3
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I highly recommend you review this post: https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1350738 by member "hot-j". He's made extensive track-focused changes to his 1M.
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      08-26-2018, 04:07 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 8081M View Post
I highly recommend you review this post: https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1350738 by member "hot-j". He's made extensive track-focused changes to his 1M.
Not even planning to go that far, that is too much for me.
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      08-26-2018, 09:48 PM   #5
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I’d largely echo CarJunkie’s comments. Even in > 100F ambient temps I’ve not seen limp mode (knock wood).
Upgrade brake fluid and throw in some track pads and you should be good to go. My experience with the stock setup, SRF fluid and PFC08 pads was reliable, reproducible, fade free and drama free braking. Longevity (in contrast to CJ’s experience) was nothing short of phenomenal (but I’m not particularly fast.)
Many prefer a square set of wheels 275/35/18 to make the balance more neutral and dial out some understeer. Camber plates are mandatory.
The only hesitation with tracking is perhaps the emotional discomfort with beating on a “future classic” on the track and the risk of finding the Armco or whatever. However I also believe that cars were meant to be driven...
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      08-27-2018, 02:47 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ayao View Post
I’d largely echo CarJunkie’s comments. Even in > 100F ambient temps I’ve not seen limp mode (knock wood).
Upgrade brake fluid and throw in some track pads and you should be good to go. My experience with the stock setup, SRF fluid and PFC08 pads was reliable, reproducible, fade free and drama free braking. Longevity (in contrast to CJ’s experience) was nothing short of phenomenal (but I’m not particularly fast.)
Many prefer a square set of wheels 275/35/18 to make the balance more neutral and dial out some understeer. Camber plates are mandatory.
The only hesitation with tracking is perhaps the emotional discomfort with beating on a “future classic” on the track and the risk of finding the Armco or whatever. However I also believe that cars were meant to be driven...
That "future classic" is worrying me as well.

SS Lines, fluid and pads are mandatory for anyone hitting the track, well at least pads and fluid.

Those 275/35s all round are pricey, compared to 235/40s obviously.

However, i do not purchase cars for collection, if i keep the 125i, purchase an E46 M3 or 1M it will be for life, or as long as i can and drive it daily regardless of the milage.
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      08-27-2018, 06:59 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zombie_Head View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by ayao View Post
I'd largely echo CarJunkie's comments. Even in > 100F ambient temps I've not seen limp mode (knock wood).
Upgrade brake fluid and throw in some track pads and you should be good to go. My experience with the stock setup, SRF fluid and PFC08 pads was reliable, reproducible, fade free and drama free braking. Longevity (in contrast to CJ's experience) was nothing short of phenomenal (but I'm not particularly fast.)
Many prefer a square set of wheels 275/35/18 to make the balance more neutral and dial out some understeer. Camber plates are mandatory.
The only hesitation with tracking is perhaps the emotional discomfort with beating on a "future classic" on the track and the risk of finding the Armco or whatever. However I also believe that cars were meant to be driven...
That "future classic" is worrying me as well.

SS Lines, fluid and pads are mandatory for anyone hitting the track, well at least pads and fluid.

Those 275/35s all round are pricey, compared to 235/40s obviously.

However, i do not purchase cars for collection, if i keep the 125i, purchase an E46 M3 or 1M it will be for life, or as long as i can and drive it daily regardless of the milage.
Don't worry about the "future classic" crap. Buy one, drive the hell out of it, and enjoy it. You'll have a much bigger smile on your face than people who don't drive it...

Living for today is so much more enjoyable than worrying about tomorrow.
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      08-27-2018, 08:20 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zombie_Head View Post
Thing is, for the same amount of expenses, one can get the brakes/wheels and tires for a 1M and just go to the track and daily drive it in all conditions.
Well, you really need to add coilovers and camber plates in my opinion. In due time, you'll also feel the rear slightly delayed or even disconnected from the front of the car. When you aren't traction limited, this is usually compliance in the rear subframe.

The 1M is also twitchy, imo, because of the OEM throttle mapping especially in M Mode. Self tune or get it tuned properly. I would recommend FMIC and Catless DPs for reliability. DPs will give lower EGT and be slightly easier on the turbos. WGDC table will need a little massaging but not overly necessary for a stock car, imo. YMMV.

You should pay Schirmer a visit and ask them their opinion too since you're local

Check out the OEM suspension here, it can barely handle 245/265 Cup2s.
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      08-27-2018, 09:23 AM   #9
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Holy Brake Dive, Batman!

Neil
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      08-27-2018, 02:58 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gmx View Post
Well, you really need to add coilovers and camber plates in my opinion. In due time, you'll also feel the rear slightly delayed or even disconnected from the front of the car. When you aren't traction limited, this is usually compliance in the rear subframe.

The 1M is also twitchy, imo, because of the OEM throttle mapping especially in M Mode. Self tune or get it tuned properly. I would recommend FMIC and Catless DPs for reliability. DPs will give lower EGT and be slightly easier on the turbos. WGDC table will need a little massaging but not overly necessary for a stock car, imo. YMMV.

You should pay Schirmer a visit and ask them their opinion too since you're local

Check out the OEM suspension here, it can barely handle 245/265 Cup2s.
Thank you, i appreciate that.

To my knowledge Team Schirmir focuses on M cars only, since the 125i is still in the picture, i do not think they would advise me to do anything to it, but who knows.
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      08-27-2018, 06:37 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by MDORPHN View Post
Holy Brake Dive, Batman!

Neil
Yeah, it's a dance with the steering wheel when trail braking sometimes. It's fun, but obviously not fast. The worst is long slow corners especially on a cold track where I'm traction limited. The oscillation is slightly too much. Brake dive with decent 245 tyres is the most obvious way to show it. I have one where I'm flat out throwing it into a kink in 4th gear and when I pitch it it in the loaded front corner is literally tucked in the fender.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zombie_Head View Post
To my knowledge Team Schirmir focuses on M cars only, since the 125i is still in the picture, i do not think they would advise me to do anything to it, but who knows.
I know, I mean it might be worth talking to them and saying what your goals are and they'll advise if it's better to just start with another car, E90/92, F87 etc. They do "Schirmer GT" of all of them, 1M, F8x M2/3/4, E9x M3.
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      08-27-2018, 08:20 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zombie_Head View Post
That "future classic" is worrying me as well.

SS Lines, fluid and pads are mandatory for anyone hitting the track, well at least pads and fluid.

Those 275/35s all round are pricey, compared to 235/40s obviously.

However, i do not purchase cars for collection, if i keep the 125i, purchase an E46 M3 or 1M it will be for life, or as long as i can and drive it daily regardless of the milage.


Quote:
Originally Posted by 10" View Post
Don't worry about the "future classic" crap. Buy one, drive the hell out of it, and enjoy it. You'll have a much bigger smile on your face than people who don't drive it...

Living for today is so much more enjoyable than worrying about tomorrow.
Agree.. that and the simple fact is.. that tracking this car won't radically change it's value.....

Even the track rattiest 237,000 mile E30 M3 is worth good money due to exclusivity and the same is/will be true for the 1M.
Cars that have been crashed and repaired have sold well even as shown by @glassoman ...
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      08-28-2018, 02:33 PM   #13
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I think i will stick with the 125i.

The E46 M3 maintenance costs are just too high, and after speaking with a specialist who changed well over 400 rod bearings, they advise not to run anything other than 10w-60 even in winter. The significantly higher fuel costs and other issues like rear subframe and head gasket makes the M3 look like a second car instead of an only daily.

With regards to the 1M, those wider 275s for the track are very expensive (best price i found was €330 each). Maybe one day i will look at the 1M as a second car (or if i have a second car). But i think i will go with the 125i upgrades and get more track time experience, rather spend the money on fuel, pads and track days right now.

I appreciate all your input and thank you.
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      08-28-2018, 02:56 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zombie_Head View Post
I think i will stick with the 125i.

The E46 M3 maintenance costs are just too high, and after speaking with a specialist who changed well over 400 rod bearings, they advise not to run anything other than 10w-60 even in winter. The significantly higher fuel costs and other issues like rear subframe and head gasket makes the M3 look like a second car instead of an only daily.

With regards to the 1M, those wider 275s for the track are very expensive (best price i found was €330 each). Maybe one day i will look at the 1M as a second car (or if i have a second car). But i think i will go with the 125i upgrades and get more track time experience, rather spend the money on fuel, pads and track days right now.

I appreciate all your input and thank you.
Honestly, I think you are making the right choice.
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