Finally In: Sportauto BMW 1M Coupe Nurburgring Time - 8:15

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Finally In: Sportauto BMW 1M Coupe Nurburgring Time - 8:15

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These are the results many have been waiting for. Sportauto has just released their much anticipated Supertest of the 1-series M Coupe. The outcome: An amazing Hockenheim track time, a solid result at the Nürburgring and (mostly) praises from the reviewer, Horst von Saurma.

An earlier Sportauto review already mentioned the 1M's amazing performance at Hockenheim of 1:14.1, which is not only some tenths of a second faster than the Audi TT-RS and 1.3 seconds faster than the RS 3 but also faster than any E9x M3 ever tested by Sportauto.

At the Nürburgring things were a bit different though. The 1M did pretty well and had the lap done in 8 minutes 15 seconds, thus beating the 987.5 Porsche Cayman S by 2 seconds and the Audi RS 3 by no less than 5 seconds. However, Sportauto felt like the 1M could have been even faster if it wasn't for the stiff suspension that didn't seem to work perfectly on certain bumpy sections of the Nurburgring.

"Considering BMW didn't bring UHP tires, 8:15 isn't a bad laptime. The Hockenheim laptimes in which the 1M beat the stronger M3 however suggested a better result. All the 1M needs is a more fitting (meaning softer) [suspension] setup. This wouldn't have hurt it at Hockenheim, improve traction, and -- at the same time -- make the ride more compliant for daily use."

Also known from earlier reviews is the 1M's "tail-happy" nature, so it's no surprise that Sport Auto suggests that inexperienced drivers should leave alone the MDM/DSC button. Experienced drivers however will love the "loose rear." In other words: The 1M isn't as flawless as the E9x M3 models, and that's apparently what makes it so lovable -- at least to people who know what they are doing behind the wheel.

0-100kph was done in 4.7 seconds, 0-200kph in 17.2 seconds. Maximum lateral force was 1.30g on Michelin Pilot Sport, even more than the E92 M3 which managed 1.25g on Michelin Sport Cup+.

In total, the 1-series M Coupe finished with 58 points (out of 70) which is exactly the same as the E92 M3 got back in 2007. Sport Auto gave 9 out of 10 points for "Driving Fun" and 8 out of 10 for "Daily Usability."

Full verdict and track time comparison below.

Verdict:
The 1-series M Coupé fits perfectly in this day and age and makes for a great daily driver. It's the smallest M ever and its amazing 3-liter biturbo engine pulls strongly. This inline-6 reflects all you've ever expected from a company called Bavarian Motor Works. The car fits well into the iconic lineup of former M cars which have built BMW M's strong image.

A design this bold might not be for everyone, yet it should work well for the 1M's target group. The suspension has its downsides: A bit too stiff for day-to-day use, and not as good as it could be for the Ring. Still, this is a car you'd want to have.

Nürburgring	all from Sportauto	Hockenheim	all from Sportauto
BMW E92 M3 GTS	7:48	Porsche Cayman R	1:12.4
BMW E92 M3 6MT (Cup+ Tires)	8:05	BMW E46 M3 CSL	1:13.5
Audi TT-RS Coupe	8:09	Porsche 987.5 Cayman S	1:14.0
BMW E60 M5	8:13	BMW 1M Coupe	1:14.1
Alpina B3 Biturbo	8:14	BMW E92 M3 ZCP DCT	1:14.2
BMW 1M Coupe	8:15	Audi TT-RS Coupe	1:14.3
Porsche 987.5 Cayman S	8:17	BMW E92 M3 6MT (Cup+ Tires)	1:14.3
Audi RS3 Sportback	8:20	Audi RS5 Coupe	1:15.3
BMW E46 M3 Coupe	8:22	Audi RS3 Sportback	1:15.4
BMW X6 M	8:24	BMW Z4 35iS	1:16.1
BMW 335i Coupe	8:26	BMW 135i Coupe	1:17.4

[M5007]

Nice

[TunedM2C]

Very respectable and of course, this is where the M3 shines. The longer straights will certainly benefit the high revving V8.

[rs_philly]

Not the 8:12 that we were promised, but if it beats the Cayman S and RS3, that's good enough for me!

(Now imagine what a simple tune and a slightly better suspension would do!)

[DiavelM3]

Originally Posted by rs_philly

Not the 8:12 that we were promised, but if it beats the Cayman S and RS3, that's good enough for me!

(Now imagine what a simple tune and a slightly better suspension would do!)

Agreed! It outpaced the Cayman.. Very well done....

[mPlasticDesign]

Originally Posted by rs_philly

Not the 8:12 that we were promised, but if it beats the Cayman S and RS3, that's good enough for me!

(Now imagine what a simple tune and a slightly better suspension would do!)

+1, add the Sport Cups into the equation and it will close the gap on 8:12!

[!mspinster]

Damn... I was hoping it would beat the GTR time

Oh well.

[U235]

M3 has 1M by 10 seconds on ring, didn't expect that.

[TunedM2C]

^ But the M3 does have a tire advantage. I'd also like to see the 1M do this with the same tires as the M3.

[IGoFast1589]

The 1M is simply not a Nurburgring car. It's powerband, wheelbase and overall design make it a snappy little torque monster that excels on tighter tracks and quick directional changes. The M3 is longer and more stable and that's exactly what the ring is all about. They probably commented on the the suspension being less than ideal for the ring because of too much bump dampening causing the car to side step over bumps when loaded into a corner and the intrusive bump stops.

Oh, and the tire thing also!

Put the Cayman S, 1M and the RS3 on a tight, smooth and quick track and I will bet you that they end up bullying their bigger brothers.

[gtslacker]

Originally Posted by IGoFast1589

The 1M is simply not a Nurburgring car. It's powerband, wheelbase and overall design make it a snappy little torque monster that excels on tighter tracks and quick directional changes. The M3 is longer and more stable and that's exactly what the ring is all about. They probably commented on the the suspension being less than ideal for the ring because of too much bump dampening causing the car to side step over bumps when loaded into a corner and the intrusive bump stops.

Oh, and the tire thing also!

Put the Cayman S, 1M and the RS3 on a tight, smooth and quick track and I will bet you that they end up bullying their bigger brothers.

Well said!

[IGoFast1589]

Originally Posted by gtslacker

Well said!

Thanks!

It's the truth though, you know? Some people are just so clueless and make all of these statements about what's better and what's not without any real knowledge to back it up. Just by looking at the 1M you can see that it's kinda stubby in comparison to the M3. That's why it's so willing to change direction, but in doing so you sacrifice high speed stability. In the real world and on most tracks, I personally think the 1M is better. It's really an apples to oranges comparison though and the "better" car really comes down to what type of scenario you are driving it in, at least when you look at it from an all out speed perspective. I like it because it's more of a handful at high speeds like that and the torque is so much fun! Plus, as an added benefit, it's cheaper! Just my $.02

[Grey Dove]

Somebody forgot to tell the driver he wasn't going out for a picknick.

8:12 still counts for me. Good revieuw do.

[gtslacker]

Originally Posted by IGoFast1589

Thanks!

It's the truth though, you know? Some people are just so clueless and make all of these statements about what's better and what's not without any real knowledge to back it up. Just by looking at the 1M you can see that it's kinda stubby in comparison to the M3. That's why it's so willing to change direction, but in doing so you sacrifice high speed stability. In the real world and on most tracks, I personally think the 1M is better. It's really an apples to oranges comparison though and the "better" car really comes down to what type of scenario you are driving it in, at least when you look at it from an all out speed perspective. I like it because it's more of a handful at high speeds like that and the torque is so much fun! Plus, as an added benefit, it's cheaper! Just my $.02

All of this 'which is better' talk is a bit ridiculous. I definitely think the 1M will be more fun on the street (haven't driven one yet). I have driven an E92 M3 and while it was a very, very nice car, it wasn't really me. I love the sensation of the 8000 rpm V8, but I don't like the lack of low range power for street use. On the street, I much prefer to be able to power past someone easily without having to wind the motor out to high rpm and make a bit of a scene. I also enjoy lighter, go-cartish type cars. To each his own though.

As for the short wheelbase, you are correct that what makes it so fun on the street, at autox, or low speed tracks is precisely what makes it less suited to big tracks like the ring. The world is trade offs.

At the end of the day, they are both great cars with their own strengths and weaknesses and their own fans and haters.

[IGoFast1589]

Originally Posted by gtslacker

All of this 'which is better' talk is a bit ridiculous. I definitely think the 1M will be more fun on the street (haven't driven one yet). I have driven an E92 M3 and while it was a very, very nice car, it wasn't really me. I love the sensation of the 8000 rpm V8, but I don't like the lack of low range power for street use. On the street, I much prefer to be able to power past someone easily without having to wind the motor out to high rpm and make a bit of a scene. I also enjoy lighter, go-cartish type cars. To each his own though.

As for the short wheelbase, you are correct that what makes it so fun on the street, at autox, or low speed tracks is precisely what makes it less suited to big tracks like the ring. The world is trade offs.

At the end of the day, they are both great cars with their own strengths and weaknesses and their own fans and haters.

[s2k_335i]

I been to the dealer and have not seen 1M in stock yet but from what other are sayings, it must be a blast to drive. I test drive the 08 M3 before, it has a nice power band at higher rpm, which is great for bigger track but I think the 1M will be more fun on the street. I hope to test drive the 1M shortly!!

[Evice]

I wonder what the time difference is between M3 and 1M before the long-ass straight. In my opinion that's the real difference.

[!mspinster]

Originally Posted by Evice

I wonder what the time difference is between M3 and 1M before the long-ass straight. In my opinion that's the real difference.

+1

Yeah it takes a lot of skills to go straight.

[southlight]

Originally Posted by Evice

I wonder what the time difference is between M3 and 1M before the long-ass straight.

Roughly 8 seconds.


Best regards,
south

[optimaxed]

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...llCars/257747/

I know this car is not sold in the US, but here is a front wheel drive car with 265 HP that covered the ring in 8min 8sec

[!mspinster]

"Renault claims the 2904-pound car runs 0-to-62 mph in 6.0 seconds and manages a top speed of 158 mph."

That's very impressive. I say its not the car its the driver or a bad clock.

[and 1]

very nice! also shows just how much difference tires make. damn i wish i could afford to run cup tires or R comps

i wonder where the 135 fits in on lap times