What car are you coming from and why'd you choose the 1M?

[ZCP M3]

Just like the title says, I'm curious. What car did you own previous to your 1M and what reasons drove your purchase of a 1M?

I'm coming from a 2006 E46 M3. I bought the M3 during it's last model year knowing full well a new V8 powered model was coming out. After seeing and driving the E90 model, I knew the platform was too big and heavy for me. I've driven this E46 M3 for the last 5.5 years and loved every minute of it, even if E60 M5's and E92 M3's blew past me on the highway.

If I was going to upgrade from the E46 M3, four specific criteria had to be met.

1) maintain or lose curb weight
2) maintain or increase power
3a) maintain or increase fuel economy
3b) reduce operating and maintenance costs
4a) maintain or reduce size
4b) maintain or increase practicality

The E90/92 M3 fit only one of those. I was planning on upgrading to a Z4M Coupe when the rumors of an upgrade to the M3 powertrain (S65 & DCT) were circling. That obviously didn't come to fruition so I happily kept my E46 M3.

The 1M Coupe checks all of those boxes and can be fully optioned out for less than the base price of an E92 M3. So when the next M3 comes out with it's triple-turbo motor and $70K+ base price, I will be very content with my 1M purchase.

How about the rest of you?

[EINSER M]

2008 E82 135 - car was getting old!

[Jezzer]

Focus RS500, this is my first BMW since I sold my M3 CSL five years ago, it's gonna be good to be back.

[1SerieStud]

'11 135i ... because I love my car so much, I could only imagine how much better the 1M is going to be...couldn't pass on it!

[Philz1]

2008 e82 135i. My car was coming off lease and I always wanted an M3.
The 1M is a true benchmark and a bargain. I am picking up my fully loaded VO 1M in 6 days. The wait has been torture, made worse by each of the 15 or so glowing reviews/videos I have read/watched perusing this thread for the past few months!

[sean67]

Well I had a E46 M3 ZCP in March with 135k on the clock and after having to replace the starter and deciding I was tired of working on cars and what I was probably about to face I was on my way to order a 2012 GT Mustang but test drove a 2011 135i before going to the Ford dealer and bought the 135i because it was closer to the M3 and I just liked it better (Mustang was nice and Ford has come a long way but after 2 test drives it did not feel as good). After reading about the 1M it sounded like what I was really looking for (something that handled and performed better than my E46 M3 but with less miles and newer) and while having the 135 serviced the dealer said they could get me a 1M so I ordered one on the spot.

I have a serious car problem. In the last 5 years I have sold my FFR Cobra I built, then bought a C5 Z06, then a Modded E36 M3, and then a Slightly Modded E46 M3 (plus a couple of others) and I think I finally got what I was looking for. It is a keeper.

Sean

[Texas F1]

I'm coming from a...Honda Element. Decided to upgrade my commuter car with something that was faster, less economical and more expensive to insure. But totally worth it.

I also have a supercharged Lotus Elise and a Lotus Esprit Turbo HCi, so I appreciate the fact that the 1M is a relatively uncomplicated performance car. I ordered mine with no options and I'm sure it will see some track time and maybe some solo events.

[bayer]

Sold my 2009 Pontiac G8 GT after only about 16 months and 13k miles about 3 weeks after I first heard about the 1M (back in December). Always wanted an M and the 1M fits my M craving perfectly. Missed out on getting an E36 and E46 M3 and the E90 was not what I wanted (must be inline 6 powered).

[Mnime]

09 MINI JCW to the 1M... I was ready for an upgrade in quality, performance, and my ego. I wanted to tell people I have a BMW and a limited model at that.

I got hooked on track days in the MINI and as fun as it is/was I really liked watching the E46 M's and E9x M's run the track. The both performed so well I couldnt help but think the smaller 1M would too. I'll find out mid-sept at my first track day in the new car

Plus as nice as the M3 is it was too big for me and i couldnt live with the gas mileage it gets. So the 1M is bigger than the MINI (and more functional for me) but smaller than the M3 so it was perfect. So far I am not regretting my decision either!!!

[m3kerry]

Wife's 330i had engine problems. Car sold as a roller to another local racer. Had to have another car, so I let my wife have my daily: 335i Dinan Stage 2 car.

The 1 M is a Solo 2 car for me that will test the water in A Stock and then to STU.

It replaces an E36 STU ///M3. Sorry I ever sold that car.....

[Redadair]

E90 335i to 1M because the 335i felt so big and heavy. Thank You Kay Segler, the Father of the 1M!! I was starting to believe that BMW had truly lost it's way with every new generation of cars being bigger and fatter.

I plan on keeping my 1M forever and a day.

[v1k0d3n]

2010 Subaru STi. Guess we'll see in October (when I pick it up) if it's really worth it. I saw one today in Charlotte and talked with the owner. He loves his, so I'm pretty sure I'll feel the same way! It's a badass car, but it's not like there was really anything wrong with the STi. It was also a great car!

[pearlwhites]

E92 335. Loved the N54 and was looking for a sportier chassis.

[torquedemon]

2004 Acura RSX Type-S....This was my first car (I'm 22 years old) and I got it back in 2005 when I was entering the 10th grade. It was a loaner vehicle at the dealership and I got it for a bargain with only 10k miles on it. Ever since then I have put 125k miles on it and have loved each and every one of them. I have just been accepted into Law School now and my dad was so proud he said he would buy me any car I wanted. So I decided to give my RSX to my little brother (he's 15 and will be getting his license in less than a year) and now I have a deposit down on a BSM 1M! My mom drives a 328i and I love the handling and overall feel of BMW's....I can't wait to get my 1M...it will be the second car of my life and I intend to keep it forever

[MDORPHN]

The '99 M Coupe listed -- at least until I sell it -- in my sig.

Neil

[///1M]

Neil, is the 1M a keeper?

[danielbreese]

I sold my 2008 E92 M3 last week in anticipation of my 1M arrival. I really struggled with the the car for the 3.5years I owned it. Yes the S65 engine is glorious but honestly the engine is boring in it's linearity. Sure it was fast but it was TOO easy to drive and (gasp) wasn't all that much fun. It was too big and had to much luxurious crap in it, even though I got a stripper, non Idrive 6 speed. It's been gone for 1 week and I don't miss it.

I still have and now drive daily (until the 1 M comes), an E46 M3, I bought new in 2002. I sold it to my dad in 2008 to get the E92, but fortunately iwas able to get it back this January! It is SO much more visceral and raw and more FUN to drive than the E92. I will never again part with the E46.

I want a wicked car that will be happy to show me who's boss if I don't drive it properly. One that will punch me in the face! The 1M absolutely checks all the boxes for me. I also like that it will be super rare, hell there are more Ferrari 458 Italias comg th US this year than the 1M! Also I like the simplicity of the 1M and frankly I never thought I would see the likes of a car like this again. Mine will only have heated seats and iPod. Not only is it a spiritual successor to the E30 M3, but it also reminds me of my first car, a Mk 1 VW GTI.

I am truly grateful to BMW for building this car!

Dan

[kskpsu]

2005 BMW X5 4.8is. Great while it lasted, but the utility lost to the need for another "impractical" vehicle....aka driver's car. Was leaning towards a TTS (solid commuter attributes of enhanced fuel economy and dual clutch), then realized no way could I live without a BMW in the stable...probably my favorite brand to date, and getting an ///M back in the garage was added incentive (owned E36 and E46 M3s). Only drawback is all my cars are now going to be manual....I know, I know....but the first time I'm in Chicago traffic, I will be one profane individual. A minor irritant that will be forgotten upon tackling a chicane immediately afterwards....wherever that may be around here

[ChrisBuer]

My Lotus Exige S 260.

With the arrival of my daughter, it dawned on me quite quickly that the Exige (which is my only car) wasn't going to be practical. My wife does have a practical car that we use, but I didn't want to drive that all the time, so a change was needed.

My requirements were:

- Practical - where I could put a car seat in the back and a buggy in the boot.
- Something different / rare / unique.
- Something that I wouldn't lose too much performance in.

The 1M ticks all of the boxes, but I will miss the look of the Exige.....

[evolution80]

had a vw touareg v10 as company car (would never buy a suv myself!)
i also have a volvo s60R

i always wanted an M3 but i simply must have four wheel drive in winter

this spring the engine in my volvo gave in after 146.000miles/235.000km i got angry and searched for instantly available e92M3s...
i could not find any good offers - then i saw the first bsm 1M photos on 1addicts and was hooked

since i have a new clutch, transmission, brake system etc. in my old volvo and the exterior and interior looks like new - i decided to get a 1M instead of an M3 and buy a replacement engine for my s60R

i like the wide stance and aggressive looks of the 1M - and i am used to turbo engines and their real world usability so i am sure it is the right car for me

[EmmDrei]

Coming from an M3 e92. I loved the V8, but the entire car was too big, too heavy and full of stuff I would never have ordered. I always missed the e92s predecessor, an M346 Competition (which was stolen). After I finally got my 1M, I don't miss the M346 any more. It's even more of an animal than the M346 was. I am not selling my 1M, unless something substantial on the car proves to be unreliable. The fun factor is A+! The car now has all the mods I wanted and it's a blast to drive. Next best thing to a racecar and still completely useable in everyday life. And to all the noobs out there... it's just a Oner.

Great car! Simply perfect for me.

[marcel b]

Coming from a E92 335i (before that Z4M coupe). Too many issues with the 335, and it didn't bring me the fun I wanted. The 1M does! It is a blast to drive, loving every minute of it.