The Next Car

[BMWRX]

Well, the 135i is getting towards four years old, so I've decided to start looking for the next car to replace it. I still love my car, but something different may be needed sooner than later as the km's are getting up to the point where the value drops off a cliff.

So, with my brain firmly switched into BMW gear, the two obvious options are an E92 M3 and a 1M Coupe. Below are my thoughts after driving both.

E92 M3 - I approached driving this car with immense anticipation. I've heard the M3 legend and had been told that the E92 version was all that and more. Then I drove one. Well, let's just say that I was a little disappointed. Not that it's a terrible car, but I wish I'd not driven it and left what it would be like float around in the ether of my imagination. It didn't have the explosive acceleration of the 135i (no torque until high in the rev range and linear acceleration will do that) and it didn't feel overly sporty to drive. It's a sensationally luxurious car and a heck of a lot better quality in the build department (my 135i is a rattle/squeak fest on anything other the smoothest of roads).

1M Coupe - out of frustration I organised a test drive with the local dealership (after sharing my disappointment that they gave me the impression that they thought I was wasting their time - um, I bought a car from them and have been getting services done for four years - should count for something). Admittedly it was raining when I drove it so couldn't fully appreciate the handling, but I found it very stiff, taught, and gave me the impression that it was a wild boar raring to be let out of the pen. So, with on ramp lined up and no traffic, I popped the precise gearstick into second and planted my right foot...nothing, nothing, nothing, holy shah-hit! At around 4,000rpm it just exploded. To have a test drive snap sideways on a straight piece of road at around 80km was a heart starter to say the least. Just to confirm the cars credentials (and my possible stupidity) I tried it again, except in third this time. Same result. It goes berserk once the hair dryers get all excited. The rest of the car is pretty darn good and I felt a lot more excited getting out of the 1M than I did the M3. However, I'm unsure if I can live with the night and day performance of the engine. My 135i (with a little help from a JB4) pulls much harder from further down in the rev range and would be a much easier daily drive proposition.

So, with that all in mind, I'm at a bit of an impasse. I'm sure the M3 would be a brilliant car and I would grow to love it, as I've been told it's definitely a car that needs to be driven for a period of time to truly appreciate. And the 1M is a monster threatening me to test the laws of physics. But at the end of the day, are either of them that much better than my 135i when pulls hard, corners relatively well, and brakes the same as both of the higher rated cars (braided lines and decent pads).

Ok, time to get back in my box (I've been missing from here for a while) and have a long, hard think about it.

[drjekl]

Mate I couldnt afford either at the time of purchase, but BFYB its hard to beat a tuned 135/335i!

Sure the M's are much nicer, built better, look better, handle better and quite possibly retain their value better they cant offer the BFYB that a 135/335i can!

Most guys coming out of a tuned N54 stepping up to a M3, need a supercharger and thats where the M3 really shows its true colours!

[1BimmerNut]

Ignore the blue and white roundel - Get the Merc AMG A45 Coupe/sedan or a second hand C63 if you want something different
Wanna stay BM - get the 335 and a JB4 or wait for the new 2

[BMWRX]

1BimmerNut, you've smashed the nail on the head. The 235i looks like it could be the answer.

[takahashi]

If you want rarity and don't want to see another car same as yours very often... There is only 6000 odd 1M in the world.

[Zuzu]

You should really drive a 1M with a Cobb tune like mine, before you make a decission.

[melbv]

+1
i think i would like to try other cars and you shouldnt miss the experience with an AMG!

Originally Posted by 1BimmerNut

Ignore the blue and white roundel - Get the Merc AMG A45 Coupe/sedan or a second hand C63 if you want something different
Wanna stay BM - get the 335 and a JB4 or wait for the new 2

[1BimmerNut]

Originally Posted by Zuzu

You should really drive a 1M with a Cobb tune like mine, before you make a decission.

I love my 1 er. I hardly drive it and think I will keep it for years and I drool over a 1M (too hard core for me though) but if I was buying a new car I would want something well different.... enough to justify the bending over on the trade in. I have never bought the same car - same brand yes. Kinda hard to lose 50% of value and then plump for the same treatment unless its the new model. Perhaps the 1M is different enough to a 135 that you would think its a completely different car??? Haven't driven one - someone educate me.

The 2 would be NEW as well as A45 and 335

[Alpine*]

the new model of these?

hmmmmm

[qship]

Visited my local Merc dealer during the week with some intent, only to find the A45 is sold out till Feb 2014 and some models are even a longer wait.Hope the new 235I comes with a 4wd option.

[05C4R]

alpine, are you getting paid a commission for this, its relentless, just BUY ONE!!

there is one quote from these vids which concerns me "feels like the rear axel is not there, its a proper front wheel drive car...."

Originally Posted by Alpine*

the new model of these?

hmmmmm

[WAY]

I'm sorry, but E92 M3 is the more accomplished car and a better honed chassis at the limit. Problem with M3 for a lot of people who only use these cars on the road, the M3 engine isn't the right one. But take it past 6000 rpm and that's where the fun starts, and also where the fun ends for the 1M.

[BMWRX]

Great points Way. And that's where I was disappointed with the M3. I go to the track once every year or two. But I do a fair bit if driving, whether going to work or just for a cruise. No doubt an M3 would still be great as a daily driver but I preferred getting back into my 135i.

Zuzu, did the Cobb tune iron out the light switch turbo?

[WAY]

Originally Posted by BMWRX

Great points Way. And that's where I was disappointed with the M3. I go to the track once every year or two. But I do a fair bit if driving, whether going to work or just for a cruise. No doubt an M3 would still be great as a daily driver but I preferred getting back into my 135i.

Zuzu, did the Cobb tune iron out the light switch turbo?

For you, the 1M would be the better car. Truth is, you can't go wrong with either of these cars anyway!

[BMW86]

Sounds like a 1M + JB4 is a winner. M235i and CLA45 look promising too.

[Zuzu]

Originally Posted by BMWRX

Zuzu, did the Cobb tune iron out the light switch turbo?

It sure did, without compromising the "M" button function.

Power delivery is now more precise and linear.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=850576

Selfish plug on your thread

[MrBlonde]

M3 plus super charger.

[micha3l]

Originally Posted by MrBlonde

M3 plus super charger.

+1 I'm loving it

Try to talk your dealer into taking the M3 home overnight. When I got to drive one by myself on my own terms, and really experience the high revving V8 that's when I was sold.

In saying that, to me the DCT M3 feels completely different to a manual. The manual felt much slower, maybe because of the gear ratios? Which did you drive/will be looking for?

[WAY]

The thing I really loved about my M3 was the throttle response. Of all the cars I've had, its second only to the GT3. I know it doesn't have explosive low end torque of a 1M (of course it doesn't being a NA car) but it doesn't feel unusable in daily drives either. I second the notion of taking one home for longer drives.

[david.orr]

Most of us 1Addicts would come to this point, some sooner than later. For 135i and 1M coupe owners who have been used to certain aspects of their existing cars, one option is to accept a 'lesser car' for the short term but not one too boring and await the arrival of newer improved ones like the M2, M4 etc. I assume most 1Addicts are here because we prefer smaller nimble cars but the new M3 would be an awesome next car. Moving from bimmers, the latest expanded AMG range is quite exciting and Audi would be stretched to price and bring the RS3 here but I don't think they have the option not to. There's plenty to bridge over to the next best bimmer, especially in the used premium sector. I'm sure you would be enjoying your search and deliberation!!

[WAY]

I'm actually really enjoying the M135i in auto and adaptive suspension too. It's too soft for track work though, but around town it's just about perfect!

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by MrBlonde

M3 plus super charger.