1M for sale locally....had decided on an M3!

[RaidersFan]

Was going to try and score a low mileage 2013 M3 E92 ZCP (there are a couple for sale locally) but I just saw that 2 dealers within a day's drive have 1M coupes for sale, both around the $50k price point. Worth a day to go check them out? I know it is a very well regarded car, and I used to own a 135i; seemed like the perfect size for a performance car.

Upsides I can see to the 1M:
-more useable torque in daily situations
-lighter, more responsive feel
-holds value better? Certainly in the past, but not sure going forward
-unique, not a common car

Downsides:
-for less than the price of a 2011 1M, I can get a 2013 M3 with 20k less miles and 2-4 years more warranty
-V8 is unreal above 5000 rpms
-DCT option (although I love 6MT as well)
-higher end interior typically

What are your thoughts? Worth a 8 hour drive (round trip) to drive a couple of 1M's? And, will it hold it's value once an M2 can be had in the mid 50's? A friend who has had an M3 for 5 years says they lose around $5/6k a year on depreciation once a few years old. I don't think the 1M is anywhere near that number. As far as driving experience goes though, what do you all think?

[STooK]

Tough choice. No one knows what's going to happen to the value of the 1M's after the M2's come out but I don't see it going down. M2 might be a better performer but since the 1M was limited I think it'll keep its value.

Do you want to get the 1M just because you think it'll be a better financial investment? I haven't driven the 1M but I had a 335 and given the choice between the N5x and the S65, there is just no contest. I'll take the slower, less torque, gas chugging S65 any day. 1M isn't special because it's a special car, it's special because it's produced in a limited amount. We won't see a car like the e9x M3 ever again, so if you are into high revving NA engines then the M3 is the better choice, even if it will depreciate faster than a 1M.

[mjposner]

If you plan on daily driving and piling on the miles, then no, but as a week-end toy, far better investment. M3s will continue to go south until stable, with mileage a factor. Low mile 1ms seem to hold value, but we are also in a collector car bubble right now (see late 80s)

[Groundpilot]

m3. Period.

[gsmooth33]

The 1M will hold its value because as stated before it had limited production. I have never driven a 1M however the smile on my face is huge every time I drive my White Beast aka E93!

[Helmsman]

The 1M I bet will be a crazy fun car as well, special enought particulary if you didn't get used to the M3 and have that as a ref. And yes the value clearly holds in a extremely nice way, same thing over here in Sweden.
Either way can't go wrong buddy.

[MachinesWithSouls]

The M2 is better in every single regard in comparison to the 1M. I bet they dip once the new car is available.

That being said, id still choose the m3, since it will feel the most special. But, cars like this are not based on rational comparisons, so I'd say drive both and see what feels right!

[djDori_C]

Buy both 😄👍👍

[jphughan]

I drove both on back roads. 1M torque was cool, but turbo lag was annoying and somehow the novelty of acceleration wears off, probably because there's no skill involved. You just mash the pedal and hold the steering wheel straight. It felt lighter and smaller but not enough to be a significant factor (unlike the BRZ which was my awakening to the virtues of a light, small car). Shorter shifter was nice too but again not a world of difference. The engine was the biggest let-down since it just didn't feel that extra bit of special, and that sort of wiped out the upsides to me. I was very happy to get back into my M3 and wring out the S65. I also just don't think the front and rear end styling of the 1M holds a candle to the M3, in particular the tail lamps and the lower half of the front bumper. The iDrive display just poking out above the dash didn't appeal to me either, but that's how BMW is doing things on the F3x/F8x now too.

I personally don't see the 1M holding value at all once the M2 is out, unless you wait maybe 15-20 years for it to reach classic collector status, at which point it might appreciate again, but by then you'll have incurred the costs of keeping the car in great shape that long.

[K_style]

Though I picked M3 over all other M cars and flew 1000 miles to pick it up, You asked this in M3 section.. Might be fair to post in 1M section if there is any or 1addict to see their response.

My 2cents but S65 was no brainier.

[kaede]

Good read if you haven't already: (http://www.bimmerfile.com/2014/06/23...e92-m3-and-1m/)

Because of the 1M's rarity, i really do think it will hold value well even when the M2 comes out. The 1M has that "look at me, i am a beast" kinda styling which is quite aggressive and attractive (to me, of course aesthetics is personal). Since you're looking into the 1M, i assume that you personally like the styling as well.

the E9x M3 with the S65 engine is intoxicating, but rarely do i find i have the occasion to let it loose on my day to day driving (very little highway, mostly city). It feels special, and when the revs goes beyond 5k, it is motoring heaven. However, as mentioned, unfortunately i seldomly get the chance to take it there. The 1M then seems more practical and better fun on the street.

1M styling and rarity makes it feel special. Where as the E9x's S65 motor makes it feel special. Both incredible vehicles and you really can't go wrong with either. Personally, i think it is worth the drive to check it out (of course, if there is a closer sample nearby or an owner nearby that doesn't mind giving you a ride/test drive, will be better). It is a "major" investment (not in terms of dollar value, but in terms of fun) and you should buy the one that you feel that is more special to you. Cheers!

[8600RPM]

It's funny how different drivers of same cars,experience things diffetently. It is everyday on city streets I take it to 8k rpms and never much on highway. I love 1st and 2nd gear redlines. I would go m3!

[cenix]

I would only get a 1M on two occasions:
1. As a collector piece on a low mileage one
2. Able to purchase dirt cheap for a good condition one

Other than that, it is special in its limited production only. I think it will be an expensive collectible years down the line.

[loveskiing]

there are only two occasions that I would buy a 1m over an m3...
the first one is on the 12th...of never...
and the second one is on the 31st of February.

[NYBulldog]

I would get the M3 and drive the hell out of it.

[Bushum]

Originally Posted by 8600RPM

It's funny how different drivers of same cars,experience things diffetently. It is everyday on city streets I take it to 8k rpms and never much on highway. I love 1st and 2nd gear redlines. I would go m3!

I second this. I redline my car almost every time I drive it and I hardly ever see the highway. I think this is why I have more fun than my Z06 which redlined at 60, 90, 127 MPH (never redlined 4th)

On topic, I would get the M3. I do not like the look of the 1 series in any model. Also you will be able to get a turbo 4 or 6 in many cars in the foreseeable future. The same cannot be said for a high revving N/A V8.

[M3 Number 86]

1m should stay in the garage. Lol.

M3 you can drive it all the time.

[blue flowers]

If you plan on driving it every day, stick with the M3. If you have another car and want something to hang on to to retain value, and take out on cruises and track days, then go with the 1M.

[Kong Sheng Han]

1M if it had a NA motor.

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by 8600RPM

It's funny how different drivers of same cars,experience things diffetently. It is everyday on city streets I take it to 8k rpms and never much on highway. I love 1st and 2nd gear redlines. I would go m3!

At 8K RPM in 2nd you're doing 70 MPH. You do that on city streets, or do you only redline 1st? I hardly ever redlined on city streets because BMW drivers have enough of a reputation for being obnoxious as it is, plus I have Hill Country roads around here, not to mention tracks.

I agree that the 1M would be a better fit for people who never bother to drive in environments that lend themselves to opening a performance car up though. Even a 1M might be overkill for someone who will seldom drive anywhere other than city streets and freeways though....

[swartzentruber]

Originally Posted by SoManyBlueCars

The M2 is better in every single regard in comparison to the 1M. I bet they dip once the new car is available.

The 1M is lighter by a non-trivial amount. I kind of originally had this thought as well, and I'm still shocked at how well the 1M is holding value, but I actually don't think the M2 will affect values as much as people think. The M2 is a little too much like the M235 and M4, whereas the 1M was and still is a bit of a unicorn.

That said, I'm aligned with others that a 1M has the most value probably as a collector car, it's unlikely to retain the inflated values they are selling for if you start putting significant mileage on it, though in some ways it might be a little better commuter car.

OP, I think you've probably outlined the pros/cons pretty well yourself, and only you can choose. I will say I'm dealing with the turbo lag issue personally with my Golf R -- in most respects it's a fantastic car, and makes a far better DD than my M3, but there are times when the unpredictability of the throttle, due mostly I think to lag, just drives me nuts, and I would kill for the complete predictability of the S65.

[8600RPM]

Originally Posted by jphughan

At 8K RPM in 2nd you're doing 70 MPH. You do that on city streets, or do you only redline 1st? I hardly ever redlined on city streets because BMW drivers have enough of a reputation for being obnoxious as it is, plus I have Hill Country roads around here, not to mention tracks.

I agree that the 1M would be a better fit for people who never bother to drive in environments that lend themselves to opening a performance car up though. Even a 1M might be overkill for someone who will seldom drive anywhere other than city streets and freeways though....

Getting onto freeways all dsy I redline 2nd. Often I punch it in 2nd and take it to 7500. Still a blast