HI.
I have owned C63 and currently driving a 1M (thanks to WAY.....) for the past 9 months. I have also driven the E92 M3 manual as well.
first off, for the price (brand new), u cannot beat the fun factor of the 1M. and going my your nickname "driftalot", the 1M is perfect for you (with traction control off or 1/2 off- which I prefer)
i feels a lot lighter than the M3. steering feels heavier tho. gear change about the same.
speed wise, it's a different feeling. I fully agree the M3 feels more sophisicated/upmarket. where the 1M and one u can throw around and not feel bad about it. the top end isnt anyway as manic as the V8, but being a turbo, the power range is ridiculous, its perfect for city driving.
to me, they are both as fast. yes, the V8 is light years ahead and it is one of the sweetest engines (after the c63's LOL!!) but I think even if they squeeze the M3 V8 into the 1M, it wont make it a better car than the M3.
I am glad BMW only offers manual, cos any auto tranny will wreck this car.... and the manual is a joy to use.
I do feel I have to concentrate more in the 1M driving fast compared to the M3. but I wasnt pushing too hard in the M3 as it wasnt my car..... but boy was it fun!!
the 1M does gets quite twitchy, esp in the wets (but no more so than the C63 with TC half disabled). despite reviews of it being snappy cos of the short wheelbase, I didnt find it. It was also every easy to catch a slip. but I always drive with the MDM on (ie TC half off) so that's cheating.....
in terms of looks, the 1M won me over with the ridiculously wide wheel arches!! u really hv to follow one and appreciate how wide this thing is!! hats off to BMW for making such a production car.
the 1M is a work car and a second car for me. and for my purpose, it's perfect. 90% of the time it's just me and my work bag. it's definitely NOT one u want to take your family in. the back seats are extremely uncomfortable compared to the M3. suspension is harsher than the M3. even the front seats feels very flimpsy compared to the M3's.
if u compare 2nd hand M3 prices (E90/E92) to a new 1M. it's a tough choice, esp there's not much discount on the 1M (at least in Oz cos they r sold out i think). but I can see you already hv a A4 as a family car, then the exclusiviity of the 1M probably the way to go.
so overall, I am happy with the 1M, and I am discovering the joy of driving a hooligan's car once more....
re C63.... it's all engine engine engine.... handful to drive in the wet..... and new tyres every 13000km..... and I would get a second hand four door..... jsut as fast as coupe, and prob cheaper than the BMW/ 1M...
good luck and tell us what you think after test drive! enjoy!
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BMW 1 M + C63.
