86 and BMW 1M drive

[Panman]

Last Thursday had the opportunity to do a Mt Nebo run in Brisbane with a mate who has a BMW 1M.

First up the 1M is awesome

So the trip was Mt Nebo - Me driving the 86 and my mate Geoff in his 1M. On the way up initially both taking it very (speed limit) easy - 86 keeps up easily at these speeds, and brake points are the same (all on the Blackvue).

At the top we swap cars and give it a little more go - still at "sensible" speeds.

Have to say the 1M is a missile after jumping straight out of the 86 - Impressions - you sit way too high in the BMW, brakes are awesome, and torque - Lordy, Lordy I nearly arse-ended my own car out of a corner with the pickup.

Here's the interesting thing though - my mate gets out of my car and says "This thing is awesome - so planted, so confidence inspiring - you need more brake."

We did the downhill which suits the 86 each in our own cars - most of the Brissie boys will know the drive into The Gap.... The 86 was not embarrassed at all - I led out and didn't see him at close quarters until we got to the bottom - This guy can drive (better than I can) so even at semi-sensible speeds the 86 can hold it's own.

He was right though, as standard for "fast-road" we need to be aware that the brakes are not optimal.

From a handling perspective mine is standard apart from the O.Z. Ultraleggerras and Federal 595 RS-Rs. 90K+ Limited edition BMW vs 86 - I'd call it a draw.

1M is brilliant inside though and on 90% of drives you'd fall in love with it - If you wanted a reason to spend money on the JPM Coachworks Alcantara - have a look inside the 1M.

If you needed validation that this car is worthy of car of the year - you have it - never been happier with money spent.

[tisb0b]

I'm jealous, sounds like you had a lot of fun ;D Although I have become accustomed to the low sitting position of the 86 so it would be a little weird sitting up higher in a performance vehicle.

[Panman]

He said the same thing - seating position in the 86 was "perfect"

[MarkMash]

nice write up - cheers.

can't wait to do nebo - headlights adequate for a night drive up there?

[gmookher]

1 series= wheelbase too short for higher speeds /extended long haul travel

[wbradley]

Geeze if I had known about the 1M in 2011 when it was available here I'd probably have bought it instead of 2 Scions (for the same total cost)!

There's a nice youtube video showing it drifting on a wet track if you search it.

We still have the coolest, lowest driftable cars around IMHO.

[a.beck]

Originally Posted by gmookher

1 series= wheelbase too short for higher speeds /extended long haul travel

It's 3.5 inches longer than the twins. I'm not sure what you're getting at.

[MY13FRS]

I like sitting higher up as you can better place the car in the corners. I like the seating in the FRS, but the S2000 have it beat. S2000 has the same seating as the FRS but you see more of the road. And yah, the M1 is a cool car, too heavy for its size though.

[G RUSH]

Originally Posted by MY13FRS

I like sitting higher up as you can better place the car in the corners. I like the seating in the FRS, but the S2000 have it beat. S2000 has the same seating as the FRS but you see more of the road. And yah, the M1 is a cool car, too heavy for its size though.

Did any S2000's have steering wheel adjustment though? I'm 6"2 and when I sat in one which didn't have adjustment it felt like i'd be steering with my balls

[MY13FRS]

Originally Posted by G RUSH

Did any S2000's have steering wheel adjustment though? I'm 6"2 and when I sat in one which didn't have adjustment it felt like i'd be steering with my balls

It's not the car's fault, it's not made for handicaps.

[G RUSH]

Originally Posted by MY13FRS

It's not the car's fault, it's not made for handicaps.

haha

you can't steer with your balls?

lol

[Cappuccino]

Thanks for sharing!

I can see a 1M being just one of those unforgettable drives!

Originally Posted by gmookher

1 series= wheelbase too short for higher speeds /extended long haul travel

What??? Wheel base as nothing to do with travelling long distances. The car is actually longer than our cars. The interior has everything to do with feeling comfortable in long distance.