[den525]

Here's my review of the M235i vs 1M Coupe.

Background: In terms of performance the M235i is stock, while for the 1M Coupe, it has a McChip-DKR, Milltek Cat-back exhaust, KW springs.

I'll split the review into a few categories. *Performance, Ride and handling *Comfort & Interior *Exterior Quality and Design *Value.

Performance, Ride and Handling

This is a little bit of an unfair comparison, one is stock and one is tuned with aftermarket exhaust and springs. The other difference is one is Auto and one is Manual.

In terms of performance, the delivery of power is a little bit different, the 1M is just pure raw power the pulling power of the car is ferocious, through each gear change the power pulls you right back into the seat, while the M235i matched with the ZF gearbox just pulls and pulls effortlessly.

The 1M along with the aftermarket exhaust definitely feels faster (butt dyno), the car definitely has a sportier ride (borderline uncomfortable), car also handles a little bit better. But on the flip side, the M235i is definitely a better daily car, the car accelerates just as fast but without all the noise and effort.

As for the ride and handling, with an aftermarket suspension setup and a M steering setup, the 1M is definitely harsher, more responsive and can feel the road a lot more (which is a pro and con). While the M235i, with the various modes (comfort, sport and sport+) it is a lot more adaptive to different situations. I especially like the steering feel and ride comfort with different modes.

In my opinion, overall, if you want a car that you can throw around corners, the brutal burst of acceleration, tracking or spirited driving? The 1M coupe is for you. But if you want a car that is fast but more suited to the daily grind? The M235i is for you.

Comfort and Interior

This is also a bit of an unfair comparison. As we're comparing a different generation of cars. Despite the 1M being introduced in 2011-2012 the E82 ultimately is a 2007 car, which means technology is a few years behind. But in saying that, the simplicity of BMW cars espeically the 1M is a plus which means the 1M aren't as dated as it could've been.

The 1M has wonderful electronically adjustable sport seats which is suitable for the car. The entertainment unit is very useful, love alcantara everywhere! The car is a little bit smaller, but acceptable. However, with an aftermarket exhaust, and suspension... It's definitely not as comfortable, and the drone on the car especially on a long commute can be grinding and annoying.

While the M235i, is the top of the range compared with it's rivals in today's market. You have everything you can imagine and will need. Reverse Cameras, auto park, keyless entry, high quality display entertainment unit etc. Car has great sound insulation, not a big fan of the ASD, but its not too bad.

Once again, this is down to a sporty feel (1M) or comfort, technologically more advance and luxury (M235i).

Exterior, Quality and Design

This is another debatable area for many. It's pretty straight forward for me, it's Angelina Jolie vs Jennifer Aniston. One is a bit rough around the edges with a strong personality vs the pretty blonde girl next door.

In terms of quality and design... well there are heaps of articles, videos about 1M being a frankenstein M car, taking parts from other cars etc. Where the M235i is not an M car so it shouldn't have all the M badges on it.

For me it's about the package of the car. I think both are designed and does what they're made for.

Value

For a 3 year old 2nd hand 1M to cost over AUD$80k... Is that great value or not... Well its limited, and the car will hold it's value for a lot longer than the M235i, that's without a doubt.

While the M235i, also a little bit over AUD$80k. I think it's great value for money, compared with it's rivals.

Overall

Both cars are great, I like the M235i more because it suits my wants and needs. Performance is amazing, it looks amazing, while there's comfort for the daily commute.

But sometimes you can't help but smile when you jump into the 1M and go for a bit of a thrash!

[jeffery_stearns]

Cool

[DanG]

It would be fun to get a review from someone who owns both. ��

[den525]

[den525]

[im_dave]

Nice. Does the 1M have an aftermarket exhaust?

Just need a drag race now!

[ABPReader]

.

[den525]

Originally Posted by im_dave

Nice. Does the 1M have an aftermarket exhaust?

Just need a drag race now!

1m has a non resonated cat back milltek exhaust kw coilover suspension and mcchip-dkr tune

[den525]

[crawfordbay]

Nice! Personal review comparing them would be awesome.

[den525]

Originally Posted by crawfordbay

Nice! Personal review comparing them would be awesome.

Just did a short review on both. If you have any comments or questions feel free to ask.

[davemawshall]

As the owner of the 1M involved in this, and with no input what so ever to the review, I agree 100% with it!

[crawfordbay]

Excellent review! Thank you!
It's great to hear a real, honest comparison from someone with real experience of both. I love the brashness and "specialness" of the 1M but I can see how it probably wouldn't fit into my life very well.