Extensively driven the 1M and M2 back-to-back in the mountains

[Artemis]

Extensively driven the 1M and M2 back-to-back in the mountains.

See my thread posted in the 2Addicts section:
http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1275744

Feel free to post comments over there.

[CarJunkie]

Great read, thanks!

[Redadair]

Very good overall. As has been mentioned the choice comes down to personal preference between these cars. I'll keep my 1M forever but I could at some point add an M2 as well. Maybe

[ORA]

glad you are enjoying your M2!!!

so Artemis one of the 1M drivers who was with you on that cool road trip posted on the 1M owners FB group that the 1M was "far more engaging and entertaining to drive" than the M2. What are your thoughts on that?

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by ORA

glad you are enjoying your M2!!!
so Artemis one of the 1M drivers who was with you on that cool road trip posted on the 1M owners FB group that the 1M was "far more engaging and entertaining to drive" than the M2. What are your thoughts on that?

I already confirmed in previous posts that both the 1M and M2 have their own character. Same bloodline but no twins:

"The M2 is indeed more indulgent/forgiving/lenient for driver's excitement than the 1M, awarding it (i.e. the M2) a more mature stature: the M2's back is broad enough to take the strain at a point where the 1M gives up and throws you out of the saddle. Some will like this kind of indulgence for safety reasons (staying on course), others probably don't (preferring a more challenging 'no risk no fun' on-the-edge behavior, requiring more attention or skill from the driver to avoid going off course). As indicated, in the end it's a personal thing."
(http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...6#post20069276)

Speaking from personal experience (confirmed by all other drivers who joined me up there high in the mountains for a great back-to-back 1M/M2 driving session), the 1M requires more involvement from the driver to keep it right on course, when driven in a spirited way in a daunting, treacherous environment. The driver's seat as a work place. If you manage to keep the 1M's feisty nature under control when pushed, you're in for an exciting stint of pure driving joy: you're going out with 'Kinky Boots', who has a soft spot for walks on the wild side, requiring your full attention. Work that body. Its genuine steering feel (actually 'analog', you might say) contributes to this overall experience. But beware: push too hard and the short-wheelbase 1M may bite back without mercy (personally I never had a mishap with any of my M cars - see me touching wood right now - only some so-called 'moments').

The M2 is less hardcore than the 1M. It helps the driver better in staying on course under challenging conditions. But it would be a mistake to label it 'docile' or 'numb'. You're going out with 'Cool Boots', who takes care of stuff to make it more comfortable for you. Reliable, trustworthy. The M2 equally requires driver's involvement, but less than the 1M. Also, the M2 DSC light is significantly 'calmer' on the M2 compared to the 1M on exactly the same roads. This gives the impression that the M2 chassis copes better with whatever situation the driver is throwing at it. Hence, it feels as if the M2 is easier/safer to drive than the 1M, when driven at the same speed through the bumpy twisties.

Driving the 1M again triggered some kind of bittersweet feeling for me. Probably like the tempting idea of making whoopee again with that pretty wild ex-girlfriend from a bygone past: that familiar feeling and fond memories lingering on like a lush perfume swirling in the evening air. But, hey, you both parted ways back in the day, moved on and got settled. No regrets, really.

If the 1M is rock 'n roll, then the M2 is jazz. Both got soul, but in a different way. Kinky (1M) & Cool (M2): I love both.

[1'M Blue]

Great thread and write up Artemis. glad your enjoying your car.

[M3 Adjuster]

I'm still having fun with the wild chick. :dance

[Amnizu]

"The M2 is less hardcore than the 1M. It helps the driver better in staying on course under challenging conditions. But it would be a mistake to label it 'docile' or 'numb'. You're going out with 'Cool Boots', who takes care of stuff to make it more comfortable for you. Reliable, trustworthy. The M2 equally requires driver's involvement, but less than the 1M. Also, the M2 DSC light is significantly 'calmer' on the M2 compared to the 1M on exactly the same roads. This gives the impression that the M2 chassis copes better with whatever situation the driver is throwing at it. Hence, it feels as if the M2 is easier/safer to drive than the 1M, when driven at the same speed through the bumpy twisties."

Great write up, this does make the M2 sound nerfed compared to the 1M which would make sense given it's larger overall wheel base.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by Amnizu

Great write up, this does make the M2 sound nerfed compared to the 1M which would make sense given it's larger overall wheel base.

Maybe that's what he's thinking.

[Trond]

A Swedish car magazine tested the 1M and the M2 on track and country roads recently with main conclusions that the 1M is more nimble with a go-cart like drivers engagement. The M2 with a longer and wider wheel base feels like a larger car and but more stable in turn in and out. All drivers from that test voted for the 1M from a fun of driving point of view.

[BimmerMat135]

The gearing is much shorter on the M2 120 km/h on the 1M =2400rpm vs 2800 on the M2.