This is what I plan on doing if I can't get an 1M

[Redadair]

I am not giving up on my order but!

With the low production rumors going around should I not get my 1M because of low allotment numbers at my small local dealer I have decided on a replacement car.

I have priced out a low optioned but just the way I would want a new 2012 Porsche Cayman R at ~$69,600. While this is more or less the same cost as a new M3 I am not looking at the M3 because of it's size, weight and poor fuel mileage.

The Cayman R is only 2855lbs (400lbs lighter than the 1M, 800lbs lighter than the e9x M3) with 330 HP, 273 TQ and will be one of the best overall handling cars out there period. I have never wanted to spend over ~$50K for any car which is one of the reasons I am looking forward to the 1M I think the Cayman R may just force me to pay the difference.

To me the downside to the Cayman is that it's only a 2 seat car with minimal trunk space but that's the only downside.

Come on BMW make enough 1M's for at least all of us with money down on the cars!

[dmanges]

Originally Posted by Redadair

I am not giving up on my order but!

With the low production rumors going around should I not get my 1M because of low allotment numbers at my small local dealer I have decided on a replacement car.

I have priced out a low optioned but just the way I would want a new 2012 Porsche Cayman R at ~$69,600. While this is more or less the same cost as a new M3 I am not looking at the M3 because of it's size, weight and poor fuel mileage.

The Cayman R is only 2855lbs with 330 HP, 273 TQ and will be one of the best overall handling cars out there period. I have never wanted to spend over ~$50K for any car which is one of the reasons I am looking forward to the 1M I think the Cayman R may just force me to pay the difference.

To me the downside to the Cayman is that it's only a 2 seat car with minimal trunk space but that's the only downside.

Come on BMW make enough 1M's for at least all of us with money down on the cars!

I could get you in to a 2009 M3 for a good price....

[HERR FSTIR]

Totally agree with the Cayman R as plan B. I've been struggling with this for a few months. With the 1M I can sell my 335xi (although it is one hell of a winter car!). Whereas with a cayman it would be sitting in the garage for long stretches of time, which makes it difficult to justify spending $70K on what is basically a toy (although you only live once).

So from a pragmatists viewpoint the 1M makes more sense. But if production volumes are as low as suggested, and the 1M cannot be obtained, then I would start consider the cayman.

The problem then becomes do you get a cayman R or pickup a new M3 before they shut down production. I share your concerns about the excessive mass of the M3 (and 3 series in general), but the V8 may be reason enough to overlook such concerns.

[E821M]

Is the Cayman R not limited production as well?

[Augenbrauezug]

If I had the money for a Cayman R, I wouldn't even be looking at the 1m. My job doesn't require me to ever drive more than 1 person around and I don't HAVE to haul to much crap with me.

1m is really a stretch for my budget, but it is doable and I am a total car whore and BMW fanboy. Hears to hoping we will get our Ms.

[SamS]

Good thread topic!

I'm on my dealer's list as well, but of course nothing is guaranteed. And even if my dealer can offer me the 1M, if they go crazy with a markup over MSRP, I will absolutely be considering another car.

Unfortunately, my budget is not $70K, rather low $50s. And used is not an option. I already have a perfectly good daily driver, I'm looking to get a new, fun car that I can enjoy for a long time.

I originally got interested in the F30 over a year ago. However, the more I think about it, I think even the 335i sedan/F30 will not be sporty enough for me, now that I'm excited about a car like the 1M. And the F32 is still 2 years away. I'd like to get something in a year or less. I just don't think I could wait 2+ years for the F32, M2, etc.

I'm pretty sure I'd like DCT. This narrows my options down to a 135i w/DCT or a 335is w/DCT (can be had for low $50s with good discounts and ED). The only downsides are the styling of the 135i looks rather weak to me now after seeing the 1M. And both cars are in their last year of production, I lean more towards "having the latest and greatest". Of course, no guarantee that the 135i or 335is replacements will show up anytime soon, or with a DCT option.

I'm open to ideas... but the 1M would really be the ticket for me!

[blueshark]

That's a lot of dough.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by Augenbrauezug

If I had the money for a Cayman R, I wouldn't even be looking at the 1m. My job doesn't require me to ever drive more than 1 person around and I don't HAVE to haul to much crap with me.

1m is really a stretch for my budget, but it is doable and I am a total car whore and BMW fanboy. Hears to hoping we will get our Ms.

Me too, at least in terms of my current vehicular stable.. For years I have enjoyed having a beater, an SUV, and a dedicated track car, and a sedan, just none of them NEW. To the OP... I've never felt a need/strong desire to spend more than 40K on a car until the 1M. A Cayman R is a nice substitute (hehehehehe) if you can't get a 1M, but wow that's another price level

[as7920]

Well it seems there isn't a lot of room for negotiating any discount on the list price here in the UK due to it's rarity and demand so I'm currently shopping around for the best finance deals.

Unfortunately for the 1M the best deals i have had so far are on the Audi RS3.
for whatever reason the lenders seem to have better residuals for the Audi as opposed to the Beemer and by some margin.

I still prefer the 1M but would be just as happy in the RS3 especially as the finance deals are working out better for the RS3 over 3 years as opposed to the 1M which are working out better over 4 years.

If it weren't for the fact I need 4 seats, i would go for the Cayman too. Good choice.

[MrRoboto]

Damn you guys get good deals on cars in the USA.

[crzy4135i]

Originally Posted by Redadair

I am not giving up on my order but!

With the low production rumors going around should I not get my 1M because of low allotment numbers at my small local dealer I have decided on a replacement car.

I have priced out a low optioned but just the way I would want a new 2012 Porsche Cayman R at ~$69,600. While this is more or less the same cost as a new M3 I am not looking at the M3 because of it's size, weight and poor fuel mileage.

The Cayman R is only 2855lbs (400lbs lighter than the 1M, 800lbs lighter than the e9x M3) with 330 HP, 273 TQ and will be one of the best overall handling cars out there period. I have never wanted to spend over ~$50K for any car which is one of the reasons I am looking forward to the 1M I think the Cayman R may just force me to pay the difference.

To me the downside to the Cayman is that it's only a 2 seat car with minimal trunk space but that's the only downside.

Come on BMW make enough 1M's for at least all of us with money down on the cars!

For ~$70k I'd be looking at a used 997tt.

[gazz]

How about a 135is. Either manual or DCT. Fit an LSD. Have a good, i.e. race experience, shop do a suspension tune and you are really 90% of the way to an M1. You can still drive it like you stole it and have a ball. Not to mention various mods for the engine. But having been down that route I find the standard tune to be a more driveable engine. Perhaps an oil catch can and a larger intercooler. This would keep to your original $50k philosophy and you get a trunk.

[DiavelM3]

Originally Posted by crzy4135i

For ~$70k I'd be looking at a used 997tt.

Or a pre-owned 911 Turbo

[Papethova]

my plan b is a GT3 RS, I really REALLY hope to stay with plan a though

[Redadair]

Originally Posted by formula M

ok, thnx...

How do you end up cross-shopping a BMW 1M and a Porsche Cayman R. What is your criteria? Perhaps then, you'll understand yourself more. Instead of fretting/perpetrating a rumor based on "hear say".

To me this is very easy to see the cross shopping between the 1M and the Cayman R. Let me explain.

To be comparing the 1M with the much more expensive Cayman R is saying a lot of the 1M. I would prefer to stay with BMW's so what other choices are there for BMW's other than the 1M? 335is? I already have a 335i which I find to be too big and heavy without the nimble car feeling I am looking for.
Z4is, I have never been a big fan of the BMW Z line.

This leaves the M3. I have already addressed the issues I have with the M3, it's heavier than my 335i, the same size, gas mileage sucks so I am not in the market for one. And how much is it???? The same as the Cayman R.

Lets look at MY requirements for my next car. Exclaimer here! Your requirements may differ but that's OK.

Car must feel nimble to drive, light, tossable and return good road feel. Most important to me is a Neutral Handling car, one that doesn't Understeer, or Oversteer excessively. My preferance would be a coupe with back seats like the 1M which makes the car more practical for everyday use.

Acceleration times in the mid to low 4 second range 0 - 60
Qtr Mile times in the high 12 - low 13 second range
Fuel Mileage ~25+ highway

This rules out the 911 for me, even a used one as they are famous for Oversteer at the limit.

Cars that meet this criteria???

First choice for me is the BMW M cars because of their neutral handling capabilities, but again the current M3 just doesn't do it for me.

Next in line is the Cayman, Boxster because of the Mid engine design they have a far superior handling capability over the 911. However Porsche refuses to reward this great chassis with it's high output engines of the 911. Why would they and ultimately hurt sales of their historical cash cow the 911.

Check out this article for track times of the 911S and the Cayman S. (Tied). Note the M3 bested both. All cars were 2009 models.
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...p_2009-feature

Other cars in the price range between the 1M and the Cayman R?

Lotus Elise. Great track car, terrible daily driver
Nisson GTR, $84,000 + not in the price range at all.
Corvette, great performance cars but again I have never been a big fan of corvettes
???

As I said earlier I am hoping to get my 1M. I am quite cretin I will be able to order and receive a 1M but it never hurts to have a plan B

[GeniuneSorny]

Couldn't agree more with your assessment. Although there's always the option of not getting a new car at all. That's probably my plan B

[Robert]

I am not sure if I would get a CS-R. I have two options

1) 07-08 Cayman S plus a TPC turbo kit that has shown to run 1/4 miles in 11s. 37-42k for the CS before mod.

2) 08 GT-R - 50-60k.

I think I'd rather go the GT-R and keep the warranty but I do love the concept of mid-engine and light weight of CS.

[Mowse]

I'd even get a zany color like green or orange. But at $20k+ more than the 1M for basically the same performance? Gotta stick with my order.

I actually bought the Cayman S in 2006 when it came out. Nice car but pricey for the performance. The 1M is the best deal around for "premium" performance. I know it's snobby but I don't consider a Mustang or 370Z a "premium" car even though the "bang for the buck" numbers are unbeatable.

[Robert]

Originally Posted by Mowse

I'd even get a zany color like green or orange. But at $20k+ more than the 1M for basically the same performance? Gotta stick with my order.

I actually bought the Cayman S in 2006 when it came out. Nice car but pricey for the performance. The 1M is the best deal around for "premium" performance. I know it's snobby but I don't consider a Mustang or 370Z a "premium" car even though the "bang for the buck" numbers are unbeatable.

I never felt my 135i was premium. The interior was spartan and had quality similar to Camry and Accords, and by that I meant good quality but never felt luxurious in my BMW like how I feel in a 5 series. I hope the alcantara in the 1M helps.

Cayman's performance will shine at the limit of performance. Not going to be usable in daily drive but would it shine on the track.

[Augenbrauezug]

Originally Posted by Robert

I never felt my 135i was premium. The interior was spartan and had quality similar to Camry and Accords, and by that I meant good quality but never felt luxurious in my BMW like how I feel in a 5 series. I hope the alcantara in the 1M helps.

Cayman's performance will shine at the limit of performance. Not going to be usable in daily drive but would it shine on the track.

It's all relative.

Most people will never own a 5 series. I get tons of comments on how nice my 1er is from young and old alike. I'd venture to say that it receives far more compliments than my 3er sedan ever did. Now my 335 coupe, that's another story.

Same with the Cayman, wouldn't be practical for most people in day to day use, but it would suit my needs just fine as I never have to haul more than 1 person nor do I ever need to carry a ton of crap.

Still getting a 1m though

[JimD]

Why not a Z4is? I saw a red one at the PCD when we were autocrossing on the track. It looked great! The reviews are not so hot but I would certainly want to drive it before crossing over to the Porsche. The only Porsches I've driven was the old 4 cylinder mid-engine with the lift off roof and a 911S. You could keep the first one but the 911 was nice.

Jim

[penny]

I'm too looking at a Cayman R or Boxster Spyder. The one thing that made me jump ship -- HPFP.