1 Series M in the Market
The 1 Series M has few direct competitors. With its 2+2 seating and $47,000 starting price, the Audi TTS is in the same ballpark, but its performance trails the 1M's, and you can't get a manual transmission. The new 2012 Audi TT RS comes exclusively with a manual transmission and all-wheel drive, and it boasts zero-to-60 times closer to 4 seconds, but it costs almost $10,000 more.
All the same, the 1M seems a car for BMW fans, but I wouldn't buy it without first testing the 135i and M3. If you're OK with the small size, the 135i will deliver nearly as much fun off a racetrack, and the M3 is more versatile. It's also thirstier, rated at 14/20 mpg with a manual transmission versus 19/26 mpg for the 1M and 20/28 mpg for the 135i. Whatever you do, act now, because the 1M will be sold only as a 2011 model.
See also:
The concept
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels
when driving away and accelerating.
DSC also recognizes unstable vehicle conditions,
such as fishtailing or nose-diving. Subject
to physical lim ...
Precision chassis engineering sets new standards: sporty handling, high
agility and increased comfort
In the sixth model generation, too, dynamism and performance are among the
stand-out features of the BMW sports sedan. These qualities are underpinned by a
precision-engineered chassis that perfec ...
Avoid high engine speeds
Use 1st gear to get the vehicle in motion. Beginning
with 2nd gear, accelerate rapidly. When
accelerating, shift up before reaching high engine
speeds.
When you reach the desired speed, shift i ...