[BMW M Power Mexico]

Originally Posted by sparkyg

Interesting that the 1M and M135i had no issues.

Makes you wonder if an undersized cooling system on the M5 or the engine design with the turbos on top?

I am no engineer but I believe that heat generated is basically proportionally related to power, so the M5 has a lot more heat to dissipate than the smaller cars and it's also much heavier so it's using a lot more power (thus, heat) to move around all the time.

And I'm sure dissipating heat with the hot V design is quite a challenge. The next M3/4 will be an inline-6 but who knows about the turbo arrangement?

I know that I won't get it unless I am 100% sure that I can track it similarly to my current cars.

[IB M]

Great write-up; really enjoyed the compare and contrast of so many cool cars. Limp mode on new M4 would be a Fail. I also think artificial sound should be illegal; maybe I'll change my mind after driving a car so equipped.

[jeremicium]

Great write up, thank you!

With the M3 being a bit out of my price range I have very high hopes for the M235i when it comes to the states...especially since LSD looks to finally be available as an option.

[Chris Pringle]

Excellent review indeed! I saw a video review of the M135i. It left me very impressed with its handling characteristics, especially since they had it facing an RS3.

[kardboard]

Originally Posted by pkim1079

when I first clicked the GF trying to kill me video, I thought you were in the car and it would just spin out.....it was funny to see you start to run away! But hey, she's getting good at it in the second video!

M3 wins!!!

I believe that was the 335i she was driving. Not an M car

[Phatcat]

Great write up, and that M3 looks awesome.

[RPiM5]

I've driven an M3 and an M5 on the track back to back as well. I agree with most of you said. However, I had no expectations that the M5 would "feel" better than the M3 or be more fun. The M5 is a sports sedan, not a sports car. The M5 has a dual mission of being both luxurious and fast, while the M3 does not. I feel the same as you, I definitely thought the M3 was heaven driving on a track. What's not to love about it? It's 600lbs lighter, has an engine that rev's to 8,300rpm and is extremely perfectly well balanced. I felt like the M3 was almost too easy to drive compared to the M5. I thought the M5 was just as fun on the track though. Insane amounts of lethal torque, and it accelerated so crazy out of apex's. It was definitely more of a challenge to control the torque coming out of turns and although it was more difficult to handle in the corners because of the weight, I thought it braked better than the M3. For a dedicated track car I'd pick the M3 all day everyday, but the M5 was just as capable and in the hands of an experienced driver, an F10 M5 can lap E92 M3's all day everyday. It's just that you can use your seat coolers to keep your butt cool and listen to your Bang & Olufsen in the M5 while racing on the track, whereas in the M3 you have the music of the S65 V8. The M5 is a capable track car no doubt, just not everybody's cup of tea.

[i001947]

Well said.

[FotiosF90M5]

I enjoyed reading the entire thread with a cup of coffee. Thanks a lot!

[BMW M Power Mexico]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

I've driven an M3 and an M5 on the track back to back as well. I agree with most of you said. However, I had no expectations that the M5 would "feel" better than the M3 or be more fun. The M5 is a sports sedan, not a sports car. The M5 has a dual mission of being both luxurious and fast, while the M3 does not. I feel the same as you, I definitely thought the M3 was heaven driving on a track. What's not to love about it? It's 600lbs lighter, has an engine that rev's to 8,300rpm and is extremely perfectly well balanced. I felt like the M3 was almost too easy to drive compared to the M5. I thought the M5 was just as fun on the track though. Insane amounts of lethal torque, and it accelerated so crazy out of apex's. It was definitely more of a challenge to control the torque coming out of turns and although it was more difficult to handle in the corners because of the weight, I thought it braked better than the M3. For a dedicated track car I'd pick the M3 all day everyday, but the M5 was just as capable and in the hands of an experienced driver, an F10 M5 can lap E92 M3's all day everyday. It's just that you can use your seat coolers to keep your butt cool and listen to your Bang & Olufsen in the M5 while racing on the track, whereas in the M3 you have the music of the S65 V8. The M5 is a capable track car no doubt, just not everybody's cup of tea.

I agree with you. I had just a few laps in the M5 (immediately after driving the M3). If I had the car for more time I'd probably get more comfortable with it's handling characteristics. But the limp mode means that I couldn't do more laps - at least continuously. From what I've read, that's not an issue if you are at or near sea level. But up here it sucks that an M car limps.

The M5 is a fantastic car of course, it's just that - specifically on a tight track - the M3 is so much more fun. I have no doubt that the M5 would be faster almost everywhere because it CAN mostly keep up with the M3 on turns (even if you have to work so much harder to do it and enjoy it a bit less) and it will absolutely destroy the M3 on the straight bits.

[535DMSport]

"'M3 Tranny mode''

Does that come with a pair of pink high heels?

[BMW M Power Mexico]

Originally Posted by 535DMSport

"'M3 Tranny mode''

Does that come with a pair of pink high heels?

The perils of a second language and double meanings.

[Ibyusuf]

That must have been a thrilling experience. Wonderful

[KG3356MT]

Originally Posted by BMW M Power Mexico

Last Friday I was fortunate to attend the ///M Driving Experience by BMW Mexico at the Amozoc (Puebla). I have taken several driving courses before (Porsche Driver Training, BMW Driver Training, BMW Performance Driving School, BMW CCA courses at Oktoberfest, etc) and attend the track in my cars about every 2 months or so on average. This was one of the most fun experiences I've had. This was the available lineup and we got to drive all of them: M135i (2x), 335i Sport Line, 335i M Sport, X6M, M3 Competition Package DCT, M5 Competition Package DCT



We had 3 exercises and after that an open track (with an instructor-led pace car) session where we drove each of 6 cars back to back for 3 laps each at pretty much full tilt. It helped that most of the attending students where quite experienced. My GF attended with me and took the lessons too. She is getting to be quite the track driver gradually. I am proud of her.

The first exercise was a hard braking and line perfecting exercise for which we got an M135i hatch, automatic, with non-adjustable dampers. It was a great fun exercise that required skill and concentration. My GF did 6 passes and I did 5. My very early impressions of the M135i was that it was a bit soft, but as I pushed harder I was attended at the chassis balance. The car is definitely softer spring than my 1M but it handles……perfectly. No understeer at all, super easy to point and control. And the drivetrain combination of the turbo 6 + the 8 speed auto is fantastic. I was thinking that this tranny was as good as a DCT (until I later drove the M3 DCT). It's the best automatic I've ever driven. It basically changes instantly and obeys every command in manual mode. The sound of the engine is fantastic, I couldn't care less if it's artificially pumped in through the stereo. That's unnoticeable and it sounds so much better than the 1M. This was the start of what was a day of loving the M135i.

The second exercise was a drifting/oversteer exercise on a wet corner of the track. We got the 335i Sport Line, also with the 8 speed auto. I expected less from the regular 3 series here. It however surprised me. Neutral balance, very easy to drift and control. The interior quality is a step above the M135i. Very nice indeed. It is of course a bit softer than the M135i but still very predictable and easy to place. And the powertrain here is also fantastic if a bit less powerful (not really very noticeable). It doesn't have the engine sound "enhanced" and I wish it had it too.

GF trying to kill me

GF now much better:

M5 exercise:

After that we had lunch and then continued with learning a different section of the track with a very technical long left hander as part of a sequence of turn. For this one we got THE BEAST. The X6M. The handling of that thing is simply mind-blowing. I just couldn't unsettle it. The 4WD system is nothing short of fantastic. I could place it exactly where I wanted at insane speeds. The engine is amazing. No lag basically and what a sound. However, the tranny here (6 speed auto) is definitely a step behind the newer 8-speed in the smaller cars and 2 steps behind the DCT. Shifting manually there is a very noticeable delay between your command and the execution of it. Subjectively between half a second and a full second. Ultimately I decided to leave it in sport drive and forget about it. In that mode it works very well on the track with the car basically making the tight decision 99% of the time. So it was fine. And you are just enjoying so much the physics - defying nature of this beast that you'll be grinning ear to ear. It can keep up with the much lighter cars. No problem.

And then, the "piece-de-resistance". Driving all cars back to back for 3 complete laps at a very fast pace (very, very close to 10/10ths for me). I'll go ahead and rank them here in order from most track fun to least track fun. This is not a speed ranking, it is a fun ranking, ok?

1. M3 Competition Package DCT, (Suspension Normal, Throttle Sport, DSC Fully Off, M3 Tranny Mode)



This is the benchmark. It was a step above everything else on the track for fun. It did feel down on power compared to all the turbo cars (this track is at more than 5,000ft above sea level). But I didn't care one bit. The alcantara steering wheel and steering system let you place the car within millimiters of where you want it. The engine is a gem that responds instantly. And oh the DCT! My M3 is a manual E90. This was an E92 DCT (frozen black too). What can I say, I've been a manual kind of guy all my life but on the track the DCT is fantastic. Immediate, fantastic shifts and the sounds to go along with it. The car did feel lighter and more agile than my E90. Definitely enough to be noticeable. The combination of CF roof and competition package makes a noticeable difference. Not night and day but enough to be worth it. I liked it so much that I will consider trading my E90 for a lightly used E92 Competition Package in a year or so.

2. M135i 8 Speed Auto RWD, (Sport+, DSC Fully Off)

There were two of these so I drove it extensively. It is softer than the M3 but the chassis balance is as good. No understeer, easy to place. It even oversteers a bit more easily than the M3, and in an incredibly easy to control and fun manner. Brought a huge grin to my face. And the engine sound, artificial or not (again, who cares?) is fantastic. For the price (half of what the M3 costs here and 1/3rd of the price of the M5) it cannot be beat. If I had a budget limited to what this car costs I wouldn't be unhappy at all having one as an only car. Slightly cramped inside (I am 6'4") but very liveable.

3. X6M (Throttle Sport, EDC Sport, Tranny in S Drive, DSC Fully Off)

Astounding beast. It is so good I don't know why it has a DSC system. The 4WD is so good that it tracks exactly with DSC off, couldn't get it to misbehave and believe me - I tried. I loved everything on this car. Purists can go to hell (and I am a very longtime BMW fan). I am glad ///M built this just because they can. The feeling of manhandling such a heavy beast brought a huge grin to my face. I'd love to have one. Fantastic, fantastic car. Only complaint is that the tranny is no good in manual mode. Having said that, it is so good in drive that you wouldn't really care.

4. 335i M Sport (Sport+, DSC fully off - this car had adjustable dampers)

Punches above its weight. It is not a track car of course but still very much fun, good handler, easy to place and possibly the best all-around car (for a reasonable price) car here.

5. M5 Competition Package (EDC Sport, Tranny in manual mode (fastest mode), DSC on MDM mode - had to respect the RWD beast, and Throttle in sport)



I had high expectations for this car. And it was the brand new competition package too. The engine is of course the star of the car and better than anything else here. It feels a lot faster - in a straight line - than anything else I drove that day. It will easily walk the other cars. And the engine sound again - artificial or not - is fantastic. The DCT is without fault changing instantly and immediately with no drama.

But the chassis/steering I am sorry to say was unfortunately a bit of a dissapointment. This was a relatively short, technical track that plays to the strengths of lighter cars. But still, I found myself slipping and sliding around in the M5 more than in anything else. I was fighting the car more than enjoying the car. It's probably the best car for any other situation outside the track, like a mountain road or of course the autobahn. But I really was looking forward to this car being the star of the day and sadly it wasn't. It also went into limp mode at the end of my 3 laps (the X6M did that too). If I was getting a 5 series I'd be happy with a 535i/550i after driving this. If it isn't fantastic on a track, I guess I can get 95% of the fun every day from a "regular" 5 series. Don't flame me M5 fans, it's just my opinion.

Some final takeaways from the experience:

- The hydraulic steering in the M3 was the best by quite a margin.
- The "small" BMWs on the 1/3 series platform are very well sorted and still drivers cars in every way.
- The M135i is the performance bargain of the decade.
- The X6M is a magnificent, mind-blowing beast.
- I couldn't care less if the engine sound is artificially enhanced. I want that on my next car.
- DCT and the newer autos are so good it's pretty much a given that my next BMW purchase won't be a manual.
- Here's hoping that the next-generation 5er gets lighter and more sporty.
- Given how well the M135i and the F30 335i drive, I have high hopes that the next M3/M4 will be great.
- All the cars brakes held up very well with no fade for the entire day. It seems BMW ///M has fixed this long-time problem.
- Kudos to BMW Mexico for organising and hosting a fantastic driving event.

Thanks for the write up. Glad you had fun. I also agree with you that the newer autos and DCT transmissions out perform the manuals. And that X6M is amazing. It makes me wish BMW would offer an M3/M4 with that AWD system from the X6M. I would buy something like that in a heartbeat.

[BMW M Power Mexico]

Originally Posted by KG3356MT

Thanks for the write up. Glad you had fun. I also agree with you that the newer autos and DCT transmissions out perform the manuals. And that X6M is amazing. It makes me wish BMW would offer an M3/M4 with that AWD system from the X6M. I would buy something like that in a heartbeat.

The X6M is indeed amazing. However I am not so sure I'd want that system in an M3. It would possibly be faster with the added traction but at the same time less fun given that you wouldn't be able to "play with it" as you can today.

It would help something like an M5 more I think.

[///1M]

Great read!

So if you had a 1M and an M135i side-by-side in the garage, which set of keys do you reach for?

[KG3356MT]

Originally Posted by BMW M Power Mexico

The X6M is indeed amazing. However I am not so sure I'd want that system in an M3. It would possibly be faster with the added traction but at the same time less fun given that you wouldn't be able to "play with it" as you can today.

It would help something like an M5 more I think.

I understand but, drifting and burnouts were never my thing just going fast.

[CrimsonIvy35i]

What do you think of the X6M?

[BMW M Power Mexico]

Originally Posted by ///1M

Great read!

So if you had a 1M and an M135i side-by-side in the garage, which set of keys do you reach for?

Definitely the 1M. It's a more special car that feels a lot sportier and hard-edged than the M135i, even if it's not much faster (if at all).

I am willing to take the tradeoff in comfort and usability that such a choice entails. But if anyone prefers a bit more comfort, the M135i is a fine choice, more so considering the price.

[BMW M Power Mexico]

Originally Posted by KG3356MT

I understand but, drifting and burnouts were never my thing just going fast.

The beauty of RWD doesn't necessarily involve drifts and burnouts (although that can be fun). Being fast in a powerful RWD car in general takes more skill and finesse than in an AWD car. And since track driving for me is about fun (after all I am no racer, I just track in non-competitive events), that added challenge makes me prefer RWD.

[535DMSport]

Originally Posted by BMW M Power Mexico

The perils of a second language and double meanings.

Figures, looks like you guys had a total blast though.

[pkimM3r]

just wanted to revisit this and noticed something.

I thought you can't do DSC off in Sport+? If you went to Sport+ first, then turned DSC off, it took everything off Sport+. Although steering would have stiffened up a bit. Unless these cars had adaptive settings, where each could be selected independently? Confused with all these modes!