[CerberusM5]

Greetings! I am new to the forum and have been considering selling my M3 (6MT/comp pkg.) and getting an SS 1LE.

Anyone trade their e90/92 M3 for SS 1LE or own both? How do you compare the two? I know the 1LE is quicker around a racetrack. Is it more fun to drive on the street than the m3 too? My M3 is a part-time fun errand car and was planning to use for HPDEs.

I've read positive reviews of the 1LE and seriously considering the change. Are consumables on the 1LE reasonable? Is it track ready in stock form or does it require prep to be reliable?

Overall, will this be a lateral move or even an upgrade?

[Cgocifer]

1LE is just a fantastic car with supercar handling and in fact can hang with cars that cost 6 figures on a track.

As for consumables, the tires aren't cheap and there aren't too many options in the correct sizes. They also don't last long. Brake pads are extremely dusty and I changed mine out for street use to low dust pads.

It is a joy to drive and the sound of the V8 is intoxicating especially withe exhaust set to race mode. Driving the M3 will make you think you're driving a vacuum cleaner. Lol the magnetic ride control is phenomenal. Nice and supple in touring mode and race car like in race mode.

Not really an all season car. You're not supposed to drive on the tires below 40 degrees due to the compound and potential for cracking. Rear seats are useless except for small children, trunk is decent but has a tiny opening.

Bottom line is that it is a much better car than the M3, and is by far one of the best performance bargains out there. Yes, I owned a 2012 M3. ;-) I wouldn't think twice about it. The 1LE is fantastic as noted in nearly every review and article. Just keep in mind that it is built for the race track and although extremely livable as a daily driver on the street, it's not quite as practical as an M3.

For track prep, it is recommended to change the oil to 40 wt as well as the brake fluid to a race formula. Other than that, it is ready to go.

[waterman]

First and foremost, welcome to the Camaro6 forums.

I have never owned a BMW, but my son had an 05 or 06 (old, can't remember) M3. IMHO, performance levels were over rated for the money and maintenance was a nightmare. Parts availability and cost seemed outrageous to me. He traded it in for a daughter. Again... outrageous parts and maintenance cost.

Consumables on the SS 1LE will be considerably more reasonable than the bimmer. I can't imagine what a BMW alignment costs. Chevy parts as opposed BMW imported from Germany (I know some BMWs are assembled in the USA, parts are still manufactured elsewhere). Tires and fluids will be nearly the same.

It's a 1LE so performance wise, it's good to go out of the box. Note; there is always room for modification according to personal goals and desires.

Again, it's my personal opinion, I believe that the SS 1LE will be a significant track day upgrade over the M3.

Opinions will vary.

[SliChillax]

As someone who has driven an E92 M3 and a normal 2017 2SS Camaro, the Camaro is the much better car. Hell the Camaro is better than the new M4, let alone the older M3.

[Reefblue42]

What an interesting cross road you've come to. I too had a 2011 M3 E92. Melbourne Red, red interior, hardtop (carbon), 6-speed, comp pkg. I LOVED THAT CAR!! The sound...oh god the sound of it at high rpms gave me willys. Great looks from every angle. When I see one around now, I just let out a huge sigh...mmmmmm. HAHAHA.
The 1LE will trounce an E92, and is an excellent performer all around. They both have their own unique attributes though and it'll come down to what you want. I gave mine up for a 2015 Z28. I wanted carbon brakes on a car easier to maintain. Got a good price on a low mileage Z28 and love everyday I'm in it. I got a 1LE cuz its easier and ALOT (ALOT, lol) more comfortable to drive and it will still outperform most cars.
Comes down to what you want. I've had my share of BMWs and loved each one. Great build quality, paint, and each one was an excellent driver. But when Mark Stielow intro'd the 5th gen Z...I made a change to the bow-tie and haven't looked back. The E92 lacked torque...one huge difference in feel.

Good luck!!

[F1FTY]

Originally Posted by SliChillax

As someone who has driven an E92 M3 and a normal 2017 2SS Camaro, the Camaro is the much better car. Hell the Camaro is better than the new M4, let alone the older M3.

^This. The E92 doesn't compete well with the 1LE.

Owned an E46 M3 as well. Although lighter, the balance and grip of the Camaro is just too advanced for BMW to compete right now.

[CerberusM5]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

I need to test drive a 1LE and experience it first hand. I also want to checkout the visibility. I doubt it’s an issue but have read a lot about it. I’m short at 5’8” so I am not sure if that’s a +/- regarding visibility.

[metros11]

Originally Posted by CerberusM5

I’m short at 5’8” so I am not sure if that’s a +/- regarding visibility.

It's a plus for sure, and you'll be fine.

[Gray50]

Originally Posted by CerberusM5

Thanks for the feedback guys!

I need to test drive a 1LE and experience it first hand. I also want to checkout the visibility. I doubt it’s an issue but have read a lot about it. I’m short at 5’8” so I am not sure if that’s a +/- regarding visibility.

When I first got my 2017 2SS Fifty, I had some apprehensions about the visibility. Front (for the most part) was fine, but the "blind spots" were a concern.

Fortunately, the 2SS comes with the blind spot monitor lights in the mirrors, so that helps a bit. Adjusting the mirrors correctly helps a lot, too.

I go back & forth between the Camaro and a Silverado. So, the mirrors seem tiny on the Camaro, yet I got used to them, after adjusting them 'correctly.'

Just give yourself a little time and adjust them 'out' so you barely see any of the rear fenders at all... That works well for me.

Good luck!

[m4nat]

I was in the market for an E92 before I purchased my 2SS.

If I were you, I would definitely say yes. Although the driving in itself is very different, and a little more stiff, the performance is definitely worth it.

I would say go for the 2SS, and then add on to it as time goes on, it’s the route I took because I saw that I received just a little bit more in options that made the world of difference for myself.

The 1LE and 2SS are both great cars, and i definitely see the Camaro as the bigger “bang” for your buck.

[CerberusM5]

Another car I am considering is an 09+ C6 Z06. Do you think the SS 1LE is still the best choice?

[antny]

Originally Posted by CerberusM5

Another car I am considering is an 09+ C6 Z06. Do you think the SS 1LE is still the best choice?

The C6 Z06 is a great car. Having owned a C6 before I think you will be very happy with a 6th gen Camaro 1LE. Chevy has just improved and brought the Camaro up to current standards in automotive goodies. The C6 is very very plain but a very capable vehicle.

[wjones14]

My first BMW was a 2015 M235i which I bought new. That car never gave me an issue and it was the perfect size for suburban driving. Plenty of visibility, excellent fuel economy considering it had 330 lb.-ft torque, and a really quiet comfortable ride.

But, after just a year or so, I sort of became bored with it. It was too conservative and sterile. Even though it had the M Performance exhaust, it was still mouse-quiet unless you drove around with the windows open, and even then it wasn't loud.

I wanted something more badass. That's what it came down to really. The 1LE looks and sounds like the beast it is.

My only suggestion in coming from a BMW would be to go for the 2SS 1LE rather than the 1SS. It's still somewhat of a letdown from the BMW in terms of interior materials and quality, but is not far off. And at least in my case, the 2SS has way more standard features than the BMW.

It's only been a couple weeks with the 2SS 1LE for me, but I already love that car a lot more than I loved the BMW.

[enzia35]

Originally Posted by SliChillax

As someone who has driven an E92 M3 and a normal 2017 2SS Camaro, the Camaro is the much better car. Hell the Camaro is better than the new M4, let alone the older M3.

Difference between the M3 and M4 is how many doors they have.