Okay, I just read the first drive article on the new M3 in Autocar and even though I could never afford it. it still got me thinking.

Why would anyone want to buy the P1 WR for £37,000 when they can get the M3 for £38,500?

I love Scoobys but for me it’s a no brainer – M3 please including the incredible cockpit.

 

As I think a few people have mentioned, there is no such thing as a P1 WR. Another Autocar invention I believe.

To all intents and purposes the only thing of merit that's contained in the 'WR' is the brake upgrade, which would make a standard P1 £33k.

Personally, I'd still prefer the Scoob.

Josh

 

Mmmm, well then why is there a P1 WR badge on the back of the car much like the 22B UK badge?

 

I've just been quoted £34,500 for a brand new OTR M3 RHD. Excellant value for money. It's just a shame that the aftermarket costs are so expensive i.e servicing etc.

 

As they say, "BMW's - built by germans, driven by tossers"

The BMW could be 25k, I'd still buy the scooby.

In a scooby, people give way to you at junctions. In a BMW they think "Sod Ya!"

 

Cheers kurt - I had a 540i at my disposal for a year followed by an M5 for another year. Seemed to get a lot of respect and everyone thought the cars were amazing - M5 was breath taking!
Now unfortunately its changed to a 328 convertable and yes I do feel a tosser in it! But the ladies love it so my secret life as a hairdresser isnt too bad!
Will be changing up to M3 next year so I'll tell you if its any good.
Martin

 

Josh.
I believe the P1 WR does exist and adds 18" wheels, Alcon brakes and some other bits to a standard P1. Bits that should already have on it in the first place if you ask me.

Stef.

 

I think this month's EVO sums it up quite well. In that Prodrive were unable to do certain things like the 18" wheels (type approval requires sufficient space for snow chains!?).

The only way around this was to make these 'dealer fit' options. The 'WR' is simply a P1 with all the options. ie wheels, back box, recaros and brakes.

The price difference is a reflection of the massive cost for the extras (£1900 for Recaros, £1500 for brakes, £380 for back box and £1400 ish for the wheels!)

I thought the 'WR' implied some association with Prodrive. Since these are no more than accessories fitted/supplied by dealers I find it a little unrealistic to brand it a 'WR'

Josh

 

'Unrealistic' it is then!

Stef.

 

I'm contract at BMW and we get discount too.

 

You lucky bugger.

 

You lucky bugger.

Have you ordered it yet?

 

If anyone wishes to order ANY Beemer (perish the thought) my brother is a BMW salesman & if there are any "deals" out there, he da man.

He works for Royal Ascot BMW, FYI

Brew.

 

Brew

I assume that your brother (even being da man) cannot do better than the 20% off that Fosters is getting.

 

not on order yet. this summer I got the scoob + prodrive bits and the 2 chaps next to me got well specc'd 323 Convertibles for around 26K (all of us contract). next summer we're all getting m3s.

it gets a bit much though, every car in the car park is a bmer, has 18" wheels and is V reg or newer! (My prodrive wing and another chaps type-r accord wing are very visible). Even my mousemat has a 323i on it!

 

Is that not because they were purpose built for 18s which means they have more arch clearance than the scoob with 18s.
Martin

 

I have to agree with KevMac. An M3 takes some beating but the great thing about Scoobs is that you can get similar performance for HALF the price (if £17k for an imported UK model is to be believed).

I used to lust after a P1. The greatest of the great, the last of the line, a sporting icon, a classic, an investment even. Frankly, I prefer my MY00 with PPP thanks!

Hoppy

 

It will be an M3 for me next - I get 20% discount!!

I may not find it as rewarding to drive, but it's cheaper than a p1 wr.

Can anyone comment on the relative performance - P1 and m3 have similar torque, but the m3 will have much more bhp - is it down to gear ratios up to the 100mph mark?

 

Reckon it'll be fairly even - the M3 is a fair bit heavier.

 

Fosters - how come you get a 20% discount?

The new E46 M3 (like the previous E36 M3) weights more than 1500kg - pretty heavy. 6 gears - limited to 155mph (electronically). Autocar claim 4.8 for 0-60mph, and 11.something to 100mph.

 

Can someone explain this type approval thing re 18 inch wheels as there are plenty of cars with 18 inch wheels, for example, the new M3?

Simon

 

IT contracting possibly?

 

If anybody wants a 20% discount on a BMW, it IS possible. I bought a 528 Touring, UK spec. + M-sport trim, directly from Germany, much more efficient and friendly service (actually pleased to sell you a car, rather than just set eyes on your money). My experience at UK dealers (3 tried) were smug salesmen whom made you feel at unease if you asked for a discount (or anything thrown in for nought).

Great thing is, you can get cars faster overseas (3 months delivery, rather than 6-7 months offered here) for the same spec. car - and an amazing 20% discount after all costs of importing!!! Finally, servicing at BMW dealership is no problem at all.

Not a smuch fun as a Sccoby though

 

Oh dear!
BMW M3 has option of Titanium interior.
And 19" wheels 225 front 255 rear.
How much does that add to the 38,500 price tag?
Fortunately the leather seats are standard!

 

Bajie - are the standard 18" wheels just not large enough for you?

Personally I'd wait for the stripped down club sport version that BMW have said that they will release later.

 

19" Wheels? What do they do, put a couple of elastic bands around the rim??

 

AWD

Nope - he can't do better than 20% off (unless he wants to loose his job !!) but he is up for getting anyone I put his way the best deal he can - which is probably a better deal than most other BMW sales guys are open to !

Brew.

[This message has been edited by BrewandBake (edited 26 September 2000).]

 

I've owned BMWs before and always been disappointed - maybe unlucky, but they just arent as fun to drive as the scooby.
Also I dont see the fuss about the P1 - get a STI with a few extras for so much less - do you lose anything ?
I bought a low mileage Ver 4 STI and couldnt be happier - almost tempted by a 5yr old M3 at the time, but it just didnt compare.

 

Ok.
The thread was talking about the cost of a P1 WR against an M3.
Well the P1 has all the Prodrive extra's hasn't it. And the Beemer has a couple of items that will be snapped up by potential buyers.
Titanium interior ... hell yes!
19" wheels. Do you need them. Do you want them. Ask these questions till the cows come home and you'll still put them on the car.
My current car has all the Prodrive options and this argument is as valid now as it was when I looked back in '98.
And many of the reasons for my not getting a BMW are fast disappearing.

 

In my view the new BMW M3 is not in competition with any Scoobies - even the great P1 ! The thing that has made the scooby so popular is the value for money - this is not the case with the P1. The M3 is an amazing car - and in a different market than scoobies. If I had £38,500 I would buy one - but I dont, so I spend half that on a scooby.
Secondly, my colleague just got a quote from a uk dealer of £46,000 - list with no extras - seems the estimated price in Autocar is a bit out.