[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

Originally Posted by unc879wins

The various models include M340i. The current 3/4 series configurator (USA) offers only 340i and 440i but from there you can select various "designs" such as Sport, Luxury, and M Sport. Other models offer the "M" designation at the onset; M240i and M550i. Is this just marketing or dies the "M" specific model variations sit above "M Sport Packages" in the pecking order but obviously below True Ms?

Rough example; M3 > M340i > 340i MSport > 340i

My layman understanding is if you want a 6 cylinder G20 it will only be an M340i. Perhaps you'll also be able to build a 330i M Sport?

[OriginalFake]

Originally Posted by unc879wins

The various models include M340i. The current 3/4 series configurator (USA) offers only 340i and 440i but from there you can select various "designs" such as Sport, Luxury, and M Sport. Other models offer the "M" designation at the onset; M240i and M550i. Is this just marketing or dies the "M" specific model variations sit above "M Sport Packages" in the pecking order but obviously below True Ms?

Rough example; M3 > M340i > 340i MSport > 340i

Like you said, they sit above the M-Sport but below the true M model. But it sounds like with the G20, we're only getting an M340i.

[unc879wins]

Thx guys. Just wrapping my head around what to expect. Seems to be a lot of excitement surrounding the G generation 3's.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by unc879wins

The various models include M340i. The current 3/4 series configurator (USA) offers only 340i and 440i but from there you can select various "designs" such as Sport, Luxury, and M Sport. Other models offer the "M" designation at the onset; M240i and M550i. Is this just marketing or dies the "M" specific model variations sit above "M Sport Packages" in the pecking order but obviously below True Ms?

Rough example; M3 > M340i > 340i MSport > 340i

BMW is in the process of transitioning to a lineup where the top, non-M-proper offering for each model in the range will be an M Performance model with an M preceding the numeric value in the name. It started with the F generation, but will finally be fully realized with the G generation.

M135i
M235i
M340i
M440i
M550i
M650i (theoretical only - no N63-powered 6 Series GT yet, if ever)
M760i
M850i
X1 M35i (not yet confirmed to exist)
X2 M35i
X3 M40i
X4 M40i
X5 M50i (replaces the just-released G05 50i model next year)
X6 M50i
X7 M50i
X8 M50i (theoretical only - X8 not confirmed)
Z4 M40i

These models have the "M Sport" appearance package by default (although I believe the M760i can be ordered without), and replace any prior or would-be non-M-Performance model with a similar engine or similar place in the lineup.

This brings BMW closer to Audi's lineup of A -> S -> RS. It also matches Mercedes' new two-tiered AMG lineup.

Originally Posted by glennQNYC

My layman understanding is if you want a 6 cylinder G20 it will only be an M340i. Perhaps you'll also be able to build a 330i M Sport?

Yes, the M Sport package will still exist for other models in the lineup as well. For example, in addition to the M550i, you can still get a 540i M Sport or even 530i M Sport today.

[unc879wins]

mkoesel - thank you for the crash course!

[nozydog]

Originally Posted by unc879wins

The various models include M340i. The current 3/4 series configurator (USA) offers only 340i and 440i but from there you can select various "designs" such as Sport, Luxury, and M Sport. Other models offer the "M" designation at the onset; M240i and M550i. Is this just marketing or dies the "M" specific model variations sit above "M Sport Packages" in the pecking order but obviously below True Ms?

Rough example; M3 > M340i > 340i MSport > 340i

G20 will get 318i (3 cyl), 320i & 330i (4 cyls different tuning) & M340i (6 cyl) this top model will have M Sport appearance but will also get uprated M performance parts (wheels, brakes & diff maybe)

[MassBimmer]

Apologies if this has been covered but I believe the M340 will be a delayed intro - do we know if the xDrives will also be a delayed intro like they were for the F30?

[Jason]

Latest G20 M340i spy video from Nurburgring.

[wdeerfield]

I like the rear bumper design. taking cues from the m850. the first half of the car is all g30 though. this is basically a smaller g30 with a restyled front and rear bumper.

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by unc879wins

The various models include M340i. The current 3/4 series configurator (USA) offers only 340i and 440i but from there you can select various "designs" such as Sport, Luxury, and M Sport. Other models offer the "M" designation at the onset; M240i and M550i. Is this just marketing or dies the "M" specific model variations sit above "M Sport Packages" in the pecking order but obviously below True Ms?

Rough example; M3 > M340i > 340i MSport > 340i

M3CSL>M3CS>M3Comp>M3>M340i>330i>320i>AUDI

Yup 'M3' kinda became middle of the line!

Don't forgot none of these are perfect either and might need M Performance £££ to top them up.

[RPiM5]

Can't wait for the world debut very soon!

[am3r1ka]

I really hope the tail pipes look more aggressive then that last model iteration. They need to flare them out a little.

[Gabe@TAG]

That Chiron fly-by made parts of my body tingle that are not supposed to tingle.

[ASAP]

when is the debut?

[F80_M]

ooooo I like I like

[cfm56d7b]

Looking forward to learning if M Adaptive suspension will be enhanced to be actually adaptive. If the OEM supplier continued to be Bilstein, it's unlikely.

[Costello1991]

Grills are disgusting.

[Jmpascual]

Are these "M340i on the ring" videos even of an M340i? These have the circular exhausts tips rather than the trapezoidal ones...

[Germanauto]

Paris auto show starts Oct. 4th, meaning the media will begin having access around Sept. 27th.

Photos usually "leak" at least a couple weeks out from media access so hopefully we just have a couple more weeks of guessing to go.

[ynguldyn]

The latest video shows a 330i, not an M340i.

[michal12]

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

The latest video shows a 330i, not an M340i.

My thoughts exactly. It is a 4cylinder except on couple of scenes where I hear an I6.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by nozydog

G20 will get 318i (3 cyl), 320i & 330i (4 cyls different tuning) & M340i (6 cyl) this top model will have M Sport appearance but will also get uprated M performance parts (wheels, brakes & diff maybe)

This is from a C&D review of the new Z4:

"BMW did not release many specifications when it unveiled the production car in California, but we know there will be two versions: an M40i with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six making around 380 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque, and a 30i model that we assume uses the latest B48 turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four found in many other BMWs. Final power ratings for both engines are still pending for the U.S. market, but we expect the four will produce about 260 horsepower."

I'm pretty sure the new Z4 M40i will have the B58.
Given that power number it seems likely, ?, that the new M340i will have at least the same power.

Still, my 340i Msport w/B58 is plenty powerful and deceptively fast.
The HP wars may continue, but we've had it pretty darn good over the past few years with modern Turbo tech.
The one area that would be great to improve is throttle response.
But, not just with computer controlled tip-in and algorithms, but with the new electric assist turbos we've been reading about.

The ability to spool up the turbo without having to wait on building exhaust pressure sounds like a fantastic idea.