[autopal]

mkoesel, any inside scoop on possible output for the M340i? I've seen speculation elsewhere, that suggest 380 to 400hp and carbon fibre roof

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by autopal

mkoesel, any inside scoop on possible output for the M340i? I've seen speculation elsewhere, that suggest 380 to 400hp and carbon fibre roof

At a minimum, the M340i should get 355hp like the X3 M40i did earlier this year. While it appears the Z4 M40i will be upping the B58's game to 385hp, at least in North America, it is hard to pin that down at this point given the unknowns surrounding the release of the B58 "TU" (Technical Update) which will allow that output level. Even if the Z4 M40i debuts with that much power earlier in 2018, there's no guarantee the M340i will follow suit in its first year.

[bmwballer02]

Originally Posted by otay

Thanks!

- More integrated screen, check
- Remote start, check!
- Special diff, check!!

Hopefully the additional autonomous stuff is all optional.

How can you guys tell the screen is more integrated?!?!?!
I like what I'm hearing so far...

[DrivenByE30]

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

Looks like BMW continues to put the media controls on the wrong side of the steering wheel...

I am not buying this car !

There is simply no logic to this decision, and it is poor form and function... the worse ergonomics, especially for a manual car.

I am definitely NOT buying this car .

Originally Posted by autopal

You making a mountain out of a mole hill man. There are many reasons to buy or not to buy a car, this is the most absurd I've seen. We are talking about a German performance sports sedan, and if this is your reasons for not buying, then all I can say is LOL, I don't think anyone cares.

Do you think that we brought this problem to ourselves because we decided to buy a sport sedan with a manual transmission and for wanting to change the volume of the radio while we change gears ?
You are right, i really should buy the Model S and let it drive me... why even bother doing all this while going from point A to point B?

I guess it is my fault for being poor for not buying the BMW blindly just for the badge.

Fortunately there are cheaper cars out there with better/ more logical ergonomics. Beggars like me can't be choosy right ...

Originally Posted by f30GTR

I actually care... BMW has done the single most idiotic thing ever. Putting the volume controls of the steering wheel on the right side where the volume knobs resides only 8 or so inches away. It's redundant! Yes, I also drive manual.

Thanks for the understanding and confirmation that this is a legitimate issue.

Originally Posted by TypeRSTI

I have recently noticed this switching back and forth from an E46 M3 manual to F25; I too agree having the volume controls on the left side of the wheel is much more ergonomic especially on a manual. Honestly, even on an automatic it’s not as easy. I wonder when BMW made the switch?

The switch was made on the 3 series starting with the F30.
To this day, i still dont know the rational behind this switch, it makes no sense at all... why change something that aint broken and make things worse.

Even after 5 years, i am still not used to this awkward gymnastic.

[Funk0701]

Any word on if the M340 will be available with 6MT manual transmission in the US?

[AudiA4]

Originally Posted by TypeRSTI

I have recently noticed this switching back and forth from an E46 M3 manual to F25; I too agree having the volume controls on the left side of the wheel is much more ergonomic especially on a manual. Honestly, even on an automatic it’s not as easy. I wonder when BMW made the switch?

They made the switch when they moved the cruise control from the left stalk (E90) to the steering wheel (F30). I guess they though cruise control should remain on the left side. As a manual driver, I hate it as well.

[otay]

Originally Posted by bmwballer02

How can you guys tell the screen is more integrated?!?!?!
I like what I'm hearing so far...

There is nothing sticking up above the dash, plus the vents are lower.

[JeffM2PRDallas]

Looking good so far.

[Mingwan]

I’m going to take a wild guess here and say that the front and rear is going to look just like the new 5 series.....

[autopal]

Originally Posted by Mingwan

I’m going to take a wild guess here and say that the front and rear is going to look just like the new 5 series.....

I am going to guess you are wrong. I think BMW is moving away from having the headlight touch the grill. It was the F30 that started that trend, and it filter up, so I would expect the G20 to start new design language. Also, the new X3 has moved on from that design, and it look much better than the 2017 X3 with the headlight touching the grill. Off course, we are all guessing, we'll see in a few months

[AudiA4]

Originally Posted by autopal

I am going to guess you are wrong. I think BMW is moving away from having the headlight touch the grill. It was the F30 that started that trend, and it filter up, so I would expect the G20 to start new design language. Also, the new X3 has moved on from that design, and it look much better than the 2017 X3 with the headlight touching the grill. Off course, we are all guessing, we'll see in a few months

Which would be too bad. I LOVE the grill design on the F30 touching the headlights...nice, modern evolution.

[otay]

Originally Posted by AudiA4

Which would be too bad. I LOVE the grill design on the F30 touching the headlights...nice, modern evolution.

+1

[H_BMW]

Originally Posted by bmwballer02

How can you guys tell the screen is more integrated?!?!?!
I like what I'm hearing so far...

G20 will use the next generation of BMW interior. First spyshots show up some parts of 5 series inside. But it will not be the case !

Z4 concept / G20 3 series

[kern417]

I'm glad they kept the cruise control functions on the left. The left is my driving hand, and that's where the driving functions should be most accessible.

I also like the idea of a more elaborate digital display, but still seems oddly executed.

The only thing I see that I really don't like is the steering wheel. Hopefully that's not the MSport version. Way too bulky.

I'll wait until they unveil the actual tech features and upgrades before deciding if I will get one when my lease is up, because I'm pretty satisfied with the current model honestly. 6 speed manual, hand brake, and plenty of digital info at eye level. I think the only thing I really wish I had is an rpm display in the HUD, but i'll live.

They really need something innovative to shake things up this go around, because I don't find the f3x lacking but it's not ground breaking either. Show me some tech that isn't intrusive and I can't get it in a new Camry.

[Jason]

Latest spy video of the G20 M340i testing at the Nurburgring.

[Anthony3DHeli]

Originally Posted by Jason

Latest spy video of the G20 M340i testing at the Nurburgring.

saw this video earlier today! looks great! it's seems very stable! i bet its going to have a great handling!!
thanks for sharing, Jason!

[georgere]

Much better looking/proportioned then f30. Hmmm how would m3 look like? And m4? I think it might be the sexiest 3er generation (after e30) before the world collapses into the electric car apocalypse.
Kidding of course and the doomsday. I think electric cars are cool after driving i8. That instant pickup is just something.

[nozydog]

Originally Posted by autopal

I am going to guess you are wrong. I think BMW is moving away from having the headlight touch the grill. It was the F30 that started that trend, and it filter up, so I would expect the G20 to start new design language. Also, the new X3 has moved on from that design, and it look much better than the 2017 X3 with the headlight touching the grill. Off course, we are all guessing, we'll see in a few months

Hmmm, from all the spyshots I've seen I'd say the lights will join the grille... I know they're disguised but if they don't join the grille they are going to look very odd in my opinion... look at the new X3 headlights which look awful to my eyes (although you think the opposite!!)

[nozydog]

Originally Posted by H_BMW

G20 will use the next generation of BMW interior. First spyshots show up some parts of 5 series inside. But it will not be the case !

Z4 concept / G20 3 series

Are these images definitely G20 interior? I would doubt it!!
Don't mind if they are tho!!

Main problem with the 3 series is it's size... it's just getting too big now!! The f30 grew in length by around 9cm over the e90 and this will be at least another 5cm i'd bet, making the g20 a good 6 inches longer than e90! The e90 was the last properly 'compact' 3 series

Having said that I guess it'll still be as compact (or smaller) than the e34 (Mk 3) 5 series and waaaaaaaaay more compact than the g30 which has become a real whale of a car (or a limo depending which way you look at it!!)

[otay]

Thanks Jason. 2 different cars shown. The one at the beginning has the round exhaust, which I like. But the one shown later which has the funky trapezoidal exhaust sounds much mo' better.

This does seem a bit bigger, sort of more "filled out", if that makes any sense. Also looks...well, boring. Like how the G30 turned out.

Still thinking F30 looks better...

[Blubaron79]

Now it's real tailpipes again!!! Yay

[autopal]

Originally Posted by otay

Thanks Jason. 2 different cars shown. The one at the beginning has the round exhaust, which I like. But the one shown later which has the funky trapezoidal exhaust sounds much mo' better.

This does seem a bit bigger, sort of more "filled out", if that makes any sense. Also looks...well, boring. Like how the G30 turned out.

Still thinking F30 looks better...

The trapezoidal exhaust is the straight 6 M340i, round exhaust is the 4 cylinder. The car is still heavily camouflaged, maybe even wearing fake panel, so how can you say it looks boring and F30 looks better?