Quote:
Originally Posted by 23109VC
I have been thinking about getting a used F80 M3 before the end of the year.
I drive an M4 at the M driving event at my dealer in June and I have been thinking about that car ever since! I'd opt for an M3 as I need four doors.
My X5 Went in for service on Saturday and the dealer gave me a 2019 M340i as a loaner. Nice options - driver assist, driver assist pro, 19"s, HK sounds...
Anyway I wasn't quite sure what to expect but I have been nothing but thoroughly impressed with the car ever since I've had it - I have been blasting around enjoying it all weekend.
The performance feels like 90% of the M3 in a straight like. The handling feels a little softer and it does nit corner as flat as the M3, but honestly it corners pretty darn nice for a street car. I wouldn't track this thing but for a daily driver it feels like 90% of an M3. It has lots of little things that make the M3 feel unique it just doesn't have all of it and feels more comfy and refined - less raw but still a lot of fun.
The newer tech is nice - touchscreen, digital dash, driving assistance - some people will not care about that at all and some people like it. I would not have to have it but I do think it makes the car feel much more modern and newer.
I'm kind of curious how many other people out there we're going to get a used M3 and then opted for an M340i?
I have to go out and test drive another M3 again before I can actually make a fair decision. I have also not quite sure how to make pricing comparisons as if I picked up an M3 it would be used - I'd. Need to get CPO and probably extended warranty. If I do an M340i I would lease and have factory warranty included.
Who has been in my situation what did you decide and why? Thx!
BTW, to the M purists.. i'm not suggesting that the M340i is the equivalent of an M3...I'm Sure for many people there will be no substitute for a true M car - But for others this M340 I might be a better fit for our needs.
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I know it's a bit of apples to oranges but my M340 replaced my X5M and 550 and I miss neither of them. Performance is so close (again I know I'm comparing a sedan to an SUV in the M) that unless you track your car you aren't going to be shorted on your way to work or the store. I drive the M340 probably harder than any BMW I've had and it has yet to let me down and is a blast every time. The thing I miss the most with the M and 550 are interior appointments. However, I have had the 340 on a 1500 mile road trip (with 6+ hour stretch) and I never grew "tired" driving it. The car really does feel great, handles great with suspension that is sufficient for different driving styles and is comfortable on longer trips. I ordered it with performance RFT's and feel like I overdrive the tires which is why I'm eagerly awaiting the swap to Conti DWS06's in the coming months. I also know the ride will improve too going to non-RFT's.
I tossed around the idea of an M3/4 but in the end this was going to be a daily and I do live in an area with winters. After driving the M340 I knew it was going achieve both roles I needed in a daily driver and a car that would put a smile on my face with jumping out of the X5M. I have yet to be disappointed. And the 35 mpg's on that 1500 mile road trip was nice too!