01-28-2020, 01:12 PM | #1 |
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Can't decide if the M340i is the right car for me
As a backstory, I owned an f30 328i. We recently bought my wife an X3 M40i and I absolutely love that car. It drives so well and the engine is great. Now I am driving her old Honda Civic and would like a new BMW for myself.
One thing I did not like about my 328I was the ride quality. Mainly that the interior felt kinda cheap and the endless ratting of various pieces of plastic drove me insane. Otherwise fun car. I am torn over what to get now. My only stipulation is I need a car seat in the back. I like having a quick powerful car on demand but commute daily so comfort is a must. Would like tech like auto cruise and remote start. I really like the look and engine and tech of the m340 but worry that a cheaper interior quality will drive me insane again. But it would be fun to have a small and nimble "sportier" car. I also was looking at the m550i for more interior luxury and better build quality. But the 5 series just looks... Boring. Also no remote start bugs me (wtf, BMW?). I also really like the X5 m50i. Particularly the ride, tech and interior luxury. I realize this is quite different than the above 2 lol. Any thoughts on which BMW might suit my situation best? Would love to hear from owners of various models. |
01-28-2020, 01:17 PM | #2 |
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If you like the build quality of the X3 you will definitely like the quality of the G20 (M340i). To me it's a step up over the current X3.
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01-28-2020, 01:31 PM | #3 |
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M340 doesn't have a luxury interior. A 540i maybe a better fit for you. You don't buy an M340i for luxury, that's not its intended purpose.
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01-28-2020, 01:37 PM | #4 |
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Cannot go wrong with the m340i for interior quality and driver engagement. With the new interior design language you would be hard pressed to find massive quality gaps between the new 3 series and the X5. Need to go to the 8 series for that difference. For the ride quality, be sure to select adaptive suspension and non run flat tires (opting for summer performance tires takes care of this)
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01-28-2020, 02:07 PM | #5 |
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You have a wide variety of prices here, ranging from $55k-$100k depending on options. So that tells me pricing isn't really a concern for you.
If price is not a concern and you want a more luxury focus, I would rank them this way: 1) m550 2) x5 m50i 3) m340 As an owner of both an m340 and an X5, there is a night and day difference between the 2. The m340 is not geared for comfort and luxury. It's by no means a cheap interior, but it also doesn't ooze luxury. The X5 on the other hand, is incredibly luxurious. Soft touch materials everywhere, high quality leather seats, supremely quiet cabin, smooth ride etc. I don't have much experience with the m550, but i'd have to assume it is a good mix of that X5 luxury and that m340 sportiness. That being said, the m340 does not have a cheap interior. I also have not experienced any issues with rattling. It's much quieter than the f30 in comfort cruising. It's a nice cabin in its own right. The 5 series and x5 just happen to be that much more luxurious.
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01-28-2020, 02:20 PM | #6 |
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If price isn’t an issue, get the m550i. I drove one very recently and fell in love with it. Absolutely wonderful car. Don’t let the absence of remote start bother you. It’s a beast and worth every penny. And is luxurious too. Better than the G20 in every sense.
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01-28-2020, 04:57 PM | #7 | |
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I prefer the styling and interior of the Audi, but am seriously tempted by the performance of the 340. The one factor making it difficult for me is the tire situation. No run-flats on the Audi and you get a spare under the trunk floor. BMW's solution of either giving up half your trunk for a spare or just taking your chances without doesn't work for me, so I'm looking at RFTs on the 340 which likely kills the 19" wheels I want. |
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01-28-2020, 05:00 PM | #8 | |
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01-28-2020, 05:19 PM | #9 | |
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That's not to take away from the 3 series which I think is a very well made car and not cheap feeling in the slightest, but there's no denying it's more sports car than it is luxury.
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01-28-2020, 05:29 PM | #10 | |
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01-28-2020, 05:37 PM | #11 | |
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While I would prefer more power, I have always had adequate power (I don't track a car) including passing on steep hills on a road with a 65 mph speed limit (Carefree Highway coming back from Peoria toward Scottsdale). I would be tempted to wait for the alleged 545e but it is not clear that this vehicle will ever make it to the states. The 530e with the Nappa upholstery will meet most of your needs. I have the added benefit of being able to drive in the car pool lane (I an grandfathered into that) but you won't have that option. I had a 3 series before my 5 series. The crappy interior on the 3 series is why I upgraded. With Nappa upholstery, multi-contour seats (I love the way the wings tighten and hug me after I put on my seatbelt) the 5 series is very nice. I do like a smaller more maneuverable car. An added benefit of the five series is that the car seat will be easier to fit. If you don't track your car, and you want more power, the 540i should give you that. |
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01-28-2020, 06:06 PM | #12 | |
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01-28-2020, 11:11 PM | #13 |
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M340i is about as good of a mix of sport and luxury as you're gonna find. Pretty sure it's a huge step up from your Honda and at least equivalent to your X3. Just pick the right color combo for you and don't skimp on the options. Good luck out there.
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01-28-2020, 11:22 PM | #14 |
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Disagree. Depends on the interior trim. If you opt for aluminum and Sensatec then yes, it’s not luxurious. The open pore trim and leather seats screams sporty and luxury.
Last edited by Conezz; 01-29-2020 at 10:55 AM.. |
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01-28-2020, 11:23 PM | #15 |
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9000 miles on mine. It is a very nice car. Very quick. Could not be happier
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01-29-2020, 06:21 AM | #17 | |
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01-29-2020, 07:16 AM | #18 | |
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I saw a Youtube video with an older M5 complaining of rattles, then noticed he had tons of spare coins in the plastic coin holder (not saying it's the only source of rattles but it's kind of a bad plan if eliminating rattles is the goal). Contradictions are everywhere we look You may find that you want an S-line or luxury line 330i rather than an m-sport. On an enthusiast forum like this, we sometimes forget that is an option. |
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01-29-2020, 07:24 AM | #19 |
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You said you wanted to drive something sportier but comfortable that can accommodate a child seat, so the m340i fits that description perfectly. You don't need a 5er or x5 for a child seat. Also, since you've been driving the civic, going to an m340i will still feel like a treat luxury wise.
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01-29-2020, 10:34 AM | #20 |
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01-29-2020, 10:50 AM | #21 | |
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For example, the Merino leather is quite sophisticated. The G20 is definitely more luxurious than previous gens. I think it strikes a fine balance between sporty and luxury depending on the configuration. The 5 series has plenty of plastics as well. Last edited by Conezz; 01-29-2020 at 10:56 AM.. |
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01-29-2020, 11:10 AM | #22 |
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Two words: DO IT!!!
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