[ha9981]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

I've noticed the exact opposite. Cars always get positive reviews initially, then the real feelings come out.

This exactly!

[Cortexiphan]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Well you're entitled to your opinion, but you and three others are the only individuals who feel this way.

How do you know? Whenever I see your posts, I'm reminded of my E39 M5 test drive (It was in amazing condition with 40K miles on) because I guess you were saying that was the best or something somewhere. That was the moment I decided that all these old BMW crowd is completely disconnected from reality because of the nostalgia effect. It's the same as calling Flash Gordon better than Inception. That M5 was actually impressively smooth for its time. But it had more body body roll than a modern 530i, it didn't have much low end torque, it was too quiet, and steering was too light. It was close to a modern 540i without M Sport package. So funny how people are convinced those cars were the best... Anyway, I digress...

If you conduct an A/B test with a group of people between M340i and F80, I'm 100% sure overwhelming majority would pick M340i.
It's the better car in most objective and most needed measures, until G82 comes along.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by Cortexiphan

How do you know? Just trolling right? If you do an A/B test between M340i and M4, I'm pretty sure most would pick M340i. You know, the better car.

Not trolling, that's just a very lofty statement to make regarding the M340. Good car, but you make it sound like it will be one of the all time great BMWs up there with the likes of the E46, E92, E39.

We can agree to disagree, this is all subjective after all. But I doubt many enthusiasts would pick an M340 over the F82 M4.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Cortexiphan

If you do an A/B test between the [COLOR="DarkRed"]340i M-Sport[/COLOR] and M4, I'm pretty sure most would pick [COLOR="DarkRed"]M4[/COLOR]. You know, the better car.

FIFY

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Not trolling, that's just a very lofty statement to make regarding the M340. Good car, but you make it sound like it will be one of the all time great BMWs up there with the likes of the E46, E92, E39.

We can agree to disagree, this is all subjective after all. But I doubt many enthusiasts would pick an M340 over the F82 M4.

I sure as hell wouldn't take a M340 over an M4.

[Lady Jane]

What can I say...?

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Cortexiphan

How do you know? Whenever I see your posts, I'm reminded of my E39 M5 test drive (It was in amazing condition with 40K miles on) because I guess you were saying that was the best or something somewhere. That was the moment I decided that all these nostalgia BMW people are completely disconnected from reality because of the nostalgia effect. It's the same as calling Flash Gordon better than Inception. That M5 was actually impressively smooth for its time. But it had more body body roll than a modern 530i, it didn't have any much low end torque, it was too quiet, and steering was too light. It was close to a modern 540i without M Sport package. So funny how people are convinced those cars were the best... Anyway, I digress...

If you conduct an A/B test with a group of people between M340i and F80, I'm 100% sure overwhelming majority would pick M340i.
It's the better car in most objective and most needed measures, until G82 comes along.

How do you define "better." I'm almost certain that term would be defined 10 different ways between 10 different people. There's an appreciable difference between the M4 and an M340. That applies to driving feel/dynamics and the experience. They have two very different personalities.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

With the F30 reviews were lukewarm to negative right off the bat and never improved. But I agree regarding the F80, reviews were tepid at first then improved especially once the Competition was added.

I disagree. F30/32 reviews have improved. There were criticisms, but they were still considered to be the benchmark.

Here's one such final verdict....


https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/...-coupe/verdict

[evanescent03]

I did love my e90 335i that I had many years ago, and the F80s I've had since, but the m340i is a great car too. it feels a tad bigger, a little less connected but still fun to drive and really quick. would recommend to a friend for sure.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

I disagree. F30/32 reviews have improved. There were criticisms, but they were still considered to be the benchmark.

Here's one such final verdict....


https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/...-coupe/verdict

I would say the US press is much more critical than the UK/Euro press. The 3-series got average reviews at first, but Car and Driver and MotorTrend the largest automotive magazines in the US panned the cars consistently as the production run went through.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

I sure as hell wouldn't take a M340 over an M4.

I would, and I did.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

I would, and I did.

...and that's okay, but his assertion that everybody would was incorrect.

[amrh]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

I sure as hell wouldn't take a M340 over an M4.

So am I no longer an enthusiast because I traded in my M3 for a m340i? That's a lot of pressure on a M3 owner that may want a m340i. I don't think the car you own, or don't own, qualifies you as an enthusiast, or not.

For me, I got the m340i because I was tired of the harsh ride of the M3; it's not an easy car to live with on a daily basis. Yes, it's a great looking car, plenty fast and good handling. However, that's not every aspect of a car. I wasn't crazy about getting into a "regular" 3 series from a M car. But, the first time I sat in the m340i, I felt the age of the f80 interior. Then, when I drove the m340i, the harshness was gone - of course. It felt quick, but not brutally fast like the M3.

Fast forward to 9 months later, after having replaced the OEM springs, changed the wheels and awful RF tires, it really is a great car. Honestly, it's plenty fast - almost as fast as the M3. Great interior- except for the digital dash (I don't understand the point of it, if you can't customize it). I feel the interior is better quality, as well. Again, the harsh ride isn't there, and it's quiet but not too quiet.

Is one better than the other, in whole? I don't know...that's for each owner to decide. For me, I loved the M3 and I love the m340i. I don't regret trading in my M3. Of course, I miss some parts of it, but I miss some parts of the last 10 BMW's I've owned. Each one was special in it's own way. That's why we're all enthusiasts, here.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by amrh

So am I no longer an enthusiast because I traded in my M3 for a m340i? That's a lot of pressure on a M3 owner that may want a m340i. I don't think the car you own, or don't own, qualifies you as an enthusiast, or not.

For me, I got the m340i because I was tired of the harsh ride of the M3; it's not an easy car to live with on a daily basis. Yes, it's a great looking car, plenty fast and good handling. However, that's not every aspect of a car. I wasn't crazy about getting into a "regular" 3 series from a M car. But, the first time I sat in the m340i, I felt the age of the f80 interior. Then, when I drove the m340i, the harshness was gone - of course. It felt quick, but not brutally fast like the M3.

Fast forward to 9 months later, after having replaced the OEM springs, changed the wheels and awful RF tires, it really is a great car. Honestly, it's plenty fast - almost as fast as the M3. Great interior- except for the digital dash (I don't understand the point of it, if you can't customize it). I feel the interior is better quality, as well. Again, the harsh ride isn't there, and it's quiet but not too quiet.

Is one better than the other, in whole? I don't know...that's for each owner to decide. For me, I loved the M3 and I love the m340i. I don't regret trading in my M3. Of course, I miss some parts of it, but I miss some parts of the last 10 BMW's I've owned. Each one was special in it's own way. That's why we're all enthusiasts, here.

I never said that. Maybe you should've quoted who I quoted.

I agree with many of your points however. As we change, our needs change, affecting the products we buy.

[trey100]

Originally Posted by amrh

So am I no longer an enthusiast because I traded in my M3 for a m340i? That's a lot of pressure on a M3 owner that may want a m340i. I don't think the car you own, or don't own, qualifies you as an enthusiast, or not.

For me, I got the m340i because I was tired of the harsh ride of the M3; it's not an easy car to live with on a daily basis. Yes, it's a great looking car, plenty fast and good handling. However, that's not every aspect of a car. I wasn't crazy about getting into a "regular" 3 series from a M car. But, the first time I sat in the m340i, I felt the age of the f80 interior. Then, when I drove the m340i, the harshness was gone - of course. It felt quick, but not brutally fast like the M3.

Fast forward to 9 months later, after having replaced the OEM springs, changed the wheels and awful RF tires, it really is a great car. Honestly, it's plenty fast - almost as fast as the M3. Great interior- except for the digital dash (I don't understand the point of it, if you can't customize it). I feel the interior is better quality, as well. Again, the harsh ride isn't there, and it's quiet but not too quiet.

Is one better than the other, in whole? I don't know...that's for each owner to decide. For me, I loved the M3 and I love the m340i. I don't regret trading in my M3. Of course, I miss some parts of it, but I miss some parts of the last 10 BMW's I've owned. Each one was special in it's own way. That's why we're all enthusiasts, here.

I agree with this. The real attraction for the M version (as a DD) is that it looks better and seems more special. But from a practicality standpoint the M340 puts up very close numbers, is more comfortable, and less expensive. I ended up buying my M3 lease out after test driving the M340 but it had more to do with the looks and M'ness that I knew I'd miss more so than performance.

[nola2atx]

Originally Posted by trey100

I agree with this. The real attraction for the M version (as a DD) is that it looks better and seems more special. But from a practicality standpoint the M340 puts up very close numbers, is more comfortable, and less expensive. I ended up buying my M3 lease out after test driving the M340 but it had more to do with the looks and M'ness that I knew I'd miss more so than performance.

I test drove both and could not convince myself to get an aged car that wasn't far enough away from my f30 to justify the purchase. The g20 m340i was a very refreshing upgrade in every imaginable way for me.

[JDUNITNOW]

Originally Posted by Cortexiphan

How do you know? Whenever I see your posts, I'm reminded of my E39 M5 test drive (It was in amazing condition with 40K miles on) because I guess you were saying that was the best or something somewhere. That was the moment I decided that all these nostalgia BMW people are completely disconnected from reality because of the nostalgia effect. It's the same as calling Flash Gordon better than Inception. That M5 was actually impressively smooth for its time. But it had more body body roll than a modern 530i, it didn't have any much low end torque, it was too quiet, and steering was too light. It was close to a modern 540i without M Sport package. So funny how people are convinced those cars were the best... Anyway, I digress...

If you conduct an A/B test with a group of people between M340i and F80, I'm 100% sure overwhelming majority would pick M340i.
It's the better car in most objective and most needed measures, until G82 comes along.

Originally Posted by Cortexiphan

How do you know? Whenever I see your posts, I'm reminded of my E39 M5 test drive (It was in amazing condition with 40K miles on) because I guess you were saying that was the best or something somewhere. That was the moment I decided that all these nostalgia BMW people are completely disconnected from reality because of the nostalgia effect. It's the same as calling Flash Gordon better than Inception. That M5 was actually impressively smooth for its time. But it had more body body roll than a modern 530i, it didn't have any much low end torque, it was too quiet, and steering was too light. It was close to a modern 540i without M Sport package. So funny how people are convinced those cars were the best... Anyway, I digress...

If you conduct an A/B test with a group of people between M340i and F80, I'm 100% sure overwhelming majority would pick M340i.
It's the better car in most objective and most needed measures, until G82 comes along.

My first BMW was a 98 528I with 97k on it. I transitioned to the E65 7 series and five 7's later, I am going to a M340i or maybe M3. The new 3 feels a lot like my five when I drove it but much improved. As far as the steering goes, the electronic version doesn't bother me and I am sure the majority of persons could care less either especially in a daily car. BMW has a lot more other attributes that keep me coming back. I have driven just about every brand and I still come back.

[guarnibl]

Originally Posted by Cortexiphan

M340i is the best driving BMW I've ever driven. And I had E92 M3 and F82.
This is also why I don't agree with "BMW was better in old days".

M340i is the perfect mix of engine, transmission, performance, comfort, practicality, luxury, tech...
And it will definitely be way more reliable than older models, as BMWs have been getting more and more reliable in the last decade.

My only gripe with it, is the slightly boring design. Although it looks way better than F30, G22 and G11 now made all other BMWs look old and bland. That's why I wish M440i GC was available by December, when my lease ends, since I need 4 doors...

I need to drive one again then. Buddy of mine rented one on turo for the day and it just felt boring. No character. Not slow though but just uneventful? My prev 335 felt more engaged. A loaded out 340 is getting near X3M territory ($10k) which has a lot more character.

[PARTS@STBMW]

So happy to read positivity on this beast. I am absolutely in love with mine!

[desertfox73]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

It's interesting how every iteration seems to bring back the magic at some point. First there's a lot of criticism, but that criticism eventually dissipates.

To be fair, they did say "some of the old magic". Sounds like it still doesn't live up to cars of the past, but acknowledges there's a high standard to meet.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by desertfox73

To be fair, they did say "some of the old magic". Sounds like it still doesn't live up to cars of the past, but acknowledges there's a high standard to meet.

I always find myself looking back and wondering what the hype was about [relative to the newer car I'm driving]. When I moved to the E9X, I did not miss my E46's. When I moved to the F30 and F82's, I did not miss the E9X's.

[10"]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

I've noticed the exact opposite. Cars always get positive reviews initially, then the real feelings come out.

This.

The F30 was supposed to be excellent—-but it was literally the worst BMW I've ever driven.