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2019+ BMW 3 AND 4-SERIES FORUMS (G2x Generation) General G20 Sedan / G22 Coupe / G26 Gran Coupe Discussions BMW M340i vs Mercedes C43 AMG vs Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Sport - Review & Comparison

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      08-13-2019, 06:06 PM   #45
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joshuastein55 View Post
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Originally Posted by buckybadger View Post
Add performance suspension to your m340i and it will change the car completely.
Is this on the builder? Or part of the M performance parts? Car I tested had the Adaptive M Suspension ($700)
It should be on the M performance catalogue, not on the website.

I got mine down from a bmw shop on my 335i. I ordered the M performance suspension from getbmwparts. Car gets lowered too and looks cool. You will not be able to put snow chains!

Night and day difference in comparison to the stock m sport suspension.
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      08-13-2019, 06:10 PM   #46
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I don't understand this:

Quote:
Originally Posted by joshuastein55
"Despite these great attributes, it still does suffer from many modern BMW issues like the increase in size and weight".
Nope. There is no such issue. 3 series is lighter than C class and A4, size-wise it's also pretty much the same. So actually, weight is an advantage for BMW, like in every single category they're in. Just because a few loud critics made up this "issue", that doesn't mean it's true.

Alfa is lighter, but steering and the weight are the only things going for it.
A C43 is lighter than an M340i by about 100lbs, not too much, but the C43 i would say feels lighter off its feet. M340i (xdrive, which is what I tested) is close to 4000lbs, so weight is most certainly not a made up issue, it is something that needs to be reduced as the car feels heavy. BMW tried to fool us in saying the car was 150lbs lighter than the F30, in which I believe they were referring to the chassis/platform, because the G20 M340i xDrive is actually close to 150lbs heavier than an F30 340i xDrive.

I believe there's a thread somewhere concerning the car's weight.
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      08-13-2019, 06:12 PM   #47
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I have owned Porsches and one E series Merc, but once I owned two E46 models I said there is no other car for me. The E90 was okay. But the driving experience in E46 cars was unparalleled. I do not like the 3's from F to G series. I did however fall in love with the 2 series as it reminds be of the E46, nimble and perfectly balanced. I loved your review and given what I have read, and the cars you are considering, I'd go with the Alfa. But I have to admit my last name ends in a vowel...
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      08-13-2019, 06:41 PM   #48
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Almost 70K for a non "M" car manufactured south of the boarder. Maybe I'd cut some slack at 55K, this is flat out insanity.
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      08-13-2019, 06:44 PM   #49
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Almost 70K for a non "M" car manufactured south of the boarder. Maybe I'd cut some slap at 55K, this is flat out insanity.
M340i's are still Germany made I believe, but the price is getting absurd for a compact sports sedan.

Problem is, if you want a 6 cylinder, its go big or go home. I'd be perfectly happy with a 6 cylinder with 330i power at 330i pricing, but sadly the 4 cylinder has taken over the world.
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      08-13-2019, 06:44 PM   #50
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by joshuastein55 View Post

Specs
BMW M340i xDrive – As Tested Price: $68,425
Mercedes C43 AMG 4Matic – As Tested Price: $69,320
Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Sport RWD – As Tested Price: $53,690
Genesis G70 3.3TT HTRAC - As Tested Price: $52,495
wow. that M340 price..
Word

$68k

My SA told me BMW has purposefully killed the 320 and stripper 330 cars to move the price point up to compete more in the luxury class. Gone are low $30 to 35k 3ers and sub $400 lease deals.
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      08-13-2019, 06:46 PM   #51
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I have owned Porsches and one E series Merc, but once I owned two E46 models I said there is no other car for me. The E90 was okay. But the driving experience in E46 cars was unparalleled. I do not like the 3's from F to G series. I did however fall in love with the 2 series as it reminds be of the E46, nimble and perfectly balanced. I loved your review and given what I have read, and the cars you are considering, I'd go with the Alfa. But I have to admit my last name ends in a vowel...
I too owned an E46 and thoroughly enjoyed it, currently in an F80 ZCP, love the damn thing.
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      08-13-2019, 06:52 PM   #52
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Quote:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Winemaker2 View Post
I have owned Porsches and one E series Merc, but once I owned two E46 models I said there is no other car for me. The E90 was okay. But the driving experience in E46 cars was unparalleled. I do not like the 3's from F to G series. I did however fall in love with the 2 series as it reminds be of the E46, nimble and perfectly balanced. I loved your review and given what I have read, and the cars you are considering, I'd go with the Alfa. But I have to admit my last name ends in a vowel...
I too owned an E46 and thoroughly enjoyed it, currently in an F80 ZCP, love the damn thing.
I've been thinking about looking at an M3 Comp as well, especially since dealers are likely trying to get rid of them and I could probably swing one for around loaded M340i money, and of course, the manual transmission always adds to enjoyment. May have to take a look, I've actually never driven any form of F80 M3's so it would be interesting to see how it drives.
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      08-13-2019, 06:57 PM   #53
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joshuastein55 Would love to hear your thoughts on the S4/S5. If you're ever in the Rockville area and want to drive one, let me know.
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      08-13-2019, 06:57 PM   #54
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DML I believe I would also love your F80 ZCP, but I am talking about pedestrian vehicles, non M's, including my Porsche 944 Turbo with racing package, that my 2003 E46 330i handled better. I have a tuned 230i that might give you a run for your money on a twisty track...please no long straight-away.
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      08-13-2019, 07:02 PM   #55
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OP, if you want a big trunk but don't need the 4 doors, there is only one answer the M2 Comp. Otherwise, as DML will attest, the M3 Comp can be used as a daily driver but could also go to the track on weekends.
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      08-13-2019, 07:06 PM   #56
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HIT on the Alfa! Skip on the rest.

Wouldn't buy a 3er unless it was an M3 or an E9X or earlier 3-series. The prices are wild for the Merc and 3-series. Mindboggling
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      08-13-2019, 07:15 PM   #57
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Thanks for the extensive review OP.

One significant difference of opinion is the one made about wishing for column-mounted paddles. I realize this is not an uncommon complaint, but it's one I have zero respect for.

First, allow me to provide some background... When Ferrari first started speccing F1 transmissions in their 355 and 360 models, I was very involved with the brand. The company I worked for was known for customizing Ferraris and setting them up for track day use. I want to say the majority of owners of these cars would come to me complaining about the column mounted paddles being difficult to use while on track. Our common retort was that you probably shouldn't be shifting very often while your wheel is turned. I think of this experience whenever I hear people wishing for column mounted paddles. I guess the grass is always greener.

Also, I really don't understand the logic in wanting fixed paddles. Your hands aren't fixed when driving. There's a reason race cars have wheel mounted paddles. They're always in the same place in relation to your hands on the wheel. I've driven a lot of laps on track with both and it isn't even close. Wheel mounted paddles are simply far more intuitive and easier to use when being smooth is important.
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      08-13-2019, 07:16 PM   #58
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I was at Catonsville last Wednesday morning — any chance that I saw you?
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      08-13-2019, 07:19 PM   #59
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I was at Catonsville last Wednesday morning — any chance that I saw you?
Maybe , although I went in the afternoon
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      08-13-2019, 07:19 PM   #60
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TL;dr


Totally just kidding. Incredibly well thought out and well written review. It sounds like the M340i comes out decently well but doesn’t really distinguish itself. Not a good sign. Reading your words, it actually sounds like the C43 is the more exciting choice
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      08-13-2019, 07:21 PM   #61
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TL;dr


Totally just kidding. Incredibly well thought out and well written review. It sounds like the M340i comes out decently well but doesn't really distinguish itself. Not a good sign. Reading your words, it actually sounds like the C43 is the more exciting choice
Yes, the Alfa and C43 are more distinguishable, but those distinguishing factors also add to their flaws (example, C43 is super aggressive and playful but has a very stiff chassis to do this) but as i always say, Your Milage May Vary. I didn't find the C43 too stiff to ruin my daily driving, but my wife wouldn't like how stiff it is.
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      08-13-2019, 07:31 PM   #62
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IB M View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by joshuastein55 View Post

Specs
BMW M340i xDrive – As Tested Price: $68,425
Mercedes C43 AMG 4Matic – As Tested Price: $69,320
Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Sport RWD – As Tested Price: $53,690
Genesis G70 3.3TT HTRAC - As Tested Price: $52,495
wow. that M340 price..
Word

$68k

My SA told me BMW has purposefully killed the 320 and stripper 330 cars to move the price point up to compete more in the luxury class. Gone are low $30 to 35k 3ers and sub $400 lease deals.
The 320 was a sales gambit that failed.

Bmw wanted to try and increase sales with the 320 to try and keep the luxury sales crown.
The same is true for the 3 series GT, which gave them another model from the same platform but still all F series models are large cars.

Instead they lost the sales crown to Mercedes , because Mercedes dared to sell a compact sedan (CLA ) beneath their bread and butter C CLASS in this segment whereas BMW tried to half ass it with a coupe only in the 1er and then 2er and subsequently all the sedan sales went to Mercedes and Audi.


And yes ... clearly BMW is moving all their cars upmarket seeking more profit per vehicle.

Of course the 8 series move also has turned out to be a fail. And the 6 GT.
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      08-13-2019, 07:32 PM   #63
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Quote:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DML View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Winemaker2 View Post
I have owned Porsches and one E series Merc, but once I owned two E46 models I said there is no other car for me. The E90 was okay. But the driving experience in E46 cars was unparalleled. I do not like the 3's from F to G series. I did however fall in love with the 2 series as it reminds be of the E46, nimble and perfectly balanced. I loved your review and given what I have read, and the cars you are considering, I'd go with the Alfa. But I have to admit my last name ends in a vowel...
I too owned an E46 and thoroughly enjoyed it, currently in an F80 ZCP, love the damn thing.
I've been thinking about looking at an M3 Comp as well, especially since dealers are likely trying to get rid of them and I could probably swing one for around loaded M340i money, and of course, the manual transmission always adds to enjoyment. May have to take a look, I've actually never driven any form of F80 M3's so it would be interesting to see how it drives.
Since F82's are currently the only game in town, "maybe" high 70's low 80's. Give one a ride, thinking you'll like it. BTW, That M2 Comp. is pretty sweet & tempting.
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      08-13-2019, 07:35 PM   #64
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OP, if you want a big trunk but don't need the 4 doors, there is only one answer the M2 Comp. Otherwise, as DML will attest, the M3 Comp can be used as a daily driver but could also go to the track on weekends.
That M2 Comp. is one tempting vehicle...
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      08-13-2019, 07:36 PM   #65
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Quote:
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Quote:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DML View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Winemaker2 View Post
I have owned Porsches and one E series Merc, but once I owned two E46 models I said there is no other car for me. The E90 was okay. But the driving experience in E46 cars was unparalleled. I do not like the 3's from F to G series. I did however fall in love with the 2 series as it reminds be of the E46, nimble and perfectly balanced. I loved your review and given what I have read, and the cars you are considering, I'd go with the Alfa. But I have to admit my last name ends in a vowel...
I too owned an E46 and thoroughly enjoyed it, currently in an F80 ZCP, love the damn thing.
I've been thinking about looking at an M3 Comp as well, especially since dealers are likely trying to get rid of them and I could probably swing one for around loaded M340i money, and of course, the manual transmission always adds to enjoyment. May have to take a look, I've actually never driven any form of F80 M3's so it would be interesting to see how it drives.
Since F82's are currently the only game in town, "maybe" high 70's low 80's. Give one a ride, thinking you'll like it. BTW, That M2 Comp. is pretty sweet & tempting.
Yep, I just looked online and forgot that production for the F80 ended a while ago. May have to say f*** it and go for 2 doors. Maybe an F83, I do love a convertible, and will miss the Boxster when its gone, but the M2 is also tempting. Soooo many choices! Looks like it'll take a while for me to decide.
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      08-13-2019, 07:37 PM   #66
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Quote:
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Quote:
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OP, if you want a big trunk but don't need the 4 doors, there is only one answer the M2 Comp. Otherwise, as DML will attest, the M3 Comp can be used as a daily driver but could also go to the track on weekends.
That M2 Comp. is one tempting vehicle...
Keep repeating it.
One tempting vehicle in the lineup ... yep.

And back in 2015... they only planned to make 10,000 units for the full model run, after selling 6300 1M in a single year.
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