[NGT2]

Still flirting with the LCI M340 as an alternative to my 2020 M550

Can you code off ASD with Bimmercode? Same for turning off seatbelt chime the startup warning on the iDrive screen?

Does the sport display show oil temp? Or can it via Bimmercode?

Anybody else jump from M550? I feel like this whole part of the post is redundant. I just wonder if it will pull consistently like the V8 does, regardless of speed or gear.

Sounds like Adaptive Suspension is a must. Does it make the ride in Comfort fairly smooth? Comparable to what you’d expect with adaptive in the M550? I know it will handle more fun in Sport.

How is the HK system? I have Bowers currently. I’m not knowledgeable in stereo nuances and not an audio snob. But is it a significantly noticeable step down in the G20?

Aside from doorcard stitching, does leather make anything else feel more luxury than sensatec? I like the cognac and the beige and sensatec seems comfortable. I will option for sensatec on the dash either way.

Do performance runflats (19” mixed runflats) increase the speed limiter or do you have to order the performance tire and cooling package (whatever that’s called)?

Can you fit a set of golf clubs in the trunk? If I have to take out my driver, I could live with that.

My other questions are more subjective and I really just need to find one to drive. Closest ones are used and 3 hours away, unfortunately.

[NGT2]

One more - Does the M340 have the automatic telescoping steering column or is it manual adjustment like the 330?

The 4 series has the automatic right?

[dhock_holiday]

You can easily code off ASD using BimmerCode. Oil temp is now on the main screen, it’s like a digital graph readout which shows torque etc.

My M340i has manual steering adjustment, kind of odd in a 65K car I won’t lie. The M340i pulls hard, I have not drive an M550i but I would imagine the G20 chassis is lighter and more high sprung.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by dhock_holiday

You can easily code off ASD using BimmerCode. Oil temp is now on the main screen, it’s like a digital graph readout which shows torque etc.

My M340i has manual steering adjustment, kind of odd in a 65K car I won’t lie. The M340i pulls hard, I have not drive an M550i but I would imagine the G20 chassis is lighter and more high sprung.

The manual steering adjustment is one of those frustrating BMW decisions that makes no sense. Its 2024 and it’s a $60k-$70k car.

I had a 540 before and it pulled well, too. I know the M340 will pull harder with more HP and less weight. You’d expect the M550 to pull hard, it has over 500 hp. What’s impressive is how it does it from any gear and from any speed. Just always a tap away from taking off like a rocket. Wondering if the M340 feels the same. It probably needs to rev a little higher but that’s just more fun noises! Haha

[joeyb26]

I agree that the manual steering adjustment is a bit odd to have in such an expensive car, but how often are you adjusting the steering wheel? I set it once when I bought the car and haven't changed it since

I'd say adaptive suspension is definitely a must, haven't driven an m550 so I can't compare. But you do need to buy the high performance tire and cooling package to get the higher top speed. It's the only way to get it, just getting the summer run flats doesn't do it

[Cammy440iGC]

Coming from an M550i...which I think was the smart man's M5...why not the M3 Competition X-Drive?

Coming from the V8 the S58 might be more satisfying than the B58 in the M340i. The V8 in the M550i is really M power.

If money were no object and you wanted to stay V8 with luxury...the M850i Gran Coupe would be a good replacement for the M550i.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Cammy440iGC

Coming from an M550i...which I think was the smart man's M5...why not the M3 Competition X-Drive?

Coming from the V8 the S58 might be more satisfying than the B58 in the M340i. The V8 in the M550i is really M power.

If money were no object and you wanted to stay V8 with luxury...the M850i Gran Coupe would be a good replacement for the M550i.

Haha if money were no object, we’d be having a whole different conversation. Agreed on the M850i. Really sweet car with some serious road presence.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by joeyb26

I agree that the manual steering adjustment is a bit odd to have in such an expensive car, but how often are you adjusting the steering wheel? I set it once when I bought the car and haven't changed it since

I'd say adaptive suspension is definitely a must, haven't driven an m550 so I can't compare. But you do need to buy the high performance tire and cooling package to get the higher top speed. It's the only way to get it, just getting the summer run flats doesn't do it

Thank you, that’s really good to know. That tells me that if I don’t want to pay for the high perf tire and cooling package, I may as well get the standard 18” wheels and AS tires. I’ll need them for the winter anyway and if the speed limiter is the same, no reason to pay the extra $600. I know some want bigger wheels but I don’t mind the 18’s and having more side wall.

[CSBM5]

Originally Posted by joeyb26

I'd say adaptive suspension is definitely a must, haven't driven an m550 so I can't compare. But you do need to buy the high performance tire and cooling package to get the higher top speed. It's the only way to get it, just getting the summer run flats doesn't do it

This is not correct, at least for the 2024 model year. The raised speed limiter does come with the optional 19" mixed runflat summer tires with 792M wheels (8"/8.5"). I just ordered a 2024 with them and took delivery in January. When you select that option, the factory build sheet shows code 1G0 for the "19" M Lt/Aly wheels double spoke 792M Bicolour Jet Black / MT" coupled with code 258 Runflat tires (225/40-19, 255/35-19), and code 840 "Increased top speed limiter". (it shows up on the decoder as S840 High Speed Synchronization)

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by CSBM5

This is not correct, at least for the 2024 model year. The raised speed limiter does come with the optional 19" mixed runflat summer tires with 792M wheels (8"/8.5"). I just ordered a 2024 with them and took delivery in January. When you select that option, the factory build sheet shows code 1G0 for the "19" M Lt/Aly wheels double spoke 792M Bicolour Jet Black / MT" coupled with code 258 Runflat tires (225/40-19, 255/35-19), and code 840 "Increased top speed limiter". (it shows up on the decoder as S840 High Speed Synchronization)

Hell yeah. Thanks for the clarification! That’s an important detail.

In this case, I’d option the $600 for 19” with mixed summer runflats. I’d also option the Apadptive Suspension. I get that from there it’s just a little over a grand to get the full package. But honestly I’ll probably never justify a need for the added cooling and I can just buy non runflats when it’s time to replace the tires.

[RoGo330i]

“Can you fit a set of golf clubs in the trunk? If I have to take out my driver, I could live with that.”

Hi OP: I can fit my clubs, and I have the BMW spare tire set-up in the trunk. (But my ladies driver is likely shorter than yours because I’m 5’ 6”). Maybe, you could bring your bag with you when you test drive.⛳️
Good luck with your search!

[CSBM5]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Hell yeah. Thanks for the clarification! That’s an important detail.

In this case, I’d option the $600 for 19” with mixed summer runflats. I’d also option the Apadptive Suspension. I get that from there it’s just a little over a grand to get the full package. But honestly I’ll probably never justify a need for the added cooling and I can just buy non runflats when it’s time to replace the tires.

We actually had a thought process behind *not* ordering the tech/cooling package since I was absolutely going to put it on the order initially. When you select that package, you get an additional oil cooler that sits near the front of the car facing downward. It is not protected from damage. The G8x cars have the same setup, and you can see on those boards the number of people who have experienced damage from road debris and lost engines (one G87 M2 happened on his drive home from picking up the car). There are a number of aftermarket guards available for the G8x cars, but for the G2x situation, you would need to adapt those to fit as there are slight differences. Alternatively, you could design your own with some stiff steel mesh perhaps (a number of people have done so in G8x forum).

So since our M2C is the go to car for autocross and track use, my wife and I know we'll never take the M340i to track events and therefore see no need in the additional oil cooler that results in that potential failure mode...it's simply not needed for our intended application of the car. Same with the slightly larger front brakes in that package. The standard M340i brakes are fine for our use.

When we spec'd out our car with the dealer, they produced a printout of the official build specification to be submitted for us to sign in agreement. On that sheet it showed the 792M wheel/tire option we selected, and it also showed the "840 Increased top speed limiter" option. You can review (and should) that intended build sheet with your dealer prior to officially submitting it.

Long story longer, the F8x M cars also have a downward facing oil cooler; there are aftermarket guards for those too. However, at least on the M2C, that oil cooler sits recessed and is much more protected than it is on the G8x and G2x cars. There are some pictures on the forum of what the G20 tech pkg oil cooler looks like, and it is very exposed to potential damage, like in this thread.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by RoGo330i

“Can you fit a set of golf clubs in the trunk? If I have to take out my driver, I could live with that.”

Hi OP: I can fit my clubs, and I have the BMW spare tire set-up in the trunk. (But my ladies driver is likely shorter than yours because I’m 5’ 6”). Maybe, you could bring your bag with you when you test drive.⛳️
Good luck with your search!

Good to know! Yeah, I’ll eventually test the room with the kids seats in the back and clubs in the trunk if I get that far. While I was asking the other questions, I figured I’d ask that one. Your ladies driver may be shorter than mine but it’s not because I’m taller… we’re the same height haha.

A real test drive is what I’m hoping to eventually get. All I’ve been able to test are 330i’s. And not even in M Sport trim. I’m hoping my local dealer gets one traded in soon that I can test. Even if it’s not LCI, it would be good to test one. I’ve driven the M440 coupe and it was cool. I may drive it a second time, just to test the powertrain setup again. It’s a 2023 with under 1,000 miles that’s depreciated over $10k off sticker. Unfortunately, I need four doors and I’m not into Tacora red interior.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by CSBM5

We actually had a thought process behind *not* ordering the tech/cooling package since I was absolutely going to put it on the order initially. When you select that package, you get an additional oil cooler that sits near the front of the car facing downward. It is not protected from damage. The G8x cars have the same setup, and you can see on those boards the number of people who have experienced damage from road debris and lost engines (one G87 M2 happened on his drive home from picking up the car). There are a number of aftermarket guards available for the G8x cars, but for the G2x situation, you would need to adapt those to fit as there are slight differences. Alternatively, you could design your own with some stiff steel mesh perhaps (a number of people have done so in G8x forum).

So since our M2C is the go to car for autocross and track use, my wife and I know we'll never take the M340i to track events and therefore see no need in the additional oil cooler that results in that potential failure mode...it's simply not needed for our intended application of the car. Same with the slightly larger front brakes in that package. The standard M340i brakes are fine for our use.

When we spec'd out our car with the dealer, they produced a printout of the official build specification to be submitted for us to sign in agreement. On that sheet it showed the 792M wheel/tire option we selected, and it also showed the "840 Increased top speed limiter" option. You can review (and should) that intended build sheet with your dealer prior to officially submitting [...]

Wow, that’s really useful. Thank you!

[LostInSpace]

Having owned several 5's, I can tell you that you will likely be disappointed with the cabin materials, although they're certainly fine. HK is worse, and it doesn't feel anything like a 5.

I like the size of the 3 over the 5, particularly now that the 5 is a whale. It's also much more fun to drive than a 5. It certainly doesn't have the presence of a 5, particularly a m550. I like mine, but I'd like to have it and also own a previous generation 5, for the luxury component. I don't want to have that much cash tied up in cars.

I doubt you will like going from a m550 to a m340. I went from a 540, and I'm basically neutral on the trade off.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by LostInSpace

Having owned several 5's, I can tell you that you will likely be disappointed with the cabin materials, although they're certainly fine. HK is worse, and it doesn't feel anything like a 5.

I like the size of the 3 over the 5, particularly now that the 5 is a whale. It's also much more fun to drive than a 5. It certainly doesn't have the presence of a 5, particularly a m550. I like mine, but I'd like to have it and also own a previous generation 5, for the luxury component. I don't want to have that much cash tied up in cars.

I doubt you will like going from a m550 to a m340. I went from a 540, and I'm basically neutral on the trade off.

Thanks for the honest feedback! I definitely would have expectations for stepping down a level in interior finish and detail. The expectation would be to go smaller, quicker, more/different kind of fun factor (the M550 is pretty damn fun, just different) but sacrifice size, luxury, comfort. Would likely plan to lease, get that out of my system, and then get something like a final production year M850GC as a CPO. I’m not big on the new stuff BMW is putting out and I like all the G chassis models and would like another V8 before they disappear (in coupes and sedans, anyway).

But I’m leaning to just keeping my 2020 and doing the same thing, skipping the G20 in between.

[joeyb26]

Originally Posted by CSBM5

This is not correct, at least for the 2024 model year. The raised speed limiter does come with the optional 19" mixed runflat summer tires with 792M wheels (8"/8.5"). I just ordered a 2024 with them and took delivery in January. When you select that option, the factory build sheet shows code 1G0 for the "19" M Lt/Aly wheels double spoke 792M Bicolour Jet Black / MT" coupled with code 258 Runflat tires (225/40-19, 255/35-19), and code 840 "Increased top speed limiter". (it shows up on the decoder as S840 High Speed Synchronization)

Interesting, I guess they must have changed it then. My 2020 came with the 19 inch summer run flats and I don't have the increased speed limiter

[G30M]

Originally Posted by LostInSpace

Having owned several 5's, I can tell you that you will likely be disappointed with the cabin materials, although they're certainly fine. HK is worse, and it doesn't feel anything like a 5.

I like the size of the 3 over the 5, particularly now that the 5 is a whale. It's also much more fun to drive than a 5. It certainly doesn't have the presence of a 5, particularly a m550. I like mine, but I'd like to have it and also own a previous generation 5, for the luxury component. I don't want to have that much cash tied up in cars.

I doubt you will like going from a m550 to a m340. I went from a 540, and I'm basically neutral on the trade off.

I bought the 340 and loved it.
Then I bought a 550 and now I do not like the 340 at all

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by g21

I bought the 340 and loved it.
Then I bought a 550 and now I do not like the 340 at all

I was waiting to hear your take. That’s two now that have owned both with similar warnings.

I really want to love this idea. Don’t know why. Because I’m addicited to turning over cars, probably.

I drove a 2024 M440 Coupe and it didn’t have the sensation I was looking for. But I loved driving the 330i. I think it’s the different driving dynamic of the 3 vs the 4. What else would cause the difference in sensation? It has occurred to me that old saying that it’s “fun to drive a slow car fast” (not that the 330 is a slow car, it’s all relative here). Maybe I need another drive it the 440 and push it harder. I think it’s still there.

I just need to find one of these to drive. I’ll know pretty quick.

[LostInSpace]

The m340 is pretty much a perfect driver's sedan. It's a good size, comfortable, fast, handles well, is a good value for the money, gets good gas mileage, hauls 4 and, with x-drive, can be driven through a variety of conditions. They've neutered the exhaust, but whatever.

It's not a luxury sedan, and it's not an executive sedan. Just depends on what you want. I'm going to keep mine for a while, and maybe much longer since BMWs designs are really sucking, and about beyond the point of no return. I was going to trade for a lightly used m550 earlier this year, but I didn't want to pony up 15 grand. I didn't think it would make me any happier than I am currently, or do anything else for me.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I was waiting to hear your take. That’s two now that have owned both with similar warnings.

I really want to love this idea. Don’t know why. Because I’m addicited to turning over cars, probably.

I drove a 2024 M440 Coupe and it didn’t have the sensation I was looking for. But I loved driving the 330i. I think it’s the different driving dynamic of the 3 vs the 4. What else would cause the difference in sensation? It has occurred to me that old saying that it’s “fun to drive a slow car fast” (not that the 330 is a slow car, it’s all relative here). Maybe I need another drive it the 440 and push it harder. I think it’s still there.

I just need to find one of these to drive. I’ll know pretty quick.

it's less comfortable on longer drives.

it's like flying premium economy after experiencing business class.

but if you like to drive like a maniac then the 3/4 series wins hands down due to the race car handling.

regarding fast, the 550 you can "feel" the power at any rpm

my 340 you don't "feel" the power below 3000 rpm, sometimes 4000 rpm depending on the gear.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by g21

it's less comfortable on longer drives.

it's like flying premium economy after experiencing business class.

but if you like to drive like a maniac then the 3/4 series wins hands down due to the race car handling.

regarding fast, the 550 you can "feel" the power at any rpm

my 340 you don't "feel" the power below 3000 rpm, sometimes 4000 rpm depending on the gear.

Thank you. I think this is the thing that would hang me up. I can perhaps live with the trade of comfort for handling. It’s not like it’s THAT uncomfortable. But on my way to work this morning, I love being able to feel all that power with a slight press on the accelerator even at like 1,500-2,000 RPM. You can be very passive and stil access that “pushed back in the seat” power without having to press hard at all on the gas pedal. I think that’s what I would miss most. Maybe that’s why the test drive in the 440 wasn’t as satisfying as I’d hoped. I didn’t mind the comfort level and enjoyed the sportier handling. But I was probably treating the accelerator the same way I do in my M550 and not getting the desired result. I’d have to relearn how to drive the car to get what I want out of it and it sounds like that would require an increased level of aggression, you might say. Not sure I want that on a daily basis, though it does sound like fun!