[2011zx10R]

Originally Posted by dezzracer

I'm a moto guy too. Mostly off road though. I modify and add parts to all my bikes. It is almost a must. Even with my "ready to race" KTM's. I spent 2k on my brand new KTM 1090R adventure bike before it even left the dealership lol. . I'm 61 and have modified every performance car I have ever owned. Until my most recent 2018 M3 CS. This car is perfect (IMO) in both performance setup and appearance. I will not be doing a single thing to it. Refreshing for me to be honest. Now if I was more concerned with a daily and comfort than I was all out performance the M340 with a tune would be better. IMO.

Originally Posted by dezzracer

I'm a moto guy too. Mostly off road though. I modify and add parts to all my bikes. It is almost a must. Even with my "ready to race" KTM's. I spent 2k on my brand new KTM 1090R adventure bike before it even left the dealership lol. . I'm 61 and have modified every performance car I have ever owned. Until my most recent 2018 M3 CS. This car is perfect (IMO) in both performance setup and appearance. I will not be doing a single thing to it. Refreshing for me to be honest. Now if I was more concerned with a daily and comfort than I was all out performance the M340 with a tune would be better. IMO.

I'm of the same mantra; I'll mildly modify bikes I "now" leave cars stock. Tires, rims at best.

My buddy is a die hard Ktm guy; has a 2013 RC8 just picked up 2019 KTM 1290 Superduke GT

hope to pick up a 2015 r 1200 gs low miles this season

[ra2289]

Originally Posted by sunsetm340

Hey all! Thanks for taking the time to check out my car. First off, I really don't do anything on forums, so I apologize if I break any rules or etiquette. I was made aware of this thread, which is why I created an account and decided to jump in.

I'll quickly address the car: I started with JB4 and nothing else. I then quickly switched to a custom tune by Eurodynamic Tuning, BMS intake, and VRSF downpipe. We've been testing what we can in order to keep the car as nice of a daily driver as possible (I drive at least 60 miles per day), while making as fun as possible.

In reference to the who needs an M3 comment(s): The answer is easy... I do! I fully plan on ordering a G80 when the allocations come out. My wife and I purchased 3 new BMWs last year, and two of them are "M40" models (M340 and X3 M40). I love the car, and I can't really find stuff "wrong" with it, but there's still room for things that I want more of, and that's where the G80 comes in.

The M340 is a great step into high end performance at mid-range cost, and I think that's where the comparisons need to be made. It's not an M car, but it's a good car.

Thanks and welcome to the forums! Awesome that you plan to own both this and the G8x M3, will offer excellent perspectives in the end.

I think what gets lost in the 'M3 no M3' debate is that we have a choice, and great choices at that. We prioritize our wants/needs, align it with what we're willing to spend, and purchase accordingly.

[ra2289]

Originally Posted by will0621

I feel like the whole “old tech” thing is vastly overblown. I have a 2018 F80 and a 2020 X3 M40i and the tech differences aren’t enough to be significant for me to notice. There’s prettier graphics on the dash but it still overall feels like last gen’s interface. Get the new G series for the updated looks, xdrive, and having a newer year model, but the tech reason isn’t noticeable to be an impact on a decision, IMO. Also the driving dynamics of a M vs a 3 series should far outweigh any tech differences. For a daily however, a M might be not as comfy which is another valid reason, again moreso than the tech argument.

I'd have to agree with Will. Plus purchasing based on newness of tech means you can simply buy the first (and lowest) available 3 series and option it up regardless of future performance variants. If that's your primary focus you wouldn't need an G8x M3 or an M340.

[ra2289]

Originally Posted by jmg

Indeed, I got to thrash one around during the UDE. very impressed, but not as close to being raw as I would like. The most impressive non-M 3 series to date next to the e90 335is.

That actually helps as a reference point since I haven't driven the M340.

I had an E92 335is. Loved the idea behind that car but the power combined with an overly soft suspension and no factory LSD prompted a fairly quick switch to an E92 M3. But of course preferences differ.

[Tazmn Jr]

Originally Posted by sunsetm340

Hey all! Thanks for taking the time to check out my car. First off, I really don't do anything on forums, so I apologize if I break any rules or etiquette. I was made aware of this thread, which is why I created an account and decided to jump in.

I'll quickly address the car: I started with JB4 and nothing else. I then quickly switched to a custom tune by Eurodynamic Tuning, BMS intake, and VRSF downpipe. We've been testing what we can in order to keep the car as nice of a daily driver as possible (I drive at least 60 miles per day), while making as fun as possible.

In reference to the who needs an M3 comment(s): The answer is easy... I do! I fully plan on ordering a G80 when the allocations come out. My wife and I purchased 3 new BMWs last year, and two of them are "M40" models (M340 and X3 M40). I love the car, and I can't really find stuff "wrong" with it, but there's still room for things that I want more of, and that's where the G80 comes in.

The M340 is a great step into high end performance at mid-range cost, and I think that's where the comparisons need to be made. It's not an M car, but it's a good car.

+1

OP this statement was much needed as the owner of this fine car. I think non M owners fail to realize the majority of M owners either own or have owned non M cars at one time or another but also understand an M car is an M car for a reason. If the M340xi is that good as a new generation 3 series I can only anxiously wait for the goodness the next generation M3/M4 - G80/G82 has in store.

[conradb58]

That's wild as hell, I'm running 4.2 0-60 & 12.02 in 1/4s

[04cobra]

Originally Posted by Ghostriderf80

OMG that is absolutely amazing. Can you imagine what an M3 will do with stage 2. It runs faster than a stage 2 M3 F80. Very very impressive. BMW is now the new GTR. Also seeing how fast the G22 is going around the ring, I think its going to break records.

BMW you won me over yet again.

Lol what? Definitely not running faster than an F80 M3. My F80 stock was running that same trap speed 117-118mph. The 0-60 time is impressive especially on snow tires, but the trap speed is low. With a stage two F80 you will pull on stock GTRs, and pretty much even with tuned GTRs. I raced my buddies quite a few times.

All good and all in the same family though

[FSociety]

Five35 your 2020 X3 M40i on Stage1 is faster than this lol

[Adam X3M40i]

I'm close to this m340.

I'm running 3.3 0-60

1/4 11.6 but still working on beta map

[sunsetm340]

Originally Posted by Five35

Yea im close to this m340.

I'm running 3.3 0-60

1/4 11.6 but still working on beta map

THAT’S AWESOME! One of these days I’ll post one of the other videos we have. We’ve gotten as low as 3.32 and 11.5 while on the brakes at the end (turn was coming on salty roads haha). I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can do with it, and I’m REALLY looking forward to taking the snow tires off this thing... any traction control interference at all throws it way off.

Side note: as Eurodynamic said, my wife drives an X3 M40i and they’re working on convincing her to get tuned. You’re really making me want to convince her too haha. Looking forward to seeing more of your X3

[georgere]

Originally Posted by jmg

Let's clarify. Why? The suspension?

I don't know about previous generations of m3 but 80 had hard front seats. Cool looking and supportive but if truly driven daily for a long time your tolerance goes down.
Another reason - yes suspension. It has less travel and is tuned to be harsher to ensure car doesn't jump/float much. Also there are no bushings between subframes and the body of the car and some other things omitted to provide sporty feeling for the car. All this removes comfort.
Next - noise. The car has less insulation to reduce weight. It gets to you after a while and most passengers hate it unless they are car fanatics.
There are probably more details to find here but I think this gives you an idea.
My recommendation to anyone who dreams of m3, get it (because it's your dream car) but have sober expectations about what this car will deliver and what it will not.
My recommendation for a fun daily car - a GT type of car - powerful engine, comfortable car with few sports traits (bigger breaks, louder exhaust, sporty suspension option, body kit, etc). Example: 5 series 6 series 8 series with bigger engines available and m-sport pack.

[zamboni]

Originally Posted by 2011zx10R

I'm of the same mantra; I'll mildly modify bikes I "now" leave cars stock. Tires, rims at best.

My buddy is a die hard Ktm guy; has a 2013 RC8 just picked up 2019 KTM 1290 Superduke GT

hope to pick up a 2015 r 1200 gs low miles this season

I'm not an engineer but the BMW F800GT is plenty fast for me no need to mod.

[shoei]

Originally Posted by sunsetm340

THAT’S AWESOME! One of these days I’ll post one of the other videos we have. We’ve gotten as low as 3.32 and 11.5 while on the brakes at the end (turn was coming on salty roads haha). I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can do with it, and I’m REALLY looking forward to taking the snow tires off this thing... any traction control interference at all throws it way off.

Side note: as Eurodynamic said, my wife drives an X3 M40i and they’re working on convincing her to get tuned. You’re really making me want to convince her too haha. Looking forward to seeing more of your X3

You just tell her you need to take it on for a "software update" or "1200 mile service" where they open the car up some more...

[dezzracer]

Originally Posted by shoei

You just tell her you need to take it on for a "software update" or "1200 mile service" where they open the car up some more...

Sunset , owner of car in video. Thanks for jumping in and providing some details and your thought process. Much needed. Thread was going good but got a bit testy for awhile. Lol.

[dezzracer]

Originally Posted by 04cobra

Lol what? Definitely not running faster than an F80 M3. My F80 stock was running that same trap speed 117-118mph. The 0-60 time is impressive especially on snow tires, but the trap speed is low. With a stage two F80 you will pull on stock GTRs, and pretty much even with tuned GTRs. I raced my buddies quite a few times.

All good and all in the same family though

Hey, O4Cobra. I have one too. Sent you a private message. Sorry guys, off topic. Carry on.

[2011zx10R]

Originally Posted by georgere

I don't know about previous generations of m3 but 80 had hard front seats. Cool looking and supportive but if truly driven daily for a long time your tolerance goes down.
Another reason - yes suspension. It has less travel and is tuned to be harsher to ensure car doesn't jump/float much. Also there are no bushings between subframes and the body of the car and some other things omitted to provide sporty feeling for the car. All this removes comfort.
Next - noise. The car has less insulation to reduce weight. It gets to you after a while and most passengers hate it unless they are car fanatics.
There are probably more details to find here but I think this gives you an idea.
My recommendation to anyone who dreams of m3, get it (because it's your dream car) but have sober expectations about what this car will deliver and what it will not.
My recommendation for a fun daily car - a GT type of car - powerful engine, comfortable car with few sports traits (bigger breaks, louder exhaust, sporty suspension option, body kit, etc). Example: 5 series 6 series 8 series with bigger engines available and m-sport pack.

Originally Posted by georgere

I don't know about previous generations of m3 but 80 had hard front seats. Cool looking and supportive but if truly driven daily for a long time your tolerance goes down.
Another reason - yes suspension. It has less travel and is tuned to be harsher to ensure car doesn't jump/float much. Also there are no bushings between subframes and the body of the car and some other things omitted to provide sporty feeling for the car. All this removes comfort.
Next - noise. The car has less insulation to reduce weight. It gets to you after a while and most passengers hate it unless they are car fanatics.
There are probably more details to find here but I think this gives you an idea.
My recommendation to anyone who dreams of m3, get it (because it's your dream car) but have sober expectations about what this car will deliver and what it will not.
My recommendation for a fun daily car - a GT type of car - powerful engine, comfortable car with few sports traits (bigger breaks, louder exhaust, sporty suspension option, body kit, etc). Example: 5 series 6 series 8 series with bigger engines available and m-sport pack.

Totally agree an M3 is not for everyone.

For me the car has exceeded expectations.

[FreeDarko]

Originally Posted by will0621

I feel like the whole "old tech" thing is vastly overblown. I have a 2018 F80 and a 2020 X3 M40i and the tech differences aren't enough to be significant for me to notice. There's prettier graphics on the dash but it still overall feels like last gen's interface. Get the new G series for the updated looks, xdrive, and having a newer year model, but the tech reason isn't noticeable to be an impact on a decision, IMO. Also the driving dynamics of a M vs a 3 series should far outweigh any tech differences. For a daily however, a M might be not as comfy which is another valid reason, again moreso than the intended tech argument.

Every BMW is obsolete within the year it's made regardless of their new over the air updates etc.

On the other end, having Carplay reduces this a fair bit and you can upgrade previous gens iDrive.

The F80 is probably the 1st BMW I feel like I don't mind going back to as a daily if I needed another 4 door fun car as it meets all the requirements. I've had 14 Bimmers in past 20 yrs.

If you want to stay current get a Tesla.

[B58SP]

Originally Posted by Adam X3M40i

Yea im close to this m340.

I'm running 3.3 0-60

1/4 11.6 but still working on beta map

On the X3 M40? What mods? And what was the trap speed?

[Adam X3M40i]

Originally Posted by B58SP

On the X3 M40? What mods? And what was the trap speed?

Completely stock besides tune


https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=25680177

[georgere]

Originally Posted by 2011zx10R

Totally agree an M3 is not for everyone.

For me the car has exceeded expectations.

It would help if you mentioned criteria by which your m3 met your expectations.

Everyone agrees that overall it is a fun car, it has a wow factor and looks great, it has great history, level of reliability, and huge car community support and following.
What is being discussed currently is comfort level vs how long the owner will tolerate the harshness of the car on daily use situations.

[Jimmyraww]

Originally Posted by 535i MSport

People who don't want great front end grip.

Next M3 will be AWD

[535i MSport]

Originally Posted by Jimmyraww

Next M3 will be AWD

I am aware of that.

Can you imagine the excitement when people start measuring 0-60?