[gnolivos]

3.8 secs is ridiculous. I own a 2022 m340i and is super fast but I doubt I can pull 3.8 sec on a dry road on a perfect day. Weird.

[BMV///M3]

2020 M340 here. It’s a great overall balance. Looks are a bit muted and I always have the M itch.

[gnolivos]

Muted?!

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by lawgone

Yes, this is an old review. However, since we are talking about it I have to say how disappointed I am by the limited options BMW gave us in the US compared to Europe. There are many more exterior paint options and interior options in the European models. I would make one of those my next car if we could get them here. Instead they just give us the most vanilla offerings possible.

And one other thing, why does BMW make you get a larger vehicle to get better and extended leather? I don’t need the size of a 5 series or X5, but those interiors are SO much better. Charge $3k for nice extended leather in a 3 series and I’d get it.

Totally agree. I’d be really really tempted to replace my 540 with an M340i xDrive if I could get the same quality interior.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by btkowalk

I was going to include that in my list...but I am an elder millennial. My perception of Caddy is...not great. All I see is bloated woody station wagon from the 90s. No offense to anyone.

Really? I’m 38. Is that elder millennial? I can’t keep up. But I like Caddy. My problem is the interior buttons remind me it’s a cousin of my several previous Tahoes and that bugs me.

The CT6 with a V8 is a bad MF. Maybe I’m old school for my age.

[Llarry]

Originally Posted by TruthOne

Anyone bold or rich enough to swap a six speed into an M340i? lol

That then would be the perfect BMW: an M340i 6-speed!

[btkowalk]

Yep, you're an elder! I am 39. I shouldn't generalize - I am sure it is simply experience with the brand. But I just do not look favorably on caddy. The infotainment from the last gen ATS-V really turned me away also.

[-EndOfAnEra-]

Originally Posted by Llarry

That then would be the perfect BMW: an M340i 6-speed!

It's the only thing about my car that prevents it from being a keeper. I've theorized the 6MT swap every since I heard about the Zupra getting it and I think I heard the Z4 will be getting it too.

Figure a swap from scratch like that won't be much less than an F80 6MT... Maybe we'll get lucky and one of the aftermarket powerhouses makes a swap kit!

[sdemo]

Originally Posted by btkowalk

If it had a 6mt option it would be my next car. There is a HUGE void right now in what I am sure is not a profitable market: practical performance manuals under $60k. M2 priced how I want it is pushing 70k and not as practical as sedan; m3 easily pushing 80k even with minimal options; Supra not practical; 400z...same, and its a nissan; Type r/GR corolla (i think) is underpowered + you'll have to pay a ADM which is criminal. if they made a m340i RWD + manual they would at least sell 1 i know for sure.

*CT4-V Blackwing enters the chat*

[Lucky1]

Originally Posted by TruthOne

Anyone bold or rich enough to swap a six speed into an M340i? lol

If we’re talking bold or rich I’d go for swapping a 6MT into the G8x ‘M3 Competition AWD. And then buy a matching M3 Touring to do the same!

Of course bold and rich can get even more extreme…can be no end to that game

[G30M]

Originally Posted by gnolivos

Muted?!

Agree... pre Lci ftW!

[DRKNEVL]

Can't believe they didn't make this with a manual...Considering the face of the m3 this would have been an amazing alternative.

[mfarrzhp]

Looks like someone got a pretty good deal:

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/364...w-m340i-xdrive

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by BMV///M3

2020 M340 here. It’s a great overall balance. Looks are a bit muted and I always have the M itch.

Former 2023 M3 x drive owner here (just sold it). The m3 draws more attention and looks worse. Plus it’s an agitating driving experience. Chassis is really tight/firm. You made the right call imo unless you wanted to go to the track. Much happier with my z m40i. More responsive, manageable power, agility, and fun… I love the b58. Your car is 3.4in shorter than the m3 btw ~ just a random fact. Your mild hybrid gives you instant torque which is nice compared to a torque hole before the madness of 503 hp. I timed my m3 at 3.7s to 60 without LC, 3.1 with LC. Not much different in most accelerating situations. Plus you saved $ on tires and insurance and price. The one really nice thing is ability to get merino. As some have pointed out, that’s a super frustrating thing that you can’t opt for better leather on the non-M 3 series.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by Bimmerfun82

Former 2023 M3 x drive owner here (just sold it). The m3 draws more attention and looks worse. Plus it’s an agitating driving experience. Chassis is really tight/firm. You made the right call imo unless you wanted to go to the track. Much happier with my z m40i. More responsive, manageable power, agility, and fun… I love the b58. Your car is 3.4in shorter than the m3 btw ~ just a random fact. Your mild hybrid gives you instant torque which is nice compared to a torque hole before the madness of 503 hp. I timed my m3 at 3.7s to 60 without LC, 3.1 with LC. Not much different in most accelerating situations. Plus you saved $ on tires and insurance and price. The one really nice thing is ability to get merino. As some have pointed out, that’s a super frustrating thing that you can’t opt for better leather on the non-M 3 series.

which is why i bought the M550i which, in my opinion is the best car and not the M340i.

[ArchJR]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Totally agree. I’d be really really tempted to replace my 540 with an M340i xDrive if I could get the same quality interior.

I did that, loaded 540i to loaded 330i, and have zero regrets two years in. Driving a lighter and more nimble car brings me more joy than than massaging and cooled Napa leather ever did. The only interior design bit that bothers me is the exposed ambient lighting, which feels cheap compare to the indirect lighting in the 5er. I like it so much that I will likely get another next year, or maybe the M340i.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by ArchJR

I did that, loaded 540i to loaded 330i, and have zero regrets two years in. Driving a lighter and more nimble car brings me more joy than than massaging and cooled Napa leather ever did. The only interior design bit that bothers me is the exposed ambient lighting, which feels cheap compare to the indirect lighting in the 5er. I like it so much that I will likely get another next year, or maybe the M340i.

I can understand all that. But I do get a ton of satisfaction from the nice, comfortable seats and more refined interior. I wouldn’t mind the size of the M340. And I wouldn’t mind the stiffer suspension and less luxurious ride. I don’t care about massage and ventilation. But I do appreciate a good, comfortable seat and a solidly built interior. It’s really not a big ask from a car the size of the 3 series.

[maanja285]

I looked at 2x m340i of the previous version last december when i was looking to chop in my 430D. I looked at 2 because i was really trying to force myself to love it, but I was really underwhelmed by the exhaust note, fake exhausts, interior and lack of standard spec. router login

watch IPL

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by g21

which is why i bought the M550i which, in my opinion is the best car and not the M340i.

For sure, of course it costs commensurately more as well… (+25k?). 5 has always been better than 3 for luxury and quality of interior. I remember when I took my E550 into the shop and got a c class loaner for a month. After a while I grew accustomed to it and wondered if I needed the E class. Then I got the E class back. Immediately realized it was the superior car. It’s the same thing if you up the ante and go with the 7 or S class. I remember back when the 540i (‘96) was an absolute dream compared to the 328. Not even close. But I think here the main discussion point was driving experience, and it’s now an issue of weight, agility - more so than 25 years ago. The 540 was so brilliant esp in our 6 speed manual form. But now the m550 is very bulky. It just depends what you are prioritizing - interior quality and comfort or nimbleness.

[G30M]

correct the 550 is a boat when doing track things

but to give an example i was doing a 3 hr drive in the 340, going uphill. trying to pass 2 30 wheeler semis in a hurry as i didn't want to be halfway next to the rear semi in case it decided to pull out and overtake the one in front. already in sport mode. pulled a gear, 3500 rpm, gassed it - nothing! pulled another gear, 4700rpm, blasted through. it was hard work! the 550 would have eaten the pair alive in less rpms and without making the family throw up! (ok about the last one - maybe - but in the M3 they would be throwing up the whole 3 hours)

the 340 has hard seats - hard everything. hard steering wheel, hard ride, hard door sound. and less roomy. but much more agile when you throw it around the place. and uses next to no fuel. i don't have access to a race track unfortunately.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by g21

correct the 550 is a boat when doing track things

but to give an example i was doing a 3 hr drive in the 340, going uphill. trying to pass 2 30 wheeler semis in a hurry as i didn't want to be halfway next to the rear semi in case it decided to pull out and overtake the one in front. already in sport mode. pulled a gear, 3500 rpm, gassed it - nothing! pulled another gear, 4700rpm, blasted through. it was hard work! the 550 would have eaten the pair alive in less rpms and without making the family throw up! (ok about the last one - maybe - but in the M3 they would be throwing up the whole 3 hours)

the 340 has hard seats - hard everything. hard steering wheel, hard ride, hard door sound. and less roomy. but much more agile when you throw it around the place. and uses next to no fuel. i don't have access to a race track unfortunately.

I finally test drove a 550 today. Holy crap. I’m going to buy one.

But the salesman, personally, has an M340 and an e39 540 6 speed manual. We talked a lot about the different models. They’re all good at what they’re supposed to be good at. Driving experience only - I’d get to use the M340’s agility and quickness on a more regular basis. I drive in town more than on the interstate. I want a V8 while I can get one with lower miles and I love the luxury, so my current choice is clear. But the M340 would be a really fun car to have.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I finally test drove a 550 today. Holy crap. I’m going to buy one.

But the salesman, personally, has an M340 and an e39 540 6 speed manual. We talked a lot about the different models. They’re all good at what they’re supposed to be good at. Driving experience only - I’d get to use the M340’s agility and quickness on a more regular basis. I drive in town more than on the interstate. I want a V8 while I can get one with lower miles and I love the luxury, so my current choice is clear. But the M340 would be a really fun car to have.

sounds like you need the DHP.
it will corner better than an M340i in town and on twisty roads (but not on track).

i got the 550 because I wasn't happy with the lack of torque on the 340 but man the 550 is a gas guzzler. be prepared to throw cash at the pump.