Bimmerpost
3
/
4 Series
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
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

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      08-16-2019, 12:13 PM   #111
530iDriver
Colonel
530iDriver's Avatar
United_States
1708
Rep
2,539
Posts

Drives: 2017 BMW 530i
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Florida

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fuller View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by joshuastein55 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fuller View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by DK__LA View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fuller View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by DK__LA View Post
Lets be real , you will get the c43 in the end. No question.
It seemed like he's already passed on it. Right now it looks to be between the m340i (after his first round of test drives), and the f80/82 or Giulia quadrifoglio (both contingent on test drives).
I went from 335iS to C43 to M4 so I totally understand him going to F8X over those 3. It's night and day but the C43 between the M340 and Alfa is a no brainer especially if you love spirited driving.
If you want a soulless car that just goes fast then M340 will be your choice. I just find it amazing that this C class platform completely wrecked the F30 and still giving the new G20 a run for its money.
It's like Mercedes and bmw switched places from who they were a decade ago. Can you imagine someone 10-15 years ago saying that they chose a bmw 3 series over a MB c-class due to better comfort as a daily driver?
100% agree. I would go for the C43, but I already have one Merc and I kind of want to switch it up, and still retain a manual (before it dies completely), so I'm thinking an M2/M4 may be the sweet spot. But yess, Mercs in their base trim, 300, retain their old stereotype, comfortable and quiet, but the AMG 43, and especially 53 trims are great vehicles. Mercedes has been learning some tricks from BMW. And the 53 engines, is one of the smartest/best engines I've tested.

Its funny cause I follow the very controversial Jason Cammisa on instagram (loves old BMWs, hates the new ones) and he does mini reviews there. His verdict for the CLS and E53 was "When did Mercedes learn to shit all over BMW?"
The cls53 is the one with the hybrid technology right? I actually find that car genuinely interesting. If im thinking of the right model it's an electric + 6 cylinder ICE hybrid designed for optimum performance and powerband.
Yep like the 745e.
__________________
2017 BMW 530i, Sport Line,Alpine White, Canberra Beige Sensatec, 19 inch V-Spoke wheels, basic plain Jane build with no options whatsoever..... "Less is more".

Before: 2011 BMW 328i E90 sedan, Platinum Bronze Metallic, Dakota Brown leather, 17 inch wheels, 6-speed auto, N52 6 Cyl inline N/A goodness....
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2019, 03:48 PM   #112
elitex
.
elitex's Avatar
United_States
1230
Rep
1,918
Posts

Drives: 22 M8C Coupe, 21 X5MC
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Atlanta

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by 530iDriver View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by elitex View Post
Go drive the Alfa QV. You won't be disappointed. You can also pick one up (18 model)for $20k discount.

I've driven 11k miles on mine so far and it has been very reliable.
I would hope no modern day built car would start to fall apart before 10K miles. Check back when you hit 40K to see if it has held up by then.
The way some people talk about Alfas, they act like they're falling apart and breaking down as soon as you leave the dealership. Soooooo.....
__________________
Previous
21 X5M MBB, 20 Evora GT, 20 C63S Coupe,19 X5 50i, 18 Giulia QV, 18 M5, 17 Evora 400, 18 LX570, 17 GT350,18 M4 Comp,17 R8 V10 ,17 M3 Comp,17 GT350,16 Escalade Plat ESV, 16 570S,16 911 GTS,15 M5, 15 LX570, 13 M5,13 Viper,14 Cayman S,13 M3,13 S4,10 RX8,12 A4,10 G37, 04 Mini Cooper S, 08 Scion TC, 06 Altima V6, 05 Altima, 01 Altima, 00 Altima, 94 Explorer, 92 Toyota Pickup, 98 Altima
Appreciate 0
      08-16-2019, 07:18 PM   #113
openwheelracing
Captain
192
Rep
814
Posts

Drives: 5 different 3 Series
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Santa Barbara, CA

iTrader: (0)

I have ceased all car purchases except 48v mild hybrid or BEV. Everything else is not worth the time anymore.

AMG53 and RAM 1500 are doing it eight, in addition to Tesla, eTron and EQC
Appreciate 1
clee1982796.00
      08-17-2019, 02:04 PM   #114
keylime503
Major
630
Rep
1,227
Posts

Drives: M2C 6MT, Audi A4 Avant
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (0)

Did something change in the latest version of iDrive w.r.t. Carplay? I have a 2017 M240 (sorry I don't know what version of iDrive that is, maybe 5.0?) and I can use Google Maps and Waze when I'm connected to CarPlay both wired and wireless. So I found that an odd complaint in the iDrive review.
Appreciate 0
      08-17-2019, 02:09 PM   #115
stein_325i
Ring Leader of G8X Haters
stein_325i's Avatar
No_Country
25051
Rep
8,761
Posts

Drives: A Car
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: All-Around

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by keylime503 View Post
Did something change in the latest version of iDrive w.r.t. Carplay? I have a 2017 M240 (sorry I don't know what version of iDrive that is, maybe 5.0?) and I can use Google Maps and Waze when I'm connected to CarPlay both wired and wireless. So I found that an odd complaint in the iDrive review.
iDrive 7.0 is the latest version (not in 2 series, only new G-series vehicles currently) and is very buggy. Some of the bugs include Apple Carplay. Search through the G05 X5 forum or find any newer BMW review on Youtube and you'll see what I'm talking about. Corded carplay would simply solve the issue.
__________________
Current Garage: 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 / 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T / 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 350 / 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Retired: '95 E36 325i 5MT / '04 E46 330i 6MT / '05 E83 X3 3.0i / '11 E90 335xi / '17 G30 540i / '19 F87 M2C 6MT / '19 MB CLS 53 / '20 MB GLC 300
Appreciate 0
      08-17-2019, 02:25 PM   #116
keylime503
Major
630
Rep
1,227
Posts

Drives: M2C 6MT, Audi A4 Avant
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by joshuastein55 View Post
iDrive 7.0 is the latest version (not in 2 series, only new G-series vehicles currently) and is very buggy. Some of the bugs include Apple Carplay. Search through the G05 X5 forum or find any newer BMW review on Youtube and you'll see what I'm talking about. Corded carplay would simply solve the issue.
Ah interesting, yeah I looked it up and I have iDrive 5.0. Wireless carplay works flawlessly for me, the only complaint I have is that it's still only 2/3rds of the otherwise gorgeous wide screen.

Personally, "plug it in" would not be a viable solution for me. I make a lot of short trips in the car and having carplay start up while my phone remains in my pocket is a big plus.
Appreciate 1
      08-17-2019, 02:30 PM   #117
stein_325i
Ring Leader of G8X Haters
stein_325i's Avatar
No_Country
25051
Rep
8,761
Posts

Drives: A Car
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: All-Around

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by keylime503 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by joshuastein55 View Post
iDrive 7.0 is the latest version (not in 2 series, only new G-series vehicles currently) and is very buggy. Some of the bugs include Apple Carplay. Search through the G05 X5 forum or find any newer BMW review on Youtube and you'll see what I'm talking about. Corded carplay would simply solve the issue.
Ah interesting, yeah I looked it up and I have iDrive 5.0. Wireless carplay works flawlessly for me, the only complaint I have is that it's still only 2/3rds of the otherwise gorgeous wide screen.

Personally, "plug it in" would not be a viable solution for me. I make a lot of short trips in the car and having carplay start up while my phone remains in my pocket is a big plus.
Makes sense, just that plugging it in is more reliable for it to work (at least with iDrive 7). Audi's new MMI does it the best, allowing it to work wirelessly or corded.
__________________
Current Garage: 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 / 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T / 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 350 / 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Retired: '95 E36 325i 5MT / '04 E46 330i 6MT / '05 E83 X3 3.0i / '11 E90 335xi / '17 G30 540i / '19 F87 M2C 6MT / '19 MB CLS 53 / '20 MB GLC 300
Appreciate 0
      08-21-2019, 02:31 PM   #118
churchillps
Second Lieutenant
churchillps's Avatar
50
Rep
254
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Texas

iTrader: (0)

I went from an E92 335 to a Giulia TI. I'm in year 2 of my lease. I also went to the M Town event here last week and drove the M340i. A few things stood out in comparison.

1) The exhaust note/power is awesome.
2) The seats are extremely uncomfortable and small, almost 2-series size. No bolsters.
3) The materials are mediocre and overall interior design is bad.
4) The exterior is beautiful
5) The steering is not good

The Alfa's main advantages are comfort and steering. The steering is unbelievable, the sport seats are super nice, and it's an incredibly comfortable daily driver. The M340i is too close to an M3 and too far from a 330 and would probably be a rough daily driver.
Appreciate 0
      08-21-2019, 02:35 PM   #119
stein_325i
Ring Leader of G8X Haters
stein_325i's Avatar
No_Country
25051
Rep
8,761
Posts

Drives: A Car
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: All-Around

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by churchillps View Post
I went from an E92 335 to a Giulia TI. I'm in year 2 of my lease. I also went to the M Town event here last week and drove the M340i. A few things stood out in comparison.

1) The exhaust note/power is awesome.
2) The seats are extremely uncomfortable and small, almost 2-series size. No bolsters.
3) The materials are mediocre and overall interior design is bad.
4) The exterior is beautiful
5) The steering is not good

The Alfa's main advantages are comfort and steering. The steering is unbelievable, the sport seats are super nice, and it's an incredibly comfortable daily driver. The M340i is too close to an M3 and too far from a 330 and would probably be a rough daily driver.
I'm surprised that you find the m340 to be closer to an M3. I surprisingly find it to be the opposite, I think (at least when also driving back to back with a C43) that the M340i simply just feels like a more powerful 330i with less steering feel rather than an M3. It definitely has M3 like power, but the driving experience didn't feel close to the recent F82 I drove.

Are you planning on leasing another Giulia?
__________________
Current Garage: 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 / 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T / 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 350 / 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Retired: '95 E36 325i 5MT / '04 E46 330i 6MT / '05 E83 X3 3.0i / '11 E90 335xi / '17 G30 540i / '19 F87 M2C 6MT / '19 MB CLS 53 / '20 MB GLC 300
Appreciate 0
      08-21-2019, 03:06 PM   #120
churchillps
Second Lieutenant
churchillps's Avatar
50
Rep
254
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by joshuastein55 View Post
I'm surprised that you find the m340 to be closer to an M3. I surprisingly find it to be the opposite, I think (at least when also driving back to back with a C43) that the M340i simply just feels like a more powerful 330i with less steering feel rather than an M3. It definitely has M3 like power, but the driving experience didn't feel close to the recent F82 I drove.

Are you planning on leasing another Giulia?
I meant that in terms of daily driver it's closer to the M3. Just not comfortable enough, and without the steering/driving feel upgrade to justify it.

I don't think so because it's essentially leasing the same car, nothing has really changed and I like variety. I was the only person at the M Town day who really wanted to drive the M340i because it's something I'm actually considering, not just going there to get a chance behind an M5 competition.

This thread is pretty much my next car choice + used M2 w/ manual. I want a relatively normal sized (for 10 years ago I guess) sedan that's fun to drive and would love a standard (know that won't happen). It just feels people like me have been totally left behind by the industry today
Appreciate 1
stein_325i25051.00
      08-21-2019, 04:30 PM   #121
mcjohnsonsg
First Lieutenant
United_States
386
Rep
315
Posts

Drives: M340 xdrive
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: New York City

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by churchillps View Post
I went from an E92 335 to a Giulia TI. I'm in year 2 of my lease. I also went to the M Town event here last week and drove the M340i. A few things stood out in comparison.

1) The exhaust note/power is awesome.
2) The seats are extremely uncomfortable and small, almost 2-series size. No bolsters.
3) The materials are mediocre and overall interior design is bad.
4) The exterior is beautiful
5) The steering is not good

The Alfa's main advantages are comfort and steering. The steering is unbelievable, the sport seats are super nice, and it's an incredibly comfortable daily driver. The M340i is too close to an M3 and too far from a 330 and would probably be a rough daily driver.
I'm surprised you found the M340 uncomfortable, and the seats without support. I actually find the opposite. To me the M340 is a classic "grand tourer", in the old meaning of that phrase, i.e, from the days when Aston's or Jaguars were built to drive halfway across Europe and drop the owner off in time for a G&T in the bar (no, I'm not that old!). The M340 has the power and comfort to cover big distances without the driver getting overly fatigued, whilst it has enough "sportiness" to allow that driver to have some fun along the way.
Appreciate 0
      08-22-2019, 05:27 AM   #122
530iDriver
Colonel
530iDriver's Avatar
United_States
1708
Rep
2,539
Posts

Drives: 2017 BMW 530i
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Florida

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by keylime503 View Post
Did something change in the latest version of iDrive w.r.t. Carplay? I have a 2017 M240 (sorry I don't know what version of iDrive that is, maybe 5.0?) and I can use Google Maps and Waze when I'm connected to CarPlay both wired and wireless. So I found that an odd complaint in the iDrive review.
You have iDrive 6.
__________________
2017 BMW 530i, Sport Line,Alpine White, Canberra Beige Sensatec, 19 inch V-Spoke wheels, basic plain Jane build with no options whatsoever..... "Less is more".

Before: 2011 BMW 328i E90 sedan, Platinum Bronze Metallic, Dakota Brown leather, 17 inch wheels, 6-speed auto, N52 6 Cyl inline N/A goodness....
Appreciate 0
      08-22-2019, 01:29 PM   #123
keylime503
Major
630
Rep
1,227
Posts

Drives: M2C 6MT, Audi A4 Avant
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 530iDriver View Post
You have iDrive 6.
Nah I actually went back and checked. I have iDrive 5.0. Looks like they added 6.0 as part of the cosmetic LCI of the F22 for MY18 (I have the mechanical LCI MY17).
Appreciate 0
      08-22-2019, 03:09 PM   #124
keylime503
Major
630
Rep
1,227
Posts

Drives: M2C 6MT, Audi A4 Avant
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by churchillps View Post
I went from an E92 335 to a Giulia TI. I'm in year 2 of my lease. I also went to the M Town event here last week and drove the M340i. A few things stood out in comparison.

1) The exhaust note/power is awesome.
2) The seats are extremely uncomfortable and small, almost 2-series size. No bolsters.
3) The materials are mediocre and overall interior design is bad.
4) The exterior is beautiful
5) The steering is not good

The Alfa's main advantages are comfort and steering. The steering is unbelievable, the sport seats are super nice, and it's an incredibly comfortable daily driver. The M340i is too close to an M3 and too far from a 330 and would probably be a rough daily driver.
Uh, didn't the F22/F30/F32 have identical seats? What do you mean "small, almost 2-series size"?
Appreciate 0
      08-22-2019, 09:29 PM   #125
EXE46
Lieutenant Colonel
EXE46's Avatar
United_States
2097
Rep
1,531
Posts

Drives: 2020 M340i RWD Aka New E39 M5
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: State of Dystopia

iTrader: (0)

Well there you have it folks, we all knew the C43AMG feel more raw but the fellow on Track Day TV stilled pulled better times in the M340 Xdrive.
__________________
Prior's: E36, E46 x2
Appreciate 0
      08-22-2019, 11:08 PM   #126
clee1982
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
796
Rep
1,736
Posts

Drives: 2019 BMW 540i xDrive
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by EXE46 View Post
Well there you have it folks, we all knew the C43AMG feel more raw but the fellow on Track Day TV stilled pulled better times in the M340 Xdrive.
Yea but feel matters to a lot people though
Appreciate 0
      08-23-2019, 05:52 AM   #127
mcjohnsonsg
First Lieutenant
United_States
386
Rep
315
Posts

Drives: M340 xdrive
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: New York City

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by clee1982 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by EXE46 View Post
Well there you have it folks, we all knew the C43AMG feel more raw but the fellow on Track Day TV stilled pulled better times in the M340 Xdrive.
Yea but feel matters to a lot people though
Feel isn't the same as rawness. I don't recall reviews saying the C43 has notably more feel, just that it is more raw and aggressive.
Appreciate 1
clee1982796.00
      08-23-2019, 09:41 AM   #128
churchillps
Second Lieutenant
churchillps's Avatar
50
Rep
254
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by keylime503 View Post
Uh, didn't the F22/F30/F32 have identical seats? What do you mean "small, almost 2-series size"?
I never compared the seats to the F series seats....
Appreciate 0
      08-23-2019, 12:53 PM   #129
keylime503
Major
630
Rep
1,227
Posts

Drives: M2C 6MT, Audi A4 Avant
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by churchillps View Post
I never compared the seats to the F series seats....
Well you compared them to the 2 series seats, didn't you? There has only ever been one generation of the 2 series and it's an F series .
Appreciate 0
      08-23-2019, 08:22 PM   #130
churchillps
Second Lieutenant
churchillps's Avatar
50
Rep
254
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by keylime503 View Post
Well you compared them to the 2 series seats, didn't you? There has only ever been one generation of the 2 series and it's an F series .
Fair enough!
Appreciate 0
      10-11-2020, 10:05 AM   #131
fanshu
Private
Hong Kong
21
Rep
60
Posts

Drives: 2019 MB C43, 2016 BMW M2
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

This is a good review for both M340i and C43, I have to bring back this one as I was just choosing between these two a few months back.

I agreed most of the comments, I tested the demo car in BMW dealer, and a facelift 2018 C43. We timed the 0-100 and it's M340i faster, but it feels faster in C43, I don't know why.

I have a 2016 M2, and I have an 8-year old first gen RS3. I need to replace the RS3, so testing the M340i, but it didn't give me surprise. When there is a second hand C43, I went to test it. This is not bad, driving experience is just slightly better than the M340i.

However, both the interior materials and finishing feels better in the C43. This facelift only has the traditional dials and a 5.5 inches LCD screen, but this AMG has a lot of info like engine oil temp, transmission temp, tyre pressures and temp etc. It seems M340i doesn't have it displayed even it has the new digital screen.

And due to pendemic, BMW dealer doesn't know when will the new car can come a few months back. So I decided to change the RS3 to C43.

The RS3 is not bad even it is the first generation, but it really understeer when you push hard. This C43 seems quite neutral with it's 4matic when pushed hard, it did feel quite heavier than the RS3 tho.

In terms of driving pleasure, I believe it is really only the M2 can give you a lot!

Just want to share this for your information.
Appreciate 0
      10-11-2020, 02:26 PM   #132
Patgilm
First Lieutenant
181
Rep
355
Posts

Drives: GT-R, X7 M50i, M340
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Crofton, MD

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by fanshu View Post
However, both the interior materials and finishing feels better in the C43. This facelift only has the traditional dials and a 5.5 inches LCD screen, but this AMG has a lot of info like engine oil temp, transmission temp, tyre pressures and temp etc. It seems M340i doesn't have it displayed even it has the new digital screen.
The M340 has most of that info in Sport Display. When you click on Sport Display is shows boost, oil temp, hp, tq, and G’s. The tire pressure is on a different screen. The only one I don’t see is trans temp.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:59 AM.




g20
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST