09-09-2019, 08:40 AM | #1 |
The Wolf
247
Rep 987
Posts
Drives: stuff
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Midwest
|
Replaced my F30 340i with a G20 M340i - Initial thoughts
I'll preface this with the fact that I didn't intend to buy another 3 series, while I loved my E90 335xi and F30 340i xdrive I was a bit turned off by the price increase and weaker programs for leasing the G20 m340i after I test drove one for a short time earlier this year with few options. I considered Tesla Model3 performance... but Michigan has no sales or service support, C43 AMG among others... hell I even thought about getting a beater as I have other cars.
MY 8AT 2016 340i had 18" wheels and all season tires, adaptive suspension and every option except the driving assistant things, this 2020 also has adaptive suspension but with 19" wheels and all season tires and all of the driving assistance things. Initial differences on the highway back home is that the G20 rides a bit firmer, may be attributed to the 19" tires vs 18" before... but on the F30 comfort was very soft and sport plus damping was very hard. On the G20 comfort is a notch firmer and sport damping is a notch firmer than that but not F30 harsh in sport damping. NVH at speed is significantly reduced in the G20, I always thought the F30 was too loud through the floorboard and windows when compared against lower priced cars in lower segments. I realize the exterior looks are polarizing to some as this one strays away from the incremental changes to the 3 series we've seen over the years and the grille can be an eyesore, but overall I find it to be more substantial and premium in appearance than the past 3 series's I've owned. Interior / tech are better than F30, but I never did find the F30 to be dated or junk like many did... infact I already kind of miss the analog instrument cluster, the active driving assistant and gesture controls are simply a gimmick IMO. A large standout is the Harman/Kardon audio, this system has much more clarity and punch at all frequencies than the HK in my F30 had... but also I always kind of thought my E90 Logic7 was better than what the F30 had.... regardless it's a pleasure to listen to at loud volumes with anything from yacht rock to modern mumble rap. Remote start is a welcomed edition, but i'd skip the power trunk. Ambient lighting is trend, it looks cool I guess but I could take it or leave it. Overall the interior and features are a step up but I wasn't disappointed last time out. In the suspension/powertrain/driving experience area this is where you start to see some big changes. The steering isn't hydraulic still, something that is common for the times... but it's much better than F30 was, it's not dead on center and in sport mode it's a livable resistance and response. This car is slightly heavier, but with the rear LSD and suspension/bushing differences the tires will scream well before the car understeers or the chassis becomes upset. Brakes are noticeably more effective, driving modes more customizable. I set the damping to comfort, steering comfort, engine sport plus, transmission sport for daily driving and one press of the sport button at startup places it back in sport individual where those settings are. You get pops and bangs on lift off and the response is just right, to me, to drive spiritedly to/from work or anywhere else. A lot more fun and competent than the F30 was. Power delivery is smooth as the B58 ever was, with more on tap than previous F30... the biggest difference is every bit of the power is usable in most all situations, however you need the shifting set to sport to get it to apply power when you want it on demand and also it helps to turn the traction control off... you have to encourage the car to behave like a sports sedan with driving settings like I noticed in the F30, even moreso with this one. Also with everything dialed up to sport there is a pleasant resonance felt and heard in the cabin 1200-1800rpm that makes the engine appear larger and more pronounced than it is... it's not my hellcat engine, but I was happy that the engine sounded a bit more aggressive for it's small size and the turbo muffling it's output. A lot of fun to drive and I don't think i'd change anything there. That's where i'm at with it for now, it's just been a few days and i'll learn as we go. My IDrive is still on the 3/2019 version and it lacks a lot of things and it seems I have to return to the dealer to have it updated as OTA isn't enabled at this time so i'll refrain from commenting on that until it has apps etc. I do miss the compass in the mirror and I can set one on the display but I have not found a way to place one on the instrument cluster.
__________________
-2019 BMW m850i convertible
-2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye Widebody |
Appreciate
11
Ilyam5890.00 Who's on first2462.00 Wmzorba09325.50 Ikester192124.00 RPM1123280.00 Eagle Creek139.00 mcjohnsonsg386.00 GOLFFRR10776.00 RIOBLAST32.50 M40i4me1037.00 BMW11278.00 |
09-09-2019, 10:43 AM | #2 |
Captain
628
Rep 773
Posts |
Congrats. I'm also looking at going from a F30 340ix to a M340ix and in Portimao Blue with the 792M wheels. I haven't ordered mine yet and am still on the fence between Portimao and Black Sapphire, how do you find the color in real life/different lighting?
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-09-2019, 10:47 AM | #3 |
The Wolf
247
Rep 987
Posts
Drives: stuff
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Midwest
|
I really like it but it also reminds me of the blue STi's from the early 2000s I had and loved, blue is also my favorite color.
__________________
-2019 BMW m850i convertible
-2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye Widebody |
Appreciate
0
|
09-09-2019, 08:32 PM | #6 |
First Lieutenant
96
Rep 378
Posts
Drives: '16 340, ex e92 335, ex e46 M3
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: North Bay Area, CA
|
The writeup is appreciated. I'm assuming you got all season tires, RF on non?
Thanx |
Appreciate
0
|
09-09-2019, 10:18 PM | #7 |
Captain
322
Rep 647
Posts |
I really appreciate reading these. My M340 just entered the paint bay today and I'll be taking in my 2016 340 6MT w MPPSK. Really getting excited.
__________________
Current: 2023 G80 ///M3 Competition xDrive in Atlantis / 2021 X3 M40
Previous: 2020 M340 / 2017 X3 / 2016 340xi / 2013 335xi / 2011 X3 / 2010 328i / 2007 328i / 2004 325i |
Appreciate
0
|
09-09-2019, 10:42 PM | #8 |
The Wolf
247
Rep 987
Posts
Drives: stuff
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Midwest
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-10-2019, 10:58 AM | #9 |
Major General
4958
Rep 6,222
Posts
Drives: 2018 340i M Sport
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Chicago, Edgewater (via Texas & Tennessee)
iTrader: (0)
Garage List 2018 BMW 340i M Sport [9.38]
2020 BMW M340i xDrive [10.00] 2018 BMW 340i M Sport [8.00] 2006 BMW 330i Sport [4.50] 2004 BMW 330i ZHP [7.25] 2000 BMW 328i [6.00] |
What changed your mind about getting another 3er?
__________________
www.bmwcca.org member #388003 - Use me as a referral & you could win a one day ///M Driving School!! ___________________________________________ |
Appreciate
0
|
09-10-2019, 01:34 PM | #10 |
The Wolf
247
Rep 987
Posts
Drives: stuff
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Midwest
|
Price & Tesla service is a 4 hour trip, they've stopped their valet service and i'm very picky about faults. Saved myself the headache even if M3P was going to be a new / fun experience.
__________________
-2019 BMW m850i convertible
-2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye Widebody |
Appreciate
1
Eagle Creek139.00 |
09-19-2019, 02:33 PM | #11 |
Colonel
698
Rep 2,010
Posts
Drives: '05 M3 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Swansea,MA
|
Care to elaborate on the lease deal you received? If you would rather PM me, you can do that, too.
__________________
'05 BMW M3 6MT (Weekend car) Need to stock up on some detailing products or spiff up your garage, then use my Obsessed Garage link! |
Appreciate
0
|
09-19-2019, 09:09 PM | #12 | |
Private First Class
79
Rep 126
Posts |
Quote:
I actually think the diamond grill looks way better in person then the standard one. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-21-2019, 03:04 PM | #13 |
New Member
2
Rep 17
Posts |
Just picked up my M340 the other day and upgrading from a 2016 340. I won’t go in to detail since this post already does so. But the G20 is night and day from the F30. I like it better in pretty much every respect. Road noise is reduced. Suspension is still firm but doesn’t bottom out by hitting a small bump in the road and rattle the whole car. Technology is drastically improved. Steering feedback is excellent and just right amount of firmness. The extra hp is great. The exhaust note is improved.
I have not finished breaking so I’ve yet to redline. In hindsight the decision to upgrade was an easy one and worth the trade in. |
Appreciate
1
Transfer5250.00 |
09-24-2019, 06:18 PM | #14 |
Private
27
Rep 62
Posts |
I should really stay away from this forum.
I have three months left on my 16 340i lease and I didn't plan on picking up a G20, but... I know if I test drive one I'll sign my life away. Just don't think I'll be able to work the numbers in my favor. I got hosed on my 340i and I promised myself that will not happen again. Awesome write up! |
Appreciate
0
|
09-24-2019, 06:36 PM | #15 |
10776
Rep 27,587
Posts |
nice, solid review. The g20 is a great car, I really enjoy driving it myself as well. congrats
__________________
BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY KOTE FIRST! Kote M Sales:Kotem@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-368-9101 vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties! |
Appreciate
0
|
01-03-2020, 06:45 PM | #17 |
First Lieutenant
96
Rep 378
Posts
Drives: '16 340, ex e92 335, ex e46 M3
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: North Bay Area, CA
|
I returned my '16 340 last summer, and got a '20 M340 in Oct. It feels at least two generations newer. Probably my greatest complaint is that the leather is about .5% improvement over the old Dakota. Whoops, another: the car is getting too big. I got RWD, 19" non-rf, non adaptable suspension, and it rides and drives just about perfectly. It's very well dampened. FWIW, Also, I think the "autopilot" is better than my wife's Tesla 3.
|
Appreciate
1
eluded3005.00 |
01-04-2020, 05:49 PM | #18 | |
Private
27
Rep 62
Posts |
Quote:
Love it though. The body, the interior and that sweet exhaust note. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|