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2019+ BMW 3 AND 4-SERIES FORUMS (G2x Generation) General G20 Sedan / G22 Coupe / G26 Gran Coupe Discussions If you’ve test driven or taken delivery of an M340i, share your impressions

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      04-29-2019, 01:12 PM   #89
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Originally Posted by praxis218 View Post
Could you expound on why it's a must have option? Thanks
I have it on mine and even my wife and mother can tell the difference as I change the settings. This is a commuter car and it's very comfortable in the softest setting. It's quite firm in the sport setting and I like that in short bursts too. Honestly it's a relatively inexpensive option so don't skip it if you can.
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      04-29-2019, 01:34 PM   #90
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Basilar_tip View Post
I have it on mine and even my wife and mother can tell the difference as I change the settings. This is a commuter car and it's very comfortable in the softest setting. It's quite firm in the sport setting and I like that in short bursts too. Honestly it's a relatively inexpensive option so don't skip it if you can.
Interesting, I didn't know if it was gimmicky or what. I've always had the passive suspension and never complained even back in the E9x days when driving over a pothole sounded like a grenade had went off inside the cabin

I wonder if passive is dialed into the middle between the two adaptive settings. Will have to test drive.

My commute is 7 to 10 minutes depending on traffic so I always lean towards the "fun" settings
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      04-29-2019, 01:53 PM   #91
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You said it well. Best bang for the buck in this class segment.

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Originally Posted by Basilar_tip View Post
Completely agree. Reviewers and so called haters can bash this car all they want, but this is a gem.
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      04-29-2019, 02:05 PM   #92
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Originally Posted by Frank_NJ View Post
You said it well. Best bang for the buck in this class segment.

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Originally Posted by Basilar_tip View Post
Completely agree. Reviewers and so called haters can bash this car all they want, but this is a gem.
I agree. This is my 4th day actually "driving" the car, and I'm finding myself not longing for my M4 as much. Don't get me wrong, I love the M car and what it can do, but the M340 will definitely hold my interests during the duration of the lease!
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      04-29-2019, 02:08 PM   #93
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Could not agree more on this car holding one's attention. I only have 103 miles on mine but all with a big smile!

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Originally Posted by BigSky702 View Post
I agree. This is my 4th day actually "driving" the car, and I'm finding myself not longing for my M4 as much. Don't get me wrong, I love the M car and what it can do, but the M340 will definitely hold my interests during the duration of the lease!
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      04-29-2019, 02:31 PM   #94
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Quote:
Originally Posted by praxis218 View Post
Could you expound on why it's a must have option? Thanks
On our test drive there's a stretch of really bad road which was great. We got to test out both suspensions and while the regular sport suspension is great on a smooth surface you could immediately tell that it wasn't great on the rough roads. On comfort, the adaptive was much more controlled. Even on sport, its better than the regular sport suspension. I'm actually surprised its not just standard equipment.
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      04-29-2019, 02:35 PM   #95
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Originally Posted by sev1 View Post
On our test drive there's a stretch of really bad road which was great. We got to test out both suspensions and while the regular sport suspension is great on a smooth surface you could immediately tell that it wasn't great on the rough roads. On comfort, the adaptive was much more controlled. Even on sport, its better than the regular sport suspension. I'm actually surprised its not just standard equipment.
Agreed. It should really be standard equipment. Can't think of any negatives except for higher repair costs down the line.
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      04-29-2019, 02:57 PM   #96
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sev1 View Post
On our test drive there's a stretch of really bad road which was great. We got to test out both suspensions and while the regular sport suspension is great on a smooth surface you could immediately tell that it wasn't great on the rough roads. On comfort, the adaptive was much more controlled. Even on sport, its better than the regular sport suspension. I'm actually surprised its not just standard equipment.
Thanks, I just didn't want it to be more "extreme" in adaptive sport than the passive M-sport suspension since I drive in sport mode 100% of the time.
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      04-29-2019, 03:22 PM   #97
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Quote:
Originally Posted by praxis218 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by sev1 View Post
On our test drive there's a stretch of really bad road which was great. We got to test out both suspensions and while the regular sport suspension is great on a smooth surface you could immediately tell that it wasn't great on the rough roads. On comfort, the adaptive was much more controlled. Even on sport, its better than the regular sport suspension. I'm actually surprised its not just standard equipment.
Thanks, I just didn't want it to be more "extreme" in adaptive sport than the passive M-sport suspension since I drive in sport mode 100% of the time.
The adaptive suspension is more comfortable in Sport but also remains firm and controlled. One of the best ride's i've experienced. The S5 was also good in this regard, but I like BMW so its better.

Last edited by sev1; 04-29-2019 at 03:27 PM.. Reason: better explaination
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      04-29-2019, 09:03 PM   #98
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Originally Posted by sev1 View Post
The adaptive suspension is more comfortable in Sport but also remains firm and controlled. One of the best ride's i've experienced. The S5 was also good in this regard, but I like BMW so its better.
Does the adaptive dive and squat more than the 704 non adaptive m-sport?

On the G30 5 series, the consensus seems to be that the adaptive alone even in sport mode allows too much dive, squat and roll because the springs have to be softened vs. the fixed 704 suspension.

The posts I've seen over on the 5 forum all say that if you need adaptive, you need to get the Dynamic Handling Package which is Adaptive Dampers + Dynamic Roll Bars. Adding the adaptive dampers alone without the adaptive roll bars makes the car too floaty. On the 3, dynamic roll bars aren't an option, so I'm curious if the same problem exists.

Personally when I got my G30 I was fine with the non adaptive 704 M-Sport, and tend to think I'd get the same if I were to get a G20 or G80 but I'd have to try them
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      04-30-2019, 11:22 AM   #99
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ssquared View Post
Does the adaptive dive and squat more than the 704 non adaptive m-sport?

On the G30 5 series, the consensus seems to be that the adaptive alone even in sport mode allows too much dive, squat and roll because the springs have to be softened vs. the fixed 704 suspension.

The posts I've seen over on the 5 forum all say that if you need adaptive, you need to get the Dynamic Handling Package which is Adaptive Dampers + Dynamic Roll Bars. Adding the adaptive dampers alone without the adaptive roll bars makes the car too floaty. On the 3, dynamic roll bars aren't an option, so I'm curious if the same problem exists.

Personally when I got my G30 I was fine with the non adaptive 704 M-Sport, and tend to think I'd get the same if I were to get a G20 or G80 but I'd have to try them
I didn't drive the G20 M340i extensively and I've never driven a G30 but my guess is that the G30 is naturally tuned for comfort and the G20 for sport. I would guess that the G20 has higher spring rates and less dive and squat than the G30.

In the short time I drove the 340i and our 330i, it feels very planted and neutral. For us, we drive our cars so much more for commuting that it has to be comfort biased with the ability to be sporty so the adaptive suspension is a much better choice.
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      04-30-2019, 11:59 AM   #100
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I test-drove it yesterday:

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      04-30-2019, 01:22 PM   #101
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I test-drove it yesterday:

Seeing your 330i review I prefer you in a suit and tie but nonetheless good reviews .
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      04-30-2019, 10:41 PM   #102
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Test drove it 2x but both times with 225 RFT all seasons. Apparently getting a summer tire 340 will be difficult in the NE.

First impression of the exterior -I have grown to really like the rear or the car. I like the front less so. A bit too rounded. Wheel size - 792M wheels are the only ones to get in my opinion. Changes the look of the car to something sportier compared to the other wheels.

Interior is fresh and new but top dash feels too hard. Also the inside door handle has an odd kink in it that comes across as sharp when pulling on it to close the door. Console aluminum doesn't look upscale. Enough that I'd push myself to getting the open pore oak which looks good but not sporty. Technology seems robust. I didn't get a chance to play with everything but it's much more modern than my F80. I'd say still a step down overall in quality but the tech makes up for some of that and it's a nice place to be.

Had the salesperson start the car while I was outside. Cold start actually makes noise which is nice. Settles down after a bit to be muted. Revving the engine produces sound again at a good level for a non-M car.

Car feels bigger than the F80 but not in a good way. Can't tell if it's the dash or the hood but you notice you are in a bigger car. A negative in my book.

Put the car in D and start driving and notice the steering in sport has weight to it unlike the Audi I drove. Under acceleration the exhaust is present with the windows down and in sport and sport plus you get burbles when letting off (more so in S+). In Sport and Sport+, transmission downshift from say 4 to 3 to 2, etc as you slow down to a light or stop sign. I found it too aggressive in doing that in S+. Sport was a good level of downshifting when slowing down. Driven passively it is an easy car to drive comfortably. No drama. From a standstill and getting on the go pedal, the car has serious acceleration. The combo of instant torque, AWD, and the quick ZF 8 makes this car very quick when called upon. I doubt a manual M3 could win a race from a standstill due to lack of traction, clutch pickup, longer gearing, and of courses the shifting. I have one and I doubt I could keep up.

Handling seemed just ok to me. I was on the street so didn't get a chance to really dive into any turns but in a few quick maneuvers that I made, it can handle daily driving duties just fine. But didn't feel very sporty. Once again car felt bigger than my F80. That kept being my takeaway. Note the car was on 225 width RFT all seasons. The car I drove did not have adaptive suspension and it rides very nice. Run flats are still trash apparently. I hit a pothole and got one of those pothole explosions that I remember from my Sport Package E90 335. Also notices the tires were 225 all around. Way too skinny for such a powerful car. Combined as a RFT and all season - no good.



Overall my takeaway is - the M340 is a great daily driver. Fast and comfortable but feels larger than the F80 and also the S4 I drove. It also didn't get my blood flowing like my F80 does as I walk up to it or shift through the gears. If I hadn't come from an M3, I could see myself jumping in one but my gut tells me I would miss the aggressiveness of the M3 down the line. For those looking for a fast, comfortable, sedan with lots of tech, you won't be disappointed in the M340.
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      04-30-2019, 11:08 PM   #103
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Quote:
Originally Posted by trey100 View Post
I hit a pothole and got one of those pothole explosions that I remember from my Sport Package E90 335.
I still get PTSD flashbacks from those E90 pothole explosions

Weird as none of the RFTs I've had recently (Bridgestone, Pirelli) have had those. RFTs from 10+ years ago were awful.

Last edited by praxis218; 04-30-2019 at 11:14 PM..
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      04-30-2019, 11:22 PM   #104
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Quote:
Originally Posted by trey100 View Post
Test drove it 2x but both times with 225 RFT all seasons. Apparently getting a summer tire 340 will be difficult in the NE.

First impression of the exterior -I have grown to really like the rear or the car. I like the front less so. A bit too rounded. Wheel size - 792M wheels are the only ones to get in my opinion. Changes the look of the car to something sportier compared to the other wheels.

Interior is fresh and new but top dash feels too hard. Also the inside door handle has an odd kink in it that comes across as sharp when pulling on it to close the door. Console aluminum doesn't look upscale. Enough that I'd push myself to getting the open pore oak which looks good but not sporty. Technology seems robust. I didn't get a chance to play with everything but it's much more modern than my F80. I'd say still a step down overall in quality but the tech makes up for some of that and it's a nice place to be.

Had the salesperson start the car while I was outside. Cold start actually makes noise which is nice. Settles down after a bit to be muted. Revving the engine produces sound again at a good level for a non-M car.

Car feels bigger than the F80 but not in a good way. Can't tell if it's the dash or the hood but you notice you are in a bigger car. A negative in my book.

Put the car in D and start driving and notice the steering in sport has weight to it unlike the Audi I drove. Under acceleration the exhaust is present with the windows down and in sport and sport plus you get burbles when letting off (more so in S+). In Sport and Sport+, transmission downshift from say 4 to 3 to 2, etc as you slow down to a light or stop sign. I found it too aggressive in doing that in S+. Sport was a good level of downshifting when slowing down. Driven passively it is an easy car to drive comfortably. No drama. From a standstill and getting on the go pedal, the car has serious acceleration. The combo of instant torque, AWD, and the quick ZF 8 makes this car very quick when called upon. I doubt a manual M3 could win a race from a standstill due to lack of traction, clutch pickup, longer gearing, and of courses the shifting. I have one and I doubt I could keep up.

Handling seemed just ok to me. I was on the street so didn't get a chance to really dive into any turns but in a few quick maneuvers that I made, it can handle daily driving duties just fine. But didn't feel very sporty. Once again car felt bigger than my F80. That kept being my takeaway. Note the car was on 225 width RFT all seasons. The car I drove did not have adaptive suspension and it rides very nice. Run flats are still trash apparently. I hit a pothole and got one of those pothole explosions that I remember from my Sport Package E90 335. Also notices the tires were 225 all around. Way too skinny for such a powerful car. Combined as a RFT and all season - no good.



Overall my takeaway is - the M340 is a great daily driver. Fast and comfortable but feels larger than the F80 and also the S4 I drove. It also didn't get my blood flowing like my F80 does as I walk up to it or shift through the gears. If I hadn't come from an M3, I could see myself jumping in one but my gut tells me I would miss the aggressiveness of the M3 down the line. For those looking for a fast, comfortable, sedan with lots of tech, you won't be disappointed in the M340.
Very fair assessment!! I agree, the F8x definitely got my adrenaline flowing every time I was behind the wheel... which being a naturally high strung person could be overwhelming. .

I see the M340 as a good DD that's not "in your face"... Whereas the ///M is the exact opposite, which it should be!

You have to find the right fit... each car has an intended purpose. I may jump back into an M down the road, but I know I will need a separate DD to complement it.
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      05-01-2019, 06:49 AM   #105
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Quote:
Originally Posted by praxis218 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by trey100 View Post
I hit a pothole and got one of those pothole explosions that I remember from my Sport Package E90 335.
I still get PTSD flashbacks from those E90 pothole explosions

Weird as none of the RFTs I've had recently (Bridgestone, Pirelli) have had those. RFTs from 10+ years ago were awful.
I was really shocked myself. Now maybe I happen to hit the mother of all potholes but in 3 years of driving my F80 on non-RFT, I haven't had one episode of that. Sure you get a bang when hitting a pothole since the suspension is not very forgiving but not that explosion that we all lived through. As you say, those that have had the E90 explosions can't forget them and that is the first thing that entered my mind when I hit it.
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      05-01-2019, 11:28 AM   #106
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Quote:
Originally Posted by praxis218 View Post
I still get PTSD flashbacks from those E90 pothole explosions

Weird as none of the RFTs I've had recently (Bridgestone, Pirelli) have had those. RFTs from 10+ years ago were awful.
Did you like it better than the S4? Curious as I am considering one of these?
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      05-01-2019, 02:59 PM   #107
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Did you like it better than the S4? Curious as I am considering one of these?
I know you're asking another poster but I drove an S5 recently and thought I'd throw in a couple thoughts. The Audi is a really nice car. I'd say it has more WOW factor when you get in. It also handled really well and I'd have no problems living with it as a daily.

I think the M340i drive train is better than the S5's. The motor is better and the transmission seems better to me. It also just takes off like a rocket. It's really fast.

Also, I think the gauge cluster, comparing iDrive 7 pro with the highest end Audi, looked like it was sharper and had better response time. Kind of like having HDR and high refresh rate vs just normal 4k tv. Once you've seen it, you'll understand.

Both are very nice cars and either could make you happy.
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      05-01-2019, 03:19 PM   #108
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I know you're asking another poster but I drove an S5 recently and thought I'd throw in a couple thoughts.
I think he is asking you... I have never driven a S4
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      05-01-2019, 03:23 PM   #109
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sev1 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by geddylee View Post
Did you like it better than the S4? Curious as I am considering one of these?
I know you're asking another poster but I drove an S5 recently and thought I'd throw in a couple thoughts. The Audi is a really nice car. I'd say it has more WOW factor when you get in. It also handled really well and I'd have no problems living with it as a daily.

I think the M340i drive train is better than the S5's. The motor is better and the transmission seems better to me. It also just takes off like a rocket. It's really fast.

Also, I think the gauge cluster, comparing iDrive 7 pro with the highest end Audi, looked like it was sharper and had better response time. Kind of like having HDR and high refresh rate vs just normal 4k tv. Once you've seen it, you'll understand.

Both are very nice cars and either could make you happy.
I test drove a 2019 S4, the M340i felt more balanced.
Also the Audi did have a slightly better interior (soft touch materials) and better stereo, but felt numb.

Also, I prefer to listen to a nice exhaust note when driving helps me to meditate and unwind! So I would need more than a nice sound system.
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      05-01-2019, 04:20 PM   #110
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sev1 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by geddylee View Post
Did you like it better than the S4? Curious as I am considering one of these?
I know you're asking another poster but I drove an S5 recently and thought I'd throw in a couple thoughts. The Audi is a really nice car. I'd say it has more WOW factor when you get in. It also handled really well and I'd have no problems living with it as a daily.

I think the M340i drive train is better than the S5's. The motor is better and the transmission seems better to me. It also just takes off like a rocket. It's really fast.

Also, I think the gauge cluster, comparing iDrive 7 pro with the highest end Audi, looked like it was sharper and had better response time. Kind of like having HDR and high refresh rate vs just normal 4k tv. Once you've seen it, you'll understand.

Both are very nice cars and either could make you happy.
I agree with all of this.

Biggest takeaway to me was:

1. S4 felt smaller and as a result more nimble. At least the version I tested with summer tires and sport diff. More roll than my F80 but appropriate for a daily driver.

2. Interior is simple but very nice with fewer cheaper looking plastics. Look of the quilted Nappa seats is great.

3. Exhaust sound much less than the M340. I think if it made more exciting sounds it would be an exponentially better car. The quietness combined with a very refined ride (less bumpy than the M340) may be very attractive to the right type of buyer but I can see why this is a turnoff to many who are accustomed to BMWs. I was looking for more noise in my car.

4. Power was fine but I noticed more lag from the engine and the takeoff wasn't nearly as strong as the M340.

5. Exterior to my eyes only looks good with the black optics package that adds sportier wheels.

6. You need to move up to Prestige to get HUD if that is important to you.

Overall great daily driver that doesn't offend just a bit relaxed which could be a turn off to a lot of people.
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