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2019+ BMW 3 AND 4-SERIES FORUMS (G2x Generation) General G20 Sedan / G22 Coupe / G26 Gran Coupe Discussions Help me decide, guys: to M340i or not to M340i?

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      09-15-2020, 10:57 PM   #1
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Help me decide, guys: to M340i or not to M340i?

My F30 is getting older. 2015 with N26. 72.5k miles. Now, this is a great car, and I love her, but I'm worried about the timing chain and the list of wear items that keeps getting longer.
I also have a 2017 M2. 6MT, raucous fun. But I can't help feeling a little silly having two cars. I live alone, I have a girlfriend but she's got her GTI. I thought about just trading in the F30 but anything that allows me to also afford the M2 just kinda sucks. Best scenario is an F30 340 I guess. Then I had the thought that I could trade both and condense down to one car. Enter the M340. The Portimao/Cognac combo has me drooling. I drove a beautful blue 2020 S4 but the power is just not there. Also, no more MMI knob, just a touch screen. Not a fan of that. And the touch screen looks like a square knockoff iPad glued to the dash. Nah. The C 43 AMG is nice but doesn't get my blood flowing. I can't get the M340 out of my head! I'm afraid I'll miss the M2 though. I live in the country and drive back roads almost daily. Windows down, sport mode, rowing gears, it's so much fun. It is so so stiff though. I never take it on trips to the city, things could get expensive quick with DC potholes. Ah, I dunno man. I'm just looking for some outside opinions. Maybe some of you have made the shift from M car to M-lite and have some thoughts to share. Thanks for reading!
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      09-15-2020, 11:01 PM   #2
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What is the build date of your 328i?
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      09-15-2020, 11:07 PM   #3
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What is the build date of your 328i?
3/15
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      09-15-2020, 11:14 PM   #4
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This is very conflicting because on one hand the M340 is an excellent DD, but on the other hand no BMW right now (and possibly no future BMW) can top the M2C on fun, and with you driving backroads daily, I would definitely miss having the M2C and especially no stick to enjoy those backroads. I would keep the M2C, its just too hard to give up a car that fun and a manual unless replacing it with something similar.

Since you have a very fun car honestly I know you may find it a downgrade but maybe you should pair your M2C with a soft and comfortable daily (or maybe a used fun Japanese/reliable car of sorts) as that could be the best option. What's your budget look like if you were to keep the M2C?
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      09-15-2020, 11:18 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jstein55 View Post
This is very conflicting because on one hand the M340 is an excellent DD, but on the other hand no BMW right now can top the M2C on fun, and with you driving backroads daily, I would definitely miss having the M2C and no stick to enjoy those backroads. I would keep the M2C and try to find something to add to the stable. Since you have a very fun car honestly I know you may find it a downgrade but to pair your M2C with a soft and comfortable daily (or maybe a used fun Japanese/reliable car of sorts) would be the best option. What's your budget look like if you were to keep the M2C?
Yeah it's tough. Budget for F30 replacement is low. 25-30k. I was thinking maybe Jetta GLI? Now that it is on the MQB platform.
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      09-15-2020, 11:19 PM   #6
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I’m assuming there’s a good reason why you don’t have an F80 M3, but that’s the best path to avoid buyer’s remorse here, I’d say. Even better would be a G80 M3 though I realize the community is still pouting. Still you could get ahead of the wave. In six months when the modded examples hit the front page there will quite possibly be a considerable amount of crow consumed.
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      09-15-2020, 11:21 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tturedraider View Post
What is the build date of your 328i?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Imperial328i View Post
3/15
I’m pretty sure you have the motor where the timing chain issue has been rectified. Others will need to confirm that I am correct on the timing of the fix. Assuming I am correct (I’m almost certain I am) I would suggest holding on to the car. You’ve put quite a bit of work into it. You can buy a lot of wear and tear parts for $50,000.
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      09-15-2020, 11:23 PM   #8
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Unfortunately I cant compare to an M car as I have never owned one but I really cant fault the M340. It really is a do everything car - fun, fast, practical, comfortable, great interior and looks amazing.
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      09-15-2020, 11:23 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mkoesel View Post
I'm assuming there's a good reason why you don't have an F80 M3, but that's the best path to avoid buyer's remorse here, I'd say. Even better would be a G80 M3 though I realize the community is still pouting. Still you could get ahead of the wave. In six months when the modded examples hit the front page there will quite possibly be a considerable amount of crow consumed.
I want an F80, but I also want a car with lots of warranty left. I would be buying a new M340. There are not many good used F80's nearby. They're either too old or too many miles.
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      09-15-2020, 11:24 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by Imperial328i View Post
Yeah it's tough. Budget for F30 replacement is low. 25-30k. I was thinking maybe Jetta GLI? Now that it is on the MQB platform.
That is a good choice, the GLI may be FWD, but VW has tuned the MK7 GTI (assume GLI drives very similar so every time I say GTI it likely applies to GLI) to be a very fun car. Actually it does a bunch of stuff better than a 3er, mostly due to its compact size and more "roudy" nature. EPS steering on the GTI is excellent and super quick and agile. The trans is nice and snappy and the suspension is still very compliant, a great little city car honestly.

Also you can get great deals on leftovers. My friend bought his son a loaded GTI Autobahn for under $30k, and because it was a 2019 model he got the 6/72 warranty.

Definitely check out the GTI/GLI, I think that would make a great combo as you still have your harder edge RWD 6MT sports coupe, but also a fun and efficient little city car that can still provide a smile.
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      09-15-2020, 11:28 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mkoesel View Post
I'm assuming there's a good reason why you don't have an F80 M3, but that's the best path to avoid buyer's remorse here, I'd say. Even better would be a G80 M3 though realize the community is still pouting. Still you could get ahead of the wave. In six months when the modded examples hit the front page there will quite possibly be a considerable amount of crow consumed.
I have a feeling the G8X likely won't solve OP's ride comfort requirements. BMW's as of late seem to be getting panned for their harsh ride.
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      09-15-2020, 11:33 PM   #12
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Personally I'd ditch the other two and go straight for the M340i. The raucous manual thing is fun (for a while) and on a track I'd rather have the M2 but..

Every time I've gone down the raw performance car path I ultimately end up back with an all rounder. One that might not be the best at everything but it doesn't matter enough to swap and change.

I don't know if it's acclimatisation or I'm knocking on but I don't miss manual gearboxes, they don't hinder my enthusiasm if used correctly. Also after tasting other brands I realised good suspension doesn't always equate to stiff suspension.

Ultimately though it's your money, preference and it's on you..
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      09-15-2020, 11:42 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Imperial328i View Post
I want an F80, but I also want a car with lots of warranty left. I would be buying a new M340. There are not many good used F80's nearby. They're either too old or too many miles.
I guess that just leaves the G80 then. Based on all the threads like this I’ve seen over the years, I still think you are taking a risk if you move down a tier. Right now, you are certainly not the only one who’d bet the farm that they’ll hate the car for the next six years. Again, just from experience, I know a fair share will lose that bet. Of course, leasetrader.com can help rescue you as long as you negotiated a good rate.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jstein55 View Post
I have a feeling the G8X likely won't solve OP's ride comfort requirements. BMW's as of late seem to be getting panned for their harsh ride.
I didn’t see that criteria, but it’s true the M3 will be less gentle than a 328i. However, I’ve see some complaints here about the M340i suspension too, so either way he’s going to be adjusting to it.
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      09-15-2020, 11:46 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mkoesel View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Imperial328i View Post
I want an F80, but I also want a car with lots of warranty left. I would be buying a new M340. There are not many good used F80's nearby. They're either too old or too many miles.
I guess that just leaves the G80 then. Based on all the threads like this I've seen over the years, I still think you are taking a risk if you move down a tier. Right now, you are certainly not the only one who'd bet the farm that they'll hate the car for the next six years. Again, just from experience, I know a fair share will lose that bet. Of course, leasetrader.com can help rescue you as long as you negotiated a good rate.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jstein55 View Post
I have a feeling the G8X likely won't solve OP's ride comfort requirements. BMW's as of late seem to be getting panned for their harsh ride.
I didn't see that criteria, but it's true the M3 will be less gentle than a 328i. However, I've see some complaints here about the M340i suspension too, so either way he's going to be adjusting to it.
Well, just found a 2017 F80 with 1,600 miles and individual Cohiba brown extended leather for M340 money.. might be checkin this out.
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      09-15-2020, 11:58 PM   #15
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Well, just found a 2017 F80 with 1,600 miles and individual Cohiba brown extended leather for M340 money.. might be checkin this out.
Must admit, that was my other issue. Over here you could get a brand new M4 for the cost of an M340i.. If you're in a similar boat I'd check them both out.

Yes, I know they don't sell the F80 / 82 anymore but expanding your search distance for a relatively new bigger M might yield good results.
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      09-16-2020, 12:02 AM   #16
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Quote:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Imperial328i View Post
Well, just found a 2017 F80 with 1,600 miles and individual Cohiba brown extended leather for M340 money.. might be checkin this out.
Must admit, that was my other issue. Over here you could get a brand new M4 for the cost of an M340i.. If you're in a similar boat I'd check them both out.
Eh no brand new M4's anywhere near me in my price range. They're all M Heritage Competitions in the 80's. That cohiba brown looks real unique though, definitely wanna see in person.
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      09-16-2020, 12:13 AM   #17
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Eh no brand new M4's anywhere near me in my price range. They're all M Heritage Competitions in the 80's. That cohiba brown looks real unique though, definitely wanna see in person.
Cool this was due to ridiculous finance deals in the UK, BMW were obviously clearing out stock or build slots before the new ones came along. M4 Competition £579.00 a month £1999.00 deposit with a 23K GMFV.

I went for a Kia Stinger but like you I'm not always sure I made the right decision.. I can't make my mind up when it comes to M cars, it always feels a little love / hate.. I guess I was in the same situation as you really..
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      09-16-2020, 12:48 AM   #18
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Well, just found a 2017 F80 with 1,600 miles and individual Cohiba brown extended leather for M340 money.. might be checkin this out.
Get them to CPO it and get an extra year of warranty AND 0.9% financing. (I still think you should keep the cars you have )
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      09-16-2020, 03:37 AM   #19
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No MT = game over for me


Would rather have Tesla at that point
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      09-16-2020, 05:39 AM   #20
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M340 all day. This bad boy...stock...will knock your socks off. Coming from an M3, I didn’t think I would be able to had as much fun. I was wrong...unless you plan on going to the track, go m340. I see you’re in MD, so you do get some of the crap winter weather...go for it! Plus, being in the NE, if you go to resell...the xDrive will help your cause. Sorry,I didn’t read any other replies or most of the post...only the title. I kicked the idea around if going for the M2C, but at the end of the day...m340 exceeds all my needs and really continues to put that smile on my face that I had with my M3.


Do it!
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      09-16-2020, 09:28 AM   #21
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M340 all day. This bad boy...stock...will knock your socks off. Coming from an M3, I didn't think I would be able to had as much fun. I was wrong...unless you plan on going to the track, go m340. I see you're in MD, so you do get some of the crap winter weather...go for it! Plus, being in the NE, if you go to resell...the xDrive will help your cause. Sorry,I didn't read any other replies or most of the post...only the title. I kicked the idea around if going for the M2C, but at the end of the day...m340 exceeds all my needs and really continues to put that smile on my face that I had with my M3.


Do it!
I don't know if I can listen to a man who only eats burgers, so, frig off!! No really so you've got an x-drive? I wasn't necessarily leaning toward x-drive it that's pretty much all they sell around here. Also, what color and spec do you have?
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      09-16-2020, 11:02 AM   #22
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I don't know if I can listen to a man who only eats burgers, so, frig off!! No really so you've got an x-drive? I wasn't necessarily leaning toward x-drive it that's pretty much all they sell around here. Also, what color and spec do you have?
Frig off Barb! Listen...i love my m340, but it's no shitmobile...but it works!

I got the xDrive for the same reason (availability) and just to have that extra feature for the PA junk snow removal. The car is QUICK, and you can mash that gas pedal in Sport Plus without worrying about your car becoming a bucking bronco (lookin at you M3). I have Black Sapphire Metallic with Cognac & open wood oak interior, and get nothing but compliments on the pair. As far as features/packages, I have Premium package (HUD, heated seats, and heated wheel), wireless charging, space saver (got RFTs and have no complaints).

I had a G05 with EVERY single feature and package. The laser lights didn't really make a difference for me in the suburbs, and the other camera outside of the back-up were nice...but not a dealbreaker. I had a bunch of issues with the tech and safety features on my G05, so it is nice having only what I need and NO problems! The Drive Recorder was cool, but I never thought it was a good replacement for a good dashcam. My only gripe with BMW and the vehicle is the lack of auto high beams. It's a bit dumb they don't include it without the Laser Lights, but I rarely use the high beams where I live. Let me know if you have any other questions...I am kicking around the idea of the MPE, so there's always something to do on this bad boy!

Someone can probably speak to this better, but the xDrive would be more practical for a DD...but also if you decide to get a tune in the future.
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