[kbmwjo22]

Originally Posted by g21

more important that if possible you get

adaptive suspension

the others that are nice to have -
M sport seats (not the standard sport seats)
adaptive or laser lights if you drive at night
harman kardon not terribly important unless you like to max out the volume
stick with 18" wheels

I just asked this in another, older thread... but question re. the adaptive M-Sport suspension...

The LCI that I drive now was not one that I build by hand, it was already in production from the dealership, so I guess it was one the dealer built? Anyway, my build sheet just says code 704 for the M-Sport Suspension; I understand that one can add on the option for the adaptive one, but not sure if it would show on the build sheet.

Is there a way for me to tell if I have the adaptive one or not?

Edit-Congrats on the new order, OP! Be sure to post some pics once it arrives. If you're anything like myself and many others here, you'll end up spending a good chunk of time learning the ins and outs of tracking the car through its build and delivery!

[psaav]

Originally Posted by AlienInChicago

Hello,

So 330i xDrive ordered at BMW today! 😀.

I had a $$ limit with corporate lease. I didn’t really look at the 340i much. I would had to have kicked in about $5k personal $$ and got almost no options other than maybe premium package to fit under the limit. With the 330i, I put in no personal $$.

Will I miss the 340i though? Why did you put didn’t you get the 340? I kind of figure in Chicago suburbs, I won’t miss it. Different if I was in the country or some state or country with cooler roads.

Am sure I’ll love the 330 🤔🙄😀.

You will miss it as much as that hot girl you always wanted to get with but didn't, or.........couldn't.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by kbmwjo22

I just asked this in another, older thread... but question re. the adaptive M-Sport suspension...

The LCI that I drive now was not one that I build by hand, it was already in production from the dealership, so I guess it was one the dealer built? Anyway, my build sheet just says code 704 for the M-Sport Suspension; I understand that one can add on the option for the adaptive one, but not sure if it would show on the build sheet.

Is there a way for me to tell if I have the adaptive one or not?

Edit-Congrats on the new order, OP! Be sure to post some pics once it arrives. If you're anything like myself and many others here, you'll end up spending a good chunk of time learning the ins and outs of tracking the car through its build and delivery!

The adaptive suspension is 2VF. 704 is the static sport suspension.

[1WickedE90]

Originally Posted by AlienInChicago

Will I miss the 340i though? Why did you put didn’t you get the 340?

For me, it was the mild-hybrid system (post 2020 M340i), steering feel & budget. If I was buying today, I would mimic what I spec'ed out for my 2022 330i:

Base MSRP
2023 330i xDrive Sedan $45,800

Design

M Sport $3,100

Exterior

Black Sapphire Metallic $650
19" M Double-spoke Bi-color Jet Black Wheels, Style 791M with Performance Run-flat Tires

Interior

Black Vernasca Leather with Blue contrast stitching $1,500
Open Pore Fine Wood Oak Grain trim

Options

Driving Assistance Package $ 700
Dynamic Handling Package $1,200
Parking Assistance Package $ 700
Premium Package $1,350
Shadowline Package $ 850
Personal eSIM 5G $ 300
SensaTec Dashboard $ 350
Drive Recorder $ 100
Space-saver spare $ 250
M Sport Brakes with Blue Calipers $ 0 (part of option package)

I added Laserlights for $1,000, which was available off & on for my pre-LCI G20.

I didn't want the mild-hybrid system & felt the 330i steering feel was better for me. This thread explains it:

https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1869149

I think you did well on your lease, these cars make for great daily drivers.

[iulianm]

I have a '21 330i xDrive on a lease that expires in 9 months and.... never test drove M340i and debating between getting a M340i, another 330i xDrive but with M-Sport and adaptive suspension or just buying mine from when lease expires (I have 17k miles).
The suspension on mine is comfortable enough but I don't like the steering at all and I hope the M-Sport with variable is a bit better plus the car seems to be jerking front/back when coming to a stop with my current suspension and 19" tires.

Realistically I am not sure how much I would be able to enjoy the M340i here in PNW as even now I have a hard time using the existing power band; even if there are great roads around here in the mountains and I leave early in the morning ~7-7:30am, I still encounter traffic (plus very low speed limits, above 3rd gear is jail time and half of the year it rains).

[Anelephant]

I shopped a CPO fully loaded 2020 M340i versus a brand new 2023 330i (essentially base options).

As far as engine difference, honestly, for daily driving and driving on public roads, both are too fast for public roads anyway, unless you are looking to push the boundaries of safe speeds on the public streets/highways, it is nice to have the B58 engine, but it is totally overkill. You'll definitely get to WOT the 330i more.

The main reason I ended up with the M340i though, is that obviously, I was comparing a base 330i to a fully loaded M340i, so I went with all the tech (driving assist pro, traffic jam assist etc.) and also so I don't have to be that guy that has to absorb all the depreciation.

If I was in the position to compare equal spec 330i and M340i, same model year etc., I'd easily have saved the money and gone 330i, tbh. Plus, the 2020 M340i is the one with the good stock exhaust note anyway. On the newer ones you'll have to spend more money for aftermarket or MPE.

[Gaviatrix]

Originally Posted by kbmwjo22

I just asked this in another, older thread... but question re. the adaptive M-Sport suspension...

Is there a way for me to tell if I have the adaptive one or not?

Dead simple - if your car is fitted with adaptive suspension, you have a fourth mode select next to the gear shift on the centre console - Sport, Eco, Comfort, Adaptive. If it's not there, you don't have it.

[Gaviatrix]

Originally Posted by AlienInChicago

Lights were never an option I saw. Maybe with shadowline package that I didn’t really like with my colour so didn’t get. Didn’t need it really with mostly lit up suburban driving.

Seats not sure. Maybe they’re the M Sport package which I did get. Didn’t see a specific option.

I don't think the USA has Laserlights anymore. They're great out of town, but in town they don't get the chance to shine (sorry ...).

As to your original question, I think the MSport 330i with the spec you've chosen (crucially, including adaptive suspension) is a great choice. Remember, in most markets it's a mid-range model, not the price-leader, and I think it's the sweet spot in the range. I downsized to the G20 from a string of very high powered cars and they're totally wasted on the road. Even the 330i is way too fast for you to use anything like it's full potential 99% of the time so you might as well have the fuel economy and running cost savings. I have a sentimental attachment to straight 6 engines in both Jaguars and BMWs - I've owned a dozen of them at least, of those brands and others - but modern blown 4s are so good that performance-wise you definitely don't need them. And their lighter weight helps handling too.

I do miss the howl of a naturally-aspirated 6 at full chat as you whip through a manual box on back-roads out in the boondocks, but sadly driving conditions like that are but a memory nowadays. And I'm lucky to have survived some of those outings to have the memories!

[dhock_holiday]

Originally Posted by Gaviatrix

Dead simple - if your car is fitted with adaptive suspension, you have a fourth mode select next to the gear shift on the centre console - Sport, Eco, Comfort, Adaptive. If it's not there, you don't have it.

LCI’s no longer have the “Adaptive” button even if you spec the Adaptive suspension, they also dropped the Start/Stop on and off button.

[G30M]

and also you're not missing anything then. the Adaptive button is neither here nor there. doesn't do anything useful.

[Gaviatrix]

Thanks gents, good to get the new knowledge. I'll be more careful with my comments in future - I'm getting out of date!

[G30M]

Originally Posted by Gaviatrix

Thanks gents, good to get the new knowledge. I'll be more careful with my comments in future - I'm getting out of date!

it's ok, that what the collective brains trust is for!

you only do you best it's not like you are out there to mislead people 'p

[G30M]

Originally Posted by Gaviatrix

I don't think the USA has Laserlights anymore. They're great out of town, but in town they don't get the chance to shine (sorry ...).

As to your original question, I think the MSport 330i with the spec you've chosen (crucially, including adaptive suspension) is a great choice. Remember, in most markets it's a mid-range model, not the price-leader, and I think it's the sweet spot in the range. I downsized to the G20 from a string of very high powered cars and they're totally wasted on the road. Even the 330i is way too fast for you to use anything like it's full potential 99% of the time so you might as well have the fuel economy and running cost savings. I have a sentimental attachment to straight 6 engines in both Jaguars and BMWs - I've owned a dozen of them at least, of those brands and others - but modern blown 4s are so good that performance-wise you definitely don't need them. And their lighter weight helps handling too.

I do miss the howl of a naturally-aspirated 6 at full chat as you whip through a manual box on back-roads out in the boondocks, but sadly driving conditions like that are but a memory nowadays. And I'm lucky to have survived some of those outings to have the memories!

i can't hear a thing on my car when i gas it.

all i hear is tyre roar.

i'm past the peak of my age and all downhill from here so yeah slower cars after these 2 cars kaput

probably go Chinese EV or something who knows

[90rr]

Just don't drive M340i and you'll be fine

[CarsAndGuitars]

OP, I don't know if you require adult-sized back seats / 4 doors / space ..

My wife has a 2023 330i. I have a 2022 m240i (2 door, kids-only back seat). The 4 cyl is plenty for her and she would rarely if ever get into the x40 power.

My point is, if you want the performance and virtually same interior amenities as the 3, but you don't need the accessibility, the M240i is another option in the same price range as the 330i.

[AlienInChicago]

Maybe next car could look at the 2 thx. But also have the feeling at least in Illinois, I’d rarely use the engine.

Thx for all replies. Looking forward to the v 330i. Waiting for confirmation BMW have the order! Ordered 30.3.

[doublevanosrc]

Originally Posted by madpistol

330i seems like a good fit. M340i is a beast, but without open or windy roads to drive it on, you will never truly have a chance to enjoy it. A 330i still has plenty of power.

This^^

I had an M340 for a weekend before buying my 330, no doubt the engine is a masterpiece of engineering however as mentioned there are few places you can really enjoy it all. I would punch the throttle and before you know it you had to come to a stop or hit traffic. I also like the lighter weight on turn in feel since it has less mass over the front axle.