[hrf]

Originally Posted by vtknight

I think your assessment is solid. I also did not want a hybrid four cylinder and many MB clients don't either as AMG is now going back to V6 and V8 hybrid FI powerplants (which they could have done - and doesn't make sense to me why they went with a four on an AMG). Many BMW clients - including me - are not into the massive front grill and side profile of the car. It is still the best performer in its class - but the looks don't do it for me. I thought about the M2 Comp but it isn't going to be a Winter or all rounder car like the M5 Comp was for me. The 340ix is quicker than my RS5 and is a good price for what it delivers as a daily. If the car can run a high 11 that would be extremely impressive for its class

M2 is nice, especially previous generation. New one is a bit edgy for me and interior felt quite cheaper and small compared to M340. Also I wanted something with compliant suspension and not too stiff for everyday family car. For the price M340 is one of the best compromises on the market. I got it loaded with everything, except for automated driving. Was trying to get perfect car with M performance exhaust, but it is stuck in the factory for over a month now. Hope to get it end of November.

[vtknight]

Originally Posted by Montaver

The M340i has a balance of performance, tech, quality, refinement, practicality and reliability that isn’t really matched at this price point. I’d say the next closest is a Macan GTS and that’s 50pc more money at $100k+. When I look at the BMW lineup the only car I’d really want to replace it with is an X5M and that’s in a different size and price bracket altogether.

Agreed. It is such a value purchase and in Canada we get most of the options within some basic packages. For what you are getting - it really is difficult to beat. I did have to buy most of the additional M packages - but they were 1-2K and there were only about three packages. If BMW made the F80 M3 with the same grill as the M340i - I probably would have went with the AWD Comp - but seeing what I am getting with the M340ix - I don't know now that I would. For sure the F80 is the superior performing car - but for an all round daily - I think the M340ix is better balanced to your point.

[vtknight]

Originally Posted by hrf

M2 is nice, especially previous generation. New one is a bit edgy for me and interior felt quite cheaper and small compared to M340. Also I wanted something with compliant suspension and not too stiff for everyday family car. For the price M340 is one of the best compromises on the market. I got it loaded with everything, except for automated driving. Was trying to get perfect car with M performance exhaust, but it is stuck in the factory for over a month now. Hope to get it end of November.

These were some of the reasons why I did not go with the M2. It is by design the smaller car of course - but the suspension and Winter capabilities were in question. The M340ix is probably the best all round car for the price out there among the German 3.

[Montaver]

Originally Posted by vtknight

Agreed. It is such a value purchase and in Canada we get most of the options within some basic packages. For what you are getting - it really is difficult to beat. I did have to buy most of the additional M packages - but they were 1-2K and there were only about three packages. If BMW made the F80 M3 with the same grill as the M340i - I probably would have went with the AWD Comp - but seeing what I am getting with the M340ix - I don't know now that I would. For sure the F80 is the superior performing car - but for an all round daily - I think the M340ix is better balanced to your point.

My only real criticism of the M340i is the HK sound system isn’t great, and it comes very under tired, both of which can be remedied fairly easily. I switched to 255 square on a set of Apex wheels, and upgraded the speakers so really the car is not wanting for anything else. I think it’s an example of when BMW puts the effort in they get it right. It has all the benefits of BMW’s engineering which is better than it’s ever been. It’s a worthy evolution of BMW’s sports sedan and straight six heritage. Contrast it with what they have just done to the new X3 and it looks even better.

[vtknight]

Originally Posted by Montaver

My only real criticism of the M340i is the HK sound system isn’t great, and it comes very under tired, both of which can be remedied fairly easily. I switched to 255 square on a set of Apex wheels, and upgraded the speakers so really the car is not wanting for anything else. I think it’s an example of when BMW puts the effort in they get it right. It has all the benefits of BMW’s engineering which is better than it’s ever been. It’s a worthy evolution of BMW’s sports sedan and straight six heritage. Contrast it with what they have just done to the new X3 and it looks even better.

Agreed again - although I have not tried the HK sound system yet - on this I am not too worried as I am a light user of the system compared to real Audiophiles. It was bigger for me to have the all-rounder with sufficient performance pep. My dailies are leases so I will not touch the car - which makes it even more important for me how well the overall package presents itself - as is.

[aleph-one]

What made you go with the G20 as opposed to another lightly used G30/F90 or even the new 5er? (assuming you could stand the looks)

[vtknight]

Originally Posted by aleph-one

What made you go with the G20 as opposed to another lightly used G30/F90 or even the new 5er? (assuming you could stand the looks)

I am sorry I did not see this until now...

These are very-good questions...First - the G60. I was able to try out the new cars and I just did not like them. I can explain more hopefully by mid week. I also did not really enjoy my 2018 G30 M550ix due to the suspension that was so compliant that when you hit that inevitable pot hole (and I am super mindful when I drive) - it is like a cannon/gunshot goes off - the suspension completely compressed and actually damaged my wheel. I was told by BMW that this is something they know about and it may have been dealt with since. For the lightly used F90 - I really thought about it. It is such a phenomenal car. I just didn't know about higher mileage lack of warranty durability. As this is my daily, I need it to be on the road all the time - which is what my original car was. To this day it is still the best daily I have ever been fortunate to own. The F80 front ends and overall design were simply not working for me. Although I have raced and driven these cars and they are great (and by far the best performers in their class).

[Musashi]

the Portimao Blue is stunning.

[Musashi]

Originally Posted by Montaver

The M340i has a balance of performance, tech, quality, refinement, practicality and reliability that isn’t really matched at this price point. I’d say the next closest is a Macan GTS and that’s 50pc more money at $100k+. When I look at the BMW lineup the only car I’d really want to replace it with is an X5M and that’s in a different size and price bracket altogether.

One CAUTION though. Transfer Cases are still made with Cheerios shaped diffs. Have a 2025 3 day loaner, G20 330i 6000 kms, Canada, they thought it had winter tires. Today, 40 cm dump, made my way to get my 2014 M perf (service for door latch), and sure enough the 2025 330i TC is nearly fried, Stuttering slipping and grinding. Considering I replaced a TC and two driveshafts on my car (shafts warranty TC out so 7000 $CAD), I can tell you that any launches, cold wx green light darts, power in turns, sliding turns in rain, snow plowing etc, will fry your TC faster than you realize what happened/ they are that thin. So the cars are bulletproof on everything except the TC and the new curved display.

So it is reliable in the sense that it will still run with a stuttering TC and degrading shafts, that is a fact- but better be cautious on TC management. it will run, never drop you but either you remove the TC or replace it.

[Montaver]

Originally Posted by Musashi

One CAUTION though. Transfer Cases are still made with Cheerios shaped diffs. Have a 2025 3 day loaner, G20 330i 6000 kms, Canada, they thought it had winter tires. Today, 40 cm dump, made my way to get my 2014 M perf (service for door latch), and sure enough the 2025 330i TC is nearly fried, Stuttering slipping and grinding. Considering I replaced a TC and two driveshafts on my car (shafts warranty TC out so 7000 $CAD), I can tell you that any launches, cold wx green light darts, power in turns, sliding turns in rain, snow plowing etc, will fry your TC faster than you realize what happened/ they are that thin. So the cars are bulletproof on everything except the TC and the new curved display.

So it is reliable in the sense that it will still run with a stuttering TC and degrading shafts, that is a fact- but better be cautious on TC management. it will run, never drop you but either you remove the TC or replace it.

I have owned two G20's, no issues driving in the snow. In fact no mechanical issues at all in 5 years of ownership. They are sensitive to alignment, but thats about it.

[Cammy440iGC]

Audi just keeps getting closer and closer to its Volkswagen roots when it comes to build quality...I had a B8.5 S4 and was very disappointed in the build quality...even things like how light the trunk lid was...it was more Jetta than S4.

[UnrealM]

Originally Posted by 20M340i

I considered a S4/S5 before buying my M340i and I’m honestly really happy I didn’t go that route. It seems like the Audis get further away from the “S” models as the years go on. The cars are completely mute and I think the interiors are really dated. The B58 is BMW’s best work imo. They always over deliver in my experience. A 4000lb car with “383 hp” shouldn’t be running 12 seconds flat in the 1/4 mile. I squeaked mine into the high 11’s (11.89@114.65) with just a catted DP.

Tune or no tune?