[jpowers36]

I finally decided to do a build thread after almost 2 years of ownership.

Intro/Purchase:
I'm the type of guy that's always "shopping" for cars but not necessarily ready to pull the trigger until the right one was found. I've primarily been a Japanese car owner (Lexus SC400, SC300, G35, G37).

My requirements were something German, AWD, turbocharged, and with modern tech. I was also looking for more room and better gas mileage. It was likely between Audi and BMW. After further research, the M340i came across my radar. I prefer manuals, but if it has to be an auto, it's either DCT or ZF.

My current daily at the time (which I still own) was a 2008 Infiniti G37S Coupe 6 speed. I've done numerous modifications to it. However, it got to the point to where I didn't want to continue to dump money into it to catch up to modern tech and modern horsepower cars with forced induction from the factory.

Back in May 2021, I stumbled upon a 2020 M340i xDrive in Mineral Grey Metallic with Cognac Vernasca leather at Bluegrass BMW in Paducah, KY (a couple hours away from me). Features include; ambient lighting, driving assistance package (no professional ), premium package, executive package, remote start, 19" black 791M wheels.

The car was priced much lower than others at $42,814 due to it having 78,575 miles. Minus some rock chips on the front bumper and hood, the car was very clean and had great service history with no major issues. The car came with a lifetime powertrain warranty where I just have to call the warranty company each time whenever getting maintenance performed per the manufacturer's recommendations. I added on a 7 year tech warranty that covers numerous things from navigation, cameras to heads up display, heated seats (tons more). I also added a tire/wheel warranty that covers OEM and aftermarket wheels/tires. Covers flats, bent wheels, etc. and also comes with roadside assistance (even though I have it through insurance). After taxes, fees, gap coverage, total financed was $50,769.44.

Here are some pictures of when I first got it.



Modding Begins:

CF key and M performance cover.


Switched from amber to clear side markers.




Red start button (I have the red GTR one in my G37).


First fill up, Shell 93 only. Fish bowl status lol.


Got the windows tinted with Llumar Pinnacle Ceramic 15% tint (still need to do the front windshield). Did a little photoshoot with my photographer friend.

[jpowers36]

Had to get rid of the Cerium grey trim/emblems.

Carbon fiber Diamond Grille.





Carbon fiber front bumper trim.



Carbon fiber spoiler.






BMW OEM carbon fiber mirror covers.


Carbon fiber antenna.




Gloss black roundels and emblems from IND. Long wait but well worth it.






Rear emblem and carbon fiber license plate cover.



This 3M tool works great.






Looks so much better. Also added rear bumper carbon fiber trim.

[jpowers36]

Hardwired Passport Escort MAX 360 radar detector with BlendMount. Wired to fuse panel because it has the mute button attachment which I mounted on the dash by the steering wheel.




Installed center console trim with ambient lighting. This works off the factory system and plugs right into the footwell lights. Color matches 90-95%. Really dig this one.





Did some custom coding with the colors with BimmerCode. Here is one of my favorites, Joker theme.




Installed M cluster module from https://www.yaodechain.com/product-p...rument-cluster . I love this mod!



Ignore CEL (diagnostic mode).



Sequential taillights with start up sequence from BayOptiks. I love these lights. I had to do some custom coding found on here to get them to do the effect when hitting unlock or walking up to the car. Also replaced the vent filters with better ones from https://automotivecustomlighting.com...-patchessheet/ . This was recommended by the company and another member, xnick101.

[jpowers36]

Found a great deal on a used Active Autowerke high flow catted downpipe.



Added some necessary depth/volume to the exhaust. Burbles became louder too. No CEL since install.

MST Intake, this thing sounds AMAZING!


Upgraded to a bigger filter and clear lid.


Installed fresh plugs back in January.


DME removed and unlocked, ready for MG Flasher stage 2 93 OTS. Car feels strong after this, definitely faster. Drives like stock when driving normal.





Adapter for XHP transmission tune. I originally flashed stage 2. Comfort mode feels much better and not so sluggish anymore. Sport/Sport+ shifts are crispy.



Now I'm on stage 3 now with custom settings. No rough 3rd to 2nd downshift as reported by others. Shifts are even crispier.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Nice build man. I have the XHP on my car as well. What's that 3M wheel that many people are using & talking about... ?

[NYmsportF30]

Nice build! Love the attention to detail on the emblem removal and instal. You removed them cleaner then my detailer did with mine 🙄

[joshwood76]

Such a nice build man! Love the Mineral Grey/Cognac combination alone. I sold my F30 340i last week and am currently searching for a CPO M340i, trying to take my time!! I noticed you're not too far away from me, I'm in Lawrence County but am up your way quite frequently for cars and coffee meets among other things. I invite you to join the Nashville BMW Club on Facebook!

[jpowers36]

Originally Posted by Kevin_The_Clean1

Nice build man. I have the XHP on my car as well. What's that 3M wheel that many people are using & talking about... ?

Thank you! Yeah the XHP was a great purchase.

The 3M wheel is great for removing adhesive from paint without scratching it. Watch some videos on the proper way to use it, stuff comes right off. Quick detailer and buff/dry.

[jpowers36]

Originally Posted by NYmsportF30

Nice build! Love the attention to detail on the emblem removal and instal. You removed them cleaner then my detailer did with mine 🙄

I appreciate it! Yeah I'm a bit OCD at times and wanted to make sure the emblems lined up just right and not to scratch the paint.

[jpowers36]

Originally Posted by joshwood76

Such a nice build man! Love the Mineral Grey/Cognac combination alone. I sold my F30 340i last week and am currently searching for a CPO M340i, trying to take my time!! I noticed you're not too far away from me, I'm in Lawrence County but am up your way quite frequently for cars and coffee meets among other things. I invite you to join the Nashville BMW Club on Facebook!

Thanks man! It really is a great combo. The Cognac is what convinced me. Once I saw that, I didn't care so much about the exterior lol. Then again, this Mineral Grey has really grown on me. When it's clean, it pops in the sunlight with bits of blue in it.

Oh nice! Yeah I was out at the Speedway for Slush festival a few weeks ago. I'll hop on FB and send a request to join, appreciate it!

There are so many car shows now in the Middle TN area now, I love it. Lamborghini Nashville has one coming up May 6th but I'll sadly miss it.

[jpowers36]

Here is how she sits today after a nice foam bath and detail.

[flyknit]

hi, what rear spoiler are you using?

[jpowers36]

Got it off eBay. Pretty good quality for the price. I love it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/11446567458...mis&media=COPY