[malibuboats91]

Hi all, I'm a long time VW/Audi guy and I'm considering switching over to BMW. I currently have a 2016 Audi S3 with 40k on the click that I bought new. It's tuned and has AWE exhaust. It's honestly the most fun car I've owned. Naturally I was holding out for the 2022 RS3, but the redesign makes me think Honda Civic rather than sports sedan so I'm either going to keep my S3 or go with something else.

Anyways, today I was going through the car lots and fell in love with a 2022 M340i xDrive that must have just come in. I've been going back and forth on the RS3 looks, but with this it was immediately love at first sight. Only experience I have with BMW is my Mom had an e90 328i xDrive, which was amazing. I've loved BWS for most of my life though, just always wanted an M2 or M3, but living in WI, I need the AWD since I travel a lot for work. Also back in 2017 when she got her A4 I drove a 335i/340i and it was pretty meh compared to the e90. I'm curious though, have any of you made the switch from an S3, RS3 or S4 to the M340i? How do you like it compared to Audi? Any tips?

[Burrcold]

Nobody is going to be able to help much on the new RS3 since it's far from release (you would be lucky to get one by this time next year...most are predicting end of 2022 or early 2023 for US arrival). If you can pick up an M340i now for a decent price, go with that and see how the market is in a few years.

As you can see from my signature, I went from an S4 and S5 to an M340i back to Audi for an RS5. The M340i trumped the S4/S5 in almost every metric with a few exceptions (looks in my opinion vs the S5 Sportback but that's subjective, steering feel, and the audio system).

[tgrundke]

Audi has numbed their S models over the years to the point where they're very nice....but completely sterile. Their RS models, on the other hand, are excellent in almost every dynamic. RS3, RS5, RS6 are wonderful vehicles.

For the money, an M340 is going to have a lot more character than an S3/S4/S5. The next gen RS3 is shaping up to be a great little car, however very different from an M340 in character.

[madpistol]

M340i is difficult to beat as an overall package. My recommendation is to go test drive one and see what you think.

[EXE46]

OP don't forget the G42, smaller dimensions to match that of your S3. With the B58 this should be a killer combo and dealers are taking orders at the moment without markups. As good as the M340i is; the M240i should be an even better driver's car for those who don't need 4 doors.

[bavarianride]

If OP is open to a 2-door coupe with B58, then Supra GR will be a great option too.

[malibuboats91]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

If OP is open to a 2-door coupe with B58, then Supra GR will be a great option too.

Originally Posted by EXE46

OP don't forget the G42, smaller dimensions to match that of your S3. With the B58 this should be a killer combo and dealers are taking orders at the moment without markups. As good as the M340i is; the M240i should be an even better driver's car for those who don't need 4 doors.

Originally Posted by bavarianride

If OP is open to a 2-door coupe with B58, then Supra GR will be a great option too.

Unfortunately I need a 4 door. 😑

[FrankieNuo]

Originally Posted by malibuboats91

Unfortunately I need a 4 door. 😑

Get both, buy the m340i and buy the slow version, a VW Jetta.

[tturedraider]

Get the M340i!!

[themnmd]

Originally Posted by tturedraider

Get the M340i!!

+1

[Portimao Blues]

I've owned an Audi S4 and I am driving a 2021 M340 now. Three benefits to getting the M340 over the RS3 are:

1) Fuel economy - If you do a fair amount of driving, you will appreciate the gas mileage. I am getting an impressive combined 30 mpg on my 25% city / 75% highway drive.

2) Ride - Although I have not driven a new RS3, I am almost certain the M340's suspension is not as stiff as the RS3. Many on the forum have complimented the M340 for its dynamic suspension, providing a sporty ride that is also a comfortable daily driver. Not sure the RS3 is going to fit that description.

3) Larger cabin and trunk - Although the new RS3 is larger from the previous generation (from what I've read), it still won't be able to compare with the roomier cabin and trunk of the M340.

Good luck whatever you choose to do!

[malibuboats91]

One other thought, considering I don't 'need' a new car am I best off waiting for awhile due to the material sourcing issues?

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by malibuboats91

One other thought, considering I don't 'need' a new car am I best off waiting for awhile due to the material sourcing issues?

It wouldn’t hurt to wait until spring. But, I would get a 2022, not a 2023, because next year BMW is going to ruin the dashboard of the G20.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by tturedraider

It wouldn’t hurt to wait until spring. But, I would get a 2022, not a 2023, because next year BMW is going to ruin the dashboard of the G20.

I watched a few reviews of i4, and the iDrive 8 + dash is not that bad.

Having said that, the other day a coworker said the loved the G20 base gauges as they look digital(but are really analog)

[AIedm3]

I leased my m340i back in 2019 when they first came out and that was the best decision. I've had it for two years now and I live in CT and we get a lot of snow here too. Such a good car year round, just a total package. Steering and just the way the car hooks up and feels in the corners it's second to non ( not comparing to actual Ms). Would highly recommend it.

[dannyrod99]

I recently picked up a mineral grey M340I. Coming from a 2018 audi S3, I found that almost everything about the car felt better. I think the only thing that could've been improved was the steering feel in comfort mode. If you've ever played a sim racing game with a wheel, it almost feels like there is a tiny "dead-zone" in the middle when you are just going straight. Even though that's a small flaw, (and only in comfort mode I feel) the pro's greatly outweigh that. The technology is heavily improved, the overall comfort is better, the space is larger, the interior is a bit more luxurious and the power... Oh baby don't even get me started!! The turbo lag is barely noticeable in the M340I in comparison to the s3. When I hit the 1200 break in miles, first thing I did was pull over and launch control and you should've seen the smile from ear to ear on my face. And that B58 engine just wants to keep going faster lol. I know the rs3 is a bit faster than the M340 0-60 but, coming from an s3, I couldn't be happier with the purchase!! You should take it for a test drive to really get the feel of it. I could not wait for the new RS3 when they told me that some allocations for the car are out until august 2022. I almost went with an 8V RS3 but was a bit surprised how close it really felt to the S3. As for the now "older" RS3, besides the sound and a few little carbon fiber bits and small tech improvements over the s3, it just wasn't worth it. Felt too similar to the S3.

As a daily driver, the M340I was a great choice. If you plan on taking it to a track, I would probably wait on the RS3. Especially with the new rear torque diff, it would definitely be the way to go for track days. Either way you go, I'm sure you will not be disappointed. (sorry for the long paragraph but this thread resonated with me because I was in the same exact boat when looking for a new car) Good luck either way!

[TupperBMW]

I won't comment on the RS3, but it all depends on what you are looking for.

If you want a track champion car, I can't advise you as I just don't go the track with my cars (not so far at least).

But if you want a fun and fast road car that can also be a reliable DD, then the M340i is a great choice. It is also very modifiable with this B58 engine and you can extract a LOT more power out of it if you'd like. It handles well and has the M LSD which is very important.

My only complaints are the runflats as standard, which you can replace, some reports of "numb" steering which I sort of agree with, and the stock exhaust is a snoozefest. Get the AWE (like I did) so that it sounds like the proper high HP sports sedan that it is.

Good luck!

[malibuboats91]

Originally Posted by TupperBMW

I won't comment on the RS3, but it all depends on what you are looking for.

If you want a track champion car, I can't advise you as I just don't go the track with my cars (not so far at least).

But if you want a fun and fast road car that can also be a reliable DD, then the M340i is a great choice. It is also very modifiable with this B58 engine and you can extract a LOT more power out of it if you'd like. It handles well and has the M LSD which is very important.

My only complaints are the runflats as standard, which you can replace, some reports of "numb" steering which I sort of agree with, and the stock exhaust is a snoozefest. Get the AWE (like I did) so that it sounds like the proper high HP sports sedan that it is.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by dannyrod99

I recently picked up a mineral grey M340I. Coming from a 2018 audi S3, I found that almost everything about the car felt better. I think the only thing that could've been improved was the steering feel in comfort mode. If you've ever played a sim racing game with a wheel, it almost feels like there is a tiny "dead-zone" in the middle when you are just going straight. Even though that's a small flaw, (and only in comfort mode I feel) the pro's greatly outweigh that. The technology is heavily improved, the overall comfort is better, the space is larger, the interior is a bit more luxurious and the power... Oh baby don't even get me started!! The turbo lag is barely noticeable in the M340I in comparison to the s3. When I hit the 1200 break in miles, first thing I did was pull over and launch control and you should've seen the smile from ear to ear on my face. And that B58 engine just wants to keep going faster lol. I know the rs3 is a bit faster than the M340 0-60 but, coming from an s3, I couldn't be happier with the purchase!! You should take it for a test drive to really get the feel of it. I could not wait for the new RS3 when they told me that some allocations for the car are out until august 2022. I almost went with an 8V RS3 but was a bit surprised how close it really felt to the S3. As for the now "older" RS3, besides the sound and a few little carbon fiber bits and small tech improvements over the s3, it just wasn't worth it. Felt too similar to the S3.

As a daily driver, the M340I was a great choice. If you plan on taking it to a track, I would probably wait on the RS3. Especially with the new rear torque diff, it would definitely be the way to go for track days. Either way you go, I'm sure you will not be disappointed. (sorry for the long paragraph but this thread resonated with me because I was in the same exact boat when looking for a new car) Good luck either way!

Thanks for the replies! I bought an M340i about 6 weeks ago after a long wait from the factory. I have around 2,000 miles on the clock already. Definitely loving every minute of it.

[dannyrod99]

Originally Posted by TupperBMW

I won't comment on the RS3, but it all depends on what you are looking for.

If you want a track champion car, I can't advise you as I just don't go the track with my cars (not so far at least).

But if you want a fun and fast road car that can also be a reliable DD, then the M340i is a great choice. It is also very modifiable with this B58 engine and you can extract a LOT more power out of it if you'd like. It handles well and has the M LSD which is very important.

My only complaints are the runflats as standard, which you can replace, some reports of "numb" steering which I sort of agree with, and the stock exhaust is a snoozefest. Get the AWE (like I did) so that it sounds like the proper high HP sports sedan that it is.

Good luck!

Would you say the AWE is like neighbor waking loud? I leave for work at 6am and my neighbors are cool people (not trying to annoy them in the morning). Don't know where I would be able to hear one in person :/

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by EXE46

OP don't forget the G42, smaller dimensions to match that of your S3. With the B58 this should be a killer combo and dealers are taking orders at the moment without markups. As good as the M340i is; the M240i should be an even better driver's car for those who don't need 4 doors.

This. M240i is more of a competitor to RS3 based on size and it will be quite a bit less cost. Unless one needs that turbo 5 pot in their life or wants a more exclusive car, I would go with G20 or G42 BMW.

EDIT: Just realized this is old thread. OP congrats on the M340i. It's really fantastic as you know!

[Ugly Kar]

The M240 competes with the S3. The RS3 competes with the M2. The RS3 is $15k more than a M240xi, if you can get one, and you won't get any discounts, so really $16-17k more. Hardly worth it when the new M240xi is nearly an equal car.

[TiMSport]

I suppose it also depends on how much value you put into exclusivity. Make no mistake, the RS3 is a pretty exclusive car as in you won't see many of them on the road. The Audi will have a much nicer interior though and I still like the 5-cylinder powerplant which in itself is an attraction to some.