09-07-2020, 10:53 PM | #1 |
Private First Class
75
Rep 109
Posts |
Five things about my M340i that annoy me
Featured on BIMMERPOST.com 1) The HK sounds okay but I expected better from a premium sound system. The system in the G70 is much better. 2) The skip to next track in Spotify (or is it Apple Car Play) takes around 2 seconds after pressing it to get to the next track (assume it will be fixed in an update). In my Subaru this happens instantly. 3) Plastic gear knob and paddle shifters (partially) - given this is a premium car I expected better and would have been happy to pay a little more for better quality. 4) Steering feel - everyone knows this and has been talked about to death. It's actually not a huge problem for me as the car is amazing overall from a driving experience. 5) Digital display - I actually like the design even though many prefer Audi/Mercedes. For me I dont need all the configuration options of those cars as I would always select a tachometer and speedometer to display anyway. It would however be good to have a little more information on the screen at the same time like odometer, power/torque graphs, etc. At the moment you can only have one on the screen. In my view the odometer should always be there. Actually if I could, I would have much preferred a traditional analogue display. Anyway, that's it. Pretty minor issues really. Love this car |
09-07-2020, 11:38 PM | #2 |
Colonel
1996
Rep 2,499
Posts |
Interestingly both HK and Lexicon are subsidiaries of Harman group which is owned by Samsung. However Lexicon has been a manufacturer of ultra high end digital equipment since at least the 80s (as far back as I can remember anyway). HK was always known as a big box brand (good for Best Buy but nothing an "audiophile" would touch with a 10ft pole). I'm thinking Samsung gave the Korean carmakers a sweetheart deal to make them more appealing while keeping costs down.
It'd be nice if BMW made a B&W system for the 3 series but it's unlikely to sell very well. It sounds much better than the HK in the G05 X5. |
Appreciate
2
Bris-M340i74.50 BMWM340iTX18.50 |
09-07-2020, 11:46 PM | #3 | |
Private First Class
75
Rep 109
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-08-2020, 01:58 AM | #4 |
First Lieutenant
101
Rep 309
Posts |
2) Is instant for me, so possibly a software thing for you
5) You can have let's say torque and power and then everything else on the center console, which while not perfect, is more tha enough for me |
Appreciate
0
|
09-08-2020, 02:21 AM | #5 |
Lieutenant
128
Rep 462
Posts |
I just hate the layout and how basic the dash looks
|
Appreciate
1
stein_325i25083.00 |
09-08-2020, 06:33 AM | #6 | |
Gone Fishin’
7318
Rep 12,125
Posts |
Quote:
They should poach a couple engineers from GM honestly. Their EPS is actually very good. Crazy world we live in where Camaros and Caddys have better steering feel than BMW M cars. |
|
Appreciate
1
scotty_g12.00 |
09-08-2020, 03:28 PM | #7 | |
Major
175
Rep 1,040
Posts |
My wife's Lexus RX has better steering feel, which almost sounds like a joke but it isn't.
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
1
stein_325i25083.00 |
09-08-2020, 05:01 PM | #8 | |
First Lieutenant
162
Rep 305
Posts |
Quote:
It's truly a lovely car to drive every day. Quiet, smooth and with more power than anyone really ever needs. 1. The stereo, yeah. I replaced the speakers (except the rear doors and under seats). Bit of a job but now it sounds acceptable. 2. My Spotify changes instantly from song to song on carplay. Could be a software issue or mobile issue? 3. I think BMW uses a little bit too much plastic when they could use metal and cheaped out in some very minor areas. This is probably because of weight. For example, the rubber used in the cup holders and in the console box is hard and cheap. Where is the felt lining? 4. I've found the steering feel to be pretty good especially off lock. I had been running 32 PSI on the tyres and have recently increased it to 34 and it improved the feel. Turn in could be a little sharper, but to be honest the people who buy want a good balance between comfort and sport and while it would be nicer to have sharper turn in some people would complain that it is too darty. Personally I'd like it to be a little more sharper on turn in. But the steering is nice with OK feel and good accuracy. 5. I hated the gauges at first but I'be grown to like them. You get used to them. All the displays are pretty configurable which is good because it is 'wow' at first but I think the info overload can be distracting and fatiguing after time. I've switched off the change of gauges when you change driving mode (so you can see the tachometer even in eco pro) and sometimes I turn off the center screen and recently I have been driving without the head up display on. Personally I'd like to see the center part utilized more and maybe an option for classic gauges. |
|
Appreciate
1
Bris-M340i74.50 |
09-08-2020, 05:46 PM | #9 |
BEAST? ... How dare you.
444
Rep 416
Posts |
This is a normal 3 series with a better engine and suspension. Nothing more. BMW smartly doesn't let you turn this model into a mini 5 series.
You're buying it for the speed and handling.
__________________
______________
1973 Porsche 911S 2023 BMW M550i 2023 BMW X5M 2020 BMW M340i (retired) |
Appreciate
0
|
09-08-2020, 09:24 PM | #10 |
Ring Leader of G8X Haters
25083
Rep 8,762
Posts |
I've given up on this hope. Its officially been a decade since EPS invaded BMW and the complaints have been voiced for a while now yet they still have done nothing. I have a feeling they know how to tune in feel, but they've chosen not to. Its clear they don't care that much about the enthusiasts anymore and the bean counters are running things and are catering to the everyday soccer moms and badge whores. Would it really be so hard to tune it into sport mode? The worse part is while this idea makes more sense on a higher volume model like the 3er or X3, but the M cars, that are priced anywhere from $60-180k all lack feel. The cars literally built (or at least once were) for the enthusiast, and they've still decided to rob us from feel. Meanwhile Mazda gives their $18k compact sedan excellent steering that no M-car can match
__________________
Current Garage: 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 / 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T / 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 350 / 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Retired: '95 E36 325i 5MT / '04 E46 330i 6MT / '05 E83 X3 3.0i / '11 E90 335xi / '17 G30 540i / '19 F87 M2C 6MT / '19 MB CLS 53 / '20 MB GLC 300 Last edited by stein_325i; 09-08-2020 at 09:51 PM.. |
Appreciate
5
|
09-09-2020, 07:04 AM | #11 |
X3M Comp is a beast
89
Rep 171
Posts |
My top complaints:
1) Cross traffic alert option is useless. 2) Paddle shifters are too small. 3) I wish in manual mode the gear number was on the heads up display. Stupid that i must look down 4) HK stereo is nice but not great. So I totally agree with that. 5) For a premium car steering column should have been power so the memory feature controlled that too. Overall the new 7/2020 software I lost a few things...hopefully the next update fixes them. |
Appreciate
1
Bris-M340i74.50 |
09-09-2020, 09:37 AM | #12 | |
Major General
1671
Rep 6,586
Posts |
Quote:
It is a third party (used to be TK when I worked with them in EU) that builds for many manufacturers and offers the software option for tweaks... |
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-09-2020, 09:39 AM | #13 | |
Major General
1671
Rep 6,586
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-09-2020, 09:40 AM | #14 | ||
Ring Leader of G8X Haters
25083
Rep 8,762
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
Current Garage: 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 / 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T / 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 350 / 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Retired: '95 E36 325i 5MT / '04 E46 330i 6MT / '05 E83 X3 3.0i / '11 E90 335xi / '17 G30 540i / '19 F87 M2C 6MT / '19 MB CLS 53 / '20 MB GLC 300 |
||
Appreciate
1
jmack548.50 |
09-09-2020, 01:39 PM | #15 | |
Captain
1413
Rep 610
Posts
Drives: M340i
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Dallas, TX
|
Quote:
__________________
Retired: 2011 328i
|
|
Appreciate
1
Germanauto9702.50 |
09-10-2020, 06:09 AM | #16 |
X3M Comp is a beast
89
Rep 171
Posts |
Well I have had a couple of time I have forgot i was in manual mode because I was sitting at a light and realized towards the end that I was not in manual mode. Plus it auto shifts to M1 when you stop. Just annoying for people who don't drive manual all the time. Just would be nice to see the number.
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-10-2020, 06:10 PM | #17 |
Major
1632
Rep 1,004
Posts |
I have not updated to the most recent one with Spotify, but does it work independently or do you still have to connect through your phone? Assuming you need phone because otherwise you'd have to have some service pushing to the vehicle to use the app?
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-14-2020, 11:33 PM | #18 | |
Major General
9703
Rep 6,084
Posts |
Quote:
For real BMW, you won't lose sales by tuning the steering similar to the Giulia, Boxster, or Macan. While we loved the E90 and understand steering that heavy won't fly with consumers today, you don't have to stoop this low. BMW is no different from every movie franchise, clothing brand, retailer, etc. which had its heydey by carving a niche in the market with extremely good products; but eventually becoming too popular for its own good. Eventually the stockholders and MBAs take over and shift the philosophy for mass appeal.
__________________
Former
-2008 E90 328 black/brown -2012 Lexus IS250 black/black Last edited by Germanauto; 09-14-2020 at 11:41 PM.. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-15-2020, 04:55 AM | #19 |
Rick James
305
Rep 784
Posts |
I’m happy to see others griping about the steering...I thought I was going crazy! I agree with the points made, but does anyone feel like it’s just spongy or more on the lines of an suv in terms of response? I’ll have to try the tire pressure suggestion, but I’ve noticed even in sport/sport plus it’s wonky. Honestly, it really makes cornering and driving on those windy roads a bit more “adventurous”. There’s been a few times where I feel I’ll lose control of the vehicle, even going to the speed limit on the twisty backroads.
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-15-2020, 05:42 AM | #20 | |
First Lieutenant
386
Rep 315
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
3
|
09-16-2020, 12:50 PM | #21 |
Enlisted Member
43
Rep 40
Posts |
Hate the armrest as it is awkward to grab anything while driving. My C43 opened in the middle. Doesn't always lock when I park it, and the BMW Connected doesn't...connect. Dealer is useless at figuring it out.
Love everything else. Fast, comfortable, and built out of granite. Having had a C43 , this thing blows it away in every category, except exhaust sound, which got obnoxious anyways.
__________________
2020 M340xi - Tanzanite/Oyster
2019 Volvo XC90 T6 Inscription 2016 Corvette Z06 - Shark Gray/Adrenaline Red M7 |
Appreciate
2
Bris-M340i74.50 scotty_g12.00 |
09-16-2020, 01:50 PM | #22 | |
I ///M Fan
336
Rep 367
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|