[stein_325i]

Life with Our BMW M340i Has Been Smooth Sailing

Originally Posted by Car and Driver

Though Michigan's recent frigid months have been relatively mild compared to previous years, our car's sure-footed Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 winter tires have reinforced our decision not to splurge for the $1860 all-wheel-drive option. While the M340i xDrive is plenty playful, there's a greater sense of driver engagement when its 382-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is driving only the rear wheels.

Since our last visit, the M340i has ventured south to Birmingham, Alabama, to visit Barber Motorsports Park and its spectacular museum. From there it was off to the sunshine of Daytona Beach where, sadly, no top-speed attempts were made on the storied sand between there and Ormond Beach. On the return trip, BMW's junior M 3-series traveled to Spartanburg, South Carolina, for a meet and greet with the hotly anticipated new M3. While staff opinions vary widely regarding the comfort of the M340i's front seats, staff photographer Michael Simari took zero issue with them over of the course of 2000 miles. Including the thousands of miles we've logged to the south plus a trip east to Connecticut, our average fuel economy is holding strong at an impressive 26 mpg.

Perhaps our Bimmer's most important journey was to Virginia International Raceway (VIR) for our Lightning Lap event, where we lapped a similar-spec M340i. Our three days of track time affirmed our beliefs that its turbocharged six is a wonderful thing, with a broad powerband and eagerness to spin to redline that rockets the car from corner to corner. We've had zero issue with our example's brake-pedal feel during normal street driving, but laps of repeated abuse made stepping on the left pedal of the Lightning Lap car feel as if we were pressing our foot into a pot of mashed potatoes. Despite the pedal's sponginess, the brakes were still effective throughout its impressive 3:03.2 lap.

Pushing the M340i to the limits around VIR's 4.1-mile Grand Course also verified our appreciation for the car's excellent chassis—and our discontent with BMW's numb steering. "It's impossible to deny the fidelity of this car's chassis or body control," noted former editor-in-chief Eddie Alterman. "The car is ridiculously easy to place on the road, despite the feel-free steering." A few staffers have come to accept the 3-series's less-than-tactile tiller, with deputy testing director K.C. Colwell claiming, "It's not that bad." His opinion likely was bolstered by a stint in the new M440i xDrive, which was fitted with an even less satisfying variable-ratio steering system.

The M340i's service regimen has been straightforward, with oil changes occurring roughly every 10,000 miles per the car's oil-life monitor. Right before our 30,000-mile service–the last of BMW's three-year/36,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance–the onboard computer alerted us that, once again, the inline-six was a quart low on oil. We've now added four quarts over the course of our car's stay, which BMW claims is a normal rate of consumption. Elsewhere, we haven't noticed any rattles or obvious signs of wear on the heavily trafficked interior bits, save for the delaminating chrome trim on the center of the fat-rimmed steering wheel. We'll address that issue at the car's next service stop before its 40,000-mile term is up, which is a mere 5000 miles away.

[EXE46]

Thanks for this as we owners can all attest to this car being a brilliant machine and the only knock being steering feel. I still enjoy mine immensely. 18 months in and I still enjoy the thrills of taking it out for a joy ride especially since I am working from home now.

[Germanauto]

If the M2 didn't exist this would be the BMW to buy.

[MmmmmM2]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

If the M2 didn't exist this would be the BMW to buy.

Amen!

[Ikester19]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

If the M2 didn't exist this would be the BMW to buy.

Your comment makes perfect sense. I had to part with my OG M2 last year as I needed 4 doors and a more comfortable daily for family duties. I went with the M340i as it ticked all the boxes for me, it felt just as quick and agile, and is the better all rounder. What an awesome car.

Having said that, to me, there is just something special about the OG M2. It has a lot of character, more raw and is just a riot to drive. Just looking at it would put a smile on my face. Wish I could have held on to it but couldn't keep both cars. At some stage soon when prices settle I plan to buy a OG M2 in stick shift ... and keep it for life!

[Benjamin_Nicholas]

Originally Posted by Ikester19

Your comment makes perfect sense. I had to part with my OG M2 last year as I needed 4 doors and a more comfortable daily for family duties.

It's a 4 door car with 2 door space, really.

That backseat, especially if you have 6 ft+ people in the front is non-existent. Not a knock on the car, but a reality for sure.

They did put a killer trunk on the model. Would have loved to see less trunk space and more in-cabin, but hey, it is what it is.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by Ikester19

Your comment makes perfect sense. I had to part with my OG M2 last year as I needed 4 doors and a more comfortable daily for family duties. I went with the M340i as it ticked all the boxes for me, it felt just as quick and agile, and is the better all rounder. What an awesome car.

Having said that, to me, there is just something special about the OG M2. It has a lot of character, more raw and is just a riot to drive. Just looking at it would put a smile on my face. Wish I could have held on to it but couldn't keep both cars. At some stage soon when prices settle I plan to buy a OG M2 in stick shift ... and keep it for life!

Agreed completely. I once drove both back to back and the M340 felt about 50% as "fun." It has all the right stuff to be a great driver's car but does not feel as playful, compact, or raw. The steering is also dumbed down. But with all that being said, to get a car that has 4 doors, 5 seats, a properly luxurious and modern interior, with best-in-class performance is a compelling package.

[TiMSport]

Originally Posted by Ikester19

Your comment makes perfect sense. I had to part with my OG M2 last year as I needed 4 doors and a more comfortable daily for family duties. I went with the M340i as it ticked all the boxes for me, it felt just as quick and agile, and is the better all rounder. What an awesome car.

Having said that, to me, there is just something special about the OG M2. It has a lot of character, more raw and is just a riot to drive. Just looking at it would put a smile on my face. Wish I could have held on to it but couldn't keep both cars. At some stage soon when prices settle I plan to buy a OG M2 in stick shift ... and keep it for life!

Maybe you can confirm this but I had heard from some that the M2 is a bit reminiscent of the e46 M3 in some ways. I've never test driven one but there was something about it that reminded me of my old M3. I think I had read somewhere the "feel" of the car, including the steering was similar? Kind of like going back in time sort of thing before their cars became bloated.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by TiMSport

Maybe you can confirm this but I had heard from some that the M2 is a bit reminiscent of the e46 M3 in some ways. I've never test driven one but there was something about it that reminded me of my old M3. I think I had read somewhere the "feel" of the car, including the steering was similar? Kind of like going back in time sort of thing before their cars became bloated.

Yes, its very similar to the E46 mainly due to its playful spirit and shorter wheelbase and overall dimensions. It still feels heavier and the steering (even being BMW's best steering rack) is still lacking in feel, but its most agile and fun BMW on sale right now and has just the right amount of power. I personally preferred the amount of power in the OG M2 to the competition, but I loved the more raw and high-revving nature of the S55 to the N55 even though sound was inferior.

[///Mobbin]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

If the M2 didn't exist this would be the BMW to buy.

Originally Posted by Ikester19

Your comment makes perfect sense. I had to part with my OG M2 last year as I needed 4 doors and a more comfortable daily for family duties. I went with the M340i as it ticked all the boxes for me, it felt just as quick and agile, and is the better all rounder. What an awesome car.

Having said that, to me, there is just something special about the OG M2. It has a lot of character, more raw and is just a riot to drive. Just looking at it would put a smile on my face. Wish I could have held on to it but couldn't keep both cars. At some stage soon when prices settle I plan to buy a OG M2 in stick shift ... and keep it for life!

I test drove the M2 Competition and M340i, really wanted the M2 but went M340i for family duty, carpools, etc. Quite happy with the decision, this engine/chassis is great fun on the street! I like it better on the street than the F80 m3 I previously owned actually. The F80 m3 was great on track though, we'll see how the M340i does on track in the coming months.

[Ikester19]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

Yes, its very similar to the E46 mainly due to its playful spirit and shorter wheelbase and overall dimensions. It still feels heavier and the steering (even being BMW's best steering rack) is still lacking in feel, but its most agile and fun BMW on sale right now and has just the right amount of power. I personally preferred the amount of power in the OG M2 to the competition, but I loved the more raw and high-revving nature of the S55 to the N55 even though sound was inferior.

Agree with your description although I think the OG has a more raw nature to it compared to the M2C; has more cabin noise and suspension feels firmer (although both have the same suspension). The S55 does build up power more progressively through the rev range which is more reminiscent of NA engines, however

[BklynNYBMW]

This is good news and promising. I have one on order that is actually on the boat now in the middle of the Atlantic. I might buy it out at the end of the lease.
__________________________________________________ __________________
2017 X6 5.0 MSport, Carbon Black Metallic w/ black leather. All options except vented seats and B/O sound system. AKA the Tumbler
2018 340i MSport Xdrive sedan. Glacier Silver w/Oyster. All options except active cruise control and window shades. AKA Airstream
*On order 2021 M304i xdrive. Tanzanite Blue with W/Oyster with Red Calipers. All options except M suspension, Driver Assistance Professional Package, Cooling and High Performance Tire package. No Nickname as of yet

[TruthOne]

I will tell you and I've never done this or even considered it with any car but I may buy my M340 at the end of the lease. It's that impressive to me and enjoyable to drive and for family duty and you can tune it to be as fast as just about anything out there including the new G80.

[Ikester19]

Originally Posted by TiMSport

Maybe you can confirm this but I had heard from some that the M2 is a bit reminiscent of the e46 M3 in some ways. I've never test driven one but there was something about it that reminded me of my old M3. I think I had read somewhere the "feel" of the car, including the steering was similar? Kind of like going back in time sort of thing before their cars became bloated.

TBH I've never driven a E46 M3. The M2 did remind me of my first ever BMW which was a E30 325i mtechnic. It's the overall compact size, simplistic interior, rawness, traditional BMW exterior design cues, and a certain element of danger when driving the car; it took me back to what BMW was, and should be. There's a certain character to the M2 which IMO cannot be found in any other modern BMW.

[doublebatman]

Originally Posted by TruthOne

I will tell you and I've never done this or even considered it with any car but I may buy my M340 at the end of the lease. It's that impressive to me and enjoyable to drive and for family duty and you can tune it to be as fast as just about anything out there including the new G80.

Statements like these make me feel good about my decision to buy (still waiting delivery)

[TiMSport]

Originally Posted by TruthOne

I will tell you and I've never done this or even considered it with any car but I may buy my M340 at the end of the lease. It's that impressive to me and enjoyable to drive and for family duty and you can tune it to be as fast as just about anything out there including the new G80.

Originally Posted by doublebatman

Statements like these make me feel good about my decision to buy (still waiting delivery)

Agreed. I'm feeling pretty good about the choice now.

[RSnic]

Well, I've had mine for about a year and a half, putting about 22K miles on it & have had it on VIR once.

Gotta' say every time I get in it, it's just plain fun to drive. Yeah, the steering is a little soft, even in sport, but you get used to it. It just literally hugs the road, whether it's local street, the Interstate or the Hogpens at VIR.

Best car I've had in my many years of driving!

[_E90S65_]

I love C&D's long-term tests.
They beat the hell out of those cars!

[Antec800]

Having a new 330, and a m340, and driven the new m440 for almost a week now, the m340 steering feel absolutely trumps both cars

[EXE46]

Originally Posted by Antec800

Having a new 330, and a m340, and driven the new m440 for almost a week now, the m340 steering feel absolutely trumps both cars

I thought the verdict was the 330I M sport had the better steering? I only drove it once when the car debuted so can't say how it compares to my M340i. RWD M340i steering does have some dead spots in steering feel sometimes in my experience.

[TiMSport]

How about M340i xDrive? Has anyone reported on it being different?

[jlapicki]

Originally Posted by RSnic

Well, I've had mine for about a year and a half, putting about 22K miles on it & have had it on VIR once.

Gotta' say every time I get in it, it's just plain fun to drive. Yeah, the steering is a little soft, even in sport, but you get used to it. It just literally hugs the road, whether it's local street, the Interstate or the Hogpens at VIR.

Best car I've had in my many years of driving!

What kind of lap times and speeds did you experience at VIR....I'm planning to take the M340i out this summer but anticipate dialing back my expectations after driving my prior full m cars on track for the last 20 years....