12-25-2022, 03:31 PM | #23 | |
Major General
5029
Rep 6,277
Posts
Drives: 2018 340i M Sport
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Chicago, Edgewater (via Texas & Tennessee)
iTrader: (0)
Garage List 2018 BMW 340i M Sport [8.58]
2020 BMW M340i xDrive [9.00] 2018 BMW 340i M Sport [7.38] 2006 BMW 330i Sport [5.83] 2004 BMW 330i ZHP [7.13] 2000 BMW 328i [6.17] |
Quote:
The 1980 E12 M535 was the first car they branded with the M badge. It had a BMW Motorsport tuned chassis and an M-Technic suspension.
__________________
www.bmwcca.org member #388003 - Use me as a referral & you could win a one day ///M Driving School!! ___________________________________________ Last edited by tturedraider; 01-24-2023 at 02:34 AM.. |
|
Appreciate
11
wtwo318031.00 HighlandPete6658.50 EXE462101.50 wolvesatthedoor71.00 Llarry16314.50 TractionControlDelete4595.50 BklynNYBMW393.00 BobTX10101.00 JMD640.00 arentz07243.00 sikotic494.00 |
12-25-2022, 03:43 PM | #24 | |
Lieutenant Colonel
1076
Rep 1,958
Posts |
Quote:
Back in the day I loved seeing a stripper i6, manual car that was attainable and wasn’t loaded to the brink of bankruptcy. |
|
Appreciate
2
Llarry16314.50 TractionControlDelete4595.50 |
12-25-2022, 03:44 PM | #25 | |
Major General
18031
Rep 5,494
Posts
Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: IL
|
Quote:
__________________
2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
2023 BMW M3 6MT 2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible '20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-25-2022, 05:18 PM | #26 | |
Lieutenant General
6659
Rep 15,858
Posts |
Quote:
Now that BMW do just that with the G2x models, many question how BMW are 'marketing' the M badge. I've come to the conclusion BMW can't please everyone. Agree with comments on the nothing new with the use of "M Performance", being there from the E12 5-series. One of my colleagues had the M535i, while I had an E12 528. All ahead of the "full fat" M-car sedans. BMW put a 535i alongside an M535i and M5, all in the same E28 5-series in the early 1980's. All different, taking their share of the sales. |
|
Appreciate
3
|
12-25-2022, 05:28 PM | #27 | |
Major General
18031
Rep 5,494
Posts
Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: IL
|
Quote:
Not everyone will ever be happy - and this isn't exclusive to BMW. MB forums are having these very discussions regarding the C300 vs. C43 vs. C63. Personally I've always preferred Audi's delineation - the RS models stand alone. There is no "RS Performance" line. It's base, S, RS. Sure you can option an A5 with the "s-line" package, but you won't find an S5 with any factory RS badging (unless they've changed things and I'm mistaken).
__________________
2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
2023 BMW M3 6MT 2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible '20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima |
|
Appreciate
1
HighlandPete6658.50 |
12-25-2022, 05:35 PM | #28 |
New Member
7
Rep 13
Posts |
I just bought a new m340i, and my neighbor has a 22 M3. My car is no comparison to his. It really depends what you want. If you want a quick daily then the 340i is for you. If you enjoy true performance, not just speed, but handling braking and overall stability, then the m3 is for you. I learned the hard way that I'm a m3 guy. Choose wisely.
|
Appreciate
3
|
12-25-2022, 05:46 PM | #29 | |
Lieutenant General
6659
Rep 15,858
Posts |
Quote:
When the M-sport 'package' came along it became the biggest selling model in a range. Many bought for the aero package and wheel choice. Performance was the same as SE models. I had a 1998 E39 540i, pre Sport model. Came with sport seats, M-Technic steering wheel and M-Technic suspension. Was also dechromed. M-Tech(nic) parts were quite common back then. The M-Sport package made it a lot easier to get all the M-Sport options in a 'standard' model range. I see BMW doing a similar thing with the M Performance options, upping the spec a bit from the M-Sport, sitting between M-Sport and the M-Cars. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-25-2022, 05:55 PM | #30 | |
Lieutenant General
6659
Rep 15,858
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
1
Jobe10178.00 |
12-25-2022, 06:43 PM | #31 | |
New Member
59
Rep 7
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
2
HighlandPete6658.50 Dairdevyld58.00 |
12-25-2022, 08:09 PM | #32 | |
Major General
18031
Rep 5,494
Posts
Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: IL
|
Quote:
That being said I still feel a significant difference in handling and feel compared to my G20. Something as simple as a sharp turn in the G20, it's VERY easy to understeer as I feel the car is under-tired. The G80 on the other hand is remarkably composes in comparison.
__________________
2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
2023 BMW M3 6MT 2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible '20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-25-2022, 08:22 PM | #33 | |
Banned
408
Rep 334
Posts |
Quote:
Where the M340 shines vs the M3 is around town and daily driving. The M340 is aggressively geared in 1st, 2nd, 3rd so it gets to ~70mph faster than its horsepower number would suggest. Also the M340’s B58 has a single twin-scroll turbo that makes near instant boost when you peg the throttle… making the M340i more responsive and better for daily driving situations where you need to do a sudden overtaking maneuver or hustle through a yellow light. In an M3, you would need to have the transmission downshifted and the twin turbo’s on spool full time to get the same behavior, which would result in terrible mpg’s. Also the M340’s chassis isn’t as aggressively braced and runs narrower tires so it’s more comfortable and economical. I love my M340i. It’s the first performance car I’ve ever owned for daily driving that I didn’t feel the urge to sell after 3 years… but I’m realistic about it’s limitations and understand the trade-offs to make a car better for daily driving vs better on a track. |
|
12-25-2022, 08:34 PM | #34 | |
New Member
59
Rep 7
Posts |
Quote:
Still, we can both agree it is not an M car, and no where near g8x M performance. I needed a daily, as a rwd M4 comp in the snow can not hold up well. I just wanted to make a post about how it deserves to be an M "Lite" and absolutely love the car. |
|
Appreciate
1
HighlandPete6658.50 |
12-25-2022, 09:13 PM | #35 | |
Major General
18031
Rep 5,494
Posts
Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: IL
|
Quote:
Where the G80 shines is handling and top end acceleration once you get past the limitations of traction. But if people (not you, speaking in general terms) only care about 0-60 times, then they won't truly appreciate what the G80 has to offer over the m340i.
__________________
2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
2023 BMW M3 6MT 2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible '20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima |
|
Appreciate
3
|
12-25-2022, 10:48 PM | #36 | |
Brigadier General
5338
Rep 3,979
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
Current: 2024 BMW M3 Competition xDrive | 2022 Audi Q7
Gone: 2022 Audi RS5 | 2020 BMW M340i | 2019 Audi RS5 |
|
Appreciate
1
wtwo318031.00 |
12-26-2022, 04:48 AM | #37 | |
Lieutenant General
6659
Rep 15,858
Posts |
Quote:
The discussion does include defining the performance difference and the $18,000 worth of price tag in the M3. Some drivers just won't see where the differences are, or may not measure them as worth the money. I remember the UK discussions on the E9x 335i vs. M3. For many users, the 335i was the better daily driver, no doubt about it and saved some money in the decision. But all the reasons put forward in choosing the 335i never made the model a real alternative to what the M-car offered. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-26-2022, 05:20 AM | #38 | |
Lieutenant General
6659
Rep 15,858
Posts |
Quote:
I remember trying an F82 M4 and to be honest, I'd have chosen the F32 340i, if that was my buying segment. Nothing to do with any failing of the M4, or 'bumping up' the 440i, but simply on how I'd have been using the vehicle. I feel I understand what BMW are offering in the M Performance models. There are users who don't want or need the finely honed full M-Car performance. Having a choice is good for business and the customer. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-26-2022, 06:31 AM | #39 |
First Lieutenant
641
Rep 396
Posts |
As always, I find myself somewhat disconnected between the thoughts and opinions made on here, and my own.
A very large portion of that is the fact that I’d never consider the M models to begin with. Because I couldn’t afford them even if I wanted to. The M340i was even a stretch for me, and only possible due to my unique living situation. Otherwise, a Subaru would have been my car of choice most likely. In that respect, the M340i IS a great M car alternative. The difference between the two of them is smaller than the difference between the 330i and M3, which is also a lot smaller of a difference between a Honda civic and an M3. It’s not just about the value between the m340i and m3, it’s also about that it doesn’t really matter how much better the m3 is, because most people can’t afford it and never will have it anyway. Which makes this thread pretty irrelevant to anyone other than people who have the money for an M3. Therefore the m340i is a great m3 alternative, because it’s cheaper and gets 90% of the way there, and that’s all that matters to people like me. |
Appreciate
3
|
12-26-2022, 07:07 AM | #40 | |
Lieutenant General
6659
Rep 15,858
Posts |
Quote:
When I drove the M4, although I fully appreciated the 'performance' (and I don't mean just the 0 - 60mph) and the way the M-car delivered, it wouldn't be my choice, even with money available. Just doesn't tick all the boxes for a daily driver. One of my neighbours used to run 5-series M-cars, he ran a couple of E39 M5s, then moved to the E60 M5. He didn't keep the E60 M5 for many months, wished he'd not parted with his last E39 M5. Why, with that amazing V10? Simply put, it wasn't useable for this guy, as his daily driver. The E39 was a perfect blend, which rewarded where ever he drove it. The E60, neither drivetrain or chassis worked for him. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-26-2022, 08:16 AM | #41 | |
Professor
2319
Rep 1,851
Posts
Drives: '23 M2 & '22 X3 M Competition
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Prosper, TX/Austin, TX
|
Quote:
Like I mentioned originally, when deciding how much money I want to spend, I want to know what I'm getting for that money. From the responses, it appears that for non-track use, I would have to spend for the Comp version to get any noticeable performance gains over the M340i. The standard M3 does give more exterior color & interior options. Some people just want the most powerful version (I fall into that category sometimes), but I don't know if that's worth $18k - $26k for me. Thanks for all the feedback & discussion. |
|
Appreciate
1
Dairdevyld58.00 |
12-26-2022, 08:39 AM | #42 | |
Major General
18031
Rep 5,494
Posts
Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: IL
|
Quote:
So for this discussion it doesn't make sense to compare the base M3 to any of the m340i trims. Your comparison point is: m340i compared to M3 comp.... m340i xdrive compared to M3 Comp xdrive. The base M3 doesn't have a place in this conversation, and as I mentioned previously, you typically go for the base M3 if you're set on getting a manual transmission. M3 base 6mt rwd M340i rwd -> M3 Comp rwd M340i xdrive -> M3 Comp xdrive
__________________
2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
2023 BMW M3 6MT 2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible '20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-26-2022, 09:09 AM | #43 |
First Lieutenant
641
Rep 396
Posts |
If this entire thread is a question of M340i vs M3 Comp, especially if we are talking the xDrive variants, then the only people who would legitimately say the M340i is nothing like an M car are the people who can actually afford an M3 Comp.
The point of this thread isn't that the M3 is a better car than the M340i, it absolutely is a better car than the M340i, specs don't lie. The point of this thread is that the M340i is shockingly good value, arguably better value than the M3, for MOST people, while still able to retain many elements of an M car. My argument has always been, on a track, the M3 is the better car. On the road, I think it draws with the M340i. It loses some and wins some. They trade blows, in terms of comfort, efficiency, driving dynamics, and practicality, but for 15k or more (depending on trim and options) less than an M3, that is basically a win for the M340i. I cannot afford an M3. And even if I could, unless I was a track user, the value proposition of an M3 is really hard to justify. Even the value proposition of an M340i begins to become shaky when you can buy a Subaru WRX for nearly 30k less (which btw, people track just fine) Most people can't afford even an M340i. A 330i is pushing it for many as well. Be mindful of that before everyone gets all up in arms for what is, relative to price and the car market, a smaller gap between the M340i and an M3, than I think we'd all like to admit. |
Appreciate
5
|
12-26-2022, 10:17 AM | #44 | |
Professor
2319
Rep 1,851
Posts
Drives: '23 M2 & '22 X3 M Competition
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Prosper, TX/Austin, TX
|
Quote:
Minus the 0.1 or 0.2 0-60 difference, they're the same. But if we throw the base M3 out of the discussion are you saying it's not worth the $18k over an M340i? If that's the case, then one would need to spend even more ($24-26k) to get a noticeable performance increase? This isn't unique to BMW, the new Z06 has a base price $45k more than the Stingray for 170 more hp, but very marginal performance increases. The same argument is waged on those forums of "on the track is where it'll really shine & blow away the base...". |
|
Appreciate
1
Dairdevyld58.00 |
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|