[skumar55]

Asking for a friend, he wants to change he's old 4 series GC and is checking out 340i M Model and a 8 series 840i GC.

I've told him to go for the 8 series. For the 3 series, he can go full out and get all the packages, so fully loaded, Tech pack, comfort pack, sun roof. For the 8 series he can only go for the basic 8 series GC, not other options due to costs and prices.

Any advice on which one to go for? Fully loaded 340i M Model or a 8 series? He does a mixture of driving, local and one or two days motorway commute to work. Thanks in advance.

[AM340iMiami]

This is one of those personal preference questions. Personally, I don't like the elongated look of the 840i GC. The two door M850i on the other hand is gorgeous and you can find them for around the same price give or take if you go back a couple years over a newer 840 GC. Used of course, which I always recommend. I rarely buy new nowadays.

But to answer your question, as if it would sway your friends decision, I would pick a fully loaded M340i over an 840i GC any day. But that's just me and my preference.

[momo3605]

if you're looking for the more fun car with more features, get a loaded M340. If you're looking for a softer/quieter status symbol, then get the 840.

[Seaford]

I went from a 2019 330i to a 2020 840 GC and haven’t regretted it for a moment.

The build quality, particularly the interior fit, materials and finish, is significantly better in the 8 Series.

There is more ‘Standard equipment’ in the 8 such as heated rear seats, soft close doors, ventilated front seats, four zone climate, charging points all over the place, sun roof or carbon fibre roof, etc. Significantly more leg room in the back and although the boot capacity is slightly less than the G20 it is much more usable.

But as with all BMWs ticking the option boxes significantly adds to the cost.

The 3 Series and 8:Series are totally different beasts and this is reflected in the price.

8:Series for me all day long - personally I would rather go for a used 840GC than a new 340.

Both are cracking motors….just different.

[Cam330i]

Originally Posted by skumar55

Asking for a friend, he wants to change he's old 4 series GC and is checking out 340i M Model and a 8 series 840i GC.

I've told him to go for the 8 series. For the 3 series, he can go full out and get all the packages, so fully loaded, Tech pack, comfort pack, sun roof. For the 8 series he can only go for the basic 8 series GC, not other options due to costs and prices.

Any advice on which one to go for? Fully loaded 340i M Model or a 8 series? He does a mixture of driving, local and one or two days motorway commute to work. Thanks in advance.

Hellooo

I work for BMW of North America and so I can help chime in on this!

For starters, these two cars are on two different sides of the spectrum in terms of price and other things.

In all honesty, tell your friend to go for the M340i - here's why:
- The 8's are very expensive and they don't lease very well
- While the 8 comes well equipped at the standard price, it seems the 8 will stretch his wallet more and I'd rather he/she/they be in a car that has all the bells and whistles that he/she/they wants.
- The 3 has iDrive 8, while the 8 still has the previous iDrive 7 - I actually like iDrive 7 better
- I just feel the 3 is more fun to drive and is more sporty. The 8 is more luxury and comfort based.

If you give me more context (e.g., what packages/features does your friend want, etc.) I can provide more reasoning.

Lastly, I would encourage your friend to also look at the 5 series. 2023 is the LAST model of the G30 models, and so the 2023 models need to GTFO to make space for the 2024 5 that is likely coming at the end of this year. However, I mentioned the 5 because I think it's a nice halfway point between the 3 and the 8.

i hope this makes sense! Keep me posted!

cam

[G30M]

Originally Posted by skumar55

Asking for a friend, he wants to change he's old 4 series GC and is checking out 340i M Model and a 8 series 840i GC.

I've told him to go for the 8 series. For the 3 series, he can go full out and get all the packages, so fully loaded, Tech pack, comfort pack, sun roof. For the 8 series he can only go for the basic 8 series GC, not other options due to costs and prices.

Any advice on which one to go for? Fully loaded 340i M Model or a 8 series? He does a mixture of driving, local and one or two days motorway commute to work. Thanks in advance.

sounds like what your friend really wants is a 540i or 550i, with DHP, luxury seats, Bowers and Wilkins (540 for economy and power, 550 for gas guzzler and beast power)

[skumar55]

Originally Posted by Cam330i

Hellooo

I work for BMW of North America and so I can help chime in on this!

For starters, these two cars are on two different sides of the spectrum in terms of price and other things.

In all honesty, tell your friend to go for the M340i - here's why:
- The 8's are very expensive and they don't lease very well
- While the 8 comes well equipped at the standard price, it seems the 8 will stretch his wallet more and I'd rather he/she/they be in a car that has all the bells and whistles that he/she/they wants.
- The 3 has iDrive 8, while the 8 still has the previous iDrive 7 - I actually like iDrive 7 better
- I just feel the 3 is more fun to drive and is more sporty. The 8 is more luxury and comfort based.

If you give me more context (e.g., what packages/features does your friend want, etc.) I can provide more reasoning.

Lastly, I would encourage your friend to also look at the 5 series. 2023 is the LAST model of the G30 models, and so the 2023 models need to GTFO to make space for the 2024 5 that is likely coming at the end of this year. However, I mentioned the 5 because I think it's a nice halfway point between the 3 and the 8.

i hope this makes sense! Keep me posted!

cam

Thank you for your advice and response back.

The 3 series will have a few options, Comfort Pack, Tech pack, carbon interior: See link below, so costing around 65k.

https://configure.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/configid/l5kc00by

The 8 series will be like this:
https://configure.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/configid/qh7oqpsk

They both cost quiet similar for PCP finance he said. 8 series is probably slightly more expensive than the 3 series, but not a huge difference as retailer contributes a lot more for PCP for the 8 series.
My mate does a mixture of driving, local and motorway commute. What you reckon?

Thanks

[Paulskit]

Your friend will miss out if car is in base base trim. Of course, it's still a BMW, but bells and whistles is what makes car more comfortable.
After iDrive 8 release, older interiors start to feel dated.
I'd either take loaded M340 or wait some time and add few extras to 8 as well.

[DO444]

If he’s thinking a 3 series and spending that much, why not compare between an m3 and an m850?

Personally I think the m3 is BMW’s best car so… I know what I’d pick, but idk why he’s comparing a 340i instead of an m3.

Having driven both there is a notable difference between the two. At those prices he should just go full M car. You can completely feel the difference.

[G30M]

M550i

[Paulskit]

Originally Posted by DO444

If he’s thinking a 3 series and spending that much, why not compare between an m3 and an m850?

Personally I think the m3 is BMW’s best car so… I know what I’d pick, but idk why he’s comparing a 340i instead of an m3.

Having driven both there is a notable difference between the two. At those prices he should just go full M car. You can completely feel the difference.

For most people, 340 would be a better choice.
It's comfier, has better daily liveability, better mileage and would ultimately be faster in the town (M3 has high revving engine, low down torque is not its strongest point). Not to mention price difference is not 5 or 10k. Equally loaded M3 with xDrive is significantly pricier.
I enjoy how easy and fast it is to drive M340 on imperfect roads. You can maintain high speed and not be disturbed by road imperfections. Adaptive suspension makes miracles. With M3, I'd have to slow down and complain how bad roads are out there.
Ultimately, M3 is more fun car, there is no doubt. But I'm not 100% sure everyone would benefit from it.

[DO444]

Originally Posted by Paulskit

For most people, 340 would be a better choice.
It's comfier, has better daily liveability, better mileage and would ultimately be faster in the town (M3 has high revving engine, low down torque is not its strongest point). Not to mention price difference is not 5 or 10k. Equally loaded M3 with xDrive is significantly pricier.
I enjoy how easy and fast it is to drive M340 on imperfect roads. You can maintain high speed and not be disturbed by road imperfections. Adaptive suspension makes miracles. With M3, I'd have to slow down and complain how bad roads are out there.
Ultimately, M3 is more fun car, there is no doubt. But I'm not 100% sure everyone would benefit from it.

Interesting take.
The suspension is firmer for sure.
Other than that I don’t see a downside, but fair enough.

[skumar55]

Which config is better:

3 series: with a lot of options

https://configure.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/configid/3dlcv2g6

8 series: basic

https://configure.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/configid/afrx71iq

8 series prob costs more in monthly PCP both with 25k deposit. Thanks

[Seaford]

Originally Posted by skumar55

Which config is better:

3 series: with a lot of options

https://configure.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/configid/3dlcv2g6

8 series: basic

https://configure.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/configid/afrx71iq

8 series prob costs more in monthly PCP both with 25k deposit. Thanks

Might be worth downloading the 8 Series brochure as I am really surprised by the lack of option packages shown - it could be that the long list of options when I last looked are now standard - which to be be frank they should be at this end of the market.

Love the colour combination by the way!

[G30M]

Originally Posted by skumar55

Which config is better:

3 series: with a lot of options

https://configure.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/configid/3dlcv2g6

8 series: basic

https://configure.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/configid/afrx71iq

8 series prob costs more in monthly PCP both with 25k deposit. Thanks

if your friend is considering an 8 series don't even look at the 3 series. one is a luxury car comfort cruiser that rides smug boss and the sea will part for you to move past, one is a poorly insulated hard riding race car that every other college 20 year old has.

there is no comparison regardless of the trim.

[G30M]

on a hunch i'd say the basic seats on the 8 is more comfortable than the most expensive seats on the 3. i have a 3 and a 5, they are not even of the same planet. even the steering wheel on the 5 is 10x better in feel.

[skumar55]

Originally Posted by g21

on a hunch i'd say the basic seats on the 8 is more comfortable than the most expensive seats on the 3. i have a 3 and a 5, they are not even of the same planet. even the steering wheel on the 5 is 10x better in feel.

Thanks mate, will feedback to him, looks like you prefer the 8. 3 series is very common car here as well. Everyone has it, but 340i engine is awesome.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by skumar55

Thanks mate, will feedback to him, looks like you prefer the 8. 3 series is very common car here as well. Everyone has it, but 340i engine is awesome.

nobody looks at the 8 series if they want a racy car. if the look at the 8 series they want a luxury ride. the 340 engine is good but the car is average. i just drove 6 hrs in my M340i Touring today, twisty roads. it wasn't the most refined ride but it was fun.

[skumar55]

Originally Posted by g21

nobody looks at the 8 series if they want a racy car. if the look at the 8 series they want a luxury ride. the 340 engine is good but the car is average. i just drove 6 hrs in my M340i Touring today, twisty roads. it wasn't the most refined ride but it was fun.

So you are saying go for a basic 840i GC over a fully loaded 340i M model? Thanks

[Seaford]

Originally Posted by skumar55

So you are saying go for a basic 840i GC over a fully loaded 340i M model? Thanks

Personally I wouldn’t ever never ever buy a bmw without ticking lots if not all of the option boxes for ease of resale and more importantly enjoying all that the car can offer.

As above I would be looking at what the 8:Series has as standard that is an option on the 3 Series.

But to be brutally honest it is a comparison between apples and pears…one is an admirable smallish car that is toward the higher quality end of mass market, the other is a top of the range relatively rare and much more expensive premium offering.

All I can add is that personally the 840 GC gives me everything I want in terms of luxury, comfort and performance…even the fuel economy is isn’t terrible!

[Panscan340]

Originally Posted by g21

if your friend is considering an 8 series don't even look at the 3 series. one is a luxury car comfort cruiser that rides smug boss and the sea will part for you to move past, one is a poorly insulated hard riding race car that every other college 20 year old has.

there is no comparison regardless of the trim.

Wouldn’t call a 3 poorly insulated at all. Many claim they are too insulated and it is substantially more than prior gen. It won’t be 8 series quiet but still doesn’t mean it’s a Honda civic.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Seaford

But to be brutally honest it is a comparison between apples and pears…one is an admirable smallish car that is toward the higher quality end of mass market, the other is a top of the range relatively rare and much more expensive premium offering.

Very much as I see it.

What's the 'friend' really wanting, to put such different models on the same short list?