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2019+ BMW 3 AND 4-SERIES FORUMS (G2x Generation) General G20 Sedan / G22 Coupe / G26 Gran Coupe Discussions An unusual comparison: M340i vs 840d

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      03-31-2020, 01:39 PM   #1
bmwmboss
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An unusual comparison: M340i vs 840d

Hi guys, im new to the forum and from the UK. I am interested in getting rid of my soulless 6 month old Audi S3 for an ultimate driving machine!. I'm currently paying £400 per month on my Audi and set a budget of around £600 per month for a BMW that i will be using mostly to commute to work. I want a fast comfortable AWD DD that can be fun when i want it to be - the ultimate all rounder!. I have driven an 840d which i found extremely luxurious and exactly what i was looking for however i have come across the M340i which might tick all my boxes too.

With the current pandemic i'm choosing to hold off for now to get the best deal and test drive an M340i but if anyone with experience driving both cars could shed any light on this unusual comparison of cars i would be extremely grateful! This might help guide my search!

Thanks in advance
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      03-31-2020, 02:45 PM   #2
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Strange comparison indeed.

While I haven't driven the 840d (we don't get it here in the states), the M340i won't be as luxurious, but it will be much quicker and sporty.

So you just have to ask yourself what you'd like, luxury with a bit of sport? or sport with a bit of luxury?
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      04-01-2020, 03:02 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wtwo3 View Post
Strange comparison indeed.

While I haven't driven the 840d (we don't get it here in the states), the M340i won't be as luxurious, but it will be much quicker and sporty.

So you just have to ask yourself what you'd like, luxury with a bit of sport? or sport with a bit of luxury?
Thanks for your response. How comfortable is your M340i when in comfort mode? Do you still find it fun to drive in sport plus?
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      04-01-2020, 08:29 AM   #4
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Originally Posted by bmwmboss View Post
Thanks for your response. How comfortable is your M340i when in comfort mode? Do you still find it fun to drive in sport plus?
In comfort mode the ride is quite compliant and smooth. The sore spot for me personally are the seats as I find them to be a bit uncomfortable. However in the US we are also limited to either sensetac or vernasca seats (I believe most of the rest of the world has the option for merino leather), so not sure if that'll make the difference since merino is typically softer. BMW really doesn't like us Americans.

Sport plus turns it into an absolute rocket ship. It's a blast to drive. It's not quite an M car, but it's damn good in its own right. Not to mention it'll make blissful noises the diesel could never hope to.

With all this said, if comfort/luxury/sex appeal is more important than sheer performance, I'd go with the 840d (assuming price also is not a concern). But definitely give the M340i a test drive (once the apocalypse is over). It'll put a smile on your face.
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      04-01-2020, 09:13 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wtwo3 View Post
In comfort mode the ride is quite compliant and smooth. The sore spot for me personally are the seats as I find them to be a bit uncomfortable. However in the US we are also limited to either sensetac or vernasca seats (I believe most of the rest of the world has the option for merino leather), so not sure if that'll make the difference since merino is typically softer. BMW really doesn't like us Americans.

Sport plus turns it into an absolute rocket ship. It's a blast to drive. It's not quite an M car, but it's damn good in its own right. Not to mention it'll make blissful noises the diesel could never hope to.

With all this said, if comfort/luxury/sex appeal is more important than sheer performance, I'd go with the 840d (assuming price also is not a concern). But definitely give the M340i a test drive (once the apocalypse is over). It'll put a smile on your face.
I agree with you about the seating. I upgraded to a 530e from a 330e in part because I could get Nappa seats with the 5 series. The Nappa is terrific albeit with limited color choices.

The Vernasca is better than the Dakota but still not what I consider luxury class leather.

Have you considered an M540i instead? It would be a more comparable choice to an 8 series.
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      04-01-2020, 06:54 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveinArizona View Post
I agree with you about the seating. I upgraded to a 530e from a 330e in part because I could get Nappa seats with the 5 series. The Nappa is terrific albeit with limited color choices.

The Vernasca is better than the Dakota but still not what I consider luxury class leather.

Have you considered an M540i instead? It would be a more comparable choice to an 8 series.
I find the Vernasca to be exactly the same as Dakota. If you look at it closely the grain is a bit different so it looks a little less fake, but that's about it.

Seat comfort is largely determined by the shape, adjustabilty, the cushion material, and compatibility with your body. Some people prefer the sport seats but some people find them uncomfortable.
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      04-01-2020, 09:55 PM   #7
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Don't waste your money on an 840d.

Buy an m340 RWD. Fast, smooth, sharp, comfortable, a blast to drive.

With the money you have left over...

Add an X5 4.0 AWD SAV. Smooth, comfortable, versatile, useful, lovely to drive. A perfect road trip vehicle.

The 8 is a boat.
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      04-03-2020, 03:02 PM   #8
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I have a 330i G20 and have had an 850 convertible as a courtesy car for a couple of weeks. Not the same specific models as you are looking to compare but hopefully I can offer something!

I really like the G20 but there is no comparison to the 8 Series in terms of comfort and ride quality - the 8 Series is in a different league......as it should be for the money.

Can't really comment on anything else as the 8 Series I had was a convertible - rear seats were non- existent and boot space really poor. Fabulous in every other way though.

I saw an 8 Series coupe (? GT ? Not sure exactly what it was) in a dealers, proper four seater...now that was nice, dark grey metallic, cream nappa interior....that would suit me down to the ground
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