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2019+ BMW 3 AND 4-SERIES FORUMS (G2x Generation) General G20 Sedan / G22 Coupe / G26 Gran Coupe Discussions Looking for feedback/opinion on 330i, m340i, c43

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      10-08-2020, 10:47 PM   #1
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Looking for feedback/opinion on 330i, m340i, c43

Looking into the following video review from throttle house below:


The video mentioned that one reviewer they would take the 330i M-Sport over the m340i as there was not a significant difference moving up to the larger engine with the price.

The video also mentioned in the similar premium price range they would select the C43 over the M340i, because of more driving theater and drama on the c43. However, I think the m340i can accomplish similar driving theater and drama with M-Performance exhaust installed.

So to conclude, is your feedback and opinion similar to that of review from Throttle House? Do you guys feel any other criticism?

Finally, has anyone actually test drove 330i with M-Sport package, Adaptive suspension and summer performance staggered tires with LSD against the m340i with Adaptive suspension and summer performance staggered tires?

And what are your opinions/first initial impressions?

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      10-08-2020, 11:09 PM   #2
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These guys strike me as tools who do a lot of talking out of their @ss
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      10-09-2020, 02:09 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Benjamin_Nicholas View Post
These guys strike me as tools who do a lot of talking out of their @ss
+1 lol

OP, every other reviewer you will find has only good things to say about the M340i.

I certainly wouldn't go by these clowns best to test drive each for yourself and make a decision based on your needs and wants.
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      10-09-2020, 05:22 AM   #4
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I actually enjoy these guys' videos - I find them entertaining. For the most part I think they're pretty accurate with their review. The 3 series is the best overall car. I cross shopped the S4, C43 and M340i and came away with the following thoughts:

- S4 was a decent car but just wasn't fun. It was a very muted experience.
- C43 sounded great but it was a bit TOO harsh, and that interior is getting long in the tooth.
- M340i is the best overall car in performance, tech, interior etc.

That being said, it's definitely a matter of personal preference and you'll simply have to test drive them to decide for yourself. Many people find the power in the 330i more than adequate (and for the most part, it is).

I personally found the power in the M340i simply intoxicating, and was coming from a 400 hp Q50 RS, so I couldn't see myself going so far down in power with the 330i. I also live out in the suburbs with lots of large, open roads and highway, so I'm able to enjoy the power that the M340i offers.
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      10-09-2020, 07:30 AM   #5
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Part of the problem with the M340 is the engine is tuned down and has a very flat power curve. It really doesn't feel that fast, until you look at the speedo. It climbs a lot faster than you think since there's not a surge of power higher up in the rpm band. While the 330i scoots damned good, it's still 1.5 seconds slower in the quarter mile which is pretty significant.
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      10-09-2020, 08:05 AM   #6
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The difference between the M340i and the 330i (M Sport) is still fairly distinctive. But that's not to take anything away from the 330i as it's damn good just like the entire lineup of G20's. I still believe the M340i is a pretty big step up in performance. The C43, much like a lot of reviewers, is praised so much because of the exhaust. If they had an apples to apples comparison with the M340i and the M Performance Exhaust fitted, they would have been all over the M340i. It's a fact that the C43 is way too rough in the ride department, does not match the M340i in engine or transmission, doesn't handle any better, so that leaves looks and that of course is subjective (and that obviously wasn't something that played into their decision much since the 330i won their A4/C300/330i comparison).

Take every review with a grain of salt. Go drive for yourself (I've driven almost everything in this class and in my opinion the M340i is on another level).
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      10-09-2020, 08:31 AM   #7
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It sounds the OP is interested in handling comparison between fully spec'd 330 vs 340. The 330 I drove had standard suspension and all season RFTs and obviously the gap is noticeable comparing to 340i with adaptive and P4S.
I did drive 340 with fixed suspension and RFTs and honestly it was similar to 330i handling, not overly impressed.
Even if you are not using full power of 340, which is likely scenario for most, the power delivery is totally different to 330i. B58 Is a very smooth engine with endless torque. When you do get a chance to rip it, the gap with 330i is OMG type of reaction.
As others suggested, test drive is a must. Everyone's priorities are different.
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      10-09-2020, 08:54 AM   #8
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S4 Boring and muted
C43 Extremely dated and harsh

I'd pick M340 7 days a week over 330. BMW is famous for their inline 6's. Get the inline 6 and never look back
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      10-09-2020, 09:55 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wtwo3 View Post
I actually enjoy these guys' videos - I find them entertaining. For the most part I think they're pretty accurate with their review. The 3 series is the best overall car. I cross shopped the S4, C43 and M340i and came away with the following thoughts:

- S4 was a decent car but just wasn't fun. It was a very muted experience.
- C43 sounded great but it was a bit TOO harsh, and that interior is getting long in the tooth.
- M340i is the best overall car in performance, tech, interior etc.

That being said, it's definitely a matter of personal preference and you'll simply have to test drive them to decide for yourself. Many people find the power in the 330i more than adequate (and for the most part, it is).

I personally found the power in the M340i simply intoxicating, and was coming from a 400 hp Q50 RS, so I couldn't see myself going so far down in power with the 330i. I also live out in the suburbs with lots of large, open roads and highway, so I'm able to enjoy the power that the M340i offers.
I agree 100%. I love Throttle House. And James is a friend. But I’ve loved TH even before I got to know him.

And your views regarding the three cars are EXACTLY how I felt too.

Is the M340i better than the 330i? Undoubtedly! If one is choosing between the 330i and M340i, budget no issue, get the M340i. Period.
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      10-09-2020, 10:32 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VipinLJ View Post
I agree 100%. I love Throttle House. And James is a friend. But I’ve loved TH even before I got to know him.
That's pretty cool! How'd you meet him?
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      10-09-2020, 10:33 AM   #11
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330 is a mighty car on its own right... I mean, just few years ago, a low 5 sec (5.2 i think, 13.5 1/4) was pretty dang fast. And it still is if you compare that to the masses. You will out run 95% of the cars.

And the value proposition is a great one if you don't option it to death. If you could snag a mid 40k range 330i with a good lease / purchase, a STEAL in my opinion. I mean, some high trim CAMRY is going for similar lease prices lol.

But to compare that to m340i? It has 140 ish more horses and 80 more tq (sorry, not a exact figure probably but close). Some people got this car in the 3.7-3.8 and 12.3 range, while 4 flat and 12.7 seems about average. Its a huge difference in terms of what class of speed it belongs to.

It is quicker than a base C6 corvette, and is RIGHT THERE with the base c7 vette i dare say. huge difference in my opinion.
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      10-09-2020, 10:46 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VipinLJ View Post
I agree 100%. I love Throttle House. And James is a friend. But I’ve loved TH even before I got to know him.

And your views regarding the three cars are EXACTLY how I felt too.

Is the M340i better than the 330i? Undoubtedly! If one is choosing between the 330i and M340i, budget no issue, get the M340i. Period.
I've met both James and Thomas as well (met the Straight Pipes guys as well). Both the Straight Pipes and Throttle House live and/or do most of their videos around my house. All very cool guys. Thomas is VERY knowledgeable about the mechanics of cars, racing, and BMW's especially.
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      10-09-2020, 12:15 PM   #13
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Love the TH youtube channel. I think they are a great team and make some excellent reviews, and I really like that they actually focus on the driving dynamics and handling first and foremost, then talk about looks and tech after. Thomas especially is very knowledgeable about BMW's as he has an E46 M3, as well as an E46 track car and has been a fan of the brand for years.

As for the debate of 330i vs M340i, I somewhat agree but there is an asterisk to that. I test drove the 330i at the Ultimate Driving Experience event on autocross as well as a street drive and found it to be more than enough for most people. Engine is smooth and peppy, trans is quick shifting, and handling was good. Steering and engagement are still lacking for me regardless of 30i or 40i, but otherwise good cars and much improved over the F3X. The 40i is also a great car, but if you don't care about having the fastest 0-60 time, or having a 6-cylinder, the upgrade doesn't feel as substantial, as the biggest reason for anyone to go for 40i vs 30i is that they want an Inline-6. I actually prefer the steering (although still not great) and lighter front end of the 330i, however, myself being a cylinder snob, can't deny how great that Inline-6 is.

That's the problem with these M-badged middle trims. The 330i has almost every (if not all) the options the M340i has just with a 4-pot instead of a 6. I think if they are going to start sticking that M-badge on the back of the cars, they should borrow a bit more for M, or at least make them more engaging.

Overall both the 330i and M340i are great cars even the C43 is as well, can't go wrong with any of them, there's a lot of good choices out there, just depends on your priorities and what you like in a car.
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      10-09-2020, 12:57 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jstein55 View Post
That's the problem with these M-badged middle trims. The 330i has almost every (if not all) the options the M340i has just with a 4-pot instead of a 6. I think if they are going to start sticking that M-badge on the back of the cars, they should borrow a bit more for M, or at least make them more engaging.

I agree. Especially for the price, I feel like they could do a bit more to differentiate them while still maintaining separation from the full legit M cars
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      10-09-2020, 01:53 PM   #15
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Thanks for the responses. Looks like matter of personal taste/priorities in a vehicle.

Seems like it's going to be a long while for a video review or mostly likely never that compares the same configuration setup (tires, rims, and adaptive suspension) and driving experience of both vehicles 330 MSport vs m340i. Where the only difference is the engine and weight.
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      10-09-2020, 02:47 PM   #16
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I have an M340i and this is my third in-line 6 turbo. The main reason I love this power plant isn't so much peak power. It's in fact the amount of power I have in the RPM band I usually use, which is 2000-4000 RPM.

I test drove the 330i and it's a great car. It's quick, but you have to rev up a lot more to get that. Some people like that and it's fine.
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      10-09-2020, 03:35 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jstein55 View Post
Love the TH youtube channel. I think they are a great team and make some excellent reviews, and I really like that they actually focus on the driving dynamics and handling first and foremost, then talk about looks and tech after.
James just messaged me and wants to do a Throttle House video pitting his B9 S4 against my M340i, and a C43. I think I might take them up on the offer, so stay tuned!!
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      10-09-2020, 03:36 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Burrcold View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by jstein55 View Post
Love the TH youtube channel. I think they are a great team and make some excellent reviews, and I really like that they actually focus on the driving dynamics and handling first and foremost, then talk about looks and tech after.
James just messaged me and wants to do a Throttle House video pitting his B9 S4 against my M340i, and a C43. I think I might take them up on the offer, so stay tuned!!
Awesome, not only are you lucky enough to meet them but to also have the winning car
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      10-09-2020, 03:39 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jstein55 View Post
Awesome, not only are you lucky enough to meet them but to also have the winning car
It's part of their Track Series, so it should be dig and rolling races (straight line)...and yes he even said in his message if I wanted to join to slaughter them
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      10-09-2020, 03:46 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jstein55 View Post
Awesome, not only are you lucky enough to meet them but to also have the winning car
It's part of their Track Series, so it should be dig and rolling races (straight line)...and yes he even said in his message if I wanted to join to slaughter them
Don't forget to give your Bimmerpost boys a shout out
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      10-09-2020, 04:05 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Auditobimmer42 View Post
I agree. Especially for the price, I feel like they could do a bit more to differentiate them while still maintaining separation from the full legit M cars
I've been waffling between a 330i and M340i and keep coming back to this issue. For my daily driving in Florida traffic, the M340i power is almost a wash compared to the lighter feel and more direct steering of the 330i M Sport. So I start to question whether I want to lease a 1.5 second faster 0-60 time for an extra $100+ per month.

I have still not completely made up my mind, but I am inclined to embrace the 330i. Of course, sometimes I go the other direction and consider another 540i, which is only $4k more than the M340i based on my build preferences. That at least has a proper luxury interior.
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      10-09-2020, 04:15 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ArchJR View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Auditobimmer42 View Post
I agree. Especially for the price, I feel like they could do a bit more to differentiate them while still maintaining separation from the full legit M cars
I've been waffling between a 330i and M340i and keep coming back to this issue. For my daily driving in Florida traffic, the M340i power is almost a wash compared to the lighter feel and more direct steering of the 330i M Sport. So I start to question whether I want to lease a 1.5 second faster 0-60 time for an extra $100+ per month.

I have still not completely made up my mind, but I am inclined to embrace the 330i. Of course, sometimes I go the other direction and consider another 540i, which is only $4k more than the M340i based on my build preferences. That at least has a proper luxury interior.
Problem is the 540i drives like a Buick. I had one for over a year, great luxury car, a bad BMW.
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