11-24-2021, 07:01 AM | #23 | |
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The 'M' first used on a sedan, was back in 1979, with the E12 M535i. Then on the E28 M535i. BMW then "tested the waters" with the first M5, the E28 M5, and the rest is history, as we say. If we want a more detailed history of the introduction of the M5, we note the E28 M535i was the 'extrovert', in appearance, the later developed E28 M5 was initially intended to be a discreet 'Q-car'. The launch show car didn't have spoilers, even had steel wheels. M Performance sits in between the cooking M-sport models, and the full M-cars. See it as an 'M-Lite,' where BMW have positioned it for decades. What we are seeing at present, is the M-car being pushed up in pricing (certainly in Europe with the Competition models), in a sense putting it back where BMW started with the first M5, the intended market having more exclusivity. As Motor Sport commented back in 1986, they saw it as "the ultimate upper-crust Q-car". My observation, the current M Performance models are filling the market place with more 'useable' versions, at a better price point. Much like the original M535i in 1979. |
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11-24-2021, 11:48 PM | #24 |
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As HighlandPete noted, the first M car based on a production vehicle was the E12 M535i; the engine was the same M30 found in the E23 7 Series and E24 6 Series. M modifications were mostly confined to the suspension, although the front brake rotors were 3mm thicker. The interior had Recaro seats and a Motorsport wheel. The exterior had a front airdam, rear lip spoiler, cross-spoke BBS wheels and Motorsport striping. No bespoke engine or body panels. It was definitely not a "real" M car by today's standards.
I also have an E36/5 318ti Club Sport; it came from Munich with ///M emblems on the side molding, E36 M3 mirrors, and an M tricolor stripe on the shift knob. BMW's penchant for ///M badging cars has been around almost as long as their Motorsport division.
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11-26-2021, 07:09 PM | #25 |
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In addition to all the other comments, it's worth noting the drop of the 340i badge and replacing it with m340i.
It's like an updated 340i with the M Sport Package, M Performance and the MPPSK. Instead of adding all of that, it now comes standard to bridge the gap between regular 3 series and the M3. It's not just some inline 6 from another platform thrown in. The MPPSK is a tune and an exhaust from BMW. So the updated B58 has a more performance oriented tune amongst a few other updates to give it more power. As someone else mentioned, it's BMW's answer to the S4 and the C43 AMG. |
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11-30-2021, 09:37 PM | #26 | ||||
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12-03-2021, 09:19 AM | #27 | |
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12-05-2021, 11:19 AM | #28 |
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330i M sports doesn't come standard with the M sport diff like the M340i unless spec'ed with the optional dynamic handling package so that's another small differentiation.
That M sport diff is a critical component in the handling characteristics. I fly thru chicanes where normal cars are braking for eternity and that's only made possible because of that LSD. Anyhow, as said, it's not a real M car but that's fine since there are folks who prefer this to a real M for their needs regardless of budget.
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12-08-2021, 10:02 AM | #29 |
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The m340i is a very good street car that has great performance. But on paper it does not stack up to actual M cars when looking at handling and top end performance. Just watch any video BMW posted on the new M3/4 and how they made them. They go over so many details on how the car is different from a series car. The chassis of the cars themselves are different they are not the same.
M Performance - Your m340i - Built by BMW, series car VIN starts with WBA - M lite - G20 chassis and B58 M cars - M2/3/4/5/6/8 anything - Built by M, M car VIN starts with WBS - Track ready purpose built for handling - G80 chassis and S58
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12-08-2021, 12:16 PM | #30 | |
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12-08-2021, 04:23 PM | #31 |
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Bingo. So much of this has to do with economics. There was gap in their lineup, and they offered up a competitive product to fill in. For so many of us who simply do not track their cars, full-on M cars are overkill and come with a price differential that doesn't really make sense for our needs. The M340i and M550i really nicely bridge that gap.
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12-08-2021, 05:35 PM | #32 | |
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12-08-2021, 10:33 PM | #33 | ||
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I can't blame them since I've been there too when I bought my first BMW 135i that I tweaked to 550whp. Keep in mind I came from a drag racing background. After I discovered track days/lapping/hpde I immediately baught a Miata and started attending events, I then switched to a newer Miata and afterwards replaced my drag prepped 135i for a 2015 M235i and it was done I could do everything, drag race, track days and weekend cruiser with the same car. The M2 followed and I stopped drag racing and now with a newborn the M340i is an awesome companion. Why no M3 ? 1- Price, much more expensive than F series, 2- We don't have the roads for full M cars around here, I learned my lesson with the M2, 3- G series M340i is so good, I am just as fast as I was with my modded OG M2... Bottom line is don't get to hung up on model disignations, enjoy what you want/have and for what it is and is capable of.
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12-08-2021, 11:10 PM | #34 | |
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12-09-2021, 12:02 AM | #35 | |||
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12-09-2021, 06:49 AM | #36 | |
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But, if the person receiving these negatives is high off the M in the 340 name and letting everyone with ears know they've got an M, then the universe is just bringing balance by pulling the person back down to earth.
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Hey Google, play "Who Am I" by Beenie Man Last edited by k4sh_90; 12-09-2021 at 06:50 AM.. Reason: Readability |
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12-09-2021, 06:52 AM | #37 |
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Oh 100% with you there. I'm happy with the practical choice in vehicle. But if offered an M, I'd take it and run.
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12-09-2021, 08:58 AM | #38 | ||
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12-09-2021, 09:07 AM | #39 | |||
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It's ridiculous how some ppl identify themselves like there car is an extension of them. I love cars and sometimes I do develop some emotions towards experience I lived by using them and driving them but you have to remind yourselves most of the car you see or own are going to end up crushed within your lifespan.
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12-09-2021, 11:47 AM | #40 | |
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There is nobody who needs to be "pulled back down to earth". What a silly post
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12-09-2021, 02:39 PM | #41 |
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No, definitely not. But not many "real M" drivers are really out witch hunting M performance cars for "posing" either. The point I'm trying to make is that people who know can tell when something has been added onto the car vs what it came with. BMW is in it to sell cars, and if throwing M badges and styling on a car pushes units, then that's what they'll do. No one likes a try-hard. Just enjoy the car for being a damn good car, not because BMW sold you some extra lettering.
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12-11-2021, 01:38 PM | #42 | |
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But beyond the significant power difference, as so many on here have mentioned….is the fact that the M3 feels completely different in almost every facet….steering, suspension, brakes, etc, etc. The M3 appeals to all the senses when you're riding in one…..it's hard to describe and somewhat intangible, but it just feels and sounds much different. I have ridden recently in both an m340i xDrive as well as a new G80 M3 and I can tell you there's a significant difference. It feels like something special. I am in the camp that truly feels the m340i is closer to a 330i than an M3. |
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12-11-2021, 04:46 PM | #43 | |
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In my case, this is exactly what I wanted. I don’t have winter tires on my Porsche and I needed an alternative car for daily driving, and my Acura was getting old. So for me, a practical but high performing car was a must. But something like an M3 would’ve been overkill (and my garage would be host to a REALLY intense German rivalry hosting an M3 and a 911!) |
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12-11-2021, 04:54 PM | #44 | |
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But I can definitely concur that a TRUE sports car the M340i is NOT. My 911 feels WAY different. Albeit it’s a totally different car with a rear engine and lots of power. But it’s a beast of a car, or rather a polite beast of the car that is glued to the road and would feel at home in a track. I imagine that the M3 is much more like that. Having said that, the M340i deserves some more credit than saying it’s just a glorified 330i. I know what a true sports car feels like, and the M340i holds up decently well when challenged. It’s a bit stiffer on the curves than I’d like, but still able to hold its own. And the damn thing is FAST FAST FAST. It’s nothing short of a performance machine, if you don’t want to call it anything else. BMW did well by this car, it just needs to sound better. That’s where an aftermarket exhaust comes in |
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