[josehb]

I just traded my 2021 M340xi (after 3 months of ownership) for a G80 M3 Competition, delivery 3 days ago. Only rode 100 miles on the M3 so far so take my opinion with a grain of salt.

I typically ride in sport mode so these are my initial observations.

First of all one of the reason to go for the M3 over a G20 is looks the car does have a much aggressive sportier look which I love.

The interior is very similar but the seats do feel much richer that the G20 seats. Programming the M1 & M2 buttons to your liking is a big plus over the G20.

The ride is noticeable stiffer but not by much, this was a nice surprise since I was expecting a much harsher ride.

Handling is better as expected but I would say is not day and nigh, the only comparison I have is a 360 degree off ramp I take coming off the NJ Parkway in which go at approx. 40 MPH and the M3 does feel a bit more planted.

I did not go over 4500 rpm with the M340xi or with the M3, they booth feel very fast but in a different way the M3 just feels more powerful, even though its engine performance is limited for the first 1200 miles, the so call Break-in period. After the first 1200 mile you take it to the dealer and they will adjust the ECU then you can do launch control and take it to max RPM.

Steering is very precise but I would say no more than the M340xi which is very precise. The feel is a bit better however, when you turn the wheel and bring it back to center you do feel the tiers turning a bit better that the M340xi.

Transmission does feel like it shifts quicker than the M340xi but not much difference here.

The sound is definitely better especially with the engine in sport plus. I especially like the engine sound better, the exhaust sound I though would be more aggressive but is not like your going to bother the neighbors during cold starts.

Breaks feel in sport mode do feel better and the car stops in just 128 feet from 70 mph to zero (911 territory) according to the Carwow review. The M340xi stops in 156 feet according to the Car & Driver review and that is with the cooling and tire pkg option which comes with bigger rotors and calipers and PS4S tires which I also had on the M340Xi.

Maybe after the 1200 miles service I will give an update on performance. I hope this helps M340 owners who are contemplating an upgrade to the M3.

[EXE46]

Thanks for this especially for those of us who plan on upgrading next year Summer. Definitely update us after the 1200 miles service when you can drive at red-line lol. My RWD M340i gets driven hard at max RPM, that's where I feel connected to the car. Surprised to hear it's not significantly stiffer though, my current car has the standard suspension and it's not stiff in my opinion. Oh, before i forget, does it feel heavier or lighter than the M340i?

Where are the pics? post invalid without pics lol. Anyhow, enjoy the car and keep us posted as you rack up the miles.

[josehb]

Originally Posted by EXE46

Thanks for this especially for those of us who plan on upgrading next year Summer. Definitely update us after the 1200 miles service when you can drive at red-line lol. My RWD M340i gets driven hard at max RPM, that's where I feel connected to the car. Surprised to hear it's not significantly stiffer though, my current car has the standard suspension and it's not stiff in my opinion. Oh, before i forget, does it feel heavier or lighter than the M340i?

Where are the pics? post invalid without pics lol. Anyhow, enjoy the car and keep us posted as you rack up the miles.

I'm sure on the track is where this car will outshine the M340xi in terms of handling, even if it didn't feel that much stiffer for me in terms of comfort. The car does feel lighter than the m340xi when pushed hard around on/off ramps. I will post a couple of pictures when I get a chance. I should have done it already but will wait for a nice sunny day to see the Tanzanate blue color at its best.

[KoenG]

Originally Posted by josehb

I did not go over 4500 rpm with the M340xi or with the M3, they booth feel very fast but in a different way the M3 just feels more powerful, even though its engine performance is limited for the first 1200 miles, the so call Break-in period. After the first 1200 mile you take it to the dealer and they will adjust the ECU then you can do launch control and take it to max RPM.


Maybe after the 1200 miles service I will give an update on performance. I hope this helps M340 owners who are contemplating an upgrade to the M3.

Where is this idea coming from? ECU adjust after break-in? never heard of this before.

[TruthOne]

Originally Posted by KoenG

Where is this idea coming from? ECU adjust after break-in? never heard of this before.

Yeah I can't imagine dealers doing this lol.

[EXE46]

Originally Posted by TruthOne

Yeah I can't imagine dealers doing this lol.

It's a myth, all they do at the 1200 mile interval is the necessary fluid changes and activation of launch control. I guess in a way, some consider that extra power since you're not suppose to exceed 5500 RPM during the 1200 mile break- in.

[josehb]

Originally Posted by KoenG

Where is this idea coming from? ECU adjust after break-in? never heard of this before.

Was explained to me by the SA, maybe is true that that they do not have to tweak the ECU but the car definitively is not that fast right now it wont go beyond 5500 RPM and my M340xi launch control is definitively faster than this now.

[TiMSport]

So what are people over on the G80 forum saying about this? I would imagine there must be some sort of consensus based on owner experience with this same phenomena unless it's unique to your car.

[josehb]

Originally Posted by TiMSport

So what are people over on the G80 forum saying about this? I would imagine there must be some sort of consensus based on owner experience with this same phenomena unless it's unique to your car.

Is unique to the G80 & G82, saw a couple of post on the G80 forum with similar experience. The car will feel faster after the 1200 miles service.

[TiMSport]

Originally Posted by josehb

Is unique to the G80 & G82, saw a couple of post on the G80 forum with similar experience. The car will feel faster after the 1200 miles service.

Hmm interesting. Keep us posted. Though most of us here aren't current G80/82 owners, some are thinking about stepping up to one. I won't do that for a while since I just took delivery of my G20 and liking it so far! Enjoy your new ride!

[josehb]

Originally Posted by TiMSport

Hmm interesting. Keep us posted. Though most of us here aren't current G80/82 owners, some are thinking about stepping up to one. I won't do that for a while since I just took delivery of my G20 and liking it so far! Enjoy your new ride!

Thanks , enjoy your M340i which is an incredible car and in my opinion is 90% of the G80.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by TiMSport

So what are people over on the G80 forum saying about this? I would imagine there must be some sort of consensus based on owner experience with this same phenomena unless it's unique to your car.

I think a test drive at the dealer would help paint a better perspective. (or just wait for the post break-in 1,200 mile impressions) When I went for the test drive i found it was a MAJOR step up in terms of performance between from the m340i to the M3 - that M3 demo car had been broken in. The M3 just felt like a totally different beast. Literally everything was quicker and more responsive.

I'm actually surprised about the comments regarding handling. I felt it WAS a night and day difference. The M340i (which I think is under-tired for the power it puts out) begins to break traction in corners at a point where the M3 hasn't even broken a sweat. I was shocked with how much more grip the M3 had and how flat it was cornering in the same corners I routinely take with my M340i.

[TiMSport]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I think a test drive at the dealer would help paint a better perspective. (or just wait for the post break-in 1,200 mile impressions) When I went for the test drive i found it was a MAJOR step up in terms of performance between from the m340i to the M3 - that M3 demo car had been broken in. The M3 just felt like a totally different beast. Literally everything was quicker and more responsive.

I'm actually surprised about the comments regarding handling. I felt it WAS a night and day difference. The M340i (which I think is under-tired for the power it puts out) begins to break traction in corners at a point where the M3 hasn't even broken a sweat. I was shocked with how much more grip the M3 had and how flat it was cornering in the same corners I routinely take with my M340i.

Oh I know, there's no doubt the G80 M3 is much better than the G20 M340i. What I was referring to is the OP's comments about the mysterious break-in period for the M3. Questions about whether the dealer actually does anything after the 1200 miles or not. Allegedly they manipulate the ECU or something like that.

For now, I'm perfectly content with the more pedestrian M340i .

[TruthOne]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I think a test drive at the dealer would help paint a better perspective. (or just wait for the post break-in 1,200 mile impressions) When I went for the test drive i found it was a MAJOR step up in terms of performance between from the m340i to the M3 - that M3 demo car had been broken in. The M3 just felt like a totally different beast. Literally everything was quicker and more responsive.

I'm actually surprised about the comments regarding handling. I felt it WAS a night and day difference. The M340i (which I think is under-tired for the power it puts out) begins to break traction in corners at a point where the M3 hasn't even broken a sweat. I was shocked with how much more grip the M3 had and how flat it was cornering in the same corners I routinely take with my M340i.

That traction has a lot to do with the much wider tires on the M3. Tires on the 340 are not wide enough

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by TruthOne

That traction has a lot to do with the much wider tires on the M3. Tires on the 340 are not wide enough

Yup - hence my comment on the m340i being under-tired.

[TiMSport]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Yup - hence my comment on the m340i being under-tired.

At least if you get the ZPK package the rears are slightly wider for the staggered setup, not to mention they're high performance NON run-flats.

Rear: 255/35
Front : 225/40

[TruthOne]

Originally Posted by TiMSport

At least if you get the ZPK package the rears are slightly wider for the staggered setup, not to mention they're high performance NON run-flats.

Rear: 255/35
Front : 225/40

Yeah I have that package and I feel really planted. I can imagine wider PS4's being on rails.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by TiMSport

At least if you get the ZPK package the rears are slightly wider for the staggered setup, not to mention they're high performance NON run-flats.

Rear: 255/35
Front : 225/40

Yeah ever since I switched out my stock tires for better non-runflats I definitely have noticed an improvement (great S curve on one of my daily drives where I push it to the limits).

[josehb]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Yeah ever since I switched out my stock tires for better non-runflats I definitely have noticed an improvement (great S curve on one of my daily drives where I push it to the limits).

Here is a video, from the Netherlands put out 4 days ago about measuring true power of the manual version G80 it mentions what the 1200 mile service consist of . Engine oil and Differential oil change and a different software. You really have to wait to have this done for a better comparison.

Regarding my original handling comment. I order my M340xi with the cooling ZPK PKG which came with staggered 225/255 wheels and PS4S tires and the car felt like it was on rails going at 40+ MPH around a tight 360 degree ramp, and when I did the same with the M3 the difference was definitively minor. Lets wait and see what the skid pad test yields after the detail Car & Driver review. The M340 skid pad number with these tires is 0.96, the F80 is 0.98 and I suspect the G80 will be around 0.99 or 1.0, so not a whole lot difference here. However, I know when pushed to the limits in a track is when the M3 will have an apparent edge and feel over the M340 but for normal road driving don't expect a night and day difference.

[TiMSport]

Yeah and I also don't expect the majority of G80/82 owners will even track their car. It's more about bragging rights IMHO. I'm not trying to suggest they aren't a better performing vehicle but.....

[josehb]

I agree the tire on the M340i need to be wider, at least 245 front and 265 rear would be more appropriate for its power.

[EXE46]

Originally Posted by TiMSport

Yeah and I also don't expect the majority of G80/82 owners will even track their car. It's more about bragging rights IMHO. I'm not trying to suggest they aren't a better performing vehicle but.....

Same can be said for the 330i versus M340i. G80 offers more performance and some of us will appreciate that since as good as the M340i is the G80 M3 is still the better driver's car. BTW, I am not referring to merely more power, but better handling, better steering, more grip, superior engineering etc.

In essence, in the same manner how M340i is not for everyone and some buyers don't see any value in spending extra over the 330i. The same principle applies to the M340 versus G80 M3. M3 is a special product, with great motorsport heritage, something our M340's aren't and never will be.