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2019+ BMW 3 AND 4-SERIES FORUMS (G2x Generation) General G20 Sedan / G22 Coupe / G26 Gran Coupe Discussions No M340i sDrive available in the UK - Should I go 330i sDrive or M340i xDrive?

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      11-27-2019, 07:19 AM   #1
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Thinking about a G20 for next year, having dropped the idea of a G30. Have a test drive of a 330i M Sport Plus lined up. Yet to drive the M340i as test drives are harder to organise, but wondering whether it's worth the extra cash.

With the M Sport Plus package in the UK on the 330i you get the 19" rims, m rear diff and m adaptive suspension as standard, plus the more powerful brakes from the M Sport package, so its decently spec'd.

According to Parkers, the 330i is 200kg lighter than the M340i, only available with xDrive in the UK, which is a fair old weight advantage. List vs list, it's £7k cheaper in my preferred spec and more fuel efficient. It doesn't have the B58 engine, of course, which I'm driving now, but I suspect the weight advantage, coupled with RWD, means that it probably rides/handles better.

The 330i M Sport Plus also looks better externally with the 'high-gloss Shadow Line with extended contents', imo. Better looking wheels and no Cerium trim in sight, which I don't like.

What do you reckon, have I lost the plot?

EDIT: Oh, and the fake exhaust tips on the M340i..
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      11-27-2019, 09:01 AM   #2
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Get the 330i. Enjoy!
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      11-27-2019, 09:45 AM   #3
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Originally Posted by Basilar_tip View Post
Get the 330i. Enjoy!
I've driven both and I think most will tell you the M340i is well worth it. I'm ordering mine next week.
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      11-27-2019, 09:56 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TodmordenLad View Post
Thinking about a G20 for next year, having dropped the idea of a G30. Have a test drive of a 330i M Sport Plus lined up. Yet to drive the M340i as test drives are harder to organise, but wondering whether it's worth the extra cash.

With the M Sport Plus package in the UK on the 330i you get the 19" rims, m rear diff and m adaptive suspension as standard, plus the more powerful brakes from the M Sport package, so its decently spec'd.

According to Parkers, the 330i is 200kg lighter than the M340i, only available with xDrive in the UK, which is a fair old weight advantage. List vs list, it's £7k cheaper in my preferred spec and more fuel efficient. It doesn't have the B58 engine, of course, which I'm driving now, but I suspect the weight advantage, coupled with RWD, means that it probably rides/handles better.

The 330i M Sport Plus also looks better externally with the 'high-gloss Shadow Line with extended contents', imo. Better looking wheels and no Cerium trim in sight, which I don't like.

What do you reckon, have I lost the plot?

EDIT: Oh, and the fake exhaust tips on the M340i..
Well seems like you already made the choice honestly.

I ordered a 330i because of the same reasons you listed there. I have never owned a 4 cyl car, this is my first. I test drove it and I was sold. Will I miss the straight 6? Absolutely. But my intent for this car is to be a great efficient daily/touring that retains the BMW feel.

Many people will hate because its not the top car, but not everyone wants or needs the top car. If you want more power, the B48 is no chump and can get tuned to a decent level. Will it be a monster? Nope, but its still damn fast in straight line or in the bends.

I got a nice discount on a factory ordered 330i, and with the money I saved im ordering some Performance parts to make it more aesthetically pleasing.

My point being, either 330i or M340i, both cars handle better than their competition. For me there is no wrong choice, just different situations.

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      11-27-2019, 11:05 AM   #5
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I've only driven a G20 for a few minutes, but going from a 440i to a 330i seems like a significant downgrade other than the tech.
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      11-27-2019, 11:19 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by jmack View Post
I've only driven a G20 for a few minutes, but going from a 440i to a 330i seems like a significant downgrade other than the tech.
Yeh, fair point, the test drive will tell
I test drove a Z4 30i and thought that the engine suited the car well.
The 330i is a fair bit lighter than the M340i so I'd expect the improved handling to compensate for the lower power to some degree
I like my 440i with the MPPSK a lot. The opportunities to drive it hard and exploit the power however are few and far between these days, so that's another reason I was considering the 330i.
We'll see
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      11-27-2019, 04:26 PM   #7
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Tell us your goals. Do you plan to track it. Do mostly commuting? Drive lots of windy roads? Like speed? Like speed a lot? which is more important to you: speed or handling? Etc. Etc.

Otherwise you are getting a random collection of comments about what we like, not what suits you.
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      11-27-2019, 07:57 PM   #8
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Buy the 330 and enjoy. But never ever and I do mean NEVER test drive a M340.
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      11-27-2019, 11:45 PM   #9
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You are going to regret not getting the B58 M340i.
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      11-28-2019, 03:45 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveinArizona View Post
Tell us your goals. Do you plan to track it. Do mostly commuting? Drive lots of windy roads? Like speed? Like speed a lot? which is more important to you: speed or handling? Etc. Etc.

Otherwise you are getting a random collection of comments about what we like, not what suits you.
I don't work anymore so no commuting. I like fast cars but don't track them. Most of my journeys are long ones involving main roads and motorways. My current car is a 440i with the MPPSK so no slouch. However, I've never been that impressed by the steering or handing.
So, to answer your question, handling and ride are more important to me than outright speed. I also much prefer RWD to AWD, particularly in a 4 door saloon.
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      11-28-2019, 03:52 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by phillyd2 View Post
Buy the 330 and enjoy. But never ever and I do mean NEVER test drive a M340.
I currently drive a 440i with the MPPSK which has 355bhp and 500Nm torque so similar to the Euro spec of the M340i. It's sDrive however which I much prefer. The M340i is xDrive only in the UK
It's a great engine but I'm not committed to driving the B58 for the rest of my days
I'll definitely arrange an M340i test drive. Gotta get it out of my system
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      11-28-2019, 03:54 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by Seven11 View Post
You are going to regret not getting the B58 M340i.
see my reply to Phillyd2 above - thanks
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      11-28-2019, 08:13 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TodmordenLad View Post
Thinking about a G20 for next year, having dropped the idea of a G30. Have a test drive of a 330i M Sport Plus lined up. Yet to drive the M340i as test drives are harder to organise, but wondering whether it's worth the extra cash.

With the M Sport Plus package in the UK on the 330i you get the 19" rims, m rear diff and m adaptive suspension as standard, plus the more powerful brakes from the M Sport package, so its decently spec'd.

According to Parkers, the 330i is 200kg lighter than the M340i, only available with xDrive in the UK, which is a fair old weight advantage. List vs list, it's £7k cheaper in my preferred spec and more fuel efficient. It doesn't have the B58 engine, of course, which I'm driving now, but I suspect the weight advantage, coupled with RWD, means that it probably rides/handles better.

The 330i M Sport Plus also looks better externally with the 'high-gloss Shadow Line with extended contents', imo. Better looking wheels and no Cerium trim in sight, which I don't like.

What do you reckon, have I lost the plot?

EDIT: Oh, and the fake exhaust tips on the M340i..
I was about to buy the 330i, decided to test drive it just before placing the order, and immediately changed my mind and waited for the M340i. The 330i is good, but the M340i is something else. If performance is not a priority then the 330i will be fine.
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      11-28-2019, 08:27 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by giorgoXXI View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by TodmordenLad View Post
Thinking about a G20 for next year, having dropped the idea of a G30. Have a test drive of a 330i M Sport Plus lined up. Yet to drive the M340i as test drives are harder to organise, but wondering whether it's worth the extra cash.

With the M Sport Plus package in the UK on the 330i you get the 19" rims, m rear diff and m adaptive suspension as standard, plus the more powerful brakes from the M Sport package, so its decently spec'd.

According to Parkers, the 330i is 200kg lighter than the M340i, only available with xDrive in the UK, which is a fair old weight advantage. List vs list, it's £7k cheaper in my preferred spec and more fuel efficient. It doesn't have the B58 engine, of course, which I'm driving now, but I suspect the weight advantage, coupled with RWD, means that it probably rides/handles better.

The 330i M Sport Plus also looks better externally with the 'high-gloss Shadow Line with extended contents', imo. Better looking wheels and no Cerium trim in sight, which I don't like.

What do you reckon, have I lost the plot?

EDIT: Oh, and the fake exhaust tips on the M340i..
I was about to buy the 330i, decided to test drive it just before placing the order, and immediately changed my mind and waited for the M340i. The 330i is good, but the M340i is something else. If performance is not a priority then the 330i will be fine.
Yes, I'll test drive both but am leaning towards the 330i rather than the M340i
Given the M340i isn't a true M car, the steering, braking and suspension components are the same in both models. With the UK M Sport Plus package on the 330i, you end up with the same base car in terms of 19" mixed rims, m adaptive suspension, m sport brakes, variable sport steering and m rear diff. You can also spec go flat tyres, which is a plus.
So, the M340i has the more powerful six pot, xDrive as standard, +200kg and the tatty Cerium rims and trim.
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      11-28-2019, 12:29 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TodmordenLad View Post
So, the M340i has the more powerful six pot, xDrive as standard, +200kg and the tatty Cerium rims and trim.
Test drive both and then make a decision. Personally, I'm glad I bought the M340i as I would have missed the performance of my previous 440i.

To answer a couple of your points - if you pay the extra £300 for the M Technology package, you get the additional upstream cooler and the 374mm front brakes If you choose the Shadowline Plus package, this includes the black grills and wheels. Whilst black wasn't my first choice, it certainly is an improvement on Cerium trim and the associated water marks.

This car is certainly a good compromise been a "true" M car and a 330i. You virtually get the performance of the old M3, but a car you can live with daily without the compromises.

Personally, if I hadn't opted for the M340i, I would have chosen the 330e.
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      11-28-2019, 01:35 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crazybones View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by TodmordenLad View Post
So, the M340i has the more powerful six pot, xDrive as standard, +200kg and the tatty Cerium rims and trim.
Test drive both and then make a decision. Personally, I'm glad I bought the M340i as I would have missed the performance of my previous 440i.

To answer a couple of your points - if you pay the extra £300 for the M Technology package, you get the additional upstream cooler and the 374mm front brakes If you choose the Shadowline Plus package, this includes the black grills and wheels. Whilst black wasn't my first choice, it certainly is an improvement on Cerium trim and the associated water marks.

This car is certainly a good compromise been a "true" M car and a 330i. You virtually get the performance of the old M3, but a car you can live with daily without the compromises.

Personally, if I hadn't opted for the M340i, I would have chosen the 330e.
I'll definitely test drive both ... and I suspect that it will end up being very difficult to say goodbye to the B58 engine when making the choice
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      11-28-2019, 01:47 PM   #17
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      11-30-2019, 10:00 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TodmordenLad View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmack View Post
I've only driven a G20 for a few minutes, but going from a 440i to a 330i seems like a significant downgrade other than the tech.
Yeh, fair point, the test drive will tell
I test drove a Z4 30i and thought that the engine suited the car well.
The 330i is a fair bit lighter than the M340i so I'd expect the improved handling to compensate for the lower power to some degree
I like my 440i with the MPPSK a lot. The opportunities to drive it hard and exploit the power however are few and far between these days, so that's another reason I was considering the 330i.
We'll see
I've read it a lot here that the 4 cylinder model handles better due to lighter weight, especially toward the front of the car. In my experience though, I've not found that to be true. The 340i might be heavier, but the extra torque and power more than makes up for whatever extra weight there is. If anything the 4 cylinder cars feel heavier in a straight line to me due to slower acceleration, and if the suspension is the same they handle similarly to the I6 models on a windy country road.

The 4 cylinder cars are fine, but I wouldn't expect them to necessarily handle better.
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      12-02-2019, 03:36 PM   #19
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Another vote for M340 - especially x drive

The car is amazing. Grip is insane. Even car mags are amazed at the performance.

Car and driver clocked it at 3.8 sec to 60 MPH
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      12-02-2019, 04:15 PM   #20
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Love my 330i M-Sport, but it really depends on you. For me the higher price wasn't worth it since I do less than 6000 miles a year. The 330i M-sport is sufficient for me and looks sporty vs the basic base model. I didn't even test drive the m340i since I knew if I did, I'd end up wanting it and getting it instead lol. You won't regret the 330i as others have said, unless you want much more power. Logically for me the best choice was 330i, so weigh out your option and then decide.
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      12-05-2019, 11:20 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TodmordenLad View Post
Thinking about a G20 for next year, having dropped the idea of a G30. Have a test drive of a 330i M Sport Plus lined up. Yet to drive the M340i as test drives are harder to organise, but wondering whether it's worth the extra cash.

With the M Sport Plus package in the UK on the 330i you get the 19" rims, m rear diff and m adaptive suspension as standard, plus the more powerful brakes from the M Sport package, so its decently spec'd.

According to Parkers, the 330i is 200kg lighter than the M340i, only available with xDrive in the UK, which is a fair old weight advantage. List vs list, it's £7k cheaper in my preferred spec and more fuel efficient. It doesn't have the B58 engine, of course, which I'm driving now, but I suspect the weight advantage, coupled with RWD, means that it probably rides/handles better.

The 330i M Sport Plus also looks better externally with the 'high-gloss Shadow Line with extended contents', imo. Better looking wheels and no Cerium trim in sight, which I don't like.

What do you reckon, have I lost the plot?

EDIT: Oh, and the fake exhaust tips on the M340i..
You currently have a 440 with MPPSK. There is no way, IMO, you are going to be satisfied with a 330. No way. I have a 435 m-sport w/ MPPK and some other stuff (exhaust, FMIC etc), and have had a 2020 330 loaner for the last 24 hours, and it f***ing sucks in comparison. This was a base model, so perhaps an M-Sport version would feel better; but the power difference, revving, responsiveness is just night and day. Genuinely can't wait to give this car back.

Only thing you can do is drive one and see how it feels to you. The build quality is great, I'll give it that. But I hated the general driving experience enough to actually post on here, and I've made 27 posts in about 3 years.
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      12-06-2019, 11:31 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by simonhch View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by TodmordenLad View Post
Thinking about a G20 for next year, having dropped the idea of a G30. Have a test drive of a 330i M Sport Plus lined up. Yet to drive the M340i as test drives are harder to organise, but wondering whether it's worth the extra cash.

With the M Sport Plus package in the UK on the 330i you get the 19" rims, m rear diff and m adaptive suspension as standard, plus the more powerful brakes from the M Sport package, so its decently spec'd.

According to Parkers, the 330i is 200kg lighter than the M340i, only available with xDrive in the UK, which is a fair old weight advantage. List vs list, it's £7k cheaper in my preferred spec and more fuel efficient. It doesn't have the B58 engine, of course, which I'm driving now, but I suspect the weight advantage, coupled with RWD, means that it probably rides/handles better.

The 330i M Sport Plus also looks better externally with the 'high-gloss Shadow Line with extended contents', imo. Better looking wheels and no Cerium trim in sight, which I don't like.

What do you reckon, have I lost the plot?

EDIT: Oh, and the fake exhaust tips on the M340i..
You currently have a 440 with MPPSK. There is no way, IMO, you are going to be satisfied with a 330. No way. I have a 435 m-sport w/ MPPK and some other stuff (exhaust, FMIC etc), and have had a 2020 330 loaner for the last 24 hours, and it f***ing sucks in comparison. This was a base model, so perhaps an M-Sport version would feel better; but the power difference, revving, responsiveness is just night and day. Genuinely can't wait to give this car back.

Only thing you can do is drive one and see how it feels to you. The build quality is great, I'll give it that. But I hated the general driving experience enough to actually post on here, and I've made 27 posts in about 3 years.
I think you're probably right . Haven't test driven yet as I had to cancel.
Did a long journey a few days ago in my 440i with MPPSK. Where it spoils you is only having to feather the throttle to get a response, which makes for very relaxed driving. And if you want more drama, of course, a bit of extra throttle pressure hurls you down the road.
It's a tough act to follow, whatever I get as a replacement.
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