[EddyD]

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I haven't seen anything mentioned in the forums about adding a luxury line for the M340i... any chance this happens or any rumors?

I really like the look of the G20 330i luxury line but I need the bigger motor.

I've always been a fan of stealth-mode look of the luxury line: the chrome accents and multi spoke wheels. The M340i is still somewhat of a sleeper, but it's a bit too racy for my taste.

I wish I could let me dealer know, but they are closed of course, and not sure it would matter anyway.

[tturedraider]

Very unlikely.

[RedKloud]

I don't think it looks too aggressive with the Cerium Grey accents. Just remove the M badge and it will be a pretty good sleeper.

[GeniusAdam]

Originally Posted by EddyD

I haven't seen anything mentioned in the forums about adding a luxury line for the M340i... any chance this happens or any rumors?

I really like the look of the G20 330i luxury line but I need the bigger motor.

I've always been a fan of stealth-mode look of the luxury line: the chrome accents and multi spoke wheels. The M340i is still somewhat of a sleeper, but it's a bit too racy for my taste.

I wish I could let me dealer know, but they are closed of course, and not sure it would matter anyway.

Short answer would be no.
Since G20 it is presented as M performance model, hence the M340i. Which means the M Sport package comes standard. Same logic aplies to M550i for example. But not for 330i/540i, you can get that as a luxury line trim, because it is not M performance model.

[stein_325i]

Not gonna happen. BMW is making all of the top trims of vehicles the "M-Performance" models, whether its two-door coupes or two-ton 7-seater SUV's.

Your best chance of getting a luxury-line vehicle with a 6-cylinder is a 540i or F30 340i, or even a C43 or Audi S4/5 since they look less aggressive and offer chrome accents.

You can always replace the cerium gray grills with a chrome or black grill, and the lower front intakes should be easy to wrap/change and de-badge the rear and it should provide the more "sleeper" look. Most people can't tell the difference anyways, they just see it as "another BMW."

[EddyD]

Fair enough, I don't really have high hopes.

I love the B58 motor BMW dropped in the G20 - it is so fantastically smooth and low-end torque is unreal. It was already great @ 335hp, but at 382, it's a dream.

I have actually been thinking about the G30 540i luxury line. With xdrive is should be plenty fast, but I'm not gonna lie: I'd love to see the extra 47hp.

I hope the higher rated B58 makes into the refreshed 5er, and I hope they keep the luxury line for the 5 series. If they do, that will probably be my next ride. The 5er is a little big for my taste, while the 3er is just right. It's crazy how every Gen update keeps getting bigger.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by EddyD

Fair enough, I don't really have high hopes.

I love the B58 motor BMW dropped in the G20 - it is so fantastically smooth and low-end torque is unreal. It was already great @ 335hp, but at 382, it's a dream.

I have actually been thinking about the G30 540i luxury line. With xdrive is should be plenty fast, but I'm not gonna lie: I'd love to see the extra 47hp.

I hope the higher rated B58 makes into the refreshed 5er, and I hope they keep the luxury line for the 5 series. If they do, that will probably be my next ride. The 5er is a little big for my taste, while the 3er is just right. It's crazy how every Gen update keeps getting bigger.

Make sure to test drive one, after having a fully loaded 540i with every sport/handling option for one year (totaled) it was pretty much a dud and did not live up to the badge on the hood, even compared to the criticized F30 gen its not a fun car.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by jstein55

it was pretty much a dud and did not live up to the badge on the hood

Do you mean this in terms of driver engagement? I briefly considered a G30 but never got around to test driving it and ultimately just decided on the G20.

I do have a G05 and absolutely love the luxury in it. Ideally I would have the luxury from the G30/G05 with the driving dynamics/size of the G20. One can dream.....

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

I don't see it. Unlike the F30, there is no Modern Line, Luxury Line, etc. Thank the Lord. BMW and Mercedes are following the Audi model where the higher up the lineup you go, the sportier it gets. The most comfortable car is going to be the 330i.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Do you mean this in terms of driver engagement? I briefly considered a G30 but never got around to test driving it and ultimately just decided on the G20.

I do have a G05 and absolutely love the luxury in it. Ideally I would have the luxury from the G30/G05 with the driving dynamics/size of the G20. One can dream.....

Yes, engagement and handling is weak in the F10 and G30 5-series, even in the M550 I test drove. They tried to make it a small 7 instead of a big 3 like it use to be before the F10. That's the reason I have a Mercedes, because I was reading car and driver where they drove the E43 and it won a comparison test. I didn't beleive that Mercedes would ever be able to make a car that drives better than a loaded 5-series, so I of course to validate C/D and see whether it was true, I test drove a new E53 which had just replaced the 43, and a CLS53, and then you know how the rest of it goes

Honestly, it feels as if BMW and Mercedes have swapped places from their typical roles, the 5-series to me feels like the retiree car, the E-class (at least in the lower-trim AMG aka "Fake AMG " trim) is more engaging than my 5-series or even the M550 I test drove. I was honestly quite shocked because I've never in 20+ years of BMW's considered a Mercedes (except for an AMG here or there), but a test drive has changed my perception greatly, and its become one of my favorite vehicles I've ever owned, although sadly it will be replaced by an SUV soon, since I'm going to have a new grandchild and my son's X3 will be going with him to Florida (hopefully, not sure with Corona of course).

Even my father hasn't sold his E60 535i because he doesn't like any of the 5er's after it. I would honestly buy a G05 X5 over a G30 5er any day of the week despite the fact its an SUV, its just a much better vehicle in my opinion.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by jstein55

Yes, engagement and handling is weak in the F10 and G30 5-series, even in the M550 I test drove. They tried to make it a small 7 instead of a big 3 like it use to be before the F10. That's the reason I have a Mercedes, because I was reading car and driver where they drove the E43 and it won a comparison test. I didn't beleive that Mercedes would ever be able to make a car that drives better than a loaded 5-series, so I of course to validate C/D and see whether it was true, I test drove a new E53 which had just replaced the 43, and a CLS53, and then you know how the rest of it goes

Honestly, it feels as if BMW and Mercedes have swapped places from their typical roles, the 5-series to me feels like the retiree car, the E-class (at least in the lower-trim AMG aka "Fake AMG " trim) is more engaging than my 5-series or even the M550 I test drove. I was honestly quite shocked because I've never in 20+ years of BMW's considered a Mercedes (except for an AMG here or there), but a test drive has changed my perception greatly, and its become one of my favorite vehicles I've ever owned, although sadly it will be replaced by an SUV soon, since I'm going to have a new grandchild and my son's X3 will be going with him to Florida (hopefully, not sure with Corona of course).

Even my father hasn't sold his E60 535i because he doesn't like any of the 5er's after it. I would honestly buy a G05 X5 over a G30 5er any day of the week despite the fact its an SUV, its just a much better vehicle in my opinion.

Totally agree with you on the E class. I rented an E43 AMG for a week while vacationing in LA a few years ago and it was an absolute blast to drive.

[JayPichardo]

If you are looking for a more "luxury" ride go for the adaptive suspension.

[Jbrock22]

Originally Posted by EddyD

I haven't seen anything mentioned in the forums about adding a luxury line for the M340i... any chance this happens or any rumors?

I really like the look of the G20 330i luxury line but I need the bigger motor.

I've always been a fan of stealth-mode look of the luxury line: the chrome accents and multi spoke wheels. The M340i is still somewhat of a sleeper, but it's a bit too racy for my taste.

I wish I could let me dealer know, but they are closed of course, and not sure it would matter anyway.

Hope not.

[NewM3driver]

Originally Posted by jstein55

Yes, engagement and handling is weak in the F10 and G30 5-series, even in the M550 I test drove. They tried to make it a small 7 instead of a big 3 like it use to be before the F10. That's the reason I have a Mercedes, because I was reading car and driver where they drove the E43 and it won a comparison test. I didn't beleive that Mercedes would ever be able to make a car that drives better than a loaded 5-series, so I of course to validate C/D and see whether it was true, I test drove a new E53 which had just replaced the 43, and a CLS53, and then you know how the rest of it goes

Honestly, it feels as if BMW and Mercedes have swapped places from their typical roles, the 5-series to me feels like the retiree car, the E-class (at least in the lower-trim AMG aka "Fake AMG " trim) is more engaging than my 5-series or even the M550 I test drove. I was honestly quite shocked because I've never in 20+ years of BMW's considered a Mercedes (except for an AMG here or there), but a test drive has changed my perception greatly, and its become one of my favorite vehicles I've ever owned, although sadly it will be replaced by an SUV soon, since I'm going to have a new grandchild and my son's X3 will be going with him to Florida (hopefully, not sure with Corona of course).

Even my father hasn't sold his E60 535i because he doesn't like any of the 5er's after it. I would honestly buy a G05 X5 over a G30 5er any day of the week despite the fact its an SUV, its just a much better vehicle in my opinion.

The X5 has become a 'Mom' mobile too. Very floating and wallowing down the road. M340 is very controlled.

[NewM3driver]

Personally I think you should be able to get the 6 in any of the models. BMW and 6 cylinder cars have become synonymous. The fact that you have to have the sport trim to order that marvelous B58 straight 6 engine seems silly.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by NewM3driver

Personally I think you should be able to get the 6 in any of the models. BMW and 6 cylinder cars have become synonymous. The fact that you have to have the sport trim to order that marvelous B58 straight 6 engine seems silly.

I think it makes sense from a business standpoint to only offer the 6 cylinder via a sport trim model. Sales numbers talk, and most people don't care (or even know) what sort of engine they have in their 3 series. You have to remember the individuals in forums like these, or enthusiasts in general, are in the minority.

The m340i doesn't sell as much not because it's a sport trim.... it doesn't sell well because it's a higher price point and most people don't care if their car comes with a 6 cylinder motor, especially when the 4 is as strong as it is.

Most people who care to upgrade to the 6 cylinder are doing so because they want the performance, which typically goes hand in hand with sport trim (sorry OP, you're in the minority here). So it wouldn't make sense for BMW to split their 6 cylinder offering, which already has such low sales volume, into 2 separate trims.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by NewM3driver

The X5 has become a 'Mom' mobile too. Very floating and wallowing down the road. M340 is very controlled.

Oh yes, but being an SUV its easier to excuse, the 5-series on the other hand, its just sad.

[mbanck]

Originally Posted by Mo@BMWofFairfax

I don't see it. Unlike the F30, there is no Modern Line, Luxury Line, etc. Thank the Lord. BMW and Mercedes are following the Audi model where the higher up the lineup you go, the sportier it gets. The most comfortable car is going to be the 330i.

They dropped the Modern Line at some point during the F3x lifecycle, but at least in Europe, Sport Line, Luxury Line and M-Sport are still available for the non-M-Performance cars (i.e. the 330i in the US).

The M340i is an M-Performance car and so far BMW never added regular lines to one of them (the X5 M50i is/was available next to the X5 50i I think, but those are basically two different models, not just separate lines)

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by mbanck

They dropped the Modern Line at some point during the F3x lifecycle, but at least in Europe, Sport Line, Luxury Line and M-Sport are still available for the non-M-Performance cars (i.e. the 330i in the US).

The M340i is an M-Performance car and so far BMW never added regular lines to one of them (the X5 M50i is/was available next to the X5 50i I think, but those are basically two different models, not just separate lines)

Correct, it was dropped I believe a year(maybe two?) before the F30 got its LCI. I'm strictly speaking about the US since that's where I am located.

Both BMW and Mercedes have adopted the Audi model of doing business. Regular Commuter (A4/330i/C300), Sportier Car (S4/M340i/AMG C43) and Sportiest Car (RS5/M3/C63).

[hans007]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I think it makes sense from a business standpoint to only offer the 6 cylinder via a sport trim model. Sales numbers talk, and most people don't care (or even know) what sort of engine they have in their 3 series. You have to remember the individuals in forums like these, or enthusiasts in general, are in the minority.

The m340i doesn't sell as much not because it's a sport trim.... it doesn't sell well because it's a higher price point and most people don't care if their car comes with a 6 cylinder motor, especially when the 4 is as strong as it is.

Most people who care to upgrade to the 6 cylinder are doing so because they want the performance, which typically goes hand in hand with sport trim (sorry OP, you're in the minority here). So it wouldn't make sense for BMW to split their 6 cylinder offering, which already has such low sales volume, into 2 separate trims.

The problem is the 330i is more than enough for most people just to get around.

Its not underpowered.

When Mercedes came out with the E300 and E43 for example so many people complained about the E300 engine being not enough they did bring out the E400 eventually (and still have the E43 with all the extra AMG ish bits). But I doubt we'll get that here.

[mbanck]

Originally Posted by Mo@BMWofFairfax

Both BMW and Mercedes have adopted the Audi model of doing business. Regular Commuter (A4/330i/C300), Sportier Car (S4/M340i/AMG C43) and Sportiest Car (RS5/M3/C63).

If I go to https://www.bmwusa.com/build-your-ow...6iyftz1/design I can choose between "Sport Line", "Luxury" and "M-Sport". Not sure why they don't call it "Luxury Line" anymore, but at least the exterior looks do change.

In Europe, the interior differences between Sport and Luxury might be a bit more pronounced (Sport Line gets (fabric) sports seats, Luxury Line gets leather non-sports seats), though.

EDIT: To be clear, I get your "330i/M340i/M3" distinction, I am just saying the base model can be had in different lines, which (if I understood you correctly) you said wasn't the case anymore. Both the performance (M340i) and the M3 cannot be built with different lines, of course, the former being the topic of this thread.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by mbanck

If I go to https://www.bmwusa.com/build-your-ow...6iyftz1/design I can choose between "Sport Line", "Luxury" and "M-Sport". Not sure why they don't call it "Luxury Line" anymore, but at least the exterior looks do change.

In Europe, the interior differences between Sport and Luxury might be a bit more pronounced (Sport Line gets (fabric) sports seats, Luxury Line gets leather non-sports seats), though.

EDIT: To be clear, I get your "330i/M340i/M3" distinction, I am just saying the base model can be had in different lines, which (if I understood you correctly) you said wasn't the case anymore. Both the performance (M340i) and the M3 cannot be built with different lines, of course, the former being the topic of this thread.

The only point I was trying to make was that BMW and Mercedes have adopted the Audi model. That's really it. I understand that you can opt for Sport, Luxury or M Sport but it's more of a packaging thing or trim level now. If I remember correctly, the lines were mostly aesthetic. Another thing BMW has pulled out of the Audi playbook. This correlates with Audi's Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims kind of.

I wouldn't necessarily call them lines anymore. More like trim levels.