[bmwdrive]

I'm trying to decide if the G80 is worth the extra $20K or so, especially given the discounts I can get on the M340i. I might track/autocross, but it will be very little, if at all. So the car will be my daily. I don't care so much about raw power or 0-60 times. I just want a car that handles well and feels connected. I would get an M2 or a base Cayman if I didn't need the practicality. Obviously nobody has driven the G80 yet. But based on previous M3 vs. 340i/335i comparisons, does it make sense to pay a bunch more money for the real M? Is it actually better/more fun as a daily driver?

[Transfer]

I have both an M340i and X3M comp so that's as close as you can get to comparing M3 to M340i right now. They are significantly different in how they drive but both incredibly capable on the street. The G20 is softer but still handles remarkably well. The S58 is clearly more powerful than B58 but that extra power lives in the 5-7k rpm range. From 1500-4000 the B58 is very strong.

There are a lot of factors to consider but I think the main one is do you care about paying the M premium and would you use the higher performance of the M? You have to be willing to hit triple digit speeds on the street to really take advantage of the S motor imo.

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by danf72

I'm trying to decide if the G80 is worth the extra $20K or so, especially given the discounts I can get on the M340i. I might track/autocross, but it will be very little, if at all. So the car will be my daily. I don't care so much about raw power or 0-60 times. I just want a car that handles well and feels connected. I would get an M2 or a base Cayman if I didn't need the practicality. Obviously nobody has driven the G80 yet. But based on previous M3 vs. 340i/335i comparisons, does it make sense to pay a bunch more money for the real M? Is it actually better/more fun as a daily driver?

You will never use 50% of M3's capabilities on the street. also keep in mind huge depreciation the first 3-4y

[bmwdrive]

Originally Posted by Transfer

I have both an M340i and X3M comp so that's as close as you can get to comparing M3 to M340i right now. They are significantly different in how they drive but both incredibly capable on the street. The G20 is softer but still handles remarkably well. The S58 is clearly more powerful than B58 but that extra power lives in the 5-7k rpm range. From 1500-4000 the B58 is very strong.

There are a lot of factors to consider but I think the main one is do you care about paying the M premium and would you use the higher performance of the M? You have to be willing to hit triple digit speeds on the street to really take advantage of the S motor imo.

There is no way I will hit triple digits on the street. I prefer to stay out of jail. I will hit triple digits at the track, but that will be once a year, maybe, if I make it out there.

I've wanted to test drive the X3M for exactly this type of comparison. I did drive the M340i and it was great. I also test drove the M2 which feels even better, more alive. I know that's partly because of the shorter wheelbase, but I think it's also the stiffer suspension which I like. If the driving experience/feel of the M3 is significantly different from the M340i, then I'm willing to pay the M premium.

[bmwdrive]

Originally Posted by Smooth 330i

You will never use 50% of M3's capabilities on the street. also keep in mind huge depreciation the first 3-4y

Yeah, in terms of raw performance I don't think I would use 50% of the M340i or the 330i capabilities on the street without risking my license. That's why I prefer handling/steering/feel over raw power. A 330i with tight handling and good steering feel would be great for me. But it seems like I need to step up to the M in order to get these things, even though the power is overkill on the street. And yes, the depreciation doesn't sound like fun.

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by danf72

Yeah, in terms of raw performance I don't think I would use 50% of the M340i or the 330i capabilities on the street without risking my license. That's why I prefer handling/steering/feel over raw power. A 330i with tight handling and good steering feel would be great for me. But it seems like I need to step up to the M in order to get these things, even though the power is overkill on the street. And yes, the depreciation doesn't sound like fun.

This is the tricky part, right? M cars feel better to the in-tune driver but the power levels are getting a little nutty. The M340i blurs the handling line more than any non-M 3 series before it, but the M car will be even better. I do notice though that driving the 3er is more relaxing by a long shot.

If you don't mind RWD small coupe, I think the M2 is the M car to get. Maybe even an OG N55 M2, 2018+ if you don't need the power of the S55.

[bmwdrive]

Originally Posted by Transfer

This is the tricky part, right? M cars feel better to the in-tune driver but the power levels are getting a little nutty. The M340i blurs the handling line more than any non-M 3 series before it, but the M car will be even better. I do notice though that driving the 3er is more relaxing by a long shot.

If you don't mind RWD small coupe, I think the M2 is the M car to get. Maybe even an OG N55 M2, 2018+ if you don't need the power of the S55.

The M2 is awesome. So much fun, even if I'm not going 100mph. That's what I'm hoping for in the G80, with a bit more room and practicality. The M340i does kind of get close, but I test drove one back-to-back with the M2 and the M340i just felt like a very big car by comparison.

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by danf72

Yeah, in terms of raw performance I don't think I would use 50% of the M340i or the 330i capabilities on the street without risking my license. That's why I prefer handling/steering/feel over raw power. A 330i with tight handling and good steering feel would be great for me. But it seems like I need to step up to the M in order to get these things, even though the power is overkill on the street. And yes, the depreciation doesn't sound like fun.

bmw made those cars already. they are e90 330i and 328i sedans with NA I6, hydr steering, manual and 3300-3400 lbs. the only thing they are missing is lsd but that can be added. They are perfect dd for enthusiasts.

[bmwdrive]

Originally Posted by Smooth 330i

bmw made those cars already. they are e90 330i and 328i sedans with NA I6, hydr steering, manual and 3300-3400 lbs. the only thing they are missing is lsd but that can be added. They are perfect dd for enthusiasts.

Yeah, I had an e90 335i that I drove for 10 years and loved it. I guess the M2 is the closest thing to it. The M2 is actually better IMO.

[solstice]

Originally Posted by Smooth 330i

bmw made those cars already. they are e90 330i and 328i sedans with NA I6, hydr steering, manual and 3300-3400 lbs. the only thing they are missing is lsd but that can be added. They are perfect dd for enthusiasts.

Agreed, starting with the F-series BMW made M cars pretty much a must if you want a BMW with sufficient chassis feedback and acceptable steering.

Other than that the M car is and feel way more robust. A lot of hardware is upgraded and it’s noticeable even on the street. Don’t look solely on performance that’s only the beginning of the M car’s advantages.

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by Smooth 330i

bmw made those cars already. they are e90 330i and 328i sedans with NA I6, hydr steering, manual and 3300-3400 lbs. the only thing they are missing is lsd but that can be added. They are perfect dd for enthusiasts.

for folks that have e9x experience only m2c comes close. you mentioned practicality in your orgnl post so didn't include e92 and M2 but agree M2c is very good and can be excellent with a few tweaks.

[M3AWD]

But the posted 0-60 time is only 0.1s better on the ///M!! Joking Joking!

I've had a few of M and non-M cars over the past 22 years and in many cases the non-M car delivered as much fun as the M car on the street, specially when I did some mods.

But when it comes to my next purchase I'm going with an M (G80) because I've had my F30 335i for 7 years now and I miss owning an M. I think of it as +$10k for the looks and +$10k for the performance. Then when I sell several years down the road I get one of those $10k's back.

[rak299]

Some people are "1-feature buyers". The M340 has plenty of power for me (actually, more than I need). I would get whichever came with a MT.

[Montaver]

6MT is the main draw to get the M3 as a daily over the m340i IMO. The m340i is a proper stealthy old school fast saloon with all the pace, comfort, refinement and tech you need. It flies nicely under the radar. I only have a 330i but it's a great all round bit of kit. Not exactly thrilling to hustle but there is a good chassis buried under there and I always enjoy driving it.

One of the most mystifying decisions BMW made in the F generation was ripping the sound deadening out of everything in an effort to make it more 'raw'. The g8x they have removed 5KG's worth of material, so on a cruise the m340i will be much more relaxed. My M2C felt very cheap and tiring due to road noise so I know first hand, particularly compared to my E90 M3. You can't hear the engine because of the turbos, exhausts are choked by OPF filters, and they pipe in fake engine sounds anyway so it surprises me they've elected to do it again.

[W///]

Originally Posted by solstice

Agreed, starting with the F-series BMW made M cars pretty much a must if you want a BMW with sufficient chassis feedback and acceptable steering.

Other than that the M car is and feel way more robust. A lot of hardware is upgraded and it’s noticeable even on the street. Don’t look solely on performance that’s only the beginning of the M car’s advantages.

I think with the G series, they've made them much closer compared to the F. This is where they make it a bit more difficult to pick, because as Transfer said, the limits have gotten so high on these cars.

To the OP, I personally think it's worth it because I also value the extra bits the M's come with that is not 100% performance related (M interior, fender flares, quad pipes ect ect). I will say though, the B58 and S58 have pretty different characters, so it's certainly worth a test drive.

[snareman]

Most people aren't even going to use the capabilities of the regular 3/4 series. My friend in Germany said, what do you guys do with those cars over there? You can't actually use them. [as in the power and performance with normal every day driving]. I had a F32 435i for three years before my F82 M4 and also would occasionally get a F30 loaner. The driving differences were immediately noticeable and surprisingly obvious in the stiffness of the suspension. The F30s almost felt like I get getting into a Lexus after driving the M. While I do like the increase performance, I also like the more sporty looks of the M's, which is a decent part of what I'm willing to pay for. I'm guessing that the G's will have similar differences?

[bmwdrive]

I agree with your friend in Germany. Unless you track or autocross, the performance is overkill for the street. But the suspension stiffness, handling, steering and overall feel of the car is another story. That's what I'm trying to figure out, if the difference between and M340i and the G80 will be significant. Not in terms of 0-60 or HP, but the feel of the car.

[akhbhaat]

Originally Posted by danf72

I might track/autocross, but it will be very little, if at all. So the car will be my daily. I don't care so much about raw power or 0-60 times. I just want a car that handles well and feels connected. I would get an M2 or a base Cayman if I didn't need the practicality.

I strongly suggest you go out and drive a Macan S.

The X3M isn't going to be a reliable proxy for the G8X. At least, I seriously hope not.

[bmwdrive]

Originally Posted by akhbhaat

I strongly suggest you go out and drive a Macan S.

The X3M isn't going to be a reliable proxy for the G8X. At least, I seriously hope not.

Seriously? I've heard great things about the Macan. But it drives better than the M340i?

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by danf72

I agree with your friend in Germany. Unless you track or autocross, the performance is overkill for the street. But the suspension stiffness, handling, steering and overall feel of the car is another story. That's what I'm trying to figure out, if the difference between and M340i and the G80 will be significant. Not in terms of 0-60 or HP, but the feel of the car.

Yes, they will be significantly different in feel. The M340i is fantastic but blunted compared to an M. My big heavy X3M is notably more sharp in handling, throttle, and transmission with an engine tuned for high revs. There is more excitement in the M. The S58 also sounds really great IMO with the competition exhaust. The B58 is fine but the S58 is clearly more special.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by danf72

Seriously? I've heard great things about the Macan. But it drives better than the M340i?

A last gen Macan drives better than an M340i. Its not faster its just a better feeling car IMO.

I have not driven the refreshed Macan.

[solstice]

Originally Posted by dmk08

A last gen Macan drives better than an M340i. Its not faster its just a better feeling car IMO.

I have not driven the refreshed Macan.

Porsche does this better than anyone. The precision and tuning of everything to make the car feel right. Even our Cayenne has this in spades, it’s a car you just want to drive and drive, it gives you that “driver’s high” whether you zip around town or go on a 12h road trip. It’s like Porsche tune these meticulously with pleasure sensors connected to the test drivers to make sure they register at the top of the scale all the time...

Obviously in case of the Cayenne that cohesive, responsive, athletic feel start falling apart when you start asking it to do things it’s not meant to. The tranny gets to slow, the weight and high center of gravity get felt etc, etc but within it’s range it’s more often than not more satisfying to drive than the F80. The F80 on the other hand shines more the harder you push it.

A 992 is the best of both worlds based on my limited test drive experience. It’s a pain as a family car though...