[mfdutra]

I had a 335i, then a 540i, now an M340i. The only reason they're all sedans is because BMW doesn't bring the wagons to the US, unfortunately. I was seriously considering an X3 M40i this time. I test drove one for 5 minutes and didn't like the driving position. So much power in something that high doesn't make any sense.

Why not 330i? The price difference in the US is too small to pass. Both cars are nice, but the M340i makes you grin and laugh every day.

[-EndOfAnEra-]

Originally Posted by WXdrivefun

In North America, trends in past years have indicated a shift in people favouring cross overs and SAVs/SUVs over the sedan counterparts..

So why did you decide to drive the G20 3 series(either 330i or M340i) compared SAV/SUV counterparts G01 X3(30i or m40i) or even the G05 X5 (40i or M50i), other than the cost?

Interesting to see everyone's story behind this decision for those who don't mind sharing.. Photo for attention...

Simple answer? It's just better to drive!

Yeah that was cheating. Long answer?

This is a personal thing. I detest the march of SUVs for what it represents to me and for the fact that until recently, you couldn't get a driver's SUV (should this truly exist).

To me and my biases the average driver of an SUV is not aware of how large a vehicle they have, how much it blocks the view of other drivers (in sedans/coupes) in traffic and promotes activities other than driving from having so much room for stuff to reach for and a clear expectation of being used to haul screaming toddlers around (I have one so I'm allowed to say that!)

Also, SUVs have eliminated any possibility of BMW wagons in the US!

It wasn't until I tried the X3 M40i that the first cracks started to appear in my SUV hate. The more I think about it from a rational perspective, the more I realize that for a family man that is the perfect car.

It's nimble (enough). It's powerful (enough). It seats (enough). It hauls (enough). It's expensive but accessible (enough). It's safe and has all the right tech.

Between the M40i, the 540i and the M340i, I was genuinely surprised that it made that list for me. It's a truly great car!

I haven't tried an X3M but I have been actively avoiding it because I have a sneaky suspicion that the BASE X3M is secretly the M5 wagon in disguise. The base avoids the super-crashy suspension from a lifted stiff chassis and has near as makes no difference the same power in the real world. Ultimately though, physics doesn't seem like it can be defeated that easy.

"But wait!" some of the BMW faithful with other marques in their garages may say. "What about the amazing Porsche Macan?"

The Macan proves my point. As an SUV, a true driver's SUV, it is peerless. And yet, as a driver's CAR an M2, M3 or a Cayman will be better. All the driver's SUVs could be so much better as a sedan or coupe from a dynamic perspective! If Porsche could build a true sedan competitor to BMW it would make the Macan look like it's on stilts by comparison!

No example illustrates this better than the X4M (taking looks out of the equation). It has no more practicality than an M3, is heavier by a lot and cannot handle better because physics says so. The center of mass is high and no matter what technical wizardry BMWs engineers do they can't escape that. The weight penalty is still massive as well.

Ultimately for me, that's why sedan will always have a massive advantage over SUVs. I love to drive, I love to feel (anything I can in modern BMWs these days) and I love to see a perfectly proportioned RWD car with that delicious long hood and short trunk. It's the epitome of car design for me.

If BMW ever offered me a driver's wagon (yes even THAT M3), I'd grab it in a heartbeat. Until then, an SUV will ever remain a tool in my eyes for growing family needs. If that time comes (soccer practice, hockey practice, a second German Shepherd) then absolutely I'd go to an SUV but I'd be complaining for a while.

Now that I've said all this, watch this space from when my wife's Mazda3 leaves us. I can almost guarantee an X3 is in our future!

[MBM340]

I drove a client's Macan GTS about two years ago and was throroughly impressed. They are by no means inexpensive.
IRT your initial question, I am a car guy. I have a truck for things that I need a truck for (F-250) but for driving it is a car all the way.
Have been driving BMWs for 30 years. E36 M3's x2, 525i Touring, 340, and most recently about to be traded a 2017 330i Sedan. A solid car but not exciting in any way. That is why I purchased the M340. I think it will be the perfect mix of Daily Driver that still gets my blood pumping when I need it to.

[DenHaag3er]

Dearly wanted an RS4 and was close to pulling the trigger but it just didnt make sense at the time for a number of reasons. Then an M3 but they were discontinued for a couple of years. And then one day I see this video preview of this M340i and was curious. As soon as the saloon reviews came in and the touring version was announced it was a done deal for me.

[MBM340]

Originally Posted by DenHaag3er

Dearly wanted an RS4 and was close to pulling the trigger but it just didnt make sense at the time for a number of reasons. Then an M3 but they were discontinued for a couple of years. And then one day I see this video preview of this M340i and was curious. As soon as the saloon reviews came in and the touring version was announced it was a done deal for me.

The new M3's look to be insane machines, but using one for a DD in traffic is just not in the cards as you said. I think this will be the perfect fit, sans the few complaints we have about any car....like no hard drive for my music collection. Pissed.

[The_Viking]

I drove an SUV when my boys where in Hockey, because it was the only way I could haul all their crap around (or use the minivan, but having my SUV and the Wive's minivan allowed us to have 2 cars that could haul them around. When I stopped needing an SUV I traded my Acura MDX in for a lease on a 535dx (awesome engine and milage!) then moved to a 540ix when the lease ended. My 540ix just went back end of November, and my m340i is on its way.

I love cars, always have, I don't like the way SUVs drive or how big they are. We have 1 SUV now, its my wife's car, and she likes sitting high (she is short) and its nice to have something that can haul larger items. I went from the 5 series to the 3 series because a) the 3 series grew a little bit in size with the G20 and a lot in comfort (my biggest reasons for not getting a 3 series last time) and b) the 5 series is just getting too big. I don't need that big of a car anymore, and I want a smaller (slightly) nimbler car.

I test drove the m340i and the 330i and my mind was made up instantly. While the 330i is nice, the m340i just put a smile on my face. and now I can't wait for it to get to my dealer and having my initial 450 mile ride home with it

[Wanteddoa]

I’ve always been a sedan guy. Probably always will be. My 330i xDrive is the perfect combo of comfort and performance.

[M40i4me]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I personally always prefer cars (sedans or coupes) over SUV's for daily driving. BMW can work their magic but at the end of the day physics is physics, and a lower to the ground car doesn't have to compete with a high center of gravity the way an SUV does. So that makes driving much more engaging and fun. I did drive the G01 (when shopping for an SUV), and while it's a lot of fun for an SUV, it just can't compete with the G20.

That being said I did get a G05 as well for family hauling... the G20 just can't compete in comfort and overall luxury with the G05.

Agreed. My wife has the X5. I am still driving my 2011 328, but getting the itch for a new M340.

[Seaford]

Simple for me - I have no need for an SUV.

Traded my f34 328iGT in for a near new G20 330i, the only reason being that the f34 was four years old and I fancied the later technology in the fully optioned up G20 that popped up locally.

I have to say that the F34 was more practical and more comfortable though, both M Sport package.

[SallyLyman]

Your experiences with different BMW models offer a fascinating perspective on your decision-making process. The progression from the 335i to the 540i and now the M340i shows a journey of exploring various options. Your consideration of the driving position and power balance in the X3 M40i is quite insightful.
Deciding between these models can be tough, but sometimes leaving it up to a heads or tails coin flip can add an element of fun to the decision-making process. No matter the choice, as long as it puts a smile on your face and makes your daily drives enjoyable, you're on the right track.

[JABCAT]

I generally drive the sedans and my sports cars while my wife likes SUVs or SAVs in the current case. I have a 330e for my daily driver and my wife has an X3 M Competition. I also have a supercharged Corvette Z06 for fun and a Jeep Wrangler (which is technically my son's, but he's only 14).

[dudley@07726]

I have not had a BMW since my 2012 X3 which I traded in for a 2106 Audi A6 3.0.
Looking to trade in the Audi for a BMW I4 M50 in Aug 2022, I placed an order.
No allocations were coming and they had no clue as to when they would receive one. It could be 12-18 months. During the 3rd week of Sept 22, i inquired yet again. Dealer had no update. I asked him what allocations did he have. He said 3 series. That's when I placed the order for the M340ix and cancelled the I4.
Don't regret. Electric infrastructure still stinks and the Ev's still don't get enough mileage for me.

[Sam Tango]

First, I already have an SUV family hauler for the really bad weather.

But, I still take my sedan (previously a manual VW GLI, now m340i) for daily driving myself to work and the kids to school.

I just couldn't see myself driving an SUV or van 50 miles a day, every day.

So, I am the odd one who prefers to ride an ultra stiff, compact sedan over an SUV in shitty Chicago highways and streets. I guess I just like good looking, fast cars!

Regarding the choice of m340i over its alternatives, my algorithm was simple. Porsche's can't carry my family of 5 and are expensive, so its down to the other Germans. Out of those, full blown M, AMG, or RS were out of question because of cost, value and practicality. Out of m340i, C43, or Audi S, the BMW is the fastest and has the best engine, so I chose that.

[Cammy440iGC]

My wife drives an X3 M40i because she prefers sitting up higher and likes the SUV for hauling groceries better than a sedan. She says she also feels safer in an SUV if she gets hit...the drivers here in Memphis are crazy.

I selected the G26 M440i X-Drive over the X4 M40i (could not drive same car as the wife) because it felt so much more connected and focused than the X4 M40i.

I don't prefer the higher seating position of an SUV.

I prefer the lower more connected feeling.

So we have both because Men are from Mars and women are from Venus.

[bavarianride]

I bought my 330i in April 2021 and at that time the price difference(including all incentives) of 330i base vs. M340i was $9k before tax, so I went with the 330i.

I test drove a 330e(too heavy at corners), and a 228iGC(an overpriced Civic with FWD), and the 330i drove better than those 2.

So I intercepted an inbound base car that arrived the next day with 5 miles on it, and took the car home the day after.

The test drives and the order took 2 hours, and the delivery took an hour, and I spent zero time researching.

Naturally I was very glad that BMW had(and still has) a product that brings back the E39/E46 spirits with the latest ICE techs and safety techs, it was really a no-brainer for me.

[erickonphoenix]

I've been shopping for a replacement for the 328, seriously the 330and the 540 are the best bang for buck in the sedan market. Handling, performance, efficiency and comfort. I don't need a wagon anymore so safe bet the 330 will my next purchase.

[BingoTheClown]

Previously, I was a BIG SUV Guy. I had a 2010 Cadillac SRX, 2013 SRX, 2016 Escalade.

I swapped out the Escalade for a 2018 440i GC. My first sedan in ages - and my very first BMW. The reason that I swapped out is a long complex reason. Having negative equity in the Escalade and needing to get out of it - due to $12 in repairs in 2 years.

For me, it was not so much about finding a BMW or a Sedan - but finding the right car, priced about $8k under retail value to make the numbers work.

Found a 2018 440i GC at a Ford Dealership - priced to move well below. I grabbed it just to get out of the Escalade.

I was sad, driving out to pick it up. I loved the high profile view of SUV's. The safe feeling of the Escalade. I was NOT excited to get into a sedan and I had no concept of BMW at all.

Let's just say . . . . the 2 hour ride home in the 440i GC changed my life. I fell in love so fast.

Before long I added MPPSK, mods, etc. I have been bitten.

Totaled that in January. And had no intention of leaving the BMW family .. . . or getting out of a performance sedan.

Bought the 2020 M340i. LOVING it.

PS - I don't intend to ever get into a BMW SUC/Crossover. They are Beasts and I have much respect for them - but visually, the design does not appeal to me at all.

[Whack01]

Originally Posted by Montaver

My one complaint is the steering is very busy on the highway, it constantly needs micro adjustments which gets irritating. I was going to start a thread to see if this is a persistent problem for other owners. It happens particularly over 70MPH. -

I haven’t noticed this on my 330i but have covered vast mileage at various different speed levels in an x5 30d I can confirm that it is really noticeable in that car. It feels like you’re constantly making steering adjustments.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by erickonphoenix

I've been shopping for a replacement for the 328, seriously the 330and the 540 are the best bang for buck in the sedan market. Handling, performance, efficiency and comfort. I don't need a wagon anymore so safe bet the 330 will my next purchase.

As far as 540i being best bang for the buck, maybe that is a comparison of 540i vs. E-class and A6?

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by Whack01

I haven’t noticed this on my 330i but have covered vast mileage at various different speed levels in an x5 30d I can confirm that it is really noticeable in that car. It feels like you’re constantly making steering adjustments.

I haven't noticed this until I read about it on this forum, and now I do observe similar need of micro adjustments. I tend to get used to it by keeping both hands on the steering wheel.

[doublevanosrc]

Originally Posted by Wanteddoa

I’ve always been a sedan guy. Probably always will be. My 330i xDrive is the perfect combo of comfort and performance.

+1

[Aero7000]

I always been a 3 series fan starting with 1988 320i back in the 90's.
My 2015 328d was at 190k with zero technical issues when I traded it for M340i in 2020.
M340i is a perfect DD, drive it everyday to work.
It is getting out of 4 year warranty soon and will be a hard act to follow.
As for family needs wife does her shopping in SQ5, had to by her an audi just to keep her away from M340i.