[EXE46]

So true, heck I have never driven a Buick and have no desire to. I did however had the misfortune of getting a Nissan Altima when I took my car in for an update. It was an eye opener since I had not driven a mainstream car in ages.

Terrible drive, felt like it had no steering, shoddy cut transmission. I cursed daily having to drive that pos to work. People here have no concept of what cars drive like today lol, sure had me at Buick. I'll say that M340i size is perfect for me. E46 was a tight fit, couldn't fit adults in the back except one as skinny as myself.

Give it time, with the way things are, M340i will soon be known as the best modern non M BMW ever built. M340i is the old E39 in size. All other sedans in BMW's lineup are bigger. I will say it is midsize although BMW doesn't classify it as such.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by EXE46

So true, heck I have never driven a Buick and have no desire to. I did however had the misfortune of getting a Nissan Altima when I took my car in for an update. It was an eye opener since I had not driven a mainstream car in ages.

Terrible drive, felt like it had no steering, shoddy cut transmission. I cursed daily having to drive that pos to work. People here have no concept of what cars drive like today lol, sure had me at Buick. I'll say that M340i size is perfect for me. E46 was a tight fit, couldn't fit adults in the back except one as skinny as myself.

Give it time, with the way things are, M340i will soon be known as the best modern non M BMW ever built. M340i is the old E39 in size. All other sedans in BMW's lineup are bigger. I will say it is midsize although BMW doesn't classify it as such.

+1


Hopping into a more mainstream car is definitely an eye opener.

I remember when the E46 M3 was referred to as a bloated, heavy pig because it was bigger and heavier than the E36 M3. It's kind of funny to read comments on the forums nowadays proclaiming that it was the perfect size. It's interesting how years/time change(s) perspective(s). Hindsight is 20/20 I suppose.

I remember parking my '14 F30 335i M-Sport next to an E46 M3 back in 2014. It made the E46 M3 look small despite me not feeling like my F30 was big. I actually chuckled. When I was driving E46 M3's back in 2002-2005, I felt like the car was big relative to other cars at the time.

[ryivnx]

I love how a re view of this car somehow ended up being M4 vs M340 once more, haha.

I've had F80 M4, E60 M5, supercharged E36 M3 and others. I currently have an E46 M3 in garage as well as fully spec'd M340i that I custom ordered. So I have a few thoughts on comparing these.

Bottom line, like many others have pointed out, modern cars are just better at being cars. They are more "livable" with. I drive 70 miles per day to work so my M4 "lost" its magic on a daily commute and became a nuisance with its stiffer ride and rawness. The DCT was twitchy (not as twitchy as my former M5 tho). And the interior/tech in the new M340 is worlds apart from the F generation.
M340 chassis is much more structurally rigid than either E60 M5 or E46 M3.

Obviously M4 was more raw. S55 is more responsive in sport plus and does pull more aggressively. So I installed a stage 2 tune on my M340 and now it feels better than my M4 did. Just need wider tires than my 255 MPS4.

I take the old E46 M3 with 3 pedals and 6 gears on weekends for a spirited drive. It has a carbon box, and the true pleasure comes from the combination of your physical engagement with it, the sound of the motor as well as the rawness and responsiveness of the S54.

So, in the end of the day I ended up keeping three cars - the new M340 and the old E46 M3 and wife's 328d. They each serve completely different purposes though.

[BMWM3DREAM]

For those forum members that are arguing that M340i too heavy, the 330i, is from what I have read, two hundred and sixty-seven pounds lighter which makes a marked difference. I also heard that the steering rack on the G20 is totally redesigned whereas the steering rack is only updated in the M340 from the F30 platform. Comparing the two cars, the 330i and M340i, has anyone felt the 330i is more sporty albeit less powerful and much more maneuverable than the M340?

[MaverickM]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Here are my thoughts:

- It's no M car, and I don't think it's fair to even compare it to one, but it's an absolute beast of a daily driver at a ~$15k lower entry point.
- It's got the refinement and relative comfort of a daily driver, with a hint of M division performance sprinkled in. It's an awesome midpoint if you want a little (a lot of) taste of M performance but aren't willing to take on a full fledged, 0 compromise M car.
- Someone mentioned at no point did they want to take it to the mountains and push it. Well I'd encourage them to do so, because when it's pushed to its limits, it's surprisingly capable and incredibly fun.
- The ZF 8spd is incredible. Not sure why anyone would knock it in comparison to other auto transmissions out there.
- In terms of the weight/size - that's an overall industry trend, it's not specific to BMW. Cars in general are becoming heavier with more safety, insulation, technology, refinement packed in.

Wrong it is an M car. Otherwise they wouldn't sell it as an M and place m all over it 😂

It's just an entry level M for the 3 series.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Bmoney2K4

For those forum members that are arguing that M340i too heavy, the 330i, is from what I have read, two hundred and sixty-seven pounds lighter which makes a marked difference. I also heard that the steering rack on the G20 is totally redesigned whereas the steering rack is only updated in the M340 from the F30 platform. Comparing the two cars, the 330i and M340i, has anyone felt the 330i is more sporty albeit less powerful and much more maneuverable than the M340?

I've found that to be true. The 30i has better steering (albeit still not great) and lighter front end feel. The only problem I really have with that trim level besides price is I just never can get use to the idea of a 4-cylinder BMW, I'm too much of a cylinder snob and love a good I6 or V8.

[elitex]

Originally Posted by M340xixixi

Wrong it is an M car. Otherwise they wouldn't sell it as an M and place m all over it 😂

It's just an entry level M for the 3 series.

lol here we go again.... There was a whole giant thread on this. Not an M car just like C43 is not an AMG and just like Mercedes 6.3L AMG engine wasn't a 6.3 even though Mercedes put 6.3 badges on it.

My wife's X5 50i has M all over the place, doesn't make it an M car/suv...

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by M340xixixi

Wrong it is an M car. Otherwise they wouldn't sell it as an M and place m all over it 😂

It's just an entry level M for the 3 series.

I love my M340i and think it's absolutely incredible. It's an excellent daily driver, it's a ton of fun when I push it, and it's scary fast. I love it more as the time goes by as well, finding more and more ways to push it to the limits and seeing what it can do.

But I will fully acknowledge it's not an "M" car in the traditional sense.

In my mind an M car is purpose-built for the track. The M340i isn't built for the track, it's a daily driver tuned with added performance (albeit a LOT of added performance).

Similarly a C43 isn't a true AMG because true AMG's (like the C63) have hand-built motors.

Just because the marketing department decided to slap an "M" in front of the 340i or "AMG" after the c43, don't confuse them for what they're not. These are performance variants of daily drivers, not track cars.

[MaverickM]

Originally Posted by elitex

lol here we go again.... There was a whole giant thread on this. Not an M car just like C43 is not an AMG and just like Mercedes 6.3L AMG engine wasn't a 6.3 even though Mercedes put 6.3 badges on it.

My wife's X5 50i has M all over the place, doesn't make it an M car/suv...

But does your wife's car say M in front of it?

[MaverickM]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I love my M340i and think it's absolutely incredible. It's an excellent daily driver, it's a ton of fun when I push it, and it's scary fast. I love it more as the time goes by as well, finding more and more ways to push it to the limits and seeing what it can do.

But I will fully acknowledge it's not an "M" car in the traditional sense.

In my mind an M car is purpose-built for the track. The M340i isn't built for the track, it's a daily driver tuned with added performance (albeit a LOT of added performance).

Similarly a C43 isn't a true AMG because true AMG's (like the C63) have hand-built motors.

Just because the marketing department decided to slap an "M" in front of the 340i or "AMG" after the c43, don't confuse them for what they're not. These are performance variants of daily drivers, not track cars.

I don't think this is true though, If BMW is saying it's an M it's and M. Maybe not a crazy track ride but non the less this car does have the suspension, horsepower and + to be a track car. I've driven m3 m4 b2b with this one and it performs much better in aspects actually.

[elitex]

Originally Posted by M340xixixi

But does your wife's car say M in front of it?

Go ahead man keep thinking what you want to think. Doesn't make it true. If that makes you happy. There's at least 9 M logos on my wife's car. Lmao!!! Unlike you, lots of M340i owners know exactly what they bought. They are not delusional.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by M340xixixi

I don't think this is true though, If BMW is saying it's an M it's and M. Maybe not a crazy track ride but non the less this car does have the suspension, horsepower and + to be a track car. I've driven m3 m4 b2b with this one and it performs much better in aspects actually.

Well this has become another "is it or isn't it an M" thread. Guess I might as well go in then.

BMW is just saying it because they want money and they know half of their customers will stick a fake M badge on there anyways and because Merc and Audi started doing it years ago. The M340i and 330i share almost every single component outside of powertrain and steering. It is purely marketing, same with AMG Performance cars, even as an owner I know its not an AMG and made sure to de-badge it of all the repetitive badges everywhere.

Last night I even saw a 740i with an M badge (which looks tacky especially since the font is different) and plasti-dipped fake Alpina rims and an M badge in the grill and tri colored slats. It looked disgusting.

Anyways, back to the topic at hand...

[TrentMeister]

Originally Posted by elitex

lol here we go again.... There was a whole giant thread on this. Not an M car just like C43 is not an AMG and just like Mercedes 6.3L AMG engine wasn't a 6.3 even though Mercedes put 6.3 badges on it.

My wife's X5 50i has M all over the place, doesn't make it an M car/suv...

X5m50i is better than x5m IMO

[elitex]

Originally Posted by LBbluem2

X5m50i is better than x5m IMO

Your opinion and I am sure it works better for you. We're upgrading to either X5m or GLS63 soon.

[rkmjr]

I always seem to be entertained when I read many of these threads. That being said, I sold ( I was about 58 or 59 ) my 2005 Evo MR and did a lease on an 2011 e90 (M-Pkg., Conv. Pkg, x-Drive and MT). Although I missed the Evo, the 335xi MT was similar in some aspects and a lot more comfortable. My 335 has been a great car and DD. I bought out the lease (because the new generations of the 3 series keep getting bigger and more $) and I still have that 11' 335 with about 94K on it. Once it was paid off I ordered and picked up an 18' M2. Now having experienced a 95' Eclipse GSX, 05' Evo MR and now an 11' 335xi, the M2 was a big purchase for me. Would I liked to have gotten an M3? Well, maybe, but cost and size just turned me off and once I FINALLY drove an M2 I was sold and as I said, once purchased, the M2 was/is a joy to drive. (by the way, the M2 was the first non-AWD car I have had since 95').
My point is, what are you interested in when you want new car? If you want a serviceable, comfortable enjoyable car to drive, you fit you needs/wants to what is available. To me the 335xi fit the bill for me. I still drive in a spirited manner when I can do it safely in the 335, so as a DD, it STILL fits what I want. Over the weekend, guess what I back out of the garage? Yeah, the M2! Now, not everyone can have two cars like that, one fun car as a DD, and a really performance base car! You need to pick the car that fits what your need/want. From what I have read, the M340 sounds like a very nice car, but I am sure it is not close to the M3/4 with regard to performance and handling, but a car that I would consider or replace my 335 when the time comes, except the M340 does not offer MT. Yes, I continue to prefer an MT, even in traffic! That is a deal breaker, so I am holding on to my 335 as long as I can!
So, just keep in mind, you need to satisfy you needs and wants. Fortunately for me, I seem to have been able to do that. BTW, I still own that Eclipse GSX for a fun car, and it is faster than my M2.

[Firaxis]

Originally Posted by 10"

This.

The F30 was supposed to be excellent—-but it was literally the worst BMW I've ever driven.

Completely mixed bag dependant on the version you drove IMO.. The F30 340i Shadow Edition has to be the best Bimmer I've ever driven (out of about ten different types). That includes a couple of G20's.

Alas, I'm sure I'll end up in an M340i at some point due to the simple fact the F30 isn't made anymore.

[TrentMeister]

Originally Posted by elitex

Your opinion and I am sure it works better for you. We're upgrading to either X5m or GLS63 soon.

I feel ya. Would you care to debate the subject?

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by Al Bundy's Dodge

I think the Buick comparison is spot on...I had the same thought when driving the 330.

And I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing. But for those of us who loved the engagement that the generations before the F30 offered, it's pretty disappointing. The G series is a comfortable ride, nice interior, and quality tech.

But the car lacks that unique engagement I was hoping for. It's a bit generic feeling, and lacking excitement, like a Buick. Not to mention no 6MT.

Still an excellent vehicle, and I wouldn't be sad to have one. I just wouldn't be excited to drive it either.

The M2 on the other hand...thank god BMW can still build something like that. It's just a shame that the kind of engagement that car offers used to exist up and down the BMW lineup. Now it seems to only exist on a couple of models at best.

Lol

My E90 328i truly felt like a Buick.

[MaverickM]

Originally Posted by jstein55

Well this has become another "is it or isn't it an M" thread. Guess I might as well go in then.

BMW is just saying it because they want money and they know half of their customers will stick a fake M badge on there anyways and because Merc and Audi started doing it years ago. The M340i and 330i share almost every single component outside of powertrain and steering. It is purely marketing, same with AMG Performance cars, even as an owner I know its not an AMG and made sure to de-badge it of all the repetitive badges everywhere.

Last night I even saw a 740i with an M badge (which looks tacky especially since the font is different) and plasti-dipped fake Alpina rims and an M badge in the grill and tri colored slats. It looked disgusting.

Anyways, back to the topic at hand...

Wrong 330 and m340 are sooo different in performance in almost every way lol... interior too

But sure bro!

[MaverickM]

Originally Posted by elitex

Go ahead man keep thinking what you want to think. Doesn't make it true. If that makes you happy. There's at least 9 M logos on my wife's car. Lmao!!! Unlike you, lots of M340i owners know exactly what they bought. They are not delusional.

Ouch... someone's butt hurt 😂😂😂

No delusion here just funny to see the frustration because of what bmw calls it. I guess you know better than them.

At the end of the day your wife's car isn't labeled as an M is it? Nope didn't think so 😫😂

[elitex]

Originally Posted by M340xixixi

Ouch... someone's butt hurt 😂😂😂

No delusion here just funny to see the frustration because of what bmw calls it. I guess you know better than them.

At the end of the day your wife's car isn't labeled as an M is it? Nope didn't think so 😫😂

Butt hurt??? The funny thing about this forum is that when people cannot debate logically they start name calling. Shows your maturity level.

Bro, go ahead and keep telling yourself that you own an M car. Again, my wife's X5 has M logos plastered all over it including door sills, steering wheel, brakes..... Doesn't make it an M car. FWIW, X5M wasn't available or else we would've bought an M car. Out of 8 Bmws we've owned, only 2 were non M.

Oh and just because a manufacturer labeled something for marketing reasons, it doesn't mean anything. Go back and rear my post regarding MB 6.3 engine. It not like marketing department never exaggerates or flat out make false statements.

You're new here, you missed a large thread on this same exact argument. Let's move on, here I'll make you happy. YOU OWN AN M CAR.... Happy?

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by elitex

Butt hurt??? The funny thing about this forum is that when people cannot debate logically they start name calling. Shows your maturity level.

Bro, go ahead and keep telling yourself that you own an M car. Again, my wife's X5 has M logos plastered all over it including door sills, steering wheel, brakes..... Doesn't make it an M car. FWIW, X5M wasn't available or else we would've bought an M car. Out of 8 Bmws we've owned, only 2 were non M.

Oh and just because a manufacturer labeled something for marketing reasons, it doesn't mean anything. Go back and rear my post regarding MB 6.3 engine. It not like marketing department never exaggerates or flat out make false statements.

You're new here, you missed a large thread on this same exact argument. Let's move on, here I'll make you happy. YOU OWN AN M CAR.... Happy?

You won't win this debate. It'll just be circular and you'll end up debating with him all night. Most of us old timers know and understand why BMW started slapping an ///M on everything pouring out of the factories.