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2019+ BMW 3 AND 4-SERIES FORUMS (G2x Generation) General G20 Sedan / G22 Coupe / G26 Gran Coupe Discussions If you’ve test driven or taken delivery of an M340i, share your impressions

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      05-01-2019, 04:31 PM   #111
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Quote:
Originally Posted by trey100 View Post
I agree with all of this.

Biggest takeaway to me was:

1. S4 felt smaller and as a result more nimble. At least the version I tested with summer tires and sport diff. More roll than my F80 but appropriate for a daily driver.

2. Interior is simple but very nice with fewer cheaper looking plastics. Look of the quilted Nappa seats is great.

3. Exhaust sound much less than the M340. I think if it made more exciting sounds it would be an exponentially better car. The quietness combined with a very refined ride (less bumpy than the M340) may be very attractive to the right type of buyer but I can see why this is a turnoff to many who are accustomed to BMWs. I was looking for more noise in my car.

4. Power was fine but I noticed more lag from the engine and the takeoff wasn't nearly as strong as the M340.

5. Exterior to my eyes only looks good with the black optics package that adds sportier wheels.

6. You need to move up to Prestige to get HUD if that is important to you.

Overall great daily driver that doesn't offend just a bit relaxed which could be a turn off to a lot of people.
Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the response. I drove the G20 330i and it did nothing for me. I actually thought the A5 sportback drove better. I haven't driven the new S4 but I have heard that the lag is quite a bit more pronounced than the B58. I just really hate the new interior approaches to BMW's. The instrument cluster to me is an abomination of poor design and the driving experience just doesn't overcome it.
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      05-01-2019, 04:36 PM   #112
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Originally Posted by sev1 View Post
I know you're asking another poster but I drove an S5 recently and thought I'd throw in a couple thoughts. The Audi is a really nice car. I'd say it has more WOW factor when you get in. It also handled really well and I'd have no problems living with it as a daily.

I think the M340i drive train is better than the S5's. The motor is better and the transmission seems better to me. It also just takes off like a rocket. It's really fast.

Also, I think the gauge cluster, comparing iDrive 7 pro with the highest end Audi, looked like it was sharper and had better response time. Kind of like having HDR and high refresh rate vs just normal 4k tv. Once you've seen it, you'll understand.

Both are very nice cars and either could make you happy.
So Audi seems to be using better digital display hardware?

I've been meaning to get a 144hz monitor for gaming but I'm afraid it will ruin my G20's digital display for me since I'm sure it's not running at 144hz. This is up there on the first world problems leaderboard
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      05-01-2019, 09:41 PM   #113
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RPM1123 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by sev1 View Post
I know you're asking another poster but I drove an S5 recently and thought I'd throw in a couple thoughts. The Audi is a really nice car. I'd say it has more WOW factor when you get in. It also handled really well and I'd have no problems living with it as a daily.

I think the M340i drive train is better than the S5's. The motor is better and the transmission seems better to me. It also just takes off like a rocket. It's really fast.

Also, I think the gauge cluster, comparing iDrive 7 pro with the highest end Audi, looked like it was sharper and had better response time. Kind of like having HDR and high refresh rate vs just normal 4k tv. Once you've seen it, you'll understand.

Both are very nice cars and either could make you happy.
So Audi seems to be using better digital display hardware?

I've been meaning to get a 144hz monitor for gaming but I'm afraid it will ruin my G20's digital display for me since I'm sure it's not running at 144hz. This is up there on the first world problems leaderboard
Actually I mean the BMW was better. Absolutely among the most ridiculous first world problems.
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      05-02-2019, 06:17 AM   #114
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sev1 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by RPM1123 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by sev1 View Post
I know you're asking another poster but I drove an S5 recently and thought I'd throw in a couple thoughts. The Audi is a really nice car. I'd say it has more WOW factor when you get in. It also handled really well and I'd have no problems living with it as a daily.

I think the M340i drive train is better than the S5's. The motor is better and the transmission seems better to me. It also just takes off like a rocket. It's really fast.

Also, I think the gauge cluster, comparing iDrive 7 pro with the highest end Audi, looked like it was sharper and had better response time. Kind of like having HDR and high refresh rate vs just normal 4k tv. Once you've seen it, you'll understand.

Both are very nice cars and either could make you happy.
So Audi seems to be using better digital display hardware?

I've been meaning to get a 144hz monitor for gaming but I'm afraid it will ruin my G20's digital display for me since I'm sure it's not running at 144hz. This is up there on the first world problems leaderboard
Actually I mean the BMW was better. Absolutely among the most ridiculous first world problems.
Its ok. I don't think anyone comes to bimmerpost expecting to read how someone was going to test drive the m340i, but couldn't because they're local dealership was closed by an Ebola outbreak.
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      05-02-2019, 08:58 AM   #115
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I really hope M3 Pure will have an option of normal gauges. I can't stand that digital layout in G20.
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      05-02-2019, 09:02 AM   #116
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MT4life View Post
I really hope M3 Pure will have an option of normal gauges. I can't stand that digital layout in G20.
As long as I can get a manual I don’t care about the gauges, although I agree
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      05-02-2019, 09:07 AM   #117
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ssquared View Post
As long as I can get a manual I don’t care about the gauges, although I agree
Very true, although it's sad that for 70K we have to settle and hope for BMW to throw us a bone. Needs to be all 3, no, all 5
1. RWD
2. 6MT
3. Normal gauges
4. Different grill
5. Correct quad exhaust, none of that MB molding in the rear skirt weird shape exhaust tips
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      05-02-2019, 09:26 AM   #118
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kenny C View Post
Steering in sport mode more is responsive and heavier. Exhaust is comparable to my X3 M40i. Probably louder when I step on it. If I didn't know it was a straight six, I might think it was V8. Not as loud as some AMGs I have heard.
B58 sure does sound like a small V8
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      05-03-2019, 07:04 AM   #119
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MT4life View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by ssquared View Post
As long as I can get a manual I don't care about the gauges, although I agree
Very true, although it's sad that for 70K we have to settle and hope for BMW to throw us a bone. Needs to be all 3, no, all 5
1. RWD
2. 6MT
3. Normal gauges
4. Different grill
5. Correct quad exhaust, none of that MB molding in the rear skirt weird shape exhaust tips
It looks like you need a lightly used Chevy ss. With the Chevy you even get a 6.2L na v8. It's a big car, but so is the g20.
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      05-03-2019, 07:55 AM   #120
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fuller View Post
It looks like you need a lightly used Chevy ss. With the Chevy you even get a 6.2L na v8. It's a big car, but so is the g20.
Why does it hav to be a Chevy? I already have a car with all those items minus quad exhaust. We’ll see what M3 Pure looks like otherwise I’m happy driving mine
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      05-03-2019, 08:19 AM   #121
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I'll gladly take the 330i. The 340 is not worth the price for a car that looks identical to the common eye outside. Yeah it's got more horsepower but I've been driving a 335 e90 since 2013 so I have had my fun with that already.
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      05-03-2019, 08:57 AM   #122
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MT4life View Post
I really hope M3 Pure will have an option of normal gauges. I can't stand that digital layout in G20.
Same here, though it wouldn't be a deal breaker if it didn't.
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      05-03-2019, 09:22 AM   #123
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MT4life View Post
I really hope M3 Pure will have an option of normal gauges. I can't stand that digital layout in G20.
I thought the same thing originally but got used to the new gauges really quickly. I do wish there were more options like a central main tach and a speed readout instead.
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      05-03-2019, 10:45 AM   #124
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MT4life View Post
Very true, although it's sad that for 70K we have to settle and hope for BMW to throw us a bone. Needs to be all 3, no, all 5
1. RWD
2. 6MT
3. Normal gauges
4. Different grill
5. Correct quad exhaust, none of that MB molding in the rear skirt weird shape exhaust tips
+1

Frankly I just want something fun and simple. I’m tempted to get a CPO 230 6mt m sport or a BRZ and call it a day. All this extra weight and tech for tech sake and automation don’t agree with me.

Some of the tech is amazing but BMW is going the route of putting in things like the gauges just to keep up with Audi not because it’s any better, and the ergonomics of it completely sucks. It was very poorly executed. I wouldn’t object to digital gauges if they were as easy to read as the old ones or better, but the new ones offer no useful additional information, they’re more cluttered, and they just look stupid.

And no, I’m not a retired Luddite, I’m in my 30s and work in Tech/Analytics/Machine Learning.
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      05-03-2019, 11:14 AM   #125
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M340i xdrive Steering Feel

Quote:
Originally Posted by joshuastein55 View Post
How is steering feel? Is it numb or is there some feedback?
I did get the opportunity to test drive the M340i xdrive on roads I typically use and was impressed with the steering feel improvements. While it does not match the feel of an E46, it is far superior to my current 2015 435i drive (which is quite numb even if accurate and responsive). I was quite satisfied with the improvements and am seriously considering this vehicle (the new X3M or X4 M are tempting me though).
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      05-03-2019, 11:39 AM   #126
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Originally Posted by tsippr View Post
I did get the opportunity to test drive the M340i xdrive on roads I typically use and was impressed with the steering feel improvements. While it does not match the feel of an E46, it is far superior to my current 2015 435i drive (which is quite numb even if accurate and responsive). I was quite satisfied with the improvements and am seriously considering this vehicle (the new X3M or X4 M are tempting me though).
Did you try a 330msport too? I’m curious if the steering is a big difference between M340 and 330 m sport because so far reviews seem lukewarm on the 330 and the initial drives of the m340 seem to be much more impressive. Curious whether the additional power of the m340 is what’s driving that view or whether the steering feel and handling are actually better than 330 m-sport.
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      05-03-2019, 12:50 PM   #127
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ssquared View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by tsippr View Post
I did get the opportunity to test drive the M340i xdrive on roads I typically use and was impressed with the steering feel improvements. While it does not match the feel of an E46, it is far superior to my current 2015 435i drive (which is quite numb even if accurate and responsive). I was quite satisfied with the improvements and am seriously considering this vehicle (the new X3M or X4 M are tempting me though).
Did you try a 330msport too? I’m curious if the steering is a big difference between M340 and 330 m sport because so far reviews seem lukewarm on the 330 and the initial drives of the m340 seem to be much more impressive. Curious whether the additional power of the m340 is what’s driving that view or whether the steering feel and handling are actually better than 330 m-sport.
Steering racks in the 330 and M340 are different. 330 gets a new one, M340 gets a tweaked F30 rack due to the size of the inline 6. I would expect the 330 to have better steering feel due to it having less weight up front as well as a newer designer EPS rack.
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      05-03-2019, 01:07 PM   #128
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M235i vs M340 xdrive

I went from an M235i into my new M340 xdrive. Only done 250 miles so far, but initial impressions of steering are that steering weight in sport or sport+ is a little heavier in the M340. I have not really noticed a significant difference in feel (maybe slightly improved), but the miles have been relatively easy so far.

The M340 obviously feels like a bigger car, but not by as much as I was expecting. It's early days yet, but I think I am going to enjoy driving the M340 as much as the M235, and it also has the added advantage of being more practical, much more luxurious and comfortable, and faster. Can't say how much faster yet; the M340 definitely has more guts from low speed, but I haven't really tried it much above 4,000rpm yet to see what the top end is like.

I'm also impressed with some of the tech. Voice recognition is very good...it recognized some pretty obscure vineyard names last weekend on a trip to the north fork of Long Island. Biggest issue so far is one that has been well documented here...the lane departure warning system is annoying, so I switched it off.

As for the looks, I like them, but I did add a CF diffuser and gloss black spoiler to toughen the rear end. The car seems to have presence, as it turned quite quite a few heads on the Long Island Expressway.
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      05-03-2019, 01:08 PM   #129
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ar2020 View Post
I'll gladly take the 330i. The 340 is not worth the price for a car that looks identical to the common eye outside. Yeah it's got more horsepower but I've been driving a 335 e90 since 2013 so I have had my fun with that already.
The average person off the street can't even tell a 3-series apart from a M3 either.

The power is 50% of the fun for me.
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      05-03-2019, 03:07 PM   #130
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ssquared View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by tsippr View Post
I did get the opportunity to test drive the M340i xdrive on roads I typically use and was impressed with the steering feel improvements. While it does not match the feel of an E46, it is far superior to my current 2015 435i drive (which is quite numb even if accurate and responsive). I was quite satisfied with the improvements and am seriously considering this vehicle (the new X3M or X4 M are tempting me though).
Did you try a 330msport too? I’m curious if the steering is a big difference between M340 and 330 m sport because so far reviews seem lukewarm on the 330 and the initial drives of the m340 seem to be much more impressive. Curious whether the additional power of the m340 is what’s driving that view or whether the steering feel and handling are actually better than 330 m-sport.
In comfort mode, M340i has much heavier steering than 330i M-Sport. In sport mode I feel like it's still M340i is heavier.
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      05-03-2019, 03:59 PM   #131
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Quote:
Originally Posted by praxis218 View Post
The average person off the street can't even tell a 3-series apart from a M3 either.

The power is 50% of the fun for me.
Go for it. Having a 335 for a few years you will hardly get to use that extra power if you live in a major city like I do.
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      05-03-2019, 04:21 PM   #132
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Just got back from a test drive of the M340i. Got to drive on some somewhat curvy roads at speed, and got to push it a bit.

I currently am in a 2017 F30 340i xDrive with the MPPSK.

Couple of things I found:

1. The exhaust is not as loud in Sport mode as the MPPSK, pretty disappointing. There are some burbles with the M340i, but windows down the MPPSK exhaust sounds a lot better imho. I have heard of people already cutting out the resonator in the M340i, that might be an option - but I love that the MPPSK sounds quiet in Comfort mode and nice and loud in Sport mode.

2. The steering is significantly approved over the F30 imho - I can't put my finger on it, but it just feels better. In Comfort mode it feels great, in Sport mode it feels heavier but not pointlessly so if that makes sense.

3. The car I test drove had the adaptive suspension - I honestly couldn't tell a big difference between Comfort and Sport mode as compared to my 340i. What I noticed though was in Sport mode it felt a lot less firm, even though the car handled great. So it was an improvement overall.

4. The car is a lot quieter with the windows up compared to the F30.

5. The car is probably faster, but when I floored it, the torque didn't feel as "violent" - it didn't push you back into your seat like it does on my 340. It feels like the power delivery is smoother overall even though its faster. I'm not sure why? The shifts also are not as firm in Sport Transmission mode as it is on my 340. They are just as fast but smoother, not sure if I like that or not.

Anyway, I really like the car overall, will probably be in one when my lease is up in October.
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