[g20dylan]

Greetings, everyone.
As I'm thinking about buying my first performance car, I've invested considerable time in evaluating the F80 M3 against the 2020 M340i xDrive. With the two being so comparably priced, it would seem to most folks that I'd go with the M3, but after doing a lot of research and reflecting quite a bit on my own, I feel like the M340i is the better car in almost every way for what I would want as a daily driver.
To begin with performance, the M340i has under its hood the B58 engine, which is a true jewel in the BMW crown. Series production makes clear this motor is capable of around 500 whp without even necessitating a full single turbo kit. With a bit of help from a downpipe and a good tune (like the MHD with JB4 backend map), the car transforms into a very rapid and responsive machine that’s a joy to drive, and not just on the straights.
To go beyond the limitations of the stock turbo system, the simple solution is to install a single turbo kit, like the KLM or Speedtech. Either choice can easily motivate the car to over 800 whp—again, with the right supporting modifications. And let's be clear: this isn't just track power. It's the sort of thing that equates to push-you-into-the-seat acceleration in daily driving.
The M340i's standout feature is its abundant torque. Peak twist is available low in the rev range, making the M340i feel even snappier than it might otherwise. With the car's xDrive all-wheel-drive system making the most of that power, the M340i rips off the line and is plenty fun in the wet, too.
On the other hand, the F80 M3—of course, amazing in its own right—feels more workaday. You have to earn your keep to get the S55 engine up to ideal power, and it’s not perfect for the kind of stop-and-go city driving that's common in the Motor City. The M340i's broad-reaching thrust and slightly more accessible power make it a better car for day-to-day urgencies.
Although a few purists might take issue with the M340i not being a "true M car," I think that criticism is off base. The B58 engine is a much better starting point for something like the M340i than the S55 that powers the M2 (2016) and the M4 (2014). The S55 is based on the older N55 engine, which powers the 335i and 435i. The N55 has more tuning potential, but the B58 has even more, is inherently more robust, and—most importantly—makes a lot more low-end torque.
Essentially, even though the F80 M3 might have the M badge, the B58 is the more modern and reliable engine. It's a powerplant designed with everyday usability and the sort of tunability you'd expect from an M car in mind. If you're looking for a performance car that won't give you the sort of headaches older M cars might, the B58-powered alternatives are a better bet.
Another key aspect that affected my choice is the interior. The M340i has a more up-to-date and upscale cabin, featuring ambient lighting and a first-rate sound system. There's a nice blend of materials and colors that helps make the space feel even more inviting. If you added in a few extra-horsepower parts to the sound system, I doubt you'd be able to tell much of a difference, either, as far as "good sound" is concerned.

The M340i's seats are closer to the type of car seats I'd consider putting in my house. They kind of envelop you but don't do it in a way that really pushes on any part of you. They're also more supportive without being stiffer than what I'd call "acceptable BMW seat stiffness."
In comparison, the F80's interior—though it has a sporty design—has a more raw performance vibe. It isn't quite as comfortable as the M340i for daily driving, and it certainly doesn't feel as luxurious. Beyond that, the M340i could also beat the F80 in an impromptu game of space jam, thanks to its more accommodating rear seat. And in a way, the M340i makes more sense: It is the car to have if one plans to drive the thing without an album's worth of potential personal injury tracks.
The latest technology accompanies the M340i, including the iDrive 7.0 system, which is friendly to the user and packed with features. That system is not only a step forward from the iDrive that lives in the F80 but also a substantial improvement over the fully digital instrument cluster and the touchscreen in the M5. The presence of advanced driver-assistance features in the M340i obviously ups the ante, allowing the car to be a bit more viable as a daily driver while also enhancing the driving experience.
The M340i presents an astonishing value when you weigh its price against its performance. You end up with an automobile that’s not just punchy and enjoyable to pilot but also sensible for day-to-day operations. With an engine that can produce an awful lot of horsepower, and a cabin that’s replete with luxury touches and user-friendly technology, it’s hard to find a counterpart that can go toe-to-toe with the M340i. Moreover, this Bimmer excels not only at serving as a sensible commuter but also at providing the sort of thrills that make you forget about the daily grind.
If you are in college or just beginning your driving experience, the M340i xDrive is a perfect pick for you. It melds performance and modern features too well to be offered at such a low price. Regardless of whether you plan to modify your car or are seeking something fun and reliable, the M340i xDrive is the stauncher value proposition.
Anyone who is concerned about the societal perception of not driving a "true M car" should pay my next few words close attention, because they are the all-too-rare truth. Now, I understand the main argument from M3 owners is that it has better handling and “breaks necks” due to its wider and more aggressive stance. While the F80 certainly has a more track-focused feel and a presence that turns heads, it’s important to recognize that the M340i’s handling is no slouch either. The xDrive system provides fantastic grip and stability, making it more confidence-inspiring in various driving conditions. Plus, for a daily driver, the balance between comfort and sportiness in the M340i is hard to beathe M340i is an incredibly fast, incredibly well-tuned car.

Cheers, Enjoy driving!

[LostInSpace]

When I was in college I drove a used pickup truck. I assume you and your friends all have NIL deals.

[g20dylan]

Originally Posted by LostInSpace

When I was in college I drove a used pickup truck. I assume you and your friends all have NIL deals.

Lol I wish. I major in real estate and currently engage in wholesale real estate, along with freelancing in brand scaling. This work has allowed me to comfortably afford an M340i.

[wolvesatthedoor]

I live one car household and spent about a year doing researching before pulling the trigger on a 21 M340i xDrive and the BMW brand itself. I needed a car that would do everything well, all in one package, under the 70k budget I set for myself and all roads kept leading to this particular model. After a test drive I was sold and needless to say I purchased one immediately. It has by far been the best all around daily driver I've ever had, and I have been nothing but happy with this car. So happy in fact, that I have a 2025 M340i xDrive ordered that I'll be picking up at the dealer this week. Long live the G20.

[g20dylan]

Originally Posted by wolvesatthedoor

I live one car household and spent about a year doing researching before pulling the trigger on a 21 M340i xDrive and the BMW brand itself. I needed a car that would do everything well, all in one package, under the 70k budget I set for myself and all roads kept leading to this particular model. After a test drive I was sold and needless to say I purchased one immediately. It has by far been the best all around daily driver I've ever had, and I have been nothing but happy with this car. So happy in fact, that I have a 2025 M340i xDrive ordered that I'll be picking up at the dealer this week. Long live the G20.

Congrats brother. That flat bottom steering wheel in the '25 is 🔥🔥