[JRocker3]

Nice review... I'm a few weeks away from picking up my '18 340i at the Performance Center... first upgrade will be the MPPSK, followed by some of the alcantera interior bits and a nice set of non-RFTs.

I think the 340 vs M3 comparison is a tough one... with upgrades to the 340 the cost might approach the M3, no question about it, but they are two different cars. I'd rather save the money and keep my 340 in pristine condition throughout its life than be strapped just to have an M car. Anyway, that's just how I see it, everyone likes what they like. Of course the long term goal is always an ///M !!!

[autopal]

Originally Posted by JRocker3

Nice review... I'm a few weeks away from picking up my '18 340i at the Performance Center... first upgrade will be the MPPSK, followed by some of the alcantera interior bits and a nice set of non-RFTs.

I think the 340 vs M3 comparison is a tough one... with upgrades to the 340 the cost might approach the M3, no question about it, but they are two different cars. I'd rather save the money and keep my 340 in pristine condition throughout its life than be strapped just to have an M car. Anyway, that's just how I see it, everyone likes what they like. Of course the long term goal is always an ///M !!!

The debate will never end. If I live in a state like say, Florida, with smooth roads and 12 months of summer, then I'd seriously consider the M3 over a fully optioned 340i. Living in western Canada, with 6 months of winter, and roads that are sometimes quite bumpy, the 340i with MPPSK is definitely the better daily driver. Adding the fact that insurance cost on the M3 is about 30% more, then the 340i is a no brainer. These 2 cars were not meant to compete with each other, so we on these forums should desist from criticize each other for getting one over the other. As I've said, the M3 is a track weapon, but it's not as comfortable to live with as the 340i

[ishowerinjager]

Originally Posted by jmg

My F80 is just as comfortable as a daily as my 340i M Sport. The difference being that I don't have some options on the M3 that I did on the 340i. It doesn't effect my daily driving experience however, except that I get to sit in a way more aggressive looking and faster car everyday I drive it.

"Just as comfortable as a daily"

You're delusional my friend. Keep justifying your purchase.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Originally Posted by DML

I currently drive a 2017 ZCP, haven't updated my info. Thanks for the reminder sport.

Wasn't the V8 M3 available when you chose a 335is a $60K+ E92? IIRC my 2011 was $62K & change.

Point is there are any number of reasons to chose one over the other depending on what you are looking for in a car.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Originally Posted by moff

Quality not tried that yet.

Bloody love that it's coded out though

Found that by accident on a Costco run.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by ishowerinjager

"Just as comfortable as a daily"

You're delusional my friend. Keep justifying your purchase.

I don't have to justify it. I've owned both.

[bjcarls]

Originally Posted by autopal

Exactly. M cars are track weapons, but terrible daily driver, especially for people who have to deal with winter conditions every year

Incorrect. M cars are not even track weapons. They cope better on track but are still pigs in sheeps clothing.

[ishowerinjager]

Originally Posted by jmg

I don't have to justify it. I've owned both.

You sound like one of the classic M guys. Thinking that everyone who didn't buy one wanted one so bad but couldn't fork over the cash. That's very often not the case.

Most of the guys I'm talking about who justify it are the guys rolling around in the Canada for 8 months in winter in their f80s. And they say they are great for daily.

[Sam@Bimmerpost]

Originally Posted by jmg

I don't have to justify it. I've owned both.

jmg's owned both so I think he's in a good position to ascertain for himself.

I think comfort is relative. I've been happy to daily several 'track weapon' cars that others have speculated are too harsh for daily driving. Modern adaptive suspensions are so good at doing both so there isn't much compromise.

Yes, I think the 340i has a better ride/handling balance for the street. But I would be happy to drive an F80 M3 competition with the M Performance coilovers as my daily. It rides firmer, the Michelin Cup tires feel harder and more road surface intrusions will make their way into the cabin, but it's never what I would consider harsh. I think gone are the days of truly overbearing track-biased cars. The last one I remember is the Lotus Exige. The Exige was quite raw to the point where I might not daily one.

The M3, no problem. But that's just me, and I understand that different people have different expectations for comfort and smoothness.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by ishowerinjager

You sound like one of the classic M guys. Thinking that everyone who didn't buy one wanted one so bad but couldn't fork over the cash. That's very often not the case.

Most of the guys I'm talking about who justify it are the guys rolling around in the Canada for 8 months in winter in their f80s. And they say they are great for daily.

Read my posts again. I loved my 340i and it's a great car. The cabin is quieter and more options can be had for less. Noise doesn't bother me so I don't consider it a detriment to comfortable driving. Others might. There are plenty of reasons to get a 340i over an M3. Daily driving comfort isn't one of them.

[ishowerinjager]

Originally Posted by jmg

Read my posts again. I loved my 340i and it's a great car. The cabin is quieter and more options can be had for less. Noise doesn't bother me so I don't consider it a detriment to comfortable driving. Others might. There are plenty of reasons to get a 340i over an M3. Daily driving comfort isn't one of them.

I can agree to that.

I guess for me I would love a 340 for 8 months and an m3 for 4 months where I live.

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by blue dragon

Why do people assume that everyone wants an M? I didn't want one when I bought my 340i

Because they are better

Just kidding. We have both. M4 for me and 340 for the wife.

[insanecoder]

I gotta say I dont own them all but I've driven them all and yes the Ms are better planted but I like being able to break the rear loose on the 340i .. its fun
The M2 is fairly easy to break the rear loose as well
Still no regrets on the 340i as a daily driver esp after finally putting a tune on it.. its more than enough on the streets, luxurious and sporty, is able to track well, and can save $$$ on fuel when I'm feeling less frisky and decide to go econo.. it plays so many parts and all so well..

[P1]

Is this the same car?

[Eriphill]

I've noticed a few people here mention an M3 is 'only x amount of dollars' more than a fully loaded 340i. Yes that's true if you are buying outright but I lease (I like to change out cars every year or two) and at least here in Canada the numbers on leases (interest rates etc) for M cars are terrible. As good as an M3 is would I want to double my monthly payment for one...nope.

[autopal]

Originally Posted by Eriphill

I've noticed a few people here mention an M3 is 'only x amount of dollars' more than a fully loaded 340i. Yes that's true if you are buying outright but I lease (I like to change out cars every year or two) and at least here in Canada the numbers on leases (interest rates etc) for M cars are terrible. As good as an M3 is would I want to double my monthly payment for one...nope.

You are very correct. I'm also in Canada. Last month, I leased a 2017 340i Xdrive with premium essential, MPPSK and apple car play for just over $700 a month for 24 months and 20,000KMS per year. If u look at a lease on a '17 M3 with nothing but the double clutch and premium package (no executive package, no competition package etc) over the same 2 yrs and 20,000 KMS, the monthly is more than double. I can afford the M3 payment, but I just don't think it was worth it, plus the M3 is not a daily between November and April and the monthly insurance is about 30% more.
The point is, the M3 is superior in terms of performance, but most comparisons with the 340i are misplaced at best. Different cars, with different objective for different buyers. Not everybody that buys a 340i wish they could get a M3 instead

[320if30]

So, this will fit on a 2013 328i M sport RWD Sport AT

[maddoc]

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

the 340i gets M mirrors before the m2 does.

Because their bolt on for the 3 series...

[mwh2009]

Originally Posted by autopal

I have a 340i with Xdrive and power and sound kit. Whilst it is certainly not an M, I think it's the perfect car for people who's looking for a daily driver with just an occasional day or two at the track. I thought about getting the M2, but with the long winters we have here in Canada, the 340i was just the practical solution. I traded in my C450 for it and love it

Agreed. And Ive owned both now. M3is incredible, but just not as good at the DD game as the 340

[Dylan86]

No wonder the car had no grip, look at those shotty tires

Way to "showcase" the potential, BMW...

[g20jprad]

Originally Posted by skalberti

Rather than spending $55-$60k on a 340i and then throwing a ton of money into M Performance Parts, I'd just go ahead and buy an M.

Totally.

[iMinLuv]

It's a limited slip and 35 hp with a bunch of useless carbon and decals. Did they really think they'd feel a huge difference from a ppsk and a diff? Put some coils, JB4, WMI, intake, downpipes and some wider rubber. Then tell me it can't hang with an M Car.

Carbon mirrors ain't gonna do it Bub