[goj]

Originally Posted by geddylee

The steering is a lot better in that the weight is much more natural and consistent feeling, especially compared to VSS. It handles better, the power is lost on me though.

M3/4 essentially has VSS.

But OP the M is a different beast for sure

[hollandog]

Originally Posted by jmg

I drove a 328i for 3 years, then got a 340i M Sport with Track Handling. The 340i lasted 3 months and I traded it for an F80.

The step up from the 328i to a 340i is NOTHING compared to the step up from a 340i to an M3/4. The sounds, the power, the seats, the handling... it's not even in the same ballpark. The M3/4 is purpose driven to be aggressively fast. The cabin is noisier, the seats are thinner and firmer, the car wants to shred tires it's non-runflats even in 3rd gear from a roll, and it's lighter, despite feeling bigger because of that huge bump on the hood.


INTERIOR
The interior is better, but not that much, it's more the design of the sporty seats. The CF trim plus CF shifter, parking break etc all come together really nicely on the M3, but I didn't have CF on the 340i, so I can't compare. The alcantera boot on the parking brake is quite nice, as well as the M color stitching all around. Of course the M steering wheel is a plus!

EXTERIOR
We all know the M3 is a 3 series on roids, so there's no comparison.

TIRES/BRAKES
I really think the 340i should have come with non-runflats like the M3. The 340i didn't have nearly enough grip for the power it delivers. The M3 came with drilled rotors (aesthetic only IMHO), while the 340i Track Handling Package (ZTR) did not. I thought the brakes on the ZTR were the same as the ones on the M3, but the M3 feels like it has a much shorter braking distance. Maybe it's that the M3 is almost 300lbs lighter?

TRANSMISSION
I opted for the DCT in the M3 and the automatic for the 340i since they are both my commuter cars. The DCT is vastly superior to what I thought was already a great, great auto in the 340i. It behaves quite differently, being a dual clutch. There is no park, and it behaves like a manual at a stop. For example, in the M3, if I'm at a stop and I let go of the brakes, the car will be in neutral. It will not inch forward like a true automatic. This takes some getting used to when maneuvering in tight parking spots. Also, it's a 7 speed as opposed to the 340i's 8 speed. But really, you don't need a 8 speed M3. Like I mentioned earlier, the car WILL eat tires in the first 3 gears if you turn off DSC. That being said...

STABILITY CONTROL
...even with DSC fully engaged, I can make the rear kick loose quite easily. The DSC will intervene a second later. The M3 can be scary scary with DSC completely off. The 340i was stupid quick too, but I don't recall spinning the tires in 2nd gear unless I was turning.

EXHAUST
The sound of the S55 is polarizing. Some people think it sounds awful. Indeed, it's a unique sound that's a bit rattly and high pitched. I have the MPE and it's LOUD (and a $5k option). Cold starts are rude and crude and shakes your bones even in efficient mode. You DON'T need active sound, and I turned it off. It's annoying in the M3, where it was almost necessary in the 340i just to feel like you have some balls.
I loved the burbling of the 340i, and the MPE of the M3 is about 10 times louder. Personally, I like it but I can see why some people don't. One thing is for sure... it's an attention getter.

DAILY DRIVING
The 340i and the 328i were perfect DDs for me. The F80 is a bit of overkill and not as composed in sport+ mode, having so much torque at the tap of the gas peddle, but in efficient mode, it's just as silky as the 340i. Seats are sportier and firmer, but I find them much more comfortable for some reason. I also had a loaner 428i convertible and I found those seats to be the most uncomfortable seats BMW has ever made. I could never find a comfortable position. Bottom line, the M3 is a fine DDer.

Is it work the extra $30k? For me, yes. The M3 has been my dream car for a long time. Is the 340i an awesome car for $50-65k? YES!!!

Is it worth it to you? Go test drive one then brace your bank account for what might be coming.

Awesome write up!

[kentgbr]

Maybe it's that the M3 is almost 300lbs lighter?

No way is an F80 M3 300lbs lighter than a 340i, 50lbs, maybe, depending on options.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by kentgbr

No way is an F80 M3 300lbs lighter than a 340i, 50lbs, maybe, depending on options.

Oops, that was for the X Drive.

F80: 3516 lb
F30 340i X Drive: 3820 lb
F30 340i: 3686 lb

The F80 weights about 170 lbs lighter than the 340i. Not a lot, but significant enough.

[Vegetable]

Originally Posted by kentgbr

No way is an F80 M3 300lbs lighter than a 340i, 50lbs, maybe, depending on options.

The 340i is the heaviest 3 series to date...Close to the same weight as the larger G30 5 series. Let's hope the new G20 340 or whatever BMW wants to call it loses at least 150 or so lbs to make up for the B58's hefty weight.

[eluded]

My 340i weighed 3660 pounds on the scale. Needs to go on a diet

[nozydog]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

the 340 is an amazing car but the M3 is definitely worth the extra cost

Hmmm maybe but the best prices I got were £30k compared to £51k and that's a price difference of £21,000 ($30,000) Man that's a lot of dosh and because I won't be tracking I couldn't see the point in a remortgage!!! I also prefer understatement than the look at me boy racerish looks of the M3, don't get me wrong, if money was no object etc... but I'll report back when I've had mine for a few weeks...

[CIWS]

Originally Posted by jmg

Is it worth it to you? Go test drive one then brace your bank account for what might be coming.

Personal rule : Never test drive a car you are not prepared to buy. All it does is stick a nasty little man in your brain that starts making you think all kinds of bad and illogical thoughts on how to acquire that vehicle.

[Wires]

Originally Posted by CIWS

Personal rule : Never test drive a car you are not prepared to buy. All it does is stick a nasty little man in your brain that starts making you think all kinds of bad and illogical thoughts on how to acquire that vehicle.

This guy knows what he's talking about!

That's how I got my 340. Did a tour of the dealership to see what's new, a week later it's in my garage.

[Wires]

*cough* M4 GTS *cough*

[kentgbr]

Originally Posted by jmg

Oops, that was for the X Drive.

F80: 3516 lb
F30 340i X Drive: 3820 lb
F30 340i: 3686 lb

The F80 weights about 170 lbs lighter than the 340i. Not a lot, but significant enough.

The F80 number looks low, were these numbers obtained from the same source? The most direct comparison is for the 6-spd cars with very similar transmissions. The 2017 curb weight specs from BMWUSA.com are shown below. The manual trans cars are about 100lbs apart.

M3 DCT 3630 lbs
M3 Manual 3575 lbs
340i Auto 3704 lbs
340i Manual 3675 lbs
340i x Auto 3858 lbs
340i x Manual 3803 lbs

[nozydog]

Originally Posted by sandwi54

There is a reason why M3 costs 13k more than 340 but 340 only costs 4k more than a 328.

M3 actually costs £21k ($30k) more than 340i in cash terms..!!! I got quotes for the best possible deals on both and discounts on 340i's are huge compared to M3's (obviously due to it being much rarer with way far fewer M3's being ordered! Comparing the torque (chassis/handling aside) 330i has 350Nm 340i has 450Nm while M3 has 550Nm. The torque going from 330i to 340i is up 28% while going from 340i to M3 it's up 22%. Interesting comparison I thought!

[CIWS]

Originally Posted by Wires

*cough* M4 GTS *cough*

On The Grand Tour last week they really talked down the GTS, at least compared to the Porsche GT3 RS.

[sandwi54]

Originally Posted by nozydog

M3 actually costs £21k ($30k) more than 340i in cash terms..!!! I got quotes for the best possible deals on both and discounts on 340i's are huge compared to M3's (obviously due to it being much rarer with way far fewer M3's being ordered! Comparing the torque (chassis/handling aside) 330i has 350Nm 340i has 450Nm while M3 has 550Nm. The torque going from 330i to 340i is up 28% while going from 340i to M3 it's up 22%. Interesting comparison I thought!

In the US, a similarly equipped M3 is around 14k more than a 340i. I guess we luck out here to be able to buy cars for cheap!

[nozydog]

Originally Posted by sandwi54

In the US, a similarly equipped M3 is around 14k more than a 340i. I guess we luck out here to be able to buy cars for cheap!

I'm guessing that's because I managed to pick up an exceptional deal on my 340i (which included a £4750 incentive from BMW as well as 10% dealer discount) This certainly wouldn't have happened with an M3. I did have a look at an M3 in the showroom, but as someone else has said above... never test drive what you can't afford!! Wise words I reckon!

[CIWS]

Originally Posted by nozydog

but as someone else has said above... never test drive what you can't afford!! Wise words I reckon!

In keeping with that I better make damn sure never to test drive one of the new 550i Xdrives.

"Powered by a TwinPower Turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with 456 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 480 pound-feet starting at just 1,800 rpm, BMW says the M550i xDrive is the quickest 5 Series ever made. Indeed, the model's 0-60 time of "under four seconds" means it's quicker than the previous-generation M5"

http://www.autoblog.com/2016/12/17/b...-iperformance/

[440xiGCMsport]

Originally Posted by CIWS

In keeping with that I better make damn sure never to test drive one of the new 550i Xdrives.

"Powered by a TwinPower Turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with 456 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 480 pound-feet starting at just 1,800 rpm, BMW says the M550i xDrive is the quickest 5 Series ever made. Indeed, the model's 0-60 time of "under four seconds" means it's quicker than the previous-generation M5"

http://www.autoblog.com/2016/12/17/b...-iperformance/

BMW can't build a reliable trouble free v8 if their lives depended on it.

[stormlv]

Originally Posted by CIWS

In keeping with that I better make damn sure never to test drive one of the new 550i Xdrives.

"Powered by a TwinPower Turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with 456 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 480 pound-feet starting at just 1,800 rpm, BMW says the M550i xDrive is the quickest 5 Series ever made. Indeed, the model's 0-60 time of "under four seconds" means it's quicker than the previous-generation M5"

http://www.autoblog.com/2016/12/17/b...-iperformance/

I've heard this "quicker" / "faster" than the previous generation M5 in a lot of articles, but all I see is 0-60 times...

Hell, I'd bet that my tuned 435xd might be quicker to 60 than an M4, but i wouldn't want to see what an M4 would do to me on a track...

[Falafel Combo]

M3 every time.

Mine is still for sale. Details in the signature.

[CIWS]

Originally Posted by stormlv

I've heard this "quicker" / "faster" than the previous generation M5 in a lot of articles, but all I see is 0-60 times...

Hell, I'd bet that my tuned 435xd might be quicker to 60 than an M4, but i wouldn't want to see what an M4 would do to me on a track...

I don't track my cars

[jmg]

Originally Posted by sandwi54

In the US, a similarly equipped M3 is around 14k more than a 340i. I guess we luck out here to be able to buy cars for cheap!

Unfortunately, that's just the MSRP. 340i aren't priced to move, so you can negotiate way down below MSRP, while M cars aren't discounted much at all. My fully loaded 340i M Sport was $27k less than my M3, but the 340i was heavily discounted over $10k. The M3 was barely discounted at all and doesn't have the driver assist plus nor the leather seats. Although I've come to really like the cloth!

[stormlv]

Originally Posted by CIWS

I don't track my cars

Fair enough