[Dan203]

I kept my 135i for a couple months after I got the 340i. I only drove it a few times but every time I did the steering always felt like it took way more muscle then the 340i. But it also felt more responsive. Like a tiny little movement made the car do something. The 340i feels like it has a big dead spot in the middle, even in sport mode.

[skier219]

Originally Posted by Dan203

I kept my 135i for a couple months after I got the 340i. I only drove it a few times but every time I did the steering always felt like it took way more muscle then the 340i. But it also felt more responsive. Like a tiny little movement made the car do something. The 340i feels like it has a big dead spot in the middle, even in sport mode.

Sport only reduces the amount of assist, to require more driver effort, but I don't think it changes the overall behavior of the electric power steering. Certainly doesn't help on-center feel as you note. To me going on/off center is very vague. Definitely better after the LCI, but still vague. Tires have a big effect on this too.

[MomoM3]

Originally Posted by Dan203

I got the "Track Handling Package". There was no "M Sport Package" available when I ordered. (Feb 2016)

That's because you selected Mediterranean Blue which is incompatible with the M Sport Package. I do love that color but when I built my 340ix I wanted the M Sport styling over a color so I went Alpine White.

I will say that I added the Dinan Performance springs which lowers the car an inch and it eliminates the xDrive understeer you're talking about.

Also, I swapped out the Bridgestone run-flats with Michelin PSS non-run-flat and it eliminated the dead center steering feel along with a smoother ride.

Lastly, I have the 6MT and love it - lots more fun with a 3rd pedal.

[Budget M3]

@Dan203 Momo speaks the truth. Better springs and real tires will make the 340i handle as close as it can to the 135i. It won't be perfect, but that is the trade for the extra HP/trq, comfort and convenience of the 340. Quality aftermarket springs will do a better job than the expensive Msport, too.

There's not much you can do about the steering--IMHO it's not better or worse, it's just different and definitely takes some getting used to...

I drive my 340i in Sport mode most of the time--throttle response is terrible in anything but Sport and Sport+. Throttle is much easier to modulate in those modes, too. The lag you speak of is most often encountered in Comfort mode, so just get in the habit of switching to Sport every time you start the car. In spirited driving, I've learned to use the paddles at certain speeds and in certain gears to eliminate lag. You can learn, too! 😄

I can't speak to adaptive cruise since I don't have it, but one of the above posts appears to provide a workaround.

Med Blue is the bomb! Mine is also Med Blue with Saddle Brown interior. I leased my car through Nov 2018, and plan to turn it in at the end of the lease when I will be moving back to Colorado full time where I will need the Xdrive. Shoot me a PM before you trade--I'm gonna be in the market for an AWD Med Blue AT 340!!!

Originally Posted by MomoM3

That's because you selected Mediterranean Blue which is incompatible with the M Sport Package. I do love that color but when I built my 340ix I wanted the M Sport styling over a color so I went Alpine White.

I will say that I added the Dinan Performance springs which lowers the car an inch and it eliminates the xDrive understeer you're talking about.

Also, I swapped out the Bridgestone run-flats with Michelin PSS non-run-flat and it eliminated the dead center steering feel along with a smoother ride.

Lastly, I have the 6MT and love it - lots more fun with a 3rd pedal.

[Dan203]

Can you change the springs when you have adaptive suspension? I thought it was all some sort electronically controlled hydraulics? (I'm not much of a gear head, so excuse me if this is a stupid question)

[Budget M3]

Originally Posted by Dan203

Can you change the springs when you have adaptive suspension? I thought it was all some sort electronically controlled hydraulics? (I'm not much of a gear head, so excuse me if this is a stupid question)

My understanding is that the M-adaptive feature only controls the shocks (I.e. Damping). You should be fine replacing springs and keeping the adjustable shocks. Just go with a reputable suspension tuner like Dinan or Eibach to make sure the spring rates are a good match for the adjustable shocks.

[WhiteBeard]

OP you want to combine uncombinable a small car like 135i and a 340xi with bigger rear seats and trunk, 6MT and 8AT, RWD and AWD, plus you want to keep agility of old 135i and add to that all the comfort of a new 340xi - I wish such car existed.

What's more you want to jump the ship thinking grass is greener on the other side. Unless you jump into some AMG (which would be too expensive than staying with M2 in the first place, and M2 will be a better car imho too) or if you jump into manual Corvette (which will deny your rear seats by default) - no country for the old man so to speak. I would just trade in your 340xi for some good M240i or something like that

[Dan203]

I would never buy a Corvette. That's an old man car.

What I might do though is get an M240i and a used Subaru that I can use for the snow and when I need more room.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by Dan203

I would never buy a Corvette. That's an old man car.

What I might do though is get an M240i and a used Subaru that I can use for the snow and when I need more room.

I don't know about Corvette, I was never a fan until latest model (or two).
Haven't driven one, but they finally look like a "proper" sports car, in my opinion, not "old man's car" at all with current model, and also are apparently a blast to drive.

As for M240, I think that'll get you A LOT closer to what you remember BMW to be like, just make sure you get the right number of pedals this time around (oh, and RWD of course too).

[BMW11]

Originally Posted by Bbb34

I don't know about Corvette, I was never a fan until latest model (or two).
Haven't driven one, but they finally look like a "proper" sports car, in my opinion, not "old man's car" at all with current model, and also are apparently a blast to drive.

As for M240, I think that'll get you A LOT closer to what you remember BMW to be like, just make sure you get the right number of pedals this time around (oh, and RWD of course too).

corvettes have issues http://www.thedrive.com/news/11486/c...ck-overheating

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by BMW11

corvettes have issues http://www.thedrive.com/news/11486/c...ck-overheating

Ouch, serves them right for buying sports car and then tracking it, aren't those meant to be "for show" only.

To be honest, I know next to nothing about corvettes, I can't advise anyone how good or bad they are.

I was just commenting more in terms of looks. In the past I'd look at them and never once said "whoa, that's a great looking car I would like to own", but with C7 and renderings of C8, I must admit, to me they look very nice.