Quote:
Originally Posted by thejeremyman9
I drove the 2020 M340i at BMW's autocross event in LA a little while back, so I can directly compare that to my 2015 335i that was stock at the time but is now IC+CP and MHD stage 1. I also got the ride passenger when the "professional driver" did a lap of the M340i so i got to feel it as a passenger. I also had a friend of mine do a few pulls in my 335i so i could feel it as a passenger. They felt very similar once i was stage 1.
If you are comparing stock for stock, obviously the 340 will have more power. The power celing with stock turbo is also higher than with the N55. Having driven both back to back, the M340i didnt really knock my socks off, even when getting to drive it 10/10ths on a autocross track. I was worried going into it that i would leave disappointed when i got back into my 335i after the event but that wasnt the case.
Some things i did not like about the 2020 M340i (my opinion, YMMV):
- Not a fan of the digital cluster/dash, much prefer the analog
- Did not like the revised iDrive center display screen placement
- way too many buttons down by the shifter and did not like the shifter itself as much (compared to sport auto in 335)
- not a fan of the overall looks of the M340i, e.g., rear bumper/diffuser, front bumper, most body lines, square exhaust
What i did like:
- stock for stock, 340i exhaust sounds way better
- seats/stiching were really nice in the 340 (probably better optioned than mine, i have sensa tec)
- the B58 seems to hit harder and felt a little more responsibe in 1st and 2nd gear, assuming you dont spin
Having said all that, would i want to spend $30,000 more than what i paid for my 30k mile CPO 2015 335i Msport in the exact color, configuration, etc, that i wanted, to get a new M340i? Absolutely not. If you wanted to wait a couple years and get a CPO 340i that has just come out of a lease it might be worth it. Just depends on your goals for the car. I researched cars for years before i pulled the trigger on my N55 last summer, and i did it even after the B58 had been out for a couple years. I did so because the N55 had been out for longer and I knew (1) i wanted to modify the car and (2) I keep all my cars forever, so i wanted something that has proven itself long term. The B58 can definitely be modified, make power, etc, i just wanted something with a longer history. Again, my personal opinion.
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Great write up. Honestly thank you. I agree a lot with you about the M340i. I personally do not like the way it looks inside or out. I was looking more towards the 2016 340i xdrive or 2015 335i xdrive. I've been reading for a while about the two cars like you said you did. I want to make sure I'm well educated before making my purchase. I'm just looking for a nice exhaust and tune out of my next car. Nothing crazy or out of control. I've read the B58 makes more power but the N55 has proven its reliability. Hard choices. Thank you for the response.