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      02-15-2020, 03:37 PM   #1
cardsy
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F30 340i over M235i?

Hi all, currently deciding between a 340i (RWD) and M235i as a DD (commute ~10 miles one way). I plan on getting BM3 Stage 2 on either car.

(1) Will I need to replace the turbos on the M235i if I'm looking for 400bhp? I know upgraded FMIC/DP is required, but wasn't sure about turbos if I'm 'only' looking for 400bhp.

(2) The main differences are the adaptive suspension on the M235i versus the 704 fixed MSport suspension on the 340i, plus the 340i has some additional tech goodies (BSM, side/top view cameras).

I know it's an odd matchup as it's comparing the sedan against a coupe as well as B58 versus N55 tuning. Am curious which you think would be more fun as a daily driver--any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks!
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      02-15-2020, 06:11 PM   #2
2014F32435iMsport
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I know your situation is a little different but i went with a 435 over 235 because of my size, 235 was a bit tight for me to drive everyday although I would say it is probably a little more fun to throw around because of it's smaller size.
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      02-15-2020, 06:38 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cardsy View Post
Hi all, currently deciding between a 340i (RWD) and M235i as a DD (commute ~10 miles one way). I plan on getting BM3 Stage 2 on either car.

(1) Will I need to replace the turbos on the M235i if I'm looking for 400bhp? I know upgraded FMIC/DP is required, but wasn't sure about turbos if I'm 'only' looking for 400bhp.

(2) The main differences are the adaptive suspension on the M235i versus the 704 fixed MSport suspension on the 340i, plus the 340i has some additional tech goodies (BSM, side/top view cameras).

I know it's an odd matchup as it's comparing the sedan against a coupe as well as B58 versus N55 tuning. Am curious which you think would be more fun as a daily driver--any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks!
You want the B58 if you are all about the extra power. If not, the M235i is a fun ride.
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      02-15-2020, 07:00 PM   #4
cardsy
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2014F32435iMsport View Post
I know your situation is a little different but i went with a 435 over 235 because of my size -snip-
Ah ok gotcha- thanks for the input! I started to consider the 235 primarily since it's just me in the car 90% of the time and I fit alright in it, but glad to it's comparable to the 4 series!

Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWILUVU View Post
You want the B58 if you are all about the extra power. If not, the M235i is a fun ride.
Noted, afaik the B58 only needs the DP to be changed for BM3 tune; people seem to be doing fine with the stock heat exchanger even on stage 2(?)
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      02-15-2020, 07:22 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cardsy View Post
Ah ok gotcha- thanks for the input! I started to consider the 235 primarily since it's just me in the car 90% of the time and I fit alright in it, but glad to it's comparable to the 4 series!


Noted, afaik the B58 only needs the DP to be changed for BM3 tune; people seem to be doing fine with the stock heat exchanger even on stage 2(?)
Does your 340i RWD have the track package?
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      02-15-2020, 08:01 PM   #6
cardsy
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWILUVU View Post
Does your 340i RWD have the track package?
No, it has everything but the thp unfortunately So no blue msport brakes/adaptive suspension. It does have the fixed 704 msport one though
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      02-15-2020, 09:50 PM   #7
ouengineer
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I'd lean towards the M235 if you don't need the rear seat space to haul kids or coworkers or whatever. Smaller is almost always more fun for handling and the N55 is still a great engine. The 1/2 series was always the car I really wanted (but then I had a kid).

However the 3 series interior is noticeably better, and having blind spot monitors and top/side view cameras is quite nice. I use the top view cameras daily for backing into spaces and pulling into garage. And if you care more about raw power, the B58 is definitely the way to go.
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      02-15-2020, 10:15 PM   #8
cardsy
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ouengineer View Post
I'd lean towards the M235 if you don't need the rear seat space to haul kids or coworkers or whatever. Smaller is almost always more fun for handling and the N55 is still a great engine. The 1/2 series was always the car I really wanted (but then I had a kid).

However the 3 series interior is noticeably better, and having blind spot monitors and top/side view cameras is quite nice. I use the top view cameras daily for backing into spaces and pulling into garage. And if you care more about raw power, the B58 is definitely the way to go.
Pre-kids so currently have a few more years of recklessness, haha. That's along the lines of what I'm thinking as well, but I also don't track the car so I'm having an internal debate between a sportier ride versus more premium interior.

I do plan on tuning whatever car I get, so I think they'll end up at relatively similar levels still.
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      02-16-2020, 01:09 AM   #9
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B58 for the win
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      02-16-2020, 02:29 AM   #10
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340i. More power, quicker spool, cheaper to mod, more reliable, plus the creature comforts you mentioned in optioned upgrades.
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