Making the switch

autopal · 08-11-2017, 11:47 AM

I've just pulled the trigger on a 2017 340 Xdrive.
Background info. I've owned two 3 series before, with my favourite a 2009 E90 335i. When the F30 was launched, I test drove it, and wasn't really impressed. It didn't seems to be much of an improvement over my existing E90, and the interior was ok, but not impressive, at least to my eyes. Eventually, November 2015, I made the switch to the new, at the time C450 AMG. There were stuff I didn't like about the Benz, but I was blown away by the interior, and that was probably what put me over the edge to get one. Now, after a year and 9 months, I'm going back to BMW, and here's why.

1)I still like most of the interior of the C450, but the minivan like steering column shifter has gotten on my nerves. I knew I didn't like it from the outset, but I hate it more everyday.
2) The V6 has enough power, but there is just something different about BMW's inline 6, I don't know exactly what it is, but I'm done with V6s
3) I always prefer the exterior of the 3 series with M sport, but it was the interior, and the curiosity to try something different that drove me to the Benz, after a few months, I realize just how boring the Benz really is
4) The Benz is a competent entry level luxury car, but it is very boring, and everyday I see a 340 with M sport, I cringe

There are other little stuff I don't like about the Benz, but too numerous to list.
So I'm trading the Benz for a 340 Xdrive with MPPSK. I was planning to wait on the G20, but decided to pull the trigger now, but I chose to do a 24 months lease, so I will be able to seamlessly switch to the G20 if I like it. I'll update this thread with photos and impressions next week when I take delivery

rlmesq · 08-11-2017, 12:04 PM

Thanks for sharing the thoughts.

I recently considered a C43 AMG coupe when my lease was up, but wound up getting a 2018 440i with MSPPK.

The dealer didn't have a C43 for me to drive, so I just got a chance to drive a 4 cylinder C300 coupe, but I really didn't find the interior so impressive. It looks nice at first glance, but the materials seemed cheap after even a short drive. The faux woodgrain in the one I drove looked really cheesy against the BMW interior, even with the BMW faux woodgrain.

My wife was really hoping I'd like the Benz. She has a C300 sedan and loves it, but after the test drive she agreed that the BMW is the better car all around.

She recently got an X1 as a loaner while her MB was in the shop. (The local dealer sells both BMW and MB.) She absolutely loved it, so we may have two BMWs in the garage soon.

autopal · 08-11-2017, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlmesq

Thanks for sharing the thoughts.

I recently considered a C43 AMG coupe when my lease was up, but wound up getting a 2018 440i with MSPPK.

The dealer didn't have a C43 for me to drive, so I just got a chance to drive a 4 cylinder C300 coupe, but I really didn't find the interior so impressive. It looks nice at first glance, but the materials seemed cheap after even a short drive. The faux woodgrain in the one I drove looked really cheesy against the BMW interior, even with the BMW faux woodgrain.

My wife was really hoping I'd like the Benz. She has a C300 sedan and loves it, but after the test drive she agreed that the BMW is the better car all around.

She recently got an X1 as a loaner while her MB was in the shop. (The local dealer sells both BMW and MB.) She absolutely loved it, so we may have two BMWs in the garage soon.

How long now have u been driving the 440? What's your impression of the exhaust sound? The C450 exhaust does pop and bang on the overruns, but u have to be in sports mode and searching for it. Otherwise, it's a little droney and unimpressive

rlmesq · 08-11-2017, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by autopal

How long now have u been driving the 440? What's your impression of the exhaust sound? The C450 exhaust does pop and bang on the overruns, but u have to be in sports mode and searching for it. Otherwise, it's a little droney and unimpressive

The MPPSK definitely makes a difference. Mine was a port installed accessory, so I can't actually compare it to the car without, so I'm basing my opinion on the 435i I previously had.

Most popping happens on closed throttle. As before, it's pretty quiet in Comfort mode, even more so in Eco Pro, but it still has a nice little growl when you floor it in those modes.

The additional power is definitely there in sport mode. If the sport display gauges on the nav screen are accurate, I'm getting torque and HP increases greater than the ones listed in promo material for the kit.

The tin-can flap clatter is still there on startup and idle. It kind of drives me nuts, so I have to convince myself that it's a relative of the sound a Ducati's dry clutch makes.

The JB4 people make a controller for the flaps that plugs into the OBDII port. It may be my next purchase.

http://www.burgertuning.com/f_series...odule_BMW.html

jmg · 08-11-2017, 05:06 PM

Welcome back! I almost went with a C450 AMG last year as well, but the interior wasn't enough to consider it over the 340i M Sport. That column shifter was a giant red flag for me.

mike@x-ph.com · 08-15-2017, 06:57 PM

Congrats!

spuntyb · 08-15-2017, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlmesq

Quote:

Originally Posted by autopal

How long now have u been driving the 440? What's your impression of the exhaust sound? The C450 exhaust does pop and bang on the overruns, but u have to be in sports mode and searching for it. Otherwise, it's a little droney and unimpressive

The MPPSK definitely makes a difference. Mine was a port installed accessory, so I can't actually compare it to the car without, so I'm basing my opinion on the 435i I previously had.

Most popping happens on closed throttle. As before, it's pretty quiet in Comfort mode, even more so in Eco Pro, but it still has a nice little growl when you floor it in those modes.

The additional power is definitely there in sport mode. If the sport display gauges on the nav screen are accurate, I'm getting torque and HP increases greater than the ones listed in promo material for the kit.

The tin-can flap clatter is still there on startup and idle. It kind of drives me nuts, so I have to convince myself that it's a relative of the sound a Ducati's dry clutch makes.

The JB4 people make a controller for the flaps that plugs into the OBDII port. It may be my next purchase.

http://www.burgertuning.com/f_series...odule_BMW.html

BimmerLink app does this as well (would also need the OBD wifi adapter). This and the Bimmercode app are highly recommended.

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...php?p=19866269

rlmesq · 08-15-2017, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spuntyb

BimmerLink app does this as well (would also need the OBD wifi adapter). This and the Bimmercode app are highly recommended.

I just code with a laptop and a cable. It's pretty simple once you get the hang of it.

Bimmerlink and Bimmercode both need to be connected to the car for flap control to function, and they're only available in iOS.

I like the fact that the Burger Tuning OBDII CAN Module stays in place and is accessible from the BC button. I just ordered one and will review it when I get it installed.

spuntyb · 08-16-2017, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlmesq

Quote:

Originally Posted by spuntyb

BimmerLink app does this as well (would also need the OBD wifi adapter). This and the Bimmercode app are highly recommended.

I just code with a laptop and a cable. It's pretty simple once you get the hang of it.

Bimmerlink and Bimmercode both need to be connected to the car for flap control to function, and they're only available in iOS.

I like the fact that the Burger Tuning OBDII CAN Module stays in place and is accessible from the BC button. I just ordered one and will review it when I get it installed.

Yup, if you're already coding with a laptop, no need for Bimmercode and BimmerLink.

jmg · 08-16-2017, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spuntyb

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlmesq

Quote:

Originally Posted by spuntyb

BimmerLink app does this as well (would also need the OBD wifi adapter). This and the Bimmercode app are highly recommended.

I just code with a laptop and a cable. It's pretty simple once you get the hang of it.

Bimmerlink and Bimmercode both need to be connected to the car for flap control to function, and they're only available in iOS.

I like the fact that the Burger Tuning OBDII CAN Module stays in place and is accessible from the BC button. I just ordered one and will review it when I get it installed.

Yup, if you're already coding with a laptop, no need for Bimmercode and BimmerLink.

I only have macs. Is there no mac solution?

rlmesq · 08-16-2017, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmg

I only have macs. Is there no mac solution?

Aren't there provisions that let you run Windows programs on a Mac?

Or you could get one of the iOS based programs for your mobile iThing.

AudiA4 · 08-16-2017, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spuntyb

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlmesq

Quote:

Originally Posted by autopal

How long now have u been driving the 440? What's your impression of the exhaust sound? The C450 exhaust does pop and bang on the overruns, but u have to be in sports mode and searching for it. Otherwise, it's a little droney and unimpressive

The MPPSK definitely makes a difference. Mine was a port installed accessory, so I can't actually compare it to the car without, so I'm basing my opinion on the 435i I previously had.

Most popping happens on closed throttle. As before, it's pretty quiet in Comfort mode, even more so in Eco Pro, but it still has a nice little growl when you floor it in those modes.

The additional power is definitely there in sport mode. If the sport display gauges on the nav screen are accurate, I'm getting torque and HP increases greater than the ones listed in promo material for the kit.

The tin-can flap clatter is still there on startup and idle. It kind of drives me nuts, so I have to convince myself that it's a relative of the sound a Ducati's dry clutch makes.

The JB4 people make a controller for the flaps that plugs into the OBDII port. It may be my next purchase.

http://www.burgertuning.com/f_series...odule_BMW.html

BimmerLink app does this as well (would also need the OBD wifi adapter). This and the Bimmercode app are highly recommended.

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...php?p=19866269

Can you elaborate on what this feature would do? I have the wifi OBDII connector, Bimmercode and a 2014 335i with MPE. Doesn't Sport mode keep both flaps open by default (not coded)?

Herakles · 08-17-2017, 12:38 PM

when i had a 340xdrive loaner, i was blown away how slow my 2011 335 xdrive felt after ... love the 340 its a beast, will be next car

autopal · 08-21-2017, 12:48 PM

So, I picked up the car last Friday, so, after just one weekend, here are some thoughts I have regarding how it compares to the C450.

Positives :-
1)The C450 is by no means a slow car, in sports plus mode, it is pretty rapid, but from the seat of my pants, the 340 with MPPSK have it beat, the BMW mid range punch is devastating, I'm not sure I believe BMW's claim of 355hp and 360 tq.
2)The 340 makes, by far, the better exhaust noise. Even with the car standing still, the pops and burps it makes with light revs is goose bumps material. With the C450, you have to be in sports plus mode, and accelerate hard, to get the exhaust to crackle and pop, otherwise, it's quite droney.
3) I still think the C450 have the nicer interior, but the BMW interior is pretty good, and I really like the BMW's shifter and manual park brake, vs the C450 minivan like column shifter.
4) In sports mode, the BMW's ride is more compliant, and doesn't beat u up as much as the C450 does in sports mode.

Negatives :-
1)I am surprised I noticed it, but the Benz definitely have the better steering feel, I'm not a professional driver, so don't know all the nuances, but the 340i steering doesn't feel as assured as the C450, it's just slightly twitchy.
2)It's the first car I've had in a while without simple stuff like a integrated garage door opener, I don't like how BMW nickel and dime on the options. To forced u to get their premium enhanced package ($6500) to get garage opener is not cool. Stuff like HUD should also be a stand alone option. The Benz give better value for the money.
3) Surprised also that insurance on the 340i was about 25% more expensive than the C450, even though both cars are priced roughly the same.

Overall, I'm happy with the car, so far at least, I don't know if the exhaust have a break in period, as I'm not getting the "gunshots pops" I see in all those youtube videos, but the sound and farts on upshift is incredible. The C450 is a fast, entry level luxury car, whilst the 340i is more sporty.

08-11-2017, 11:47 AM	#1
autopal Second Lieutenant 198 Rep 233 Posts Drives: 2017 340i Xdrive MPPSK Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Saskatoon SK iTrader: (0)	Making the switch - again! I've just pulled the trigger on a 2017 340 Xdrive. Background info. I've owned two 3 series before, with my favourite a 2009 E90 335i. When the F30 was launched, I test drove it, and wasn't really impressed. It didn't seems to be much of an improvement over my existing E90, and the interior was ok, but not impressive, at least to my eyes. Eventually, November 2015, I made the switch to the new, at the time C450 AMG. There were stuff I didn't like about the Benz, but I was blown away by the interior, and that was probably what put me over the edge to get one. Now, after a year and 9 months, I'm going back to BMW, and here's why. 1)I still like most of the interior of the C450, but the minivan like steering column shifter has gotten on my nerves. I knew I didn't like it from the outset, but I hate it more everyday. 2) The V6 has enough power, but there is just something different about BMW's inline 6, I don't know exactly what it is, but I'm done with V6s 3) I always prefer the exterior of the 3 series with M sport, but it was the interior, and the curiosity to try something different that drove me to the Benz, after a few months, I realize just how boring the Benz really is 4) The Benz is a competent entry level luxury car, but it is very boring, and everyday I see a 340 with M sport, I cringe There are other little stuff I don't like about the Benz, but too numerous to list. So I'm trading the Benz for a 340 Xdrive with MPPSK. I was planning to wait on the G20, but decided to pull the trigger now, but I chose to do a 24 months lease, so I will be able to seamlessly switch to the G20 if I like it. I'll update this thread with photos and impressions next week when I take delivery
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08-11-2017, 12:04 PM	#2
rlmesq Lieutenant Colonel 1039 Rep 1,509 Posts Drives: 2018 440i M Sport Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Chico, CA iTrader: (0)	Thanks for sharing the thoughts. I recently considered a C43 AMG coupe when my lease was up, but wound up getting a 2018 440i with MSPPK. The dealer didn't have a C43 for me to drive, so I just got a chance to drive a 4 cylinder C300 coupe, but I really didn't find the interior so impressive. It looks nice at first glance, but the materials seemed cheap after even a short drive. The faux woodgrain in the one I drove looked really cheesy against the BMW interior, even with the BMW faux woodgrain. My wife was really hoping I'd like the Benz. She has a C300 sedan and loves it, but after the test drive she agreed that the BMW is the better car all around. She recently got an X1 as a loaner while her MB was in the shop. (The local dealer sells both BMW and MB.) She absolutely loved it, so we may have two BMWs in the garage soon.
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08-11-2017, 05:06 PM	#5
jmg Lieutenant General 18705 Rep 14,115 Posts Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2022 G82 M4C X-Drive [9.85] 2018 F80 M3 CS [9.87] 2019 i3 BEV [0.00]	Welcome back! I almost went with a C450 AMG last year as well, but the interior wasn't enough to consider it over the 340i M Sport. That column shifter was a giant red flag for me. __________________ 2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///*M3 IG: Raging_G82
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08-15-2017, 06:57 PM	#6
mike@x-ph.com BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 24198 Rep 190,805 Posts Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (23)	Congrats! __________________ Check out our current sale by clicking on this link! https://x-ph.com/sale/ Phone number 702-494-9435
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08-17-2017, 12:38 PM	#13
Herakles Captain 248 Rep 824 Posts Drives: United States Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Pa iTrader: (0)	when i had a 340xdrive loaner, i was blown away how slow my 2011 335 xdrive felt after ... love the 340 its a beast, will be next car __________________ 2011 335 Msport Xdrive Space grey purchased on 8/7/15
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08-21-2017, 12:48 PM	#14
autopal Second Lieutenant 198 Rep 233 Posts Drives: 2017 340i Xdrive MPPSK Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Saskatoon SK iTrader: (0)	So, I picked up the car last Friday, so, after just one weekend, here are some thoughts I have regarding how it compares to the C450. Positives :- 1)The C450 is by no means a slow car, in sports plus mode, it is pretty rapid, but from the seat of my pants, the 340 with MPPSK have it beat, the BMW mid range punch is devastating, I'm not sure I believe BMW's claim of 355hp and 360 tq. 2)The 340 makes, by far, the better exhaust noise. Even with the car standing still, the pops and burps it makes with light revs is goose bumps material. With the C450, you have to be in sports plus mode, and accelerate hard, to get the exhaust to crackle and pop, otherwise, it's quite droney. 3) I still think the C450 have the nicer interior, but the BMW interior is pretty good, and I really like the BMW's shifter and manual park brake, vs the C450 minivan like column shifter. 4) In sports mode, the BMW's ride is more compliant, and doesn't beat u up as much as the C450 does in sports mode. Negatives :- 1)I am surprised I noticed it, but the Benz definitely have the better steering feel, I'm not a professional driver, so don't know all the nuances, but the 340i steering doesn't feel as assured as the C450, it's just slightly twitchy. 2)It's the first car I've had in a while without simple stuff like a integrated garage door opener, I don't like how BMW nickel and dime on the options. To forced u to get their premium enhanced package ($6500) to get garage opener is not cool. Stuff like HUD should also be a stand alone option. The Benz give better value for the money. 3) Surprised also that insurance on the 340i was about 25% more expensive than the C450, even though both cars are priced roughly the same. Overall, I'm happy with the car, so far at least, I don't know if the exhaust have a break in period, as I'm not getting the "gunshots pops" I see in all those youtube videos, but the sound and farts on upshift is incredible. The C450 is a fast, entry level luxury car, whilst the 340i is more sporty.
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