[omegaelite32]

Greetings from UK !

Big fan of this board. Been lurking for a while

So I have about £25k to spend on a car and while saving up I was only interested in the 340i. Then I saw a couple of 4 series gran coupe's in the flesh and in comparison the 3 Series looks so bland. But here's the kicker. I have three young children, one in a car seat. The other two are 5'4" and 5' tall. So that's one reason not to get the 4

Second is my budget. It would get me a prefacelift 440i but I can get a facelift 340i. I understand there were suspension tweaks to both models so with that in mind and the lighter weight I am trying to convince myself a 340i would be better handling, more agile and faster.

What do you guys think? What would you do in my situation?

[kpgray]

Originally Posted by omegaelite32

Greetings from UK !

....Second is my budget. It would get me a prefacelift 440i but I can get a facelift 340i. I understand there were suspension tweaks to both models so with that in mind and the lighter weight I am trying to convince myself a 340i would be better handling, more agile and faster.

What do you guys think? What would you do in my situation?

I can partially answer the suspension thing.

First, The front suspension went from a 3-bolt to a 5-bolt strut. This provided for a stronger more responsive front suspension. The 5-bolt models built after March 2014 (I have a June 2014 build with newer style). Although each model year is said to have tweaks to the steering, the LCI model came with reprogrammed electronic steering, slightly better.

Second, Are you looking at xDrive or RWD? The xDrive has a higher ground clearance than rear wheel drive and it was soft.

Third, the Sport or M-Sport versions have the stiffer "704" sport suspension, xDrives are ALL base suspensions. Sport and M-Sport suspensions are 20mm lower than base suspension.

Fourth, the 4-series has a lower center of gravity, it will handle better.

My first F30 was the xDrive and I found it comfortable but lacked that cornering I craved. I sold it an purchased a RWD M-Sport 335i with zero regrets. I have driven the LCI 340i and it is more refined and the engine does pull a little harder. In other words, it does drive better (just a little).

Conclusion: Do not overthink the suspension or drive-ability. The LCI has some improvements, these are not deal breakers, only tweaks. Only a few people would ever notice the difference between the years. The extra performance found in the 340i vs. the 435i are minimal (about 5% or 20 HP). You obviously like the 4-Series better. You find the lines more attractive, the hatchback is really nice. Last and most important since you are bringing up the handling, get the Sport or M-Sport RWD for the better suspension and the better sport seats. The looks and functionality you cannot change. Each day as you walk up to the car, you will have a smile, you don't want to walk up and wish it were the 4. You could always improve the drive-ability to suit your taste such as a BMW MPPK Tune (35HP gain) or aftermarket springs to improve the stance and handling, but these are later after you have been driving. Good Luck!

[anotheran]

Originally Posted by omegaelite32

Greetings from UK !

Big fan of this board. Been lurking for a while

So I have about £25k to spend on a car and while saving up I was only interested in the 340i. Then I saw a couple of 4 series gran coupe's in the flesh and in comparison the 3 Series looks so bland. But here's the kicker. I have three young children, one in a car seat. The other two are 5'4" and 5' tall. So that's one reason not to get the 4

Second is my budget. It would get me a prefacelift 440i but I can get a facelift 340i. I understand there were suspension tweaks to both models so with that in mind and the lighter weight I am trying to convince myself a 340i would be better handling, more agile and faster.

What do you guys think? What would you do in my situation?

If you’re not tracking or autox your car I don’t think the extra weight matters much. The 340i is already the same weight difference to the 328i as the 440i to the 340i and you’re not looking to go i4. At 5 feet and 5 4”, you’re good to sit at the back in the gc without scrapping the drop of ur head. The hatch back is really useful too. Just get the gc

[omegaelite32]

Thanks for the replies

In the UK X-Drive isn't available on the 440i/340i and I haven't seen any trim other than M-Sport for the range topping petrol models for sale anywhere.

Does anyone have any experience with three rear passengers? I might take the family down to the nearest dealership and try it but I dont know how they would feel about fitting a car seat in the back which could potentially dent the leather

[jh_f30]

Pre-LCI would be a 435i with the N55 vs the B58 in the LCI 340i. The 4 series GC does have nicer lines styling-wise (subjectively speaking), but with the need to fit 3 growing children (one who is already 5'4"), and the upgraded engine in the 340i, I'd go for the 3 series. The slight suspension differences would not be a differentiator given the aforementioned factors.

[anotheran]

Originally Posted by omegaelite32

Thanks for the replies

In the UK X-Drive isn't available on the 440i/340i and I haven't seen any trim other than M-Sport for the range topping petrol models for sale anywhere.

Does anyone have any experience with three rear passengers? I might take the family down to the nearest dealership and try it but I dont know how they would feel about fitting a car seat in the back which could potentially dent the leather

You can fit 2 car seats or 1 car seat in center and 2 passengers. Really tight fit for 2 car seats and passenger (maybe a small thin kid)

3 passengers in the back is tight.

[anotheran]

Originally Posted by jh_f30

Pre-LCI would be a 435i with the N55 vs the B58 in the LCI 340i. The 4 series GC does have nicer lines styling-wise (subjectively speaking), but with the need to fit 3 growing children (one who is already 5'4"), and the upgraded engine in the 340i, I'd go for the 3 series. The slight suspension differences would not be a differentiator given the aforementioned factors.

You can get 2016 440i pre lci. An oddity. Just like the odd 2016 328i lci

[omegaelite32]

Yes, there are plenty of pre LCI 440i (in the UK at least)

I suppose I'll have to try one out but good point, they are growing quite fast. For sure they'll be more comfortable in the 3

[jh_f30]

Originally Posted by anotheran

You can get 2016 440i pre lci. An oddity. Just like the odd 2016 328i lci

Interesting. I guess it was different for the 4 series. Pretty sure with the 3 series, all 335s were pre-LCI, 340s were all LCI.

[anotheran]

Originally Posted by jh_f30

Interesting. I guess it was different for the 4 series. Pretty sure with the 3 series, all 335s were pre-LCI, 340s were all LCI.

Correct for 3 series

[jh_f30]

Originally Posted by anotheran

Correct for 3 series

My bad. I assumed.

[kpgray]

The back seat in a 4-series Gran-Coupe will still work for a person over 6'. It is is shorter on the roof line, but it is still roomy. The 3 or 4 would be the same width so that is irrelevant. The 4 series is easier to load the trunk with the self opening and closing hatchback. Go to the dealer and try them both out.

[omegaelite32]

Originally Posted by kpgray

The back seat in a 4-series Gran-Coupe will still work for a person over 6'. It is is shorter on the roof line, but it is still roomy. The 3 or 4 would be the same width so that is irrelevant. The 4 series is easier to load the trunk with the self opening and closing hatchback. Go to the dealer and try them both out.

Width wise they probably are the same but rear bench is different and seats are angled awkwardly from what I read.

We did try them out, though without children. The 3 was noticeably better in the rear. There's a 440i thats not too far with a decent spec. I'll go look/hopefully drive that one next weekend if its still around

[buckybadger]

Get the M performance suspension for the best ride. Lowers the car even more and makes it tight. Steering feel definitely improves!