[BrodyShuffles]

Originally Posted by pimp4cheddar

It's something you notice - but I drive in Sports+ all day, every day.

You'll get over the lack of hydraulic steering in about a week and then move on...

I looked at buying at least 5 different E90 M3's and just couldn't do it. The lack of tech, old leather and parts were just too much to offset the steering feel.

I loved the N54...no doubt. But after 4 fuel pumps, injectors, coil packs, walnut blastings, etc...I moved on and never looked back. It's simply too plagued with issues.

I went with a FBO N55 build in my M235i and didn't have so much as a squeak...to each their own.

I've looked at everything from older M3's to newer ones. The 340 just looks more affordable for me and still has some power. Everyone loves the power especially when tuned. The only thing holding me back is that steering feel of my 135 🙁

[2000Z3M]

Originally Posted by Mason1327

I've looked at everything from older M3's to newer ones. The 340 just looks more affordable for me and still has some power. Everyone loves the power especially when tuned. The only thing holding me back is that steering feel of my 135

why not keep the 135 and get a 335?

[BrodyShuffles]

Originally Posted by 2000Z3M

why not keep the 135 and get a 335?

It's all i think about lol. But it's been having a lot of stupid electrical problems going wrong. It's been more of a hassle lately. I looked at the 335 but a lot of what I read many people prefer the 340i. I'm looking for a newer 4 door that I can tune, exhaust, etc. Been trying to hear people's opinions on a 4 door that's the most similar to my 1 series lol

[BEM-S4]

Not exactly the same but I have an M235 and multiple F30/31 cars. Before you do F30 test drive a 4 GC. I don't have one but I prefer it vs the standard sedan.

[pimp4cheddar]

Originally Posted by Mason1327

It's all i think about lol. But it's been having a lot of stupid electrical problems going wrong. It's been more of a hassle lately. I looked at the 335 but a lot of what I read many people prefer the 340i. I'm looking for a newer 4 door that I can tune, exhaust, etc. Been trying to hear people's opinions on a 4 door that's the most similar to my 1 series lol

Dude...you'll get over that fear in a week at most.

That hassle feel was an issue with my E92 335i...and I swore I would never give that car up. Drove an M235i and asked "where do I sign?".


Go drive one for an extended period and just make your decision. Everyone has a difference in thoughts...

I LOVED the looks of the E90 M3's but couldn't move away from a Turbo 6...to an NA V8. The lack of torque is brutal and I'm so used to it...I couldn't make the move.


Regardless of what the forums think...BMW continues to improve on their cars. The F80 M3 is easily the best M3 in the past 15 years...yes it lacks the old soul of earlier models and exhaust note (but that can be changed easily).


My point is - stop being so resistant to change. Drive a 340i for a day and then decide from there.

[XutvJet]

Why do you need 4 doors?

[340ix17]

I own a 340i but test drove the M235 (not even the M240) and it was very difficult to go with the practical decision (four door) afterwards. I'm almost glad they didn't have an M240 to test drive, I'm certain I would have bought it.

I would echo what some others are saying and definitely test drive an M235/M240 if you like the smaller car feel and sportier, more visceral driving experience.

I'm not saying I made the wrong choice, my car right now has the MPPSK and BM3 tune and it's much faster than any previous cars I've had and I enjoy it, but you don't get the same responsiveness, connection, and gutteral road feel. I honestly think nothing beats two doors in terms of looks either.

[spiceyxi]

Originally Posted by Mason1327

I appreciate the honesty coming from someone who had a 1er. I do love the car but being a 2008 with 105k miles on it i start to wonder. Unfortunately everything you listed as a pro of the 1er was all the driving aspects. I do love the nimble feeling and the steering. I wonder how a tuned 340 with steering modifications etc would feel.

I understand, my 1er only had 46k miles on it when I sold it. Had too many issues over the 9k miles. The 340i isn't a bad car by any means, but definitely different than a 1er. I got my 2008 528i up to like 160k miles; all but 500 miles mine. So, you have some time left with your car if you have been maintaining.

Personally I will likely hold out for a M2C or Jag Ftype R as my next car. Either of those would feel like an upgrade to the 1er. I have a Z4C to keep in touch with the oldish school BMW feel.

[pimp4cheddar]

So what happened with this thread...???

Update OP?

[Fuller]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Not exactly the same but I have an M235 and multiple F30/31 cars. Before you do F30 test drive a 4 GC. I don't have one but I prefer it vs the standard sedan.

I echo this. The 4 series gran coupe usually falls between the cracks, but I prefer it to the f30 sedan. The driving dynamics just feel different in a good way. Of course it's still going to feel ponderous compared to a 135i, but that's the sacrifice we all have to make when needing four doors or a larger car. Maybe in the future you could consider buying or leasing something like a Miata to compliment your practical daily driver with a small, tossable, fun car that's reliable and relatively inexpensive. It's down on power compared to a 135i, but there's something to be said for getting more from a slower car.

[BrodyShuffles]

Originally Posted by pimp4cheddar

So what happened with this thread...???

Update OP?

Been so busy lately haven't had the chance to even go look at anything new. I did test drive a 340i a couple months ago. I did like the power output of the car but the steering was numb from what i'm used to. The guy at the dealer told me Dinan offers some products to tighten up the steering but I couldn't find anyone who had tried them before. Other then that I'm still looking. lol

[Londoner]

Originally Posted by Mason1327

how do you feel about the differences in steering feel from the e92 and the 340?

Had an E92 330i for five years and loved it. Was also hesitant about the new electric steering rack in the 340i but as mentioned, it's really not an issue, at least for me. In sport it's absolutely fine, and makes the car feel so nimble imo. Apparently the LCI improvements after July '15 make a big difference.

The 704 passive m-sport suspension isn't as firm as some might like but for me, who does so much town driving on terrible London roads it's perfect.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by chiefneil

I’ve had a 2014 335i since new, and have driven a 230i plenty of times. Not directly comparable to a 135i, but close enough to chime in. The two cars are very different even though they share a lot of components and practically weigh the same.

The 230i is way more fun - it feels light, agile, and small. The 335i is more heavily weighted towards the luxury and comfort end of the scale (I have an m-sport with adjustable suspension). I would definitely choose the 335i for any kind of a road trip longer than 2 hours, but for all the little solo daily trips around town the 230i wins hands down.

If you’re ready for a more comfortable, grown-up ride with modern tech and room for 3 passengers plus luggage, then go with the 335i/340i. If you still drive like a hooligan, then either stick with the 135i or consider a 230i/m240i.

The 230 might be more comparable to the 128

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Not exactly the same but I have an M235 and multiple F30/31 cars. Before you do F30 test drive a 4 GC. I don't have one but I prefer it vs the standard sedan.

I had the 4 GC as a loaner, m sport. Pretty sweet and cars are pretty cheap on the secondary market.

[i128]

Originally Posted by spiceyxi

.....

Pros of 340 vs 135 (for me):
Ease of getting pets in & out
Tech - HUD, better Nav and Satellite radio
Wife likes the auto safety features (blind spot and collision warning)
Checked the box with 4 doors
Rearview Camera and surround parking cameras
Manufacturers warranty and service
DCT could be a bit odd sometimes when shifting

Pros of 135i vs 340i (for me):
The steering feels so much better in the 1er (340 is 100% in sport mode to make it bearable)
The aural sensation of the exhaust with the pops and cracks
The sensation of the DCT shifting when spirited driving occurs
The joy of driving a very nimble and small car
The 1er felt much more unique
Not being a default for having to drive 4 people


TLDR: 1 series is a much funner car and the 3 is a practical quick mode of transportation. The 3 occasionally feels like a fun car I guess, but I probably should have just got a Tesla...

Generally I'd have to agree with the above, I was in a 6-speed E82 128i for about 7 years and recently traded it in for a 6-speed 340i xDrive.

The e82 was a fantastic car well balanced, decent power/weigh ratio and handled like a dream. Just to note, I had a B12 suspension kit, M3 control arms and sway bar kit. If I still had the car today I'd would have probably done the subframe bushings as well....(can you tell I like feed back) I was coming from a car that felt like it was on rails...but lacked in the comfort department...

Now the 340i... it has much more power than you would ever need for daily driving, leaps and bound above in terms of comfort and tech over the 1er. - Steering feel as others have mentioned is light, but it is true you do forget about it with time, it does help to drive it in "sports" mode which artificially provides added resistance to the steering feel. (somewhat too much if you ask me)

From the suspension perspective, the 340i is much more comfortable on long drives, soaks up the imperfections in the road without a complaint, and is much quieter. However this added compliance come at the cost of handling at moderate to high speed bends. Especially in "S" type turns and exit ramps.


Conclusion: I don't regret my choice, the added passenger/cargo space +2 extra doors is great. X-drive, added comfort and power makes up for the lack in the handling department. <-- don't believe I just wrote that!
...maybe i'm just getting old...

BTW; if you happen to be choosing between an 335 or 340, try them back to back, the b58 is a superior engine, and having driven both, I feel that the steering provides a "more connected" feel in the 340.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by pimp4cheddar

Different animals man...

I had an 2009 E92 335i (N54 and little larger than the 1 series) and moved into an M235i (N55). Was hesitant to make the change but FUCK...loved it. Lost some steering wheel feel and moved from the N54 engine...but gained reliability and a much more fun drive with the smaller car.


Turned in my lease and purchased a B58 340i. Best engine by far but a larger car. Have a 4 month old son...so the backseat is needed. No regrets.

The newer cars are awesome and the engines are MASSIVE upgrades. The N55 was bulletproof and I feel like the B58 is just as strong.

You couldn't pay me to drive an N54 again...

The G20 is even bigger. Makes the F30 seem like a sub compact.