[jmg]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

Regarding the soft suspension, check out Dinan Shockware. For my 2014 328 with adaptive suspension, Dinan Shockware transformed the car. Night and day difference.

I don't know if this change will help your newer model, but you should check into it. The best $500 I ever spent on a car.

Good tip for 340 drivers... but I traded my 340 months ago.

[Big Nodge]

Originally Posted by Ecks

I knew I wasn't losing my mind:

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1184176

Yeah, my 340i 6MT definitely rev-matches on up-shifts. But that will only happen if you shift super slowly with a long pause in neutral. Then if the revs fall below where they need to be to smoothly shift into the higher gear the system will blip the throttle to bring them back up.

Doesn't occur much in normal or sporty driving scenarios, just when I'm cruising really slow and taking my time.

[R12ax7]

Originally Posted by jmg

Anyone think that this is a heavy flywheel issue?

Originally Posted by jmg

He might not letting up on the gas fast enough.

That's a really interesting point about the flywheel - at least heavier than my previous f30 335. And that could result in your next point below about not letting up on the gas fast enough. I actually feel like the B58 may rev a bit more freely than the N55. Does anyone know if the flywheel part number is different?

Originally Posted by Big Nodge

I have noticed funny 1st -> 2nd upshifts that I thought might be me getting used to the flywheel. It's like the revs haven't fallen as much as I'm normally used to by the time I reengage the clutch so the car sort of jerks forward into 2nd. Only really noticed it between 1st and 2nd so far, and I'm still in break-in so not doing any WOT upshifts.

While i can duplicate it in the 1->2 shift, the first time i noticed it was on a test drive merging onto a highway WOT, so i was already in 2nd or 3rd and it was only in that all-out trying-to-shift-fast setting that i noticed it. At first I thought it might have been the Xdrive since the demo car was AWD but I immediately was able to get the same result in my RWD.

And believe me I'm not saying there is something wrong with the car - it is 100% driver "error" (or adjusting to the new car), but its clearly there is something different mechanically from the previous F30 and it would be interesting to know the source.

[Ecks]

Yeah, it definitely is an adjustment. Never had a car that tried to anticipate so much. I'm used to Rev matching myself on downshift and just fluid movements into a higher gear.

Something of note though is I think the ECU is smart enough to know when you're getting on it most of the time. I noticed this further when I actually disable DSC (all aids off) and do a "slow" Upshift but the RPM falls freely. Doesn't hold at the RPM the wheels are spinning on the ground.

[R12ax7]

Here are some of my thoughts on pros/cons of the 340 (sorry for the long winded post!). I took delivery about 3 weeks ago and am just about at 1,000 miles. The car is a RWD 340i SA, 6MT, BSM/Black Dakota, MSport, Track Handling, 442s, MPerf Splitter/Grills/Shifter/Ebrake, Navigation, Cold Weather, Driver Assistance. My previous car was a 2013 RWD 335, 6MT, DHP on the 18" 400Ms and my only real performance mod on that car were the Dinan Springs (see pictures below for ride height comparison). Prior to that car I had a 2011 RWD e90 328 Msport 6MT and before that was a 2008 335xi.

The only mods I have so far are the MPerf shifter and e brake. I ordered some BMS Exhaust tips but I dont know how i feel about those now. The only other mods I'll consider are tint, BMS intake, maybe JB4 and maybe the Dinan Shockware.

Pros:
- I am really enjoying the B58 engine compared to the N55. Tough for me to really compare it to the N54 since mine was an auto and that was so long ago, but I feel like the B58 is an improvement over the N55 in every single category. That said, I agree with others that the slight bump in power makes me wish i had an LSD often. I guess i just need to learn to be more judicious with my right foot at times. I also think the B58 sounds better than the N55.

- The handling/turn in is completely different than the pre-LCI F30 - cant even believe its the same car. I hated the feel of the 2013 immediately and the body roll was atrocious. The Dinan springs really helped with the body roll and helped some with the other aspects of the handling (less so turn in), but I will probably live with the body roll this time around because every other aspect of the handling is so much better (I may consider the Shockware). The body roll is less than my pre-LCI prior to putting the Dinan springs on. The tweaking they have done with the Adaptive M makes a much bigger difference than i ever could have expected, even in Sport with the 19"s this car is perfectly smooth on a decent road and is perfectly comfortable on our terrible PA pot-hole-riddled roads in comfort - way more comfortable than my pre-LCI/Dinan/18"s combination. Even with the front splitter i am enjoying the extra front clearance!

- The transmission as we discussed above seems different to me - maybe its just the different engine. I did have one of the transmissions in my pre-LCI that had to get replaced (I believe it was an issue with the synchros), but I feel like this transmission is much smoother - yes, maybe a bit notchy, but at the same time much more direct (M performance shift knob could play a very small role in this and i highly recommend it to anyone who hasnt tried one).

- Navigation - particularly the accuracy of the traffic - is way better than the 2013 iDrive. It used to take 10 minutes before the traffic info even loaded and was usually behind anyway, now its usable.

- Splitter/19"s I never would have ordered my car with these option but they were able to find me a RWD/6MT already built and it had those options and I am not complaining.

- The new LED angel eyes really look menacing - just saw another LCI this morning with them for the first time.

- Comfort access - i had it on my 2008 but not on my last two, i forgot how convenient the "press-to-lock" is. I do wish it had sensors on the rear doors - I think my 2008 did.


Negatives:

- Ride height (appearance) - I think the 19"s make it sit a bit higher, but that is trumped by the fact that i have yet to bottom out or catch my bumper on anything (I used to scrape just pulling into my driveway).

- I feel like turning the A/C on impacts the engine's power more so than it did in the N55 and not just how much power it draws but it can be abrupt. Since we are just getting into A/C season I'll have to pay attention to this one.

- Orange reflectors - The "around view" camera is cool and the first thing i show a passenger (and it is marginally useful for keeping that splitter unblemished), but the placement of the cameras in the front fender makes me hesitant to bother with swapping out the IND painted reflectors and the ugly orange really sticks out even more on an all black car. Do you guys think its a really stupid idea to try masking it off and spraying some of the PlastiDip "smoke" on to at least dull the orange?

- The headlights look terrible purely from a cosmetic standpoint (they remind me of the pre-LCI halogens). The light output isnt great either. I wouldnt have gotten the LED package given the option but I would have expected better for the base headlights.

- Comfort Access - the trunk foot-kick thing is useless.

- Keeping a black car clean is much harder than i remembered.

Couple of pictures of the old car, the new car and some overexposed shots of inside.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by jmg

Good tip for 340 drivers... but I traded my 340 months ago.

Didn't catch that. Sorry.

Nice upgrade! Enjoy.

[paul e]

I haven't had a fail on the trunk kick yet. Foot in and out in one motion right under the Roundel, rear lights blink after a second and it pops up. Every time.

Black is the best color for those who love to wash their cars multiple times a day. My Alpine White only looks dingy when it's absolutely filthy. Hard to believe until you own one, but White is the easiest color to keep clean looking I've ever had.

[R12ax7]

Originally Posted by paul e

Black is the best color for those who love to wash their cars multiple times a day. My Alpine White only looks dingy when it's absolutely filthy. Hard to believe until you own one, but White is the easiest color to keep clean looking I've ever had.

Ha, great. But it looks great when its clean.

I guess my real complaint is the second delay with the lights flashing. I guess if your hands are literally filled that helps but maybe I have to work on my technique!

I was trying to pay attention to the up shifting "hesitation" again while i was out at lunch and I think maybe I'm just not getting back on the gas hard enough after switching gears.

Also, I dont think we have addressed the Germany vs. South Africa build question. My previous 3 were all german built but this one is SA and I have to say i think it feels more solid than at least my previous german built F30. I have that rattle from the A/C fan which i had in my previous F30 but no other rattles to speak of.

[ErkanTR16]

Refreshing this Thread by writing this so it appears on top of the list for new members to include/share their experiences.

[R12ax7]

Thought I'd update some of my thoughts after having a full 8 months with the car and coming up on my first oil change. Overall I think this is still my favorite car I have owned. The positives from above are all still applicable, particularly the engine.

I still find the 6MT a bit notchy compared to the previous two, but its funny I havent thought of that "hesitation" under WOT i mentioned above in a while and i'll have to see if I can duplicate that again.

By far my biggest complaint is the headlight output, particularly high beams. I feel like there is virtually no difference between low and high beams. I also really miss the adaptive going around curves at night.

I am no expert on headlight components, but so far the only aftermarket higher output LEDs I have seen are for converting Xenon/Halogen to LED and not direct replacement LEDs for the OEM lights. Any electrical engineers here know if it is even possible to make a direct replacement that is brighter/higher output or if that sort of thing would require fiddling with the electrical wiring to adjust the current?

[nozydog]

Originally Posted by Cruz28/40

I think manuals are the way to go to but I would only get one if buying a coupe. Just seems to go better. Plus BMW doesn't give any money back for going with the less expensive 6MT.

Yes I've heard that. Over here in the UK it's MT as standard or £1500 cost option for auto so I went MT (obviously) Weird how they use differing marketing techniques in different countries, but I guess your average (non enthusiast) driver in the states prefers an auto, so they make it standard!?

[nozydog]

Originally Posted by Big Nodge

Yeah, my 340i 6MT definitely rev-matches on up-shifts. But that will only happen if you shift super slowly with a long pause in neutral. Then if the revs fall below where they need to be to smoothly shift into the higher gear the system will blip the throttle to bring them back up.

Doesn't occur much in normal or sporty driving scenarios, just when I'm cruising really slow and taking my time.

Interesting point, I haven't got my car yet but I assumed rev match was only on down shifting, but I guess you'd hardly ever notice it on upshifts anyway, unless as you say, it's a super slow upshift allowing the revs to drop too far down!

[nozydog]

Anyone know how long they have been making the F30 in South Africa for? I had a 2012 model with plenty of creaks/squeeks but only from the central air vent/radio area, absolutely nowhere else! I assume that was a German car (I'm also assuming we get German built cars here in the UK, but someone may put me straight there!) From what I'm reading in different threads here, people seem to getting 'interior build' issues on cars built in either country! Would be interesting to start a build quality thread to see how cars built in each country compare build wise! I'm waiting on a 340i and am hoping those issues I experienced on my older F30 have been sorted on the LCI. Certainly the stereo surround looks more robust as that was one cheapo creaky bit of plastic on the pre LCI...

[jmg]

Originally Posted by nozydog

Anyone know how long they have been making the F30 in South Africa for? I had a 2012 model with plenty of creaks/squeeks but only from the central air vent/radio area, absolutely nowhere else! I assume that was a German car (I'm also assuming we get German built cars here in the UK, but someone may put me straight there!) From what I'm reading in different threads here, people seem to getting 'interior build' issues on cars built in either country! Would be interesting to start a build quality thread to see how cars built in each country compare build wise! I'm waiting on a 340i and am hoping those issues I experienced on my older F30 have been sorted on the LCI. Certainly the stereo surround looks more robust as that was one cheapo creaky bit of plastic on the pre LCI...

The general consensus is that the South African factory is very highly rated and that those cars have less issues. Less... but not none. Go figure. At least we're not driving Jaguars.

[insanecoder]

No negatives at all .. just wish the suspension was even stiffer in sport+
(I dont have Xdrive)
Totally in love with this car (chose it over Jaguar XE)

German-build.. knock on wood no issues

[shawntech]

My 340xi is SA, had to manually adjust the door strikers and remove/reseat a few interior dash trims for rattles but it's tight, quiet and perfect now... and thats saying a lot i'm very OCD.

[R12ax7]

Originally Posted by insanecoder

No negatives at all .. just wish the suspension was even stiffer in sport+
(I dont have Xdrive)
Totally in love with this car (chose it over Jaguar XE)

German-build.. knock on wood no issues

+1, still havent really seen many XEs on the road here yet.

Originally Posted by ls3c6

My 340xi is SA, had to manually adjust the door strikers and remove/reseat a few interior dash trims for rattles but it's tight, quiet and perfect now... and thats saying a lot i'm very OCD.

I havent had any major rattles inside or out yet. My previous three were all german builds so this is my first SA car, no complaints there.

[insanecoder]

Originally Posted by R12ax7

+1, still havent really seen many XEs on the road here yet.

I havent had any major rattles inside or out yet. My previous three were all german builds so this is my first SA car, no complaints there.

Seens couple XEs on the road more XFs.. nice ride but Im more than happy with the decision
No rattles here neither.. tight

[nozydog]

Originally Posted by insanecoder

Seens couple XEs on the road more XFs.. nice ride but Im more than happy with the decision
No rattles here neither.. tight

I've seen a few and was tempted, but I chose 340i because:
1) Far, far cheaper than XE S
2) Manual box
3) Proper handbrake (a huge bonus for me personally)
4) iDrive not touch screen
5) it's shorter
6) Had an F30 before and liked it

There were too many reasons (for me personally) not to get the Jag!! I was initially worried that I might end up with a SA build but it sounds as though that shouldn't be a worry!

[Thompson]

Originally Posted by jmg

It's STILL a great looking car.

My 340:
BMW Graffiti v2 by JMG, on Flickr

My M3:
BMW F80 M3 Garage by JMG, on Flickr

Don't let the F80 guys know I said this: The M Sport side skirts make the profile of the 340 nicer than the rather plain M3 skirts...

Has your 340i been lowered or is it just the picture? Love those wheels.

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by Erkan_340i

Hey Guys,

Wanted to make a Thread of every 340i Owners perspective and review about their Car.
Please feel free to list as much information/details you like and dislike.

2016 BMW 340i xDrive Alpine White | 5,200 Miles


Positives:

- New B58 Engine
- ZF Transmission
- Ride & Handling
- Interior Design/Space
- Fuel Efficiency
- Sport | Sport +
- Sport Seats
- Overall Enjoy Everything

Negatives:

- Standard Run Flats | 18' Wheels
- Rough Auto Start Stop System
- Eco Pro | Snail Mode
- Interior Rattling During Cold Weather
- xDrive Ride Height

That's all I can think of at the moment. Looking forward to everyone's review.

hmm.. interesting how you mentioned the interior rattle when cold. my f10 does this as well in cold weather until it comes up to temp. seems to be coming from the left side where the light switch is. anyone have any idea what this could be?

[jmg]

Originally Posted by Thompson

Has your 340i been lowered or is it just the picture? Love those wheels.

Yeah, I loved those wheels on the 340!

Both the 340 and the M3 are stock in those photos.