[BrodyShuffles]

Currently I own a 2008 BMW 135i. I've been looking into getting a new car and I like the 340i. I've read up on 335i's vs 340i's but cannot find many people who got rid of their 1 series for a 340. Any opinions or inputs would be appreciated. Likes and dislikes of the 340. Pro and cons of the two. Whatever. Let me hear it.

[pimp4cheddar]

Originally Posted by Mason1327

Currently I own a 2008 BMW 135i. I've been looking into getting a new car and I like the 340i. I've read up on 335i's vs 340i's but cannot find many people who got rid of their 1 series for a 340. Any opinions or inputs would be appreciated. Likes and dislikes of the 340. Pro and cons of the two. Whatever. Let me hear it.

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...

[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.

[upsidedownfunnel]

Before you take the plunge, I'd advise trying to find one for an extended test drive. Or at least drive 3 or 4 different examples before you come to a decision. All I can say is that if you enjoy and appreciate the 135i the same way a lot of people do, you will be horribly let down by the 340's numb steering and compliant suspension.

The N54 is an awesome engine (assuming you've had the HPFP and turbos replaced) with a lot of tuning potential. While the N54 obviously has reliability issues, it's not going to grenade itself so you can keep it for quite a long time assuming you're willing to put in a few hundred bucks here and there for a HPFP, water pump, or gaskets. The power delivery of the B58 is comparable to a very lightly tuned N54.

Also, the RWD 1 series is just a great chassis. It gets hydraulic steering AND a smaller lighter chassis. I also think it's a beautifully proportioned car. The only reason I'd sell one is if there were any major issues or if you really needed newer tech.

[jmg]

Turo one.

[Mkswoosh]

B58 340i here. Had it for 8 months now. If I didn't need the 4 doors I was planning on the m240i. Just for the small agile in the city type drive. Engine has a lot of potential and can easily achieve decents numbers without doing much. Love the comfort in long trips. Huge upgrade compared to your 08 135i in most aspects. You may be able to find 340i around 30-35k now. Not a huge fan of the steering feel though. You feel disconnected with the road. Also stock suspension isn't that great as well. But I upgraded to bilsteins b16 coilovers which helped greatly.

[pimp4cheddar]

Interesting thoughts on the steering feel for the 340i based on responses...I find it good. Just as tight as my previous M235i...

Obviously not as heavy as the E92...but it's heavy enough.


I have the Track Package so I believe it comes with variable steering (not sure if that helps). Variable Sport Steering, Adaptive M Suspension, M Sport Brakes and Michelin Pilot Super Sport feel great...no issues or complaints on steering feel.

[ossi1]

Originally Posted by Mason1327

Currently I own a 2008 BMW 135i. I've been looking into getting a new car and I like the 340i. I've read up on 335i's vs 340i's but cannot find many people who got rid of their 1 series for a 340. Any opinions or inputs would be appreciated. Likes and dislikes of the 340. Pro and cons of the two. Whatever. Let me hear it.

I owned an N55 135i , sold it for a Lexus, now in a 340i.

Prior to the 340i I tested the 240i and to be fair practicality aside there wasn't much to split the two. In relation to the 135i versus 340i..The 135i stock handles better,the steering better, however the B58 in the 340i is as sweet as a nut. I love the look of the 135i, still now. Obviously you will be getting better tech, new engine (which appears to be holding up well) and a bigger car that doesn't feel as planted as the 135i but that could be changed.

I guess the only way you can compare is to drive them back to back as your priorities might be different than mine or others. Personally I feel its a decent move.

[stein_325i]

If you don't need four doors, I'd recommend an M235/40i, it will feel a lot more similar in size and handling of your 1 series, a 3 may feel like more of a boat in comparison.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

If you don't need four doors, I'd recommend an M235/40i, it will feel a lot more similar in size and handling of your 1 series, a 3 may feel like more of a boat in comparison.

The G20 is a barge compared to F30.

[2000Z3M]

Originally Posted by pimp4cheddar

Interesting thoughts on the steering feel for the 340i based on responses...I find it good. Just as tight as my previous M235i...

Obviously not as heavy as the E92...but it's heavy enough.


I have the Track Package so I believe it comes with variable steering (not sure if that helps). Variable Sport Steering, Adaptive M Suspension, M Sport Brakes and Michelin Pilot Super Sport feel great...no issues or complaints on steering feel.

the m235 and 340 have the same steering set ups where as the 135 is was different

[BrodyShuffles]

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...

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

[BrodyShuffles]

Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel

Before you take the plunge, I'd advise trying to find one for an extended test drive. Or at least drive 3 or 4 different examples before you come to a decision. All I can say is that if you enjoy and appreciate the 135i the same way a lot of people do, you will be horribly let down by the 340's numb steering and compliant suspension.

The N54 is an awesome engine (assuming you've had the HPFP and turbos replaced) with a lot of tuning potential. While the N54 obviously has reliability issues, it's not going to grenade itself so you can keep it for quite a long time assuming you're willing to put in a few hundred bucks here and there for a HPFP, water pump, or gaskets. The power delivery of the B58 is comparable to a very lightly tuned N54.

Also, the RWD 1 series is just a great chassis. It gets hydraulic steering AND a smaller lighter chassis. I also think it's a beautifully proportioned car. The only reason I'd sell one is if there were any major issues or if you really needed newer tech.

It's the truth. I love the way the car feels when driving it. It feels like it's stuck to the road and the steering response is awesome. I'm only looking for something newer because the 2 door is small and the lack of space is aggravating. I'm looking for a 4 door with as close to the same power and steering feel as my 135i. That's why i'm on here asking for opinions 😬

[BrodyShuffles]

Originally Posted by ossi1

I owned an N55 135i , sold it for a Lexus, now in a 340i.

Prior to the 340i I tested the 240i and to be fair practicality aside there wasn't much to split the two. In relation to the 135i versus 340i..The 135i stock handles better,the steering better, however the B58 in the 340i is as sweet as a nut. I love the look of the 135i, still now. Obviously you will be getting better tech, new engine (which appears to be holding up well) and a bigger car that doesn't feel as planted as the 135i but that could be changed.

I guess the only way you can compare is to drive them back to back as your priorities might be different than mine or others. Personally I feel its a decent move.

Appreciate the response. What would be some things you could do to the 340i to get closer to that steering feel and the way it's planted to the ground of the 135i?

[MmmmmM2]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

The G20 is a barge compared to F30.

And the F30 is a barge compared to the E90.

One of my coworkers has an LCI E90 328i and when I park next to them, my car is HUGE!!

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by F30ZHP

And the F30 is a barge compared to the E90.

One of my coworkers has an LCI E90 328i and when I park next to them, my car is HUGE!!

Yes I notice the e90 is quite a bit smaller than the F30. How much bigger is the e90 than the e46?

[DFW_M]

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...

Had an N54 in my 335is and would take it over N55 (had in my 335i) any day!

[MmmmmM2]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

Yes I notice the e90 is quite a bit smaller than the F30. How much bigger is the e90 than the e46?

Not sure, but methinks the E90 was not that much larger than the E46.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by F30ZHP

Not sure, but methinks the E90 was not that much larger than the E46.

Wikipedia said it was bigger

[pimp4cheddar]

Originally Posted by Mason1327

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

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.

Originally Posted by drF80

Had an N54 in my 335is and would take it over N55 (had in my 335i) any day!

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.

[spiceyxi]

I had a 2013 135i DCT for a little over a year and now have a 2016 340i auto with M sport and track pack. I have had this car for a few months now. My 135i had the PPK and MPE.

I miss my 135i everyday and still look at it at least once a week on the CarMax site it is listed on. However, it had too many issues and needed to go and we needed to get a 4 door or at least something that could fit 4 adults. I really liked the M235, but not ideal for 4 adults.

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...

[BrodyShuffles]

Originally Posted by spiceyxi

I had a 2013 135i DCT for a little over a year and now have a 2016 340i auto with M sport and track pack. I have had this car for a few months now. My 135i had the PPK and MPE.

I miss my 135i everyday and still look at it at least once a week on the CarMax site it is listed on. However, it had too many issues and needed to go and we needed to get a 4 door or at least something that could fit 4 adults. I really liked the M235, but not ideal for 4 adults.

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...

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.