F30 (LCI) 340i M-Sport - ordered!
Discussion
I'm just about to do a very good deal on a pre-reg 340i touring, its a bit last minute desicion as I've not driven or seen the actual car yet but I've been offered a decent px for my current e61 M5 and need to make my mind up (in principal) ASAP if its the right thing to do, I have a few random questions if anyone cares to indulge me...
My daily commute is 10 miles door to door with an even mix of country, dual carriage way and inner city driving, my M5 averages 18mpg for this journey, I was hoping that once loosened up the 340 will be at least 30mpg on the same route (normal driving, not hooning/racing off the line everywhere) Does this sound reasonable in other peoples' experience?
I have a set of BMW 184m (245/45/18) winter wheels/tyres, they are the recommended fitment for E60 / E90 M cars, I was wondering if anyone knew if they'd also fit an F31 touring with the M Sport braking system?
The car appears to be fitted with Goodyear run flats, assuming that my winter 184's can be put to use I'd look to swap wheels for the next 2-3 months. When the decent weather returns I'd look to ditch the run flats for some CSC6s or MPSSs - can anyone confirm the tyre sizes for the 19' 442M alloys so I can price this up in advance (I think they are 225/40/19, 255/35/19?)
Finally I've spent nearly the last 8 years in an E60 then an E61 M5, I was wondering if anyone else had gone the same way and could give an objective comparison? On paper the 340 seems like it'd be an even match for an e46 M3 (which I had for a few years before the 5's) I guess power delivery won't be as linear but I'm a little concerned by the exhaust note, my neighbour has a 235i (I know its a different engine...) and he likes to rag the tits off it whenever he goes out, I know this is a very subjective topic but to my ears the sound his car makes is laughable, embarrassing even, from what I've read and heard on youtube the B58 does have some different characteristics and I'm hoping that for everyday driving that it'll lean toward the more traditional i6 throaty rumble that the turbo-farty-burble-crack that seems to be all the rage these days.
My daily commute is 10 miles door to door with an even mix of country, dual carriage way and inner city driving, my M5 averages 18mpg for this journey, I was hoping that once loosened up the 340 will be at least 30mpg on the same route (normal driving, not hooning/racing off the line everywhere) Does this sound reasonable in other peoples' experience?
I have a set of BMW 184m (245/45/18) winter wheels/tyres, they are the recommended fitment for E60 / E90 M cars, I was wondering if anyone knew if they'd also fit an F31 touring with the M Sport braking system?
The car appears to be fitted with Goodyear run flats, assuming that my winter 184's can be put to use I'd look to swap wheels for the next 2-3 months. When the decent weather returns I'd look to ditch the run flats for some CSC6s or MPSSs - can anyone confirm the tyre sizes for the 19' 442M alloys so I can price this up in advance (I think they are 225/40/19, 255/35/19?)
Finally I've spent nearly the last 8 years in an E60 then an E61 M5, I was wondering if anyone else had gone the same way and could give an objective comparison? On paper the 340 seems like it'd be an even match for an e46 M3 (which I had for a few years before the 5's) I guess power delivery won't be as linear but I'm a little concerned by the exhaust note, my neighbour has a 235i (I know its a different engine...) and he likes to rag the tits off it whenever he goes out, I know this is a very subjective topic but to my ears the sound his car makes is laughable, embarrassing even, from what I've read and heard on youtube the B58 does have some different characteristics and I'm hoping that for everyday driving that it'll lean toward the more traditional i6 throaty rumble that the turbo-farty-burble-crack that seems to be all the rage these days.
CSLchappie,
I have an F31 335i and I'm currently using a 340i. I've also had an E60 M5 in the past.
The 340i is a great car. No question. The B58 lump is a peach and the ZF8 'box is very good. I'm averaging 26mpg in mixed conditions, but the car will happily see 30+ At a steady pace. The gearing is long , with 80mph reached at a lowly 1700rpm or so. Coming from the M5, you migt miss the fabulous V10 range, but the straight 6 does serve up the goods, especially in Sport mode. It makes a better noise than my 335i.
Overall, the 340i is a really great place to sit. It's no M car, but certainly no boring everyday runabout. I suspect it will feel quite small and a bit lively when compared to the E61. Day to day, the F31 might be a better overall option. Get the MPPSK fitted and it may even do the special bit from time to time too.
Edited to add that if you're Midlands based and fancy a go in one before you decide, drop me an email.
I have an F31 335i and I'm currently using a 340i. I've also had an E60 M5 in the past.
The 340i is a great car. No question. The B58 lump is a peach and the ZF8 'box is very good. I'm averaging 26mpg in mixed conditions, but the car will happily see 30+ At a steady pace. The gearing is long , with 80mph reached at a lowly 1700rpm or so. Coming from the M5, you migt miss the fabulous V10 range, but the straight 6 does serve up the goods, especially in Sport mode. It makes a better noise than my 335i.
Overall, the 340i is a really great place to sit. It's no M car, but certainly no boring everyday runabout. I suspect it will feel quite small and a bit lively when compared to the E61. Day to day, the F31 might be a better overall option. Get the MPPSK fitted and it may even do the special bit from time to time too.
Edited to add that if you're Midlands based and fancy a go in one before you decide, drop me an email.
Edited by MattOz on Friday 30th December 22:29
I have a 340i F31 which now has 14k on it and had it from new. 30.9 mpg to date which is a mixture of driving.
I love it and it sounds great with the standard exhaust.
Cant help with the wheel questions but its a great car so far and I am unlikely to swop for at least a couple of years and that's most unlike me.
I love it and it sounds great with the standard exhaust.
Cant help with the wheel questions but its a great car so far and I am unlikely to swop for at least a couple of years and that's most unlike me.
CSL Chappie , in your you tube perusing have you watched the Smoking Tire one take of 340i ; you probably have but if not do so it's a great analysis. It does to my ears sound better than other new cars and I have a E46 M3 so same bias as you.
For the new tyre confirmation/price wouldn't you be better putting the reg of the 340i into a tyre sellers website? They will confirm acceptable sizes and come up with prices.
If you filter winter wheels you may get an answer on your other question.
For the new tyre confirmation/price wouldn't you be better putting the reg of the 340i into a tyre sellers website? They will confirm acceptable sizes and come up with prices.
If you filter winter wheels you may get an answer on your other question.
CSLchappie said:
My daily commute is 10 miles door to door with an even mix of country, dual carriage way and inner city driving, my M5 averages 18mpg for this journey, I was hoping that once loosened up the 340 will be at least 30mpg on the same route (normal driving, not hooning/racing off the line everywhere) Does this sound reasonable in other peoples' experience?
340i economy is very gear dependant - if you spend a lot of time in the higher gears (cruising on a dual carriageway or motorway) you'll easily see high 30's. Around town, with lots of junctions and traffic lights, and you'll see 20mpg before you know it.CSLchappie said:
I have a set of BMW 184m (245/45/18) winter wheels/tyres, they are the recommended fitment for E60 / E90 M cars, I was wondering if anyone knew if they'd also fit an F31 touring with the M Sport braking system?
You will need 18's to clear the brakes, but sadly your existing wheels and tyres won't fit. The winter size for the 340i is 225/45R18 so your existing tyres will be quite a bit too big (your speedo will under-read). Your wheels might actually fit on the front of the 340 on size and offset, but sadly the rears will stick out too far. Now is a great time to sell your existing winter set on ebay or on here though 
CSLchappie said:
The car appears to be fitted with Goodyear run flats, assuming that my winter 184's can be put to use I'd look to swap wheels for the next 2-3 months. When the decent weather returns I'd look to ditch the run flats for some CSC6s or MPSSs - can anyone confirm the tyre sizes for the 19' 442M alloys so I can price this up in advance (I think they are 225/40/19, 255/35/19?)
225/40 and 255/35 in the 19's - spot on.CSLchappie said:
Finally I've spent nearly the last 8 years in an E60 then an E61 M5, I was wondering if anyone else had gone the same way and could give an objective comparison? On paper the 340 seems like it'd be an even match for an e46 M3 (which I had for a few years before the 5's) I guess power delivery won't be as linear but I'm a little concerned by the exhaust note, my neighbour has a 235i (I know its a different engine...) and he likes to rag the tits off it whenever he goes out, I know this is a very subjective topic but to my ears the sound his car makes is laughable, embarrassing even, from what I've read and heard on youtube the B58 does have some different characteristics and I'm hoping that for everyday driving that it'll lean toward the more traditional i6 throaty rumble that the turbo-farty-burble-crack that seems to be all the rage these days.
The 340 is effortless and linear, the surge of torque is impressive so it won't feel as fast as an E46 M3 but in a straight line in most road situations (overtaking for example) it's actually faster. No waiting around for the power to come in, the torque is there from less than 2k rpm and always on tap. In Comfort it feels a little lethargic to the right pedal, rock the performance control into Sport or Sport+ and the change in throttle response is excellent. The heavier steering and stiffer damping (if you have adaptive dampers) are less welcome on the typical potholed B road in the UK, but if you lose the runflats that will improve. You can also configure "Sport" to be Chassis only, Chassis and Drivetrain, or Drivetrain only. I like the comfortable ride and lighter steering so set mine up for Drivetrain only.
And it only sounds like the 235 when the exhaust is very hot and you're in Sport or Sport+ - not that you can tell from inside the car with the windows closed. Even with the windows open, it's still quieter than a 235 (I use a 235 for work).
Many thanks for all the info, deal done, delivery hopefully within the next week.
Will be sad to see the old M(5)oney pit go, I've just worked out that my average monthly running cost (insurance, warranty, petrol & tax) is actually higher than the monthly repayment on the new 340...
Looking forward to getting an almost brand new car, a first for me, its a shame about my winter wheels not fitting, however a quick search on tyre leader seems to suggest I could pick up a new set of winter tyres for around £600 so it should all even out once I've sold my 184's on.
Will be sad to see the old M(5)oney pit go, I've just worked out that my average monthly running cost (insurance, warranty, petrol & tax) is actually higher than the monthly repayment on the new 340...
Looking forward to getting an almost brand new car, a first for me, its a shame about my winter wheels not fitting, however a quick search on tyre leader seems to suggest I could pick up a new set of winter tyres for around £600 so it should all even out once I've sold my 184's on.
VerySideways said:
Picture of your new car next week then?
Possibly, my current car has been in the workshop for the past two weeks waiting for a replacement part to arrive from Germany (hence the wandering eye towards the 340...) I would like to get her back for a few days before trading her in.In regards to the 340, I've gone with black / dark oyster and a pretty good spec - Msport Plus pack, Media Plus pack, Camera, Pano roof and a few other odds and sods, the only thing that I'll probably regret not having is electric seats, I'm 6.1 and the missus is 5.3, I'll probably have to let her drive this one as I can't use the excuse of SMG being too complicated or 500bhp being too much power for her anymore...
Already have quite a shopping list prepared, will need full boot liner at a minimum, ideally twin dog cages, black grilles (possibly) assuming a decent set of summer tyres if I don't get on with the runflats and finally the MPPK, if it can be had for 2k as some owners were suggesting a few months back then I'll definitely consider it.
I've had one for 14 months now , great car , m sport plus makes a noticeable difference and it's averaging 33 mpg in all world useage , I don't think either me or the missus has ever re set the obc ! The oyster interior does show dirt and wear on the drivers side mind , and you'll definitely regret no electric seats .
had ham said:
CSLchappie said:
and finally the MPPK, if it can be had for 2k as some owners were suggesting a few months back then I'll definitely consider it.
You will be able to get it for somewhat less than that!CSLchappie said:
VerySideways said:
Picture of your new car next week then?
In regards to the 340, I've gone with black / dark oyster and a pretty good spec - Msport Plus pack, Media Plus pack, Camera, Pano roof and a few other odds and sods, the only thing that I'll probably regret not having is electric seats, I'm 6.1 and the missus is 5.3, I'll probably have to let her drive this one as I can't use the excuse of SMG being too complicated or 500bhp being too much power for her anymore...Already have quite a shopping list prepared, will need full boot liner at a minimum, ideally twin dog cages, black grilles (possibly) assuming a decent set of summer tyres if I don't get on with the runflats and finally the MPPK, if it can be had for 2k as some owners were suggesting a few months back then I'll definitely consider it.
Estoril blue with oyster, Msport plus, media plus, surround view, pan roof, and a few other bits.
And no electric seats, as my missus uses the same seating position as i do, just a couple of notches closer to the steering wheel.
I've just fitted a quilted boot liner from UK Custom Covers. About £60, velcro'd all round, tail flap and tailgate protected too. Very pleased.
Also got a Travall dog guard and boot divider - dog on one side, pram/etc. on the other.
CSLchappie said:
Possibly, my current car has been in the workshop for the past two weeks waiting for a replacement part to arrive from Germany (hence the wandering eye towards the 340...) I would like to get her back for a few days before trading her in.
In regards to the 340, I've gone with black / dark oyster and a pretty good spec - Msport Plus pack, Media Plus pack, Camera, Pano roof and a few other odds and sods, the only thing that I'll probably regret not having is electric seats, I'm 6.1 and the missus is 5.3, I'll probably have to let her drive this one as I can't use the excuse of SMG being too complicated or 500bhp being too much power for her anymore...
Already have quite a shopping list prepared, will need full boot liner at a minimum, ideally twin dog cages, black grilles (possibly) assuming a decent set of summer tyres if I don't get on with the runflats and finally the MPPK, if it can be had for 2k as some owners were suggesting a few months back then I'll definitely consider it.
Re the winter wheels, it is worth doing some sums on the offset with this site:In regards to the 340, I've gone with black / dark oyster and a pretty good spec - Msport Plus pack, Media Plus pack, Camera, Pano roof and a few other odds and sods, the only thing that I'll probably regret not having is electric seats, I'm 6.1 and the missus is 5.3, I'll probably have to let her drive this one as I can't use the excuse of SMG being too complicated or 500bhp being too much power for her anymore...
Already have quite a shopping list prepared, will need full boot liner at a minimum, ideally twin dog cages, black grilles (possibly) assuming a decent set of summer tyres if I don't get on with the runflats and finally the MPPK, if it can be had for 2k as some owners were suggesting a few months back then I'll definitely consider it.
http://felgenkatalog.auto-treff.com/
This has the sizes of every BMW wheel, so you can compare the offsets and work out how much more it will stick out, and if it matters. The offsets are different between 3 and 5 anyway so it might not matter.
I understand the bolts diameters might be different on new F series, but also heard this doesn't matter.
I run M3 winter wheels on an E9x at the moment - in theory the M offsets a "too large" as the M suspension geometry is different, but in practice the difference is marginal and they fit fine no problem. Snow chains are a harder fit mind, I carry a jack just in case.
Are there any cheaper alternatives to the MPPK?
Thanks, I'll take a look at that later.
Collecting the 340 up tomorrow lunchtime, bloody typical that we're forecast snow for the first time in several years and I won't have my winter wheels on.
Collecting the 340 up tomorrow lunchtime, bloody typical that we're forecast snow for the first time in several years and I won't have my winter wheels on.
///ajd said:
Re the winter wheels, it is worth doing some sums on the offset with this site:
http://felgenkatalog.auto-treff.com/
This has the sizes of every BMW wheel, so you can compare the offsets and work out how much more it will stick out, and if it matters. The offsets are different between 3 and 5 anyway so it might not matter.
I understand the bolts diameters might be different on new F series, but also heard this doesn't matter.
I run M3 winter wheels on an E9x at the moment - in theory the M offsets a "too large" as the M suspension geometry is different, but in practice the difference is marginal and they fit fine no problem. Snow chains are a harder fit mind, I carry a jack just in case.
Are there any cheaper alternatives to the MPPK?
http://felgenkatalog.auto-treff.com/
This has the sizes of every BMW wheel, so you can compare the offsets and work out how much more it will stick out, and if it matters. The offsets are different between 3 and 5 anyway so it might not matter.
I understand the bolts diameters might be different on new F series, but also heard this doesn't matter.
I run M3 winter wheels on an E9x at the moment - in theory the M offsets a "too large" as the M suspension geometry is different, but in practice the difference is marginal and they fit fine no problem. Snow chains are a harder fit mind, I carry a jack just in case.
Are there any cheaper alternatives to the MPPK?
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