Discussion
rs4al said:
Love my M4....hate my M4 for no roof rack mounts and a squeeze for the mtb, having got into cycling about three months after buying my M4, it's time to get sensible.
The only car I can think of to replace it is a 340i touring with the power and sound kit option. Reasoning being its one of the only performance estates that you can officially fit a tow bar too, and really want a tow bar cycle carrier for long journeys planned.
Has anyone gone this route, as would be interested to hear some thoughts.
Just a thought can you fit a Towbar on the Alpina B3 Touring?The only car I can think of to replace it is a 340i touring with the power and sound kit option. Reasoning being its one of the only performance estates that you can officially fit a tow bar too, and really want a tow bar cycle carrier for long journeys planned.
Has anyone gone this route, as would be interested to hear some thoughts.
Fox- said:
bad company said:
There is a towbar on the options list for the new Audi S4 so I'll be taking a look at that.
That's because the S4 is a 340i equivalent. A genius in the Audi marketing department realised that everyone would think it was some sort of super special model if they called it S4 instead of 3.0TFSI S-Line, which is really what it is.It worked, too. The number of times people seem convinced it's an M3 rival...
For the OP, have you considered running a snotter to transport your MTB? After a muddy ride I would be a bit wary about getting in to a new/expensive car, even if the bike stays outside.
rs4al said:
No room to park up a snotter, so 340 it is, bike on towbar rack and a change of clothes if needed.
Yes, I'm thinking the same but also going to look at the S4 and consider another 335d. I haven't driven a 340 yet but as far as I can see it's slower than the 335d & uses more fuel.bad company said:
Yes, I'm thinking the same but also going to look at the S4 and consider another 335d. I haven't driven a 340 yet but as far as I can see it's slower than the 335d & uses more fuel.
Yes ''tis true but rev's to 7000 odd rpm and sounds a lot better, don't forget I'm downgrading from a lovely M4 but needs must....rs4al said:
Yes ''tis true but rev's to 7000 odd rpm and sounds a lot better, don't forget I'm downgrading from a lovely M4 but needs must....
OP, I think this video, albeit saloon, really shows the virtues of the 340i and it seems how much better B58 is over the N55 in 335i. Guy is very knowledgeable, I've watched it a few times even though I'd prefer the M3 
https://youtu.be/tugnyd0sBmQ
rs4al said:
Yes ''tis true but rev's to 7000 odd rpm and sounds a lot better, don't forget I'm downgrading from a lovely M4 but needs must....
You could try a Seasucker with the M4. I haven't used one but they come well recommended:-http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Edited by bad company on Monday 7th November 00:40
I have a 340i touring with the power tow hook. I also bought the BMW towbar mounted bike rack and I can say it all works brilliantly. It's not cheap, but I would recommend the set up. Mind you, I have road bikes not MTBs so bear that in mind. The 340i is a good car as well. Not an M3, but a great family car with a decent turn of pace.
Roma101 said:
I have a 340i touring with the power tow hook. I also bought the BMW towbar mounted bike rack and I can say it all works brilliantly. It's not cheap, but I would recommend the set up. Mind you, I have road bikes not MTBs so bear that in mind. The 340i is a good car as well. Not an M3, but a great family car with a decent turn of pace.
I also have the power tow hook and the BMW bike rack. It's undoubtedly the best way to carry bikes imo. As I already have the bike rack I'm inclined to get another BM with the tow bar when I change in the New Year.Probably too late for the OP, but for future reference:
There are two additional solutions for BMW/MINI rear bike racks.
The first ist known as "Click On" and is a quasi-tow bar mount, but without the ball fitting. Maybe this is to get around the need for towing type approval. This system requires bolting an adapter plate onto a rear cross-member, then the click-on arm clicks into this. BMW specific rack, so not cheap, and not transferable to other cars. Should be available for M-cars, but all a bit vague.
The second system is an option that must to be specced from new, and is simply an additional towing eye on the other side of the car. A type-specific rear rack can then be bolted on to these two mounting points. Works quite well on my Mini, but again, not transferable between different types of car.
There are two additional solutions for BMW/MINI rear bike racks.
The first ist known as "Click On" and is a quasi-tow bar mount, but without the ball fitting. Maybe this is to get around the need for towing type approval. This system requires bolting an adapter plate onto a rear cross-member, then the click-on arm clicks into this. BMW specific rack, so not cheap, and not transferable to other cars. Should be available for M-cars, but all a bit vague.
The second system is an option that must to be specced from new, and is simply an additional towing eye on the other side of the car. A type-specific rear rack can then be bolted on to these two mounting points. Works quite well on my Mini, but again, not transferable between different types of car.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff