F31 340i touring verses 440i gran coupe
Discussion
Interested to hear people's feedback on these and whether there are any technical differences to the suspension set up between them. I'm considering them to replace my m240i as I need extra doors and space for family gear. The gran coupe would probably do the job but the touring is going to be a bit more practical.
I test drove the gran coupe yesterday and was very impressed, with ride and grip on the run flats better than I had expected. Does the touring drive exactly the same or is there a different set up? Were there model year changes for either model that changed the suspension set up? I have heard that in general the suspension is not that great on the saloon/touring, but the gran coupe felt ok to me.
In general, is the gran coupe less popular? They seem to be slightly cheaper, with year old cars advertised at main dealers for £20k below list! Is that going to continue to depreciate heavily....
I test drove the gran coupe yesterday and was very impressed, with ride and grip on the run flats better than I had expected. Does the touring drive exactly the same or is there a different set up? Were there model year changes for either model that changed the suspension set up? I have heard that in general the suspension is not that great on the saloon/touring, but the gran coupe felt ok to me.
In general, is the gran coupe less popular? They seem to be slightly cheaper, with year old cars advertised at main dealers for £20k below list! Is that going to continue to depreciate heavily....
I’ve got the F31 340i ; found it much more practical than the Grand Coupe.
4 v 3 , maybe the 4 is sportier but it’s negligible , all these cars (even the new 3 which trumps its predecessor) are still a gap away from any M car for handling inmho.
My 340i has adaptive suspension , ride in comfort even on 19s and RFTs is superb. Really surprised me. It livens up in sport modes. I’m sure the 4 would do that a bit more , but a negligible gap compared to the bigger gap in practical advantages the touring holds.
For some reason I found it hard to get a decent spec touring ; needed lumbar , elec seats , adaptive suspension, plus panoramic roof as a minimum. Possibly more standard options on a GC ? And yours to spec if buying new
4 v 3 , maybe the 4 is sportier but it’s negligible , all these cars (even the new 3 which trumps its predecessor) are still a gap away from any M car for handling inmho.
My 340i has adaptive suspension , ride in comfort even on 19s and RFTs is superb. Really surprised me. It livens up in sport modes. I’m sure the 4 would do that a bit more , but a negligible gap compared to the bigger gap in practical advantages the touring holds.
For some reason I found it hard to get a decent spec touring ; needed lumbar , elec seats , adaptive suspension, plus panoramic roof as a minimum. Possibly more standard options on a GC ? And yours to spec if buying new
I've got an F31 340i as well - 68 plate Shadow Edition. They come pretty well specced but elec seats and adaptive are difficult to find (I don't have either). Pano sunroof is more common. I don't think Adaptive is a must - the M-Sport passive dampers are a very well judged balance between comfort and sport.
Generally my view is that it's a better car than the 440i GC - it's bigger, as quick and drives pretty much the same.
Generally my view is that it's a better car than the 440i GC - it's bigger, as quick and drives pretty much the same.
I looked at both before getting my 340i, big fan of the aesthetics of the 440i, but the boot is notably less practical. I doubt you’d tell the difference between the two behind the wheel unless your name is Hamilton.
What age / budget are you looking at? I happen to know of a rather nice 340i with the essential MPPSK (check YouTube it if your not sure what it is) for sale...
What age / budget are you looking at? I happen to know of a rather nice 340i with the essential MPPSK (check YouTube it if your not sure what it is) for sale...
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Thanks all for the responses, obviously car shopping is on hold at the moment but I'm leaning towards the estate for added practicality. I actually prefer the more subtle looks of the non-shadow edition version, but there are hardly any in the dealer network. Tanzanite blue ideally but next to zero chance of finding one.
I remember hearing a 440i with the MPPSK and thinking it sounded rather lovely. But, can that noise be switched off, and secondly is it only available on pre 18 plate cars?
The other option is a late Golf R estate, I could get a slightly newer version for the same money and better equipped as standard. I know the engine and gearbox are probably a slight step down, but wonder if it would actually be more fun to drive.
I remember hearing a 440i with the MPPSK and thinking it sounded rather lovely. But, can that noise be switched off, and secondly is it only available on pre 18 plate cars?
The other option is a late Golf R estate, I could get a slightly newer version for the same money and better equipped as standard. I know the engine and gearbox are probably a slight step down, but wonder if it would actually be more fun to drive.
Great choice if you can find one in your spec... The MPPSK kit (which I have and love) becomes muted in comfort and economy plus (very similar to standard car) but when you want to play it comes alive in every way... Post June 18 (I believe) can't have the MPPSK fitted due to new emissions laws, for me the touring is the perfect blend of fun / practicality in a great environment... I absolutely love mine. Good luck in your search and Tanzanite is gorgeous.
I saw a Tanzanite , my favorite color in these, a few weeks after I bought mine ; and at spec I wanted, but a lot pricier ; so didn't feel too bad.
I was after high spec and did feel on AUC, that many were lower spec.
Silver was a compromise color. But looks good with the touches of grey (wheels) and black bit, e.g. p/glass and even a bumper protector
I was after high spec and did feel on AUC, that many were lower spec.
Silver was a compromise color. But looks good with the touches of grey (wheels) and black bit, e.g. p/glass and even a bumper protector
Smuler said:
I saw a Tanzanite , my favorite color in these, a few weeks after I bought mine ; and at spec I wanted, but a lot pricier ; so didn't feel too bad.
I was after high spec and did feel on AUC, that many were lower spec.
Silver was a compromise color. But looks good with the touches of grey (wheels) and black bit, e.g. p/glass and even a bumper protector
I think I'd be ok with silver as an alternative colour if well priced, it does look good. Just want to avoid black and estoril I think.I was after high spec and did feel on AUC, that many were lower spec.
Silver was a compromise color. But looks good with the touches of grey (wheels) and black bit, e.g. p/glass and even a bumper protector
Am I right saying that things like lumber adjustment, heated seats, folding mirrors are all optional extras?
They’re all listed as extras on mine , I’ve got the 2017 brochure on PDF . Mines a 03/ 2017 build.
Lumbar was rare. I only found the one I bought and maybe one other in months on AUC.
Yes, RFTs standard. Nowhere near as bad as my prior experience on E92 335i.
BUT I have adaptive M sport suspension and I’m amazed at how comfortable the ride can be in comfort suspension setting.
I’d still recommend a change , but only for enjoying better handling if pushing on.
Lumbar was rare. I only found the one I bought and maybe one other in months on AUC.
Yes, RFTs standard. Nowhere near as bad as my prior experience on E92 335i.
BUT I have adaptive M sport suspension and I’m amazed at how comfortable the ride can be in comfort suspension setting.
I’d still recommend a change , but only for enjoying better handling if pushing on.
I'm on factory runflats, but ran non runflat winter tyres over this winter. The Bridgestones from the factory are fine really.
I must say, really enjoying the F31 340i. It's everything I ever need. The only thing that was a little disappointing was the noise. Mine is a PPF car so took it to PCW in Milton Keynes and had the exhaust opened up, which has made it sound really nice, v similar to MPPSK.
I must say, really enjoying the F31 340i. It's everything I ever need. The only thing that was a little disappointing was the noise. Mine is a PPF car so took it to PCW in Milton Keynes and had the exhaust opened up, which has made it sound really nice, v similar to MPPSK.
Again no problem with the Bridgestone S001 factory runflats on my F31 330D, they are really hard wearing and give plenty of feedback from the road and loads of grip. Stiff sidewall and construction gives them good turn in as well. No issues with poor comfort although my car has adaptive dampers
I'll be fitting them again when the current set wear out - have owned my car coming up for 4 years and 30k miles and the tyres are down to about 3.5 - 4mm now
I'll be fitting them again when the current set wear out - have owned my car coming up for 4 years and 30k miles and the tyres are down to about 3.5 - 4mm now
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