BMW M140i or 340i
Discussion
Hi PistonHeads,
I'm looking to buy a replacement for my old faithful Audi A4 3.0 TDI, and have decided on one of the above. I'm hoping to hear some experiences from owners before I purchase one, mainly with regards to comfort for day to day driving and any common problems.
I've driven an M140i, and was almost sold. It makes a fantastic noise, the manual gearbox is really nice, and it seemed comfy and quiet when driving in a more calm fashion - moreso than my B7 Audi A4. My biggest gripe with the Audi is the ride (S-Line) and noise at motorway speeds. From a short test drive, the 1 series felt like a leap forward, as it should considering the audi is 12 now.
I am also considering a 340i, however there is not one near me that I can take for a test drive. My main question is, what is the comfort and refinement difference between a 1 series and a 3 series? I sat in a 3 series at the dealer, and to be honest it looked and felt pretty much the same as the 1 series. When you are on the go, specifically with the 40i engine, is there much of a difference? Don't really care about practicality, so saloon or estate would be fine.
And finally, anything to look out for on either of these cars?
I'm looking to buy a replacement for my old faithful Audi A4 3.0 TDI, and have decided on one of the above. I'm hoping to hear some experiences from owners before I purchase one, mainly with regards to comfort for day to day driving and any common problems.
I've driven an M140i, and was almost sold. It makes a fantastic noise, the manual gearbox is really nice, and it seemed comfy and quiet when driving in a more calm fashion - moreso than my B7 Audi A4. My biggest gripe with the Audi is the ride (S-Line) and noise at motorway speeds. From a short test drive, the 1 series felt like a leap forward, as it should considering the audi is 12 now.
I am also considering a 340i, however there is not one near me that I can take for a test drive. My main question is, what is the comfort and refinement difference between a 1 series and a 3 series? I sat in a 3 series at the dealer, and to be honest it looked and felt pretty much the same as the 1 series. When you are on the go, specifically with the 40i engine, is there much of a difference? Don't really care about practicality, so saloon or estate would be fine.
And finally, anything to look out for on either of these cars?
I find my 340i the next level of comfort over anything I’ve owned or driven from the 1/2/X1 platform/ architecture,
Driving position certainly seems lower, it has nicer and therefore softer leather. Adaptive suspension works much better. Better options if you like tech such as HUD and surround view.
But if you don’t need a bigger car , I’d say get a 140i as smaller cars are a bit more fun.
I need a touring , so accept there’s no manual.
I see little appeal with the saloon , or any 4 series.
If you’re not getting a proper M car , the cars with the 5 doors seem to make the most sense.
Driving position certainly seems lower, it has nicer and therefore softer leather. Adaptive suspension works much better. Better options if you like tech such as HUD and surround view.
But if you don’t need a bigger car , I’d say get a 140i as smaller cars are a bit more fun.
I need a touring , so accept there’s no manual.
I see little appeal with the saloon , or any 4 series.
If you’re not getting a proper M car , the cars with the 5 doors seem to make the most sense.
There isn't a lot between the 1 and 3 series, IIRC there's a little more space behind the front seats; before we purchased our M135i we considered the 1, 2, 3 & 4 series and felt we didn't need the extra space as there was no different in comfort. I haven't driven a current 3 series but drove a new 5 series recently and in comfort terms up front there's no difference, felt like the same seats. The M135i has been an excellent grand tourer the past four years, really easy to drive long distance all day and the hatchback is extremely useful.
Driving wise they're the same car bar the slightly longer wheelbase on the 3 series, can't imagine that makes a lot of difference. I'd say the choice is down to the bodyshape you prefer.
I should point out I have the adaptive suspension on my car, the standard suspension has a reputation for seeming harsh to some people.
Driving wise they're the same car bar the slightly longer wheelbase on the 3 series, can't imagine that makes a lot of difference. I'd say the choice is down to the bodyshape you prefer.
I should point out I have the adaptive suspension on my car, the standard suspension has a reputation for seeming harsh to some people.
Edited by hiccy18 on Sunday 19th July 00:06
driver67 said:
I'm still loving my 2005 130i.
Pretty sure I seen the difference in the chassis length between 1-3 series was only 6 inches.
They can be a bit tight in the back seat for adults, but as above - much more fun, especially with an LSD.
Dougie.
Lucky you ! Pretty sure I seen the difference in the chassis length between 1-3 series was only 6 inches.
They can be a bit tight in the back seat for adults, but as above - much more fun, especially with an LSD.
Dougie.
I’m confident in saying you’ll have much more steering feel and feedback.
The newer cars are numb by comparison.
The M135i I had for an events day felt like a video game compared to my old E46 and the E92 M3 I had either side.
Which is why I think the Adaptive suspension allowing a comfort mode adds value. In the absence of the old directness (better feedback) , might as well have that relaxing drive.
I’m not one of those who’d find Sport (middle setting / non adaptive) as harsh , because I’m used to / prefer the older cars , buts it’s a middle ground : neither exciting enough or comfortable , so disappoints.
Smuler said:
Lucky you !
I’m confident in saying you’ll have much more steering feel and feedback.
The newer cars are numb by comparison.
The M135i I had for an events day felt like a video game compared to my old E46 and the E92 M3 I had either side.
Which is why I think the Adaptive suspension allowing a comfort mode adds value. In the absence of the old directness (better feedback) , might as well have that relaxing drive.
I’m not one of those who’d find Sport (middle setting / non adaptive) as harsh , because I’m used to / prefer the older cars , buts it’s a middle ground : neither exciting enough or comfortable , so disappoints.
Yep, all hydraulic - I've got Eibach Sportline Springs along with the Bilstein B12 shocks.I’m confident in saying you’ll have much more steering feel and feedback.
The newer cars are numb by comparison.
The M135i I had for an events day felt like a video game compared to my old E46 and the E92 M3 I had either side.
Which is why I think the Adaptive suspension allowing a comfort mode adds value. In the absence of the old directness (better feedback) , might as well have that relaxing drive.
I’m not one of those who’d find Sport (middle setting / non adaptive) as harsh , because I’m used to / prefer the older cars , buts it’s a middle ground : neither exciting enough or comfortable , so disappoints.
We all sussed out these were the required upgrades to the standard car.
130i = B Road Dream.
Dougie,
Check out babybmw.net for all things 1 series.
I previously had a 135i manual and currently have a 340i.
For driving I preferred the 135i, far more engaging, felt more planted on the road and just an all round better driving experience. The 340i is extremely capable and probably more refined but there's a sacrifice for that refinement.
I just haven't gelled with the 340i like I did the 135i hence I'm moving it on.
For driving I preferred the 135i, far more engaging, felt more planted on the road and just an all round better driving experience. The 340i is extremely capable and probably more refined but there's a sacrifice for that refinement.
I just haven't gelled with the 340i like I did the 135i hence I'm moving it on.
Don't overlook the 440i GC too - I originally went to buy a 340i and ended up with one of these.
Higher spec as standard than the 3, with a bigger hatch boot. Going by what I've been offered for mine recently there should be a few bargains around.
Also, if you go for one registered before July (?) 2018 you can get the M Performance Power and Sound Kit installed by BMW which ups it to 360bhp/500nm and adds a lovely valved exhaust.
Higher spec as standard than the 3, with a bigger hatch boot. Going by what I've been offered for mine recently there should be a few bargains around.
Also, if you go for one registered before July (?) 2018 you can get the M Performance Power and Sound Kit installed by BMW which ups it to 360bhp/500nm and adds a lovely valved exhaust.
stuart_83 said:
Don't overlook the 440i GC too - I originally went to buy a 340i and ended up with one of these.
Higher spec as standard than the 3, with a bigger hatch boot. Going by what I've been offered for mine recently there should be a few bargains around.
Also, if you go for one registered before July (?) 2018 you can get the M Performance Power and Sound Kit installed by BMW which ups it to 360bhp/500nm and adds a lovely valved exhaust.
Saw one of these at the local shops, handsome car that’s for sure.Higher spec as standard than the 3, with a bigger hatch boot. Going by what I've been offered for mine recently there should be a few bargains around.
Also, if you go for one registered before July (?) 2018 you can get the M Performance Power and Sound Kit installed by BMW which ups it to 360bhp/500nm and adds a lovely valved exhaust.
driver67 said:
I'm still loving my 2005 130i.
Pretty sure I seen the difference in the chassis length between 1-3 series was only 6 inches.
They can be a bit tight in the back seat for adults, but as above - much more fun, especially with an LSD.
Dougie.
I love these. I believe a lot of E90 M3 suspension fits these as well.Pretty sure I seen the difference in the chassis length between 1-3 series was only 6 inches.
They can be a bit tight in the back seat for adults, but as above - much more fun, especially with an LSD.
Dougie.
StuntmanMike said:
I love these. I believe a lot of E90 M3 suspension fits these as well.
Yep, I've got M3 control arms on the front. Cheap and easy. Turn in much improved.Majority of 1 and 3 parts are the same.
I'm on 140,000 miles now but regular maintenance and dealing with the usual fails is fine by me.
Smiles for miles - unreal.
Dougie.
I have an M140i, which I’ve had had for just over a year from new. It’s a really good little car that is dominated by the B58, I find it more than comfortable enough but I generally get on with BMW interiors and their sport seats. It’s not massive inside (a Golf is a much better packaged car) and no one can really sit behind me, but we’re a family of three so it doesn’t matter.
The engine is brilliant and can be economical if you’re sensible but will drink if you drive it hard. Mine sounds pretty good despite the PPF but it could do with a bit more noise so I’ll take it to PCW at some point for a backbox mod.
The tech is fine. I have pro nav (intuitive, easy to use good display), cruise etc. Only thing I wish I’d spec’d was CarPlay because listening to music via Bluetooth sounds awful. For me HK sneakers are a must, they’re not great but loads better than the basic ones.
People talk about the handling and ride but I don’t think it’s as bad as he internet will have you believe. The back end can and does pogo a bit once the speed picks up but by that time you’re travelling at a far rate, so that’s the last of your worries really. I’ve just fitted so e H+R lowering springs to mine which are softer than stock and it’s a bit better. Ultimately the dampers are a bit cheap.
It’s very much a compromise car and misses the proper M car zing but it’s cheap to buy and run; VED for me is £150 a year, tyres are £130 a corner, I’m averaging just under 30 mpg and three years servicing was £300.
The 3 is bigger, but they’re not massively spacious inside despite the much bigger footprint. They’ll feel very similar inside and as far as I’m aware both have BMWks Dakota leather.
The engine is brilliant and can be economical if you’re sensible but will drink if you drive it hard. Mine sounds pretty good despite the PPF but it could do with a bit more noise so I’ll take it to PCW at some point for a backbox mod.
The tech is fine. I have pro nav (intuitive, easy to use good display), cruise etc. Only thing I wish I’d spec’d was CarPlay because listening to music via Bluetooth sounds awful. For me HK sneakers are a must, they’re not great but loads better than the basic ones.
People talk about the handling and ride but I don’t think it’s as bad as he internet will have you believe. The back end can and does pogo a bit once the speed picks up but by that time you’re travelling at a far rate, so that’s the last of your worries really. I’ve just fitted so e H+R lowering springs to mine which are softer than stock and it’s a bit better. Ultimately the dampers are a bit cheap.
It’s very much a compromise car and misses the proper M car zing but it’s cheap to buy and run; VED for me is £150 a year, tyres are £130 a corner, I’m averaging just under 30 mpg and three years servicing was £300.
The 3 is bigger, but they’re not massively spacious inside despite the much bigger footprint. They’ll feel very similar inside and as far as I’m aware both have BMWks Dakota leather.
slowpeddler65 said:
I previously had a 135i manual and currently have a 340i.
For driving I preferred the 135i, far more engaging, felt more planted on the road and just an all round better driving experience. The 340i is extremely capable and probably more refined but there's a sacrifice for that refinement.
I just haven't gelled with the 340i like I did the 135i hence I'm moving it on.
Much like my experience, coupled with shoddy service from BMW (my first local dealer lost it's BMW agency which we celebrated) and not stellar build quality (bits of trim are currently stored in the boot waiting for the next service, irritating problems with electrics.)For driving I preferred the 135i, far more engaging, felt more planted on the road and just an all round better driving experience. The 340i is extremely capable and probably more refined but there's a sacrifice for that refinement.
I just haven't gelled with the 340i like I did the 135i hence I'm moving it on.
I have a 340i X-Drive with the MSSP kit. I dislike the steering which is devoid of feel and I don't feel is linear so in 3.5 years of ownership I still haven't worked out what's happening at the front wheels. It understeered a lot until I changed the tyres and now just understeers. Mine has pretty much every option as it was a showroom car and that is how they're all specced here in Switzerland. I've never driven one without the adaptive dampers so can't comment there but comfort is decent on the motorway without being as smooth as something like an E class and sports seems good on the twisties. However I much prefer the ride on the 17" wheels at winter than the 19" summer wheels. The MSSP kit transformed the responsiveness but I find the exhaust droning a bit much on long journeys.
The options I value most are the adaptive lights and adaptive cruise.
We're just starting to look for a replacement. At the moment the only BMW on the long-list is an Alpina B5 touring mainly because I've had such good experiences with the local distributor and I like what Alpina do with BMWs, especially the added comfort. However I suspect we'll go electric - we had an i3 as a city car before the 340 and I have much more fondness for that even accounting for it's many quirks.
Hi all, thanks for your replies. I have settled on an M140i, and got a deposit down on one with the view to picking it up this weekend assuming all is well.
I managed to try an automatic 340i, and really did not gel with the automatic gearbox at all. Nothing technically wrong with it, but for me personally I just don't like automatics. Conversely the manual gearbox in the M140i is very nice. As mentioned I have not found much difference inside between the 1 and 3 series, they are remarkably similar. I didn't notice any difference in NVH on the test drives either.
Thanks again.
I managed to try an automatic 340i, and really did not gel with the automatic gearbox at all. Nothing technically wrong with it, but for me personally I just don't like automatics. Conversely the manual gearbox in the M140i is very nice. As mentioned I have not found much difference inside between the 1 and 3 series, they are remarkably similar. I didn't notice any difference in NVH on the test drives either.
Thanks again.
Dave_90 said:
Hi all, thanks for your replies. I have settled on an M140i, and got a deposit down on one with the view to picking it up this weekend assuming all is well.
I managed to try an automatic 340i, and really did not gel with the automatic gearbox at all. Nothing technically wrong with it, but for me personally I just don't like automatics. Conversely the manual gearbox in the M140i is very nice. As mentioned I have not found much difference inside between the 1 and 3 series, they are remarkably similar. I didn't notice any difference in NVH on the test drives either.
Thanks again.
Congratulations. You were getting a great engine/car whichever way you went. Enjoy!I managed to try an automatic 340i, and really did not gel with the automatic gearbox at all. Nothing technically wrong with it, but for me personally I just don't like automatics. Conversely the manual gearbox in the M140i is very nice. As mentioned I have not found much difference inside between the 1 and 3 series, they are remarkably similar. I didn't notice any difference in NVH on the test drives either.
Thanks again.
Dave_90 said:
Hi all, thanks for your replies. I have settled on an M140i, and got a deposit down on one with the view to picking it up this weekend assuming all is well.
I managed to try an automatic 340i, and really did not gel with the automatic gearbox at all. Nothing technically wrong with it, but for me personally I just don't like automatics. Conversely the manual gearbox in the M140i is very nice. As mentioned I have not found much difference inside between the 1 and 3 series, they are remarkably similar. I didn't notice any difference in NVH on the test drives either.
Thanks again.
Good stuff. I think they’re great little cars and the last if their kind (big engine / small car).I managed to try an automatic 340i, and really did not gel with the automatic gearbox at all. Nothing technically wrong with it, but for me personally I just don't like automatics. Conversely the manual gearbox in the M140i is very nice. As mentioned I have not found much difference inside between the 1 and 3 series, they are remarkably similar. I didn't notice any difference in NVH on the test drives either.
Thanks again.
. If we didn't have a baby then I would probably opt for the M140i myself which is what it seems to have chosen anyway.Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff