BMW M340i - talk to me

[8IKERDAVE]

This has hit the shortlist of cars and seems to be the one I'm drawn to. I looked at the 335d and although cheaper to run I've not owned a quick petrol car before. I'm looking at around 4-5 years old, saloon or estate (it does seem the estates command more money). I won't be buying until I can test drive one, I'm not the sort of person to order a car online!

I will be using as a daily so mainly commuting to the office but occasional business trips, family days out and the odd B road blast when I don't fancy taking the bike. Are these generally a reliable car as there seems to be a lot of bad press about BMW's reliability. What things should I be looking out for and are there any 'must have' spec options. I will be looking at an auto - I know it's not the purist choice but i'd be buying an M3 if I wanted that.

[anonymous-user]

I'll be watching this thread, as its the same for me. This, or a 4 door S5?

[anonymous-user]

Sorry to be pedantic, but at 4-5 years old it will be a 340i M Sport, not an M340i. M340i is for G20 cars.

[c3m]

I've had two 340i cars - they're so good, I went back to one. Initially, I got a 2015 340i with the M-Perf Exhaust and after 1.5yrs, I switched an M4 CP (manual). After just 6 months, I sold the M4 and went back to a 2018 340i MPPSK. The noise from the MPPSK is just insane - way better than M4.

Some other factors which makes the 340i a better car for me:

• Lower cabin noise vs the M4. M4 at motorway speeds is just way too loud and uncomfortable.
• M4 power is unusable on public road (unless you want to lose your licence or bin the car)
• M4 not a good track car: too heavy, so I need to have another track car anyway.
• M4 traction is not good, cannot deploy all the power effectively, so you're effectively running lower power. 340i MPPSK deploys it very effectively.
• As I mentioned already, M4 noise is not good in isolation and when compared to the MPPSK, it's just much worse.

Overall, I think a 340i MPPSK is a great car. When the time comes to upgrade, I'll get the M340i which is another step up in comfort (though do loses the sound).

You can see my reply about 340i vs M4 on this thread.

[8IKERDAVE]

ajap1979 said:

Sorry to be pedantic, but at 4-5 years old it will be a 340i M Sport, not an M340i. M340i is for G20 cars.

Noted

[8IKERDAVE]

c3m said:

I've had two 340i cars - they're so good, I went back to one. Initially, I got a 2015 340i with the M-Perf Exhaust and after 1.5yrs, I switched an M4 CP (manual). After just 6 months, I sold the M4 and went back to a 2018 340i MPPSK. The noise from the MPPSK is just insane - way better than M4.

Some other factors which makes the 340i a better car for me:

• Lower cabin noise vs the M4. M4 at motorway speeds is just way too loud and uncomfortable.
• M4 power is unusable on public road (unless you want to lose your licence or bin the car)
• M4 not a good track car: too heavy, so I need to have another track car anyway.
• M4 traction is not good, cannot deploy all the power effectively, so you're effectively running lower power. 340i MPPSK deploys it very effectively.
• As I mentioned already, M4 noise is not good in isolation and when compared to the MPPSK, it's just much worse.

Overall, I think a 340i MPPSK is a great car. When the time comes to upgrade, I'll get the M340i which is another step up in comfort (though do loses the sound).

You can see my reply about 340i vs M4 on this thread.

Thanks for that, interesting to hear your comparisons on the M4. My thinking was that a 340i is the next best thing albeit comprimising performance for a bit of everyday practicality and refinement. I'm looking forward to taking one out as soon as allowed!

[Supercell]

I've got a 340i saloon, on a 66 plate. Standard car, 326bhp. Just done a 240 mile round trip in it 2 days ago, very comfortable on the motorway with the 8 speed auto, 70mph is barely over 1500rpm so can get good mpg when needed. Can be quite juicy when using the performance which is no surprise really. Even on 20" alloys ( mine comes with factory M Performance kit) with standard suspension, its deals with bumps much better than I had ever hoped.

Start throwing it round a bit and you can feel its mass, it's quick off the line (very quick in the right conditions). The box shuffles through gears in Comfort mode very early and cruises at barely over tickover at a steady speed. The B58 engine is quite torquey so its best work is done by about 5000rpm. Sport mode wakes the car up with sharper throttle response and heavier(but still rather lifeless) steering. Some muted burbles too for added effect. I often use the paddles to change gears which is a nice touch. Spacious enough front and back, I'm tall but fit in no problem. Boot is quite big.

Mines got a couple of nice options, not optioned up to the eyeballs but well specified all the same. I enjoy the car, but I think next time I will probably go back to a lighter, slower car.

Watch out for coolant loss which does not seem to have a cause, and rattling exhausts, where the spring on the valved exhaust becomes weak and rattles on cold start.

Edited by Supercell on Thursday 1st April 13:45

[BFleming]

There is a full M340i thread running here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[12TS]

BFleming said:

There is a full M340i thread running here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I thought that was for the G20 not F80s?

I've had mine for 5 years and I've racked up all of 18,000 miles without problem. Spec is very much a personal choice, but I like the HUD and heated steering wheel.

I can't compare it to an Mcar, but it's quite fast enough. It does feel bigger than my 135i which preceded it. Would I buy another? Probably, although the G20 M340i seem a bit pricey now.

[BFleming]

12TS said:

BFleming said:

There is a full M340i thread running here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I thought that was for the G20 not F80s?

F80 - M3? Do you mean F30? There wasn't an M340i in that range, it was a 340i. The OP said M340i, so that's a G20/G21 only, hence I linked to the M340i thread. Apparently the OP meant 340i as they refer to cars 4-5 years old. My mistake, sort-of. I should have read the comments above before posting, I see someone highlighted the anomaly already.

Edited by BFleming on Thursday 1st April 15:44

[Court_S]

The B58 is proving to be a pretty reliable engine from what I can gather. The oil filter can disintegrate causing a dew issues (largely seems to be linked to the long CBS service intervals).

I have the same engine in my 1 series. Fuel economy is Jekyll and Hyde; if you’re sensible it can be pretty good but it’ll get juicy driving it hard.

I’m a fan of the F30; it’s a good looking car and I like the interior.

[Monty Python]

Court_S said:

The B58 is proving to be a pretty reliable engine from what I can gather. The oil filter can disintegrate causing a dew issues (largely seems to be linked to the long CBS service intervals).

I have the same engine in my 1 series. Fuel economy is Jekyll and Hyde; if you’re sensible it can be pretty good but it’ll get juicy driving it hard.

I’m a fan of the F30; it’s a good looking car and I like the interior.

The B58 also suffers from oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, and because of the undertray it can go largely unnoticed.

[worsy]

I had one a few years back. Cracking car but it got replaced with an M3

Mine had the M Performance kit on it, red interior and HUD.