M140i, standard/adaptive & 340i, rides and handling?
Discussion
I drove an M140i on standard susp and it rode nicely.
I can't be sure on handling but it felt ok, certainly nothing obviously wrong for a nippy road car.
Will adaptive add softness and hardness options? Ie open up more comfort and more sportiness?
BMW don't seem to say explicitly, more inferring you just get standard kinda ride or rock hard sporty, which seems less useful in the UK.
I might have to try it but it's getting test drives back to back and really trying it out in decent roads that seems impossible to do.
And how does a 340i drive? I've read it's somewhat flawed by design so it's not stepping on M3's toes?
And there is a track performance pack?
But does that then just ruin the ride and make it crap?
Is there any 340i that rides and drives well, without having to buy special packs or aftermarket susp?
Just looking for a nice driving BMW 1 or 3, with a 6 pot petrol, that drives nicely and rides nicely and fits a baby seat in the back. Oh, and has memory seats.
BMW seem to have made this hard to do.
Even if going brand new to get the right options, BMW have limited paint and leather colours on the 1 so you have to go for bland combinations.
Might an F10 M5 that's a bit older be a better option?
Just tax and M servicing that put me off that, but I imagine depreciation *may* end up shallower than 140/340.
Hmmmm
I can't be sure on handling but it felt ok, certainly nothing obviously wrong for a nippy road car.
Will adaptive add softness and hardness options? Ie open up more comfort and more sportiness?
BMW don't seem to say explicitly, more inferring you just get standard kinda ride or rock hard sporty, which seems less useful in the UK.
I might have to try it but it's getting test drives back to back and really trying it out in decent roads that seems impossible to do.
And how does a 340i drive? I've read it's somewhat flawed by design so it's not stepping on M3's toes?
And there is a track performance pack?
But does that then just ruin the ride and make it crap?
Is there any 340i that rides and drives well, without having to buy special packs or aftermarket susp?
Just looking for a nice driving BMW 1 or 3, with a 6 pot petrol, that drives nicely and rides nicely and fits a baby seat in the back. Oh, and has memory seats.
BMW seem to have made this hard to do.
Even if going brand new to get the right options, BMW have limited paint and leather colours on the 1 so you have to go for bland combinations.
Might an F10 M5 that's a bit older be a better option?
Just tax and M servicing that put me off that, but I imagine depreciation *may* end up shallower than 140/340.
Hmmmm
Edited by Mr Whippy on Monday 16th October 22:29
I have both cars (both on adaptive suspension). Overall, they are both nice cars. The handling of the M140i though is, erm, interesting compared to the 340i (which is a Touring). It's fine up to 6/7 tenths, but then really struggles to keep its composure and put the power down on full bore acceleration, especially when in a corner. The car hops and skips. And that is in the dry. Even my wife has noticed this and she has no idea / interest in cars. (I wonder why she is flooring it so much?). The 340i doesn't suffer from this problem really, even with the power pack. The ride of the M140i is much more bouncy than the 340i too. However, saying all that, it makes the M140i more fun and interesting.
For every day driving though, I would take the 340i and if you have a baby, definitely get the 340i - the M140i will be too small for your family unless you are all 5"6 or shorter and only travel with a wash bag each.
For every day driving though, I would take the 340i and if you have a baby, definitely get the 340i - the M140i will be too small for your family unless you are all 5"6 or shorter and only travel with a wash bag each.
Edited by Roma101 on Tuesday 17th October 00:08
I have a 340i xdrive on the adaptive suspension and 19" wheels. The handling is very predictable but even in 'comfort' I would prefer a smoother ride. It's just gone on to it's 17" winter wheels so I'm hoping that will help a bit.
If you can find one I'd have a look at an Alpina. My experience of those is the suspension is much nicer than standard BMW.
If you can find one I'd have a look at an Alpina. My experience of those is the suspension is much nicer than standard BMW.
Roma101 said:
I have both cars (both on adaptive suspension). Overall, they are both nice cars. The handling of the M140i though is, erm, interesting compared to the 340i (which is a Touring). It's fine up to 6/7 tenths, but then really struggles to keep its composure and put the power down on full bore acceleration, especially when in a corner. The car hops and skips. And that is in the dry. Even my wife has noticed this and she has no idea / interest in cars. (I wonder why she is flooring it so much?). The 340i doesn't suffer from this problem really, even with the power pack. The ride of the M140i is much more bouncy than the 340i too. However, saying all that, it makes the M140i more fun and interesting.
For every day driving though, I would take the 340i and if you have a baby, definitely get the 340i - the M140i will be too small for your family unless you are all 5"6 or shorter and only travel with a wash bag each.
For comparison, I have a 340 touring on non-adaptive suspension with the RFT's (Goodyear I think) The ride composure with that setup is how you describe your 140i to be. Overall a great package in terms of engine and gearbox but severely (IMO) let down by the ride.For every day driving though, I would take the 340i and if you have a baby, definitely get the 340i - the M140i will be too small for your family unless you are all 5"6 or shorter and only travel with a wash bag each.
Edited by Roma101 on Tuesday 17th October 00:08
Thanks for the feedback!
I've been doing quite a bit of reading around.
My wife likes the 3 more than the 1, and I must admit for similar ish values when a few years old, the 3 is the one to go for.
There also seem to be lots more around with memory seats and adaptive suspension.
The bouncyness wasn't apparent in the 140 I drove but I wasn't really pushing it... but it doesn't sound all that appealing given my Z4 and my wife's current Fiesta ST are arguably nice up at 7/10ths+, although the cost is the horrible rough ride on N Yorks roads.
So is the 140 even bouncy in Sport mode on adaptive suspension? That doesn't bode well since the goal is a bit of a do it all driver.
But once again, no xdrive feature even on the 3.0 petrol 3! Arghh. BMW!
I'm not sure how valuable the xdrive will be as I'll likely get winter tyres/wheels, but it just seems a shame that you have to get the diesel. I also note an LSD is optional on the big petrols? I wonder if there is one for the big diesels to retrofit?
Evo magazine seem to rate the recent 335d xdrive, so as an all-rounder it might be the better choice for ~ £25,000 > £30,000 ish used, especially as it also seems much more common than the 340i, and thus cheaper and easier to find nice examples.
I assume for up to 7/10ths the 340 and 335d will be similar, but approaching the limit the rwd will be sharper and more neutral, while the awd might just be a bit duller.
But I also assume in general day to day they'll feel much of a muchness, and ride quality will be completely comparable?
All this said, I think my wife fancies the idea of an X5 or something. I just can't imagine these are any good to drive vs a decent 3 series? My dads Discovery 4 is a perfectly ok drive, but it's not what I'd call involving. I can't imagine the X5s move the game even half way back to a proper car for handling and involvement?
Many thanks once again!
Dave
I've been doing quite a bit of reading around.
My wife likes the 3 more than the 1, and I must admit for similar ish values when a few years old, the 3 is the one to go for.
There also seem to be lots more around with memory seats and adaptive suspension.
The bouncyness wasn't apparent in the 140 I drove but I wasn't really pushing it... but it doesn't sound all that appealing given my Z4 and my wife's current Fiesta ST are arguably nice up at 7/10ths+, although the cost is the horrible rough ride on N Yorks roads.
So is the 140 even bouncy in Sport mode on adaptive suspension? That doesn't bode well since the goal is a bit of a do it all driver.
But once again, no xdrive feature even on the 3.0 petrol 3! Arghh. BMW!
I'm not sure how valuable the xdrive will be as I'll likely get winter tyres/wheels, but it just seems a shame that you have to get the diesel. I also note an LSD is optional on the big petrols? I wonder if there is one for the big diesels to retrofit?
Evo magazine seem to rate the recent 335d xdrive, so as an all-rounder it might be the better choice for ~ £25,000 > £30,000 ish used, especially as it also seems much more common than the 340i, and thus cheaper and easier to find nice examples.
I assume for up to 7/10ths the 340 and 335d will be similar, but approaching the limit the rwd will be sharper and more neutral, while the awd might just be a bit duller.
But I also assume in general day to day they'll feel much of a muchness, and ride quality will be completely comparable?
All this said, I think my wife fancies the idea of an X5 or something. I just can't imagine these are any good to drive vs a decent 3 series? My dads Discovery 4 is a perfectly ok drive, but it's not what I'd call involving. I can't imagine the X5s move the game even half way back to a proper car for handling and involvement?
Many thanks once again!
Dave
Edited by Mr Whippy on Sunday 22 October 21:49
Very much agree what has been said. 340i Touring with adaptative suspension and riding 19s. Not an M car but a perfectly comfortable everyday car with sporty feeling if you feel that inclined. For my needs just right. If I went for smaller wheels I probably would go standard M suspension. You can get a limited slip diff from BMW M Performance but I haven’t felt the need driving on the road. Also the Brisgestobes RTF are decent enough not too stiff like old RTFs, probably won’t bother with Michelin PS4s.
Recommend!!... about the 335d I prefer petrol and didn’t want x drive. A high power diesel is not going to save you that much in mpg but it drives in a different manner some will say it may be a more comfortable drive due to the nature of the power delivery. I am happy with what I got.
Recommend!!... about the 335d I prefer petrol and didn’t want x drive. A high power diesel is not going to save you that much in mpg but it drives in a different manner some will say it may be a more comfortable drive due to the nature of the power delivery. I am happy with what I got.
I was just reading about the new tax on big diesels on another thread in here.
I forgot all about it. That could easily offset any benefits, and even the cost of decent winter wheels/tyres too.
So 340i with adaptive and memory seats is the one to test drive next!
I think the wheels I like are 19", the 5 spilt spoke wheels. 5 spoke ftw!
Are there any particular things to not get or definitely get? Or years/spec to avoid?
I'm assuming all 340i are LCI facelifts as they were the 335i until just the other year?
Cheers
Dave
I forgot all about it. That could easily offset any benefits, and even the cost of decent winter wheels/tyres too.
So 340i with adaptive and memory seats is the one to test drive next!
I think the wheels I like are 19", the 5 spilt spoke wheels. 5 spoke ftw!
Are there any particular things to not get or definitely get? Or years/spec to avoid?
I'm assuming all 340i are LCI facelifts as they were the 335i until just the other year?
Cheers
Dave
Hmmm 340i seem quite rare?
A 16/17 335d with decent spec is £25-£35 ish, while 340i is £35-£40 ish.
I'm not quite sure a 340i is a good choice on that basis.
I'd rather stretch to a bit older M3 and punt on better mid term residual performance, than risk losing £10-£15 in a matter of a year or two on a 'rare' 340i.
I'll admit I'm baffled at car values and prices right now.
BMW incentives and credit deals seem to be distorting things.
I'm just using ~ 20% annum or 50% 3 year depreciation and going from there as a gauge in value, but the deals from new see wildly variable starting prices.
A 16/17 335d with decent spec is £25-£35 ish, while 340i is £35-£40 ish.
I'm not quite sure a 340i is a good choice on that basis.
I'd rather stretch to a bit older M3 and punt on better mid term residual performance, than risk losing £10-£15 in a matter of a year or two on a 'rare' 340i.
I'll admit I'm baffled at car values and prices right now.
BMW incentives and credit deals seem to be distorting things.
I'm just using ~ 20% annum or 50% 3 year depreciation and going from there as a gauge in value, but the deals from new see wildly variable starting prices.
Mr Whippy said:
Hmmm 340i seem quite rare?
A 16/17 335d with decent spec is £25-£35 ish, while 340i is £35-£40 ish.
I'm not quite sure a 340i is a good choice on that basis.
I'd rather stretch to a bit older M3 and punt on better mid term residual performance, than risk losing £10-£15 in a matter of a year or two on a 'rare' 340i.
I'll admit I'm baffled at car values and prices right now.
BMW incentives and credit deals seem to be distorting things.
I'm just using ~ 20% annum or 50% 3 year depreciation and going from there as a gauge in value, but the deals from new see wildly variable starting prices.
Broker4cars are offering a new F31 340i Shadow Edition for just over £32k (a discount of around 28%) and I believe the current finance rate from BMWFS on a new 3-series is quite low (1.9% APR which is way lower than you'd get on a used car). Even if you put quite a few extras on you're still talking about no more than £37-£38k for a brand new car which makes £35-£40k for a 16/17 reg seem like madness IMO....A 16/17 335d with decent spec is £25-£35 ish, while 340i is £35-£40 ish.
I'm not quite sure a 340i is a good choice on that basis.
I'd rather stretch to a bit older M3 and punt on better mid term residual performance, than risk losing £10-£15 in a matter of a year or two on a 'rare' 340i.
I'll admit I'm baffled at car values and prices right now.
BMW incentives and credit deals seem to be distorting things.
I'm just using ~ 20% annum or 50% 3 year depreciation and going from there as a gauge in value, but the deals from new see wildly variable starting prices.
ghibbett said:
This strikes me as a very good deal:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Yowza ,,,that is some find. With the MPPK as well https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Edited by smashy on Tuesday 24th October 21:31
smashy said:
ghibbett said:
This strikes me as a very good deal:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Yowza ,,,that is some find. With the MPKK as well https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
ghibbett said:
This strikes me as a very good deal:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Strong money that. I would have thought closer to 25 rather than 30, the bling, as nice as it is, doesn't really add that much value. WBAC have it down for 19,775! https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Edited by Osinjak on Tuesday 24th October 21:23
Osinjak said:
Strong money that. I would have thought closer to 25 rather than 30, the bling, as nice as it is, doesn't really add that much value. WBAC have it down for 19,775!
I agree it is overpriced. The car was advertised at £29,990 in May of this year with 2025 miles on the clock as an Approved Used Car. The cheeky git probably paid less than he's currently advertising it for!https://cazana.com/uk/car/SW65KPZ
I would say it's worth more like £25k today. You can get a much newer 340i for £30k
335d said:
Osinjak said:
Strong money that. I would have thought closer to 25 rather than 30, the bling, as nice as it is, doesn't really add that much value. WBAC have it down for 19,775!
I agree it is overpriced. The car was advertised at £29,990 in May of this year with 2025 miles on the clock as an Approved Used Car. The cheeky git probably paid less than he's currently advertising it for!https://cazana.com/uk/car/SW65KPZ
I would say it's worth more like £25k today. You can get a much newer 340i for £30k
I saw that 340i, seemed over priced given the new buyer will have paid more around £40,000-£45,000 new, not £54,000.
Also those carbon slipovers on exhausts just seem dumb to me.
My wife and I went to try a 335d xdrive which seemed ok.
She also wanted to try an X3 and the demo was a thrashy 4 pot. It also rode like crap in the back as a passenger.
I've no idea if this is just X3s or if a 6 pot with adaptive (if they exist to buy used) would be ok.
I'm a bit frustrated though that across the entire Stratstone BMW stock they have *no* memory seat cars, no adaptive susp cars, and had no adaptive susp 3 series demo at Harrogate.
The dealership has seemed pretty good in other respects but it seems they're trying hard to just sell what are frankly poor used examples of top end BMW cars.
Coopers, Sandal, Williams, and many others all have a few examples of top spec cars.
It's hard to justify asking for more time with the cars and whittling down the options you want when they don't even have examples of cars you'd buy.
And when the new cars are so closely priced to nearly new used ones, with daft discounts and options packs, I'm once again finding *sourcing* a BMW a flipping nightmare and a horrible experience.
It'd help if BMW didn't sell so much poverty spec crap.
I'm amazed people even buy premium cars then skip the features that make them premium!
Also those carbon slipovers on exhausts just seem dumb to me.
My wife and I went to try a 335d xdrive which seemed ok.
She also wanted to try an X3 and the demo was a thrashy 4 pot. It also rode like crap in the back as a passenger.
I've no idea if this is just X3s or if a 6 pot with adaptive (if they exist to buy used) would be ok.
I'm a bit frustrated though that across the entire Stratstone BMW stock they have *no* memory seat cars, no adaptive susp cars, and had no adaptive susp 3 series demo at Harrogate.
The dealership has seemed pretty good in other respects but it seems they're trying hard to just sell what are frankly poor used examples of top end BMW cars.
Coopers, Sandal, Williams, and many others all have a few examples of top spec cars.
It's hard to justify asking for more time with the cars and whittling down the options you want when they don't even have examples of cars you'd buy.
And when the new cars are so closely priced to nearly new used ones, with daft discounts and options packs, I'm once again finding *sourcing* a BMW a flipping nightmare and a horrible experience.
It'd help if BMW didn't sell so much poverty spec crap.
I'm amazed people even buy premium cars then skip the features that make them premium!
Hi, here to defend my car and explain its pricing. I had to have a lot of the paintwork corrected and the front bumper re sprayed when I bought it. I’ve added MPPSK, lots of carbon fibre goodies and a full Detail, price seems fair for the nicest used 340i on sale today.
I had a 335d 16’ touring before and it’s awesome but it’s a diesel, coming from an RS6 I just couldn’t get any real connection to it, the 340i without Xdrive and with MPPSK is a far better drive and delivers almost identical MPG. On my motorway run to work it returns 40+mpg. Comparing it to a higher mileage 335d with more toys (by this I presume it has adaptive cruise) is pretty pointless.
I had a 335d 16’ touring before and it’s awesome but it’s a diesel, coming from an RS6 I just couldn’t get any real connection to it, the 340i without Xdrive and with MPPSK is a far better drive and delivers almost identical MPG. On my motorway run to work it returns 40+mpg. Comparing it to a higher mileage 335d with more toys (by this I presume it has adaptive cruise) is pretty pointless.
In the end of the day it's worth what people are willing to pay.
It'll be a narrow market but it's also a unique and nice example.
For my wife and me living in the Yorkshire Dales proper, xdrive in a 300bhp car just makes loads of sense... and now we've tried a 140i and 335d, the difference is really not so big to mean I'd give up a tangible benefit from awd to get petrol when it's still a turbo and automatic.
I'll admit that's a sad thing.
It brings a tear to my eye to sit in a BMW dealership and have the salespeople confused at my utter dismissal of their s
t 4 pot diesel devil machines and completely dire manual seats!
BMW still make awesome cars, sadly most of their punters but crap examples.
It'll be a narrow market but it's also a unique and nice example.
For my wife and me living in the Yorkshire Dales proper, xdrive in a 300bhp car just makes loads of sense... and now we've tried a 140i and 335d, the difference is really not so big to mean I'd give up a tangible benefit from awd to get petrol when it's still a turbo and automatic.
I'll admit that's a sad thing.
It brings a tear to my eye to sit in a BMW dealership and have the salespeople confused at my utter dismissal of their s
t 4 pot diesel devil machines and completely dire manual seats!BMW still make awesome cars, sadly most of their punters but crap examples.
Cherub77 said:
Hi, here to defend my car and explain its pricing. I had to have a lot of the paintwork corrected and the front bumper re sprayed when I bought it. I’ve added MPPSK, lots of carbon fibre goodies and a full Detail, price seems fair for the nicest used 340i on sale today.
Given that the car was advertised at just below £30k by the BMW dealer you bought it from back in May with 9000 fewer miles, it seems unlikely that is a sensible price. Its private value back in May would have been probably £2-3k below what you paid, say £27k. It now has an extra owner, 9000 more miles and is 6 months older, so £24k might be about right.The MPPSK and other bits probably add a thousand or so to the value so £25k seems reasonable to me. Looks a nice car though. Given that you can get a new pre-reg 340i for just over £30k, albeit with a lower spec, no sane person would pay close to that for a 2 year old.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff