RE: BMW reveals 374hp M340i ahead of LA show

RE: BMW reveals 374hp M340i ahead of LA show

Tuesday 13th November 2018

BMW reveals 374hp M340i ahead of LA show

New performance variant will take the fight to the Mercedes-AMG C43 and Audi S4



BMW will launch its most potent 3 Series model this side of an M3 yet when the new M340i xDrive arrives next year. Powered by a 374hp straight-six, the car will hit 62mph in 4.4 seconds, which, if you want proof of progress (or, perhaps more appropriately, the effectiveness of all-wheel drive), makes it four tenths quicker to the mark than the V8-engined E92 M3 - you know, the one that felt monstrously fast only a few years back.

Its engine is the same 3.0-litre unit used in the M140i and M240i, but its output has been cranked to new heights for the larger 3 Series. BMW's engineers have asked more of the TwinScroll turbocharging system and upped its fuel injection pressure to 350 bar. There's also a new compact steel exhaust manifold and reduced mass moment of inertia to help the blower spin up faster.

BMW says the result is sharpened throttle response, more explosive performance through the rev-range and better overall efficiency. Torque now peaks at 369lb ft, helping the M340i to hit 62mph half a second earlier than the previous quickest non-M3 3 Series, the 340i (of the now discontinued F-generation) - although, again, some of the gains made in away-from-the-line performance can be attributed to the standard fitment of xDrive.


Ahead of its debut at LA later this month, European press releases make no mention of the RWD version that's to be offered in the US - a fact which might potentially displease the manufacturer's hardcore fan base on this side of the Atlantic - but BMW will be well aware that both significant rivals, the Audi S4 and Mercedes-AMG C43, use AWD as a distinguishing feature of their top-tier trim levels.

BMW does, however, reiterate that its xDrive system has a definite rear bias, and has underlined the fact with the standard fitment of an M Sport differential at the back. This electronically controlled, fully variable locking system provides the rear wheels with a traction advantage so they can play the more significant role. Also standard is the use of an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with shorter ratios in lower gears to enhance acceleration.


Since this isn't a full-blown M model but an M-fettled one, the M340is uses the base of the new G20-generation 3 Series in largely unchanged form. It incorporates a double-joint spring strut front axle and a five-arm rear axle, and sits 10mm closer to the ground on M Sport suspension and bespoke damper settings. You can (read: should) opt for BMW's adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers as an option. There's also a variable steering option, but experience suggests this one might be less desirable. Throw in bigger brakes with four piston calipers and 348mm discs at the front, along with single piston floating calipers and 345mm discs at the rear and you have yourself one very well-equipped 3 Series.

Since the M340i sits among the regular model line-up, it does without muscle flexing features like flared arches. Instead, it signals its ranking with some extra aerodynamic features on the front bumper, a few M badges and some grey metallic trim outside. Inside, the subtle theme continues with M seats trimmed in sensatec (a synthetic leather) and Alcantara, a leather-wrapped M steering wheel and some M badges. Other than that, it's regular 3 Series.

Although as yet unconfirmed, we can expect the M340i to be followed by a Touring version and also an M440i for the two-door line-up. When these cars reach roads, they'll only remain the top models of their ranges for about a year as the red-blooded M models are due in 2020 using a substantially more potent version of its 3.0-litre motor. Consequently, you can expect the next gen M3 to produce around 100hp more than its half sibling. But don't let that put you off. Given its usability bandwidth and lower unit cost, the M340i might yet prove the pick of the range.











Author
Discussion

cjcor

Original Poster:

84 posts

236 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
what are they doing to the grill... whats wrong with upright slats?

Andy665

3,599 posts

227 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
A face only a mother could love - seems BMW can only do bland or ugly nowadays

ajprice

27,317 posts

195 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
3 series - That grille is ridiculous and the back end looks like a Lexus IS.

Engine - Put that one in the M240i smile (If BMW don't, someone will)

p1stonhead

25,489 posts

166 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
It may be as fast as the old M3, but does it also nearly cost the same?

Greg the Fish

1,410 posts

65 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
cjcor said:
what are they doing to the grill... whats wrong with upright slats?
To make it look like teeth so the inferior people will move their in vastly inferior vehicles will move out of the way for fear of being eaten by someone FAR more successful.

T1berious

2,242 posts

154 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
Not sure about the front grill, but as a touring that would would work. 4.4 0-60 is beyond rapid for a M light car.


Phil Dicky

7,162 posts

262 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
Christ the 0-60 times a getting crazy, 4.4 and its not even the real cooking version !!!

Ruskins

221 posts

120 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
Those seats look remarkably like the ones you would find in a Giulia ...

Radish

167 posts

127 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
And a gopping instrument display.

J4CKO

41,287 posts

199 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
ajprice said:
3 series - That grille is ridiculous and the back end looks like a Lexus IS.

Engine - Put that one in the M240i smile (If BMW don't, someone will)
Or get a 240i and a JB4 or any other remap and have well over 400 bhp (that you cant actually deploy from September to April), i think BMW also do a Hartge one I think that keeps the warranty.

amgmcqueen

3,343 posts

149 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
Has it been in a crash?

Itsallicanafford

2,759 posts

158 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
its a really nice car i just get the feeling with these models that we are starting to see an end of an era before mild and then full electric versions become more common ...a bit like the period of time when you could still buy a film camera when digital versions were just coming to market...this must be the last generation of the 3 series where internal combustion engines are offered more widely throughout the range than electric.

...i just get the feeling you would be buying old tech if you bought this, which is fine if that is what you want.

Edited by Itsallicanafford on Tuesday 13th November 12:50

TheBALDpuma

5,842 posts

167 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
Phil Dicky said:
Christ the 0-60 times a getting crazy, 4.4 and its not even the real cooking version !!!
Arrggghhhhhhhhhhhh

Cooking version is the 320

P.s. you've been here forever so no excuses!!

Edited by TheBALDpuma on Tuesday 13th November 12:48

3yardy3

270 posts

113 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
Love the specs, proper diff by the sounds off it as well one thing my e93 335i was missing that ruining the whole performance.

In reality if i was to buy one id still get a used e90 V8 and enjoy endless sideways fun on a wide roundabout in the wet and no traffic

Turbojuice

598 posts

88 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
ajprice said:
3 series - That grille is ridiculous and the back end looks like a Lexus IS.

Engine - Put that one in the M240i smile (If BMW don't, someone will)
It is the same engine fella. It's the B58 unit only that in the 140 and 240 it's detuned. Tuning potential is huge though, bigger than the old N55. It's only a matter of time before the next generation M cars come with an S58.

Agree with everything you say about the looks. This and the z4 look like a right mess imo.

ajprice

27,317 posts

195 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
Turbojuice said:
ajprice said:
3 series - That grille is ridiculous and the back end looks like a Lexus IS.

Engine - Put that one in the M240i smile (If BMW don't, someone will)
It is the same engine fella. It's the B58 unit only that in the 140 and 240 it's detuned. Tuning potential is huge though, bigger than the old N55. It's only a matter of time before the next generation M cars come with an S58.
I know, I meant the engine with this tune in the M240i.

Dannbodge

2,160 posts

120 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
Crazy how powerful cars are becoming now.

Shame it's bloody ugly. Like all the new BMWs and that's coming from a fanboy.

Turbojuice

598 posts

88 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
ajprice said:
Turbojuice said:
ajprice said:
3 series - That grille is ridiculous and the back end looks like a Lexus IS.

Engine - Put that one in the M240i smile (If BMW don't, someone will)
It is the same engine fella. It's the B58 unit only that in the 140 and 240 it's detuned. Tuning potential is huge though, bigger than the old N55. It's only a matter of time before the next generation M cars come with an S58.
I know, I meant the engine with this tune in the M240i.
You never know, bmw might create a performance pack which does just that. Aftermarket tuners have already blitzed that horsepower figure though.

Even in standard tune it's an incredible engine

Phil Dicky

7,162 posts

262 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
TheBALDpuma said:
Phil Dicky said:
Christ the 0-60 times a getting crazy, 4.4 and its not even the real cooking version !!!
Arrggghhhhhhhhhhhh

Cooking version is the 320

P.s. you've been here forever so no excuses!!

Edited by TheBALDpuma on Tuesday 13th November 12:48
biggrin


stumpage

2,099 posts

225 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
quotequote all
It looks like the grill is on too high. If the top of the grill lined up with the top of the lights it may look ok.