RE: BMW 340i Touring (F31): PH Carpool

[T1berious]

chandrew said:

I have a European-spec 340i xDrive touring with the MSSPK and it is suitably swift when I need it to be but economical when I don’t. Agree re the 19” tyres - my 17” winters and noticeably better. It’s decent on snow but with too much understeer for my liking. My old Subaru Forester was better when traction is low.

Here in Switzerland we can’t get a 3 series with RWD above a 320 apart from the M3.

Hi there,

You managed to get your 17" on your 340i? I have a set of Winters currently at BMW and was told the 17" rims would not get past the brake calipers on a 440i.

Very interested in knowing how you got yours to fit.

Cheers,

T1b

[PaulConst]

Strangely Star Struck!

I know this car having seen it on the roads of Shropshire regularly

Paul (Shifnal)

[Martin 480 Turbo]

As I am currently running a Bimmer with a simular engine. (535ix Touring F11) I'd like to know, how tunable the noise of the performance pack is? Can you quiet it down in the morning in a calm city center or is it "asbo" all the time?

I ike this 5-series touring, but it does not sit quit right with me, as it does feel to "remote" even after ditching the runflats.

Martin 480 Turbo

[aaron_2000]

QuattroDave said:

Thanks Aaron,

I know the 340i can get about 20% off and I got 22% off my M140 but the X3 you'd struggle with more than say 7-8% at the mo which makes it considerably more then a similarly specced 340i touring.

As for highest mpg from this engine I got a frankly amazing 47.1mpg (computer) on my 14 mile commute to work once and regularly see north of 43. Even when I'm pushing on it struggles to do much less than 28ish on a run and rarely below 20 around town.

I'd say now's the time to do it, good deals with the new 3 Series round the corner, usually good deals anyway, and it will do high 30's with no issue, we got 37 in Sport mode which is what it's in 99% of the time. I wouldn't have it without the Media Package, the HK audio system is many levels better than the standard system, and the DVD player that comes with the package is pretty good for being sat waiting for people. Not sure about now but we got the M+ package which included the blue brake calipers, sun protection glass and some other stuff. Never seen another with the interior ours has, the brown leather with black wood. It's such a good car for the money that we're considering another one this summer when ours is ready to go back. My only gripe is the steering, it's too light and too artificial, but it's still direct. The seats are very good on a side note, got the same visibility issue as the E91 and E46 though, you get used to it after a few hours of driving.

[BFleming]

T1berious said:

chandrew said:

I have a European-spec 340i xDrive touring with the MSSPK and it is suitably swift when I need it to be but economical when I don’t. Agree re the 19” tyres - my 17” winters and noticeably better. It’s decent on snow but with too much understeer for my liking. My old Subaru Forester was better when traction is low.

Here in Switzerland we can’t get a 3 series with RWD above a 320 apart from the M3.

Hi there,

You managed to get your 17" on your 340i? I have a set of Winters currently at BMW and was told the 17" rims would not get past the brake calipers on a 440i.

Very interested in knowing how you got yours to fit.

Cheers,

T1b

Doesn't it depend on whether or not you have the m-performance brakes or not?

[MrBurt]

Cheers for the positive comments and hopefully most enjoyed the read.
In reply to a few points raised.
Did not want a 335d. The diesel ship as sailed for me and while I appreciate it's a great power plant, my short journeys and low mileage does not suit diesel power. I also did not want the Xdrive compromises of SE suspension, ride height, fuel consumption penalty over RWD and drive train, tyre wear issues that are mentioned on the forums. Plus the sound, clatter or wail?
Regarding the RFT, I will be swapping them perhaps after this summer, but blowing nearly 1k on decent tyres when there's 6mm plus left, is hard to swallow.
Forgot to post a pic of the interior, went with Oyster with individual black inserts and it lightens the somewhat somber generic BM cabin. I actually really like it!

[richatnort]

Lovely car. I pick mine up next Thursday and I seriously can't wait.

Coming from a 1.8 civic this certainly is an upgrade and I'm looking forward to get out driving it in the summer. Mines mineral Grey with red leather and 19" wheels.

[shotta287]

I'd pick a 340i/440i over a C43 or S4/5 purely on the engine alone - a masterpiece. I reckon the exhaust note is better too especially with the M Performance sound kit.

[ahenners]

MrBurt said:

Cheers for the positive comments and hopefully most enjoyed the read.
In reply to a few points raised.
Did not want a 335d. The diesel ship as sailed for me and while I appreciate it's a great power plant, my short journeys and low mileage does not suit diesel power. I also did not want the Xdrive compromises of SE suspension, ride height, fuel consumption penalty over RWD and drive train, tyre wear issues that are mentioned on the forums. Plus the sound, clatter or wail?
Regarding the RFT, I will be swapping them perhaps after this summer, but blowing nearly 1k on decent tyres when there's 6mm plus left, is hard to swallow.
Forgot to post a pic of the interior, went with Oyster with individual black inserts and it lightens the somewhat somber generic BM cabin. I actually really like it!

Oyster and Black is by far the best combination for a BMW interior. That looks utterly lovely; the engine, spec, interior. Just awesome.

[CaptainMorgan]

richatnort said:

Lovely car. I pick mine up next Thursday and I seriously can't wait.

Coming from a 1.8 civic this certainly is an upgrade and I'm looking forward to get out driving it in the summer. Mines mineral Grey with red leather and 19" wheels.

Nice colour combo, is it brand new?

[MrBurt]

richatnort said:

Lovely car. I pick mine up next Thursday and I seriously can't wait.

Coming from a 1.8 civic this certainly is an upgrade and I'm looking forward to get out driving it in the summer. Mines mineral Grey with red leather and 19" wheels.

I nearly made the CR call on interior, both equally different and relevant, enjoy your car, it will make you smile everytime you press that button😍

[aaron_2000]

I rather oddly don't have any good photos to hand, these are the only 2 I have. Pretty sure ours was one of the very first in the country to be registered, we've had it about 2 and a half years now (from new) pushing 20k miles. Never seen one with the Cinnamon leather other than ours, although I'm sure a few were ordered with it. Gonna be quite sad handing it back.

[Pav88]

Gorgeous car and a great write up! I've got an M140i but the 340i (or 540i) is the car I wish I had!

[RG02GEE]

Great read from a fellow 340i touring owner and he hits many nails on the head!
This car really is all you ever need, fast, fun, fairly frugal and pretty practical. I originally spec'd up a 330i to the hilt but the 340i really is a different proposition entirely. I personally find it hard to compare the 335D with it even though it's outpaced by it, it's just not as special (i'm not a diesel fan btw).
For me, the main drawbacks with mine, which is general to the current F31 model is that the interior standard is not great and feels very dated. Hopefully with the new model next year this will be addressed and even the shadow edition has gone some way to rectify. Also rear space is poor, especially for those struggling with child seats etc.
Personally I hope they keep the 340i line without M-lite'ing it. It's ambiguity is this cars best attribute.
Mine below complete with roofbox...

Edited by RG02GEE on Wednesday 28th February 10:56

[steve_n]

I almost bought a 340i Touring until I realised it's just not special enough. Apart from the engine it's no different to a 320d, same unsupportive seats and staid bodywork.

Decided to test drive a C63 S204 and RS4 B8. That was an easy choice between the two as the 4.2 in the Audi is very anodyne until you're over 6k rpm, it understeered like mad, the seats lack support and the electric steering is awful. The C63 is special all the time, epic sound, excellent hydraulic steering, super huggy adjustable seats. The £20k I saved on the car vs a new 340 covers the extra fuel for a long time... I get around 20mpg on my commute so it's not even that bad.

[richatnort]

steve_n said:

I almost bought a 340i Touring until I realised it's just not special enough. Apart from the engine it's no different to a 320d, same unsupportive seats and staid bodywork.

Decided to test drive a C63 S204 and RS4 B8. That was an easy choice between the two as the 4.2 in the Audi is very anodyne until you're over 6k rpm, it understeered like mad, the seats lack support and the electric steering is awful. The C63 is special all the time, epic sound, excellent hydraulic steering, super huggy adjustable seats. The £20k I saved on the car vs a new 340 covers the extra fuel for a long time... I get around 20mpg on my commute so it's not even that bad.

I don't really know why your comparing a 340i to a C63? They are totally different cars, the C63 is more of a comparison with an M3/M4 rather than a 340i.

You're better comparing the 340i to a c350 or a c43 amg so a bit of an unfair comparison IMHO.

[xr2i]

richatnort said:

I don't really know why your comparing a 340i to a C63? They are totally different cars, the C63 is more of a comparison with an M3/M4 rather than a 340i.

You're better comparing the 340i to a c350 or a c43 amg so a bit of an unfair comparison IMHO.

Indeed, the 340i could also be compared to an Audi S4 but certainly not to an RS4.
The only advantage of Merc or Audi here are that they do propose estates version of their cars that are 400hp + where somehow BMW does not.
Even today I can still dribble looking at a BMW M5 estate V10 E61.
Only Alpina gets you very fast BMW Estates.

Edited by xr2i on Wednesday 28th February 14:17

[Johnnytheboy]

richatnort said:

steve_n said:

I almost bought a 340i Touring until I realised it's just not special enough. Apart from the engine it's no different to a 320d, same unsupportive seats and staid bodywork.

Decided to test drive a C63 S204 and RS4 B8. That was an easy choice between the two as the 4.2 in the Audi is very anodyne until you're over 6k rpm, it understeered like mad, the seats lack support and the electric steering is awful. The C63 is special all the time, epic sound, excellent hydraulic steering, super huggy adjustable seats. The £20k I saved on the car vs a new 340 covers the extra fuel for a long time... I get around 20mpg on my commute so it's not even that bad.

I don't really know why your comparing a 340i to a C63? They are totally different cars, the C63 is more of a comparison with an M3/M4 rather than a 340i.

You're better comparing the 340i to a c350 or a c43 amg so a bit of an unfair comparison IMHO.

Which rather highlights the fact that BMW don't really have a competitor to the C63 Estate/RS4.

I wish they did.

And that I was loaded.

[RG02GEE]

Johnnytheboy said:

richatnort said:

steve_n said:

I almost bought a 340i Touring until I realised it's just not special enough. Apart from the engine it's no different to a 320d, same unsupportive seats and staid bodywork.

Decided to test drive a C63 S204 and RS4 B8. That was an easy choice between the two as the 4.2 in the Audi is very anodyne until you're over 6k rpm, it understeered like mad, the seats lack support and the electric steering is awful. The C63 is special all the time, epic sound, excellent hydraulic steering, super huggy adjustable seats. The £20k I saved on the car vs a new 340 covers the extra fuel for a long time... I get around 20mpg on my commute so it's not even that bad.

I don't really know why your comparing a 340i to a C63? They are totally different cars, the C63 is more of a comparison with an M3/M4 rather than a 340i.

You're better comparing the 340i to a c350 or a c43 amg so a bit of an unfair comparison IMHO.

Which rather highlights the fact that BMW don't really have a competitor to the C63 Estate/RS4.

I wish they did.

And that I was loaded.

Very true and it's a real shame. Maybe an M340i will fill that gap?
I do think with some of the silly discounts that were available for the 340i initially, it almost sat on it's own with not many similarly priced/performance matched competitor.

[T S Magnum]

MrBurt said:

Did not want a 335d. The diesel ship as sailed for me and while I appreciate it's a great power plant, my short journeys and low mileage does not suit diesel power. I also did not want the Xdrive compromises of SE suspension, ride height, fuel consumption penalty over RWD and drive train, tyre wear issues that are mentioned on the forums. Plus the sound, clatter or wail?

Thanks for responding and totally follow your logic. I went for the 335d conversely because I wanted the 4wd and weirdly wanted to try diesel . Ride height I was unsure of at first but don't notice now. The long term MPG seems welded to 40mpg, pretty good considering the performance but not significantly different to the 340i admittedly. Once warm the 6-banger diesel doesn't clatter but cold starts aren't great.