Discussion
Thought I’d knock up a quick thread on my new car, a F30 BMW 340i. I’ve had a fair few cars over the years, most while not being sports cars had some kinda sporting credentials.
I wanted something that was a bit more grown up, comfortable with some toys and tech and reasonably quick. I started looking at quick VAG offerings but I’ve always been a BMW fan so was drawn to the M140i. Took one out and loved it but I prefered the saloon of the 3er, I realised the same engine was available in the 340i so looked at them in more detail. Slightly more weight than the 1er but with the option of a BMW approved power hike it sounded up my street. One of the options I really wanted was adaptive cruise which was available so I was sold on the idea.
Originally looking at nearly new I soon realised brand new offered a better deal, plus the chance to spec my car exactly as I would like it. After a couple of days of back and forth with the dealer I got a very good deal and the car was ordered.
It’s almost run in now and it really is everything I hoped for, I think I’ve got the right options for me too. It’s a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde car, it’s smooth, quite and easy to drive about town when you’re just going shopping like any other 3 series but give it a poke and it soon takes off up the road at an alarming rate. The auto box means it climbs round the speedo very quickly without really realising, I’m making the most of the speed limiter function. I’ve also done a few longer drives, got out at each end feeling relatively refreshed, the Active Cruise works well on the motorways.
I have plans to make a few tweaks to the car but in the short term it’ll only consist of the BMW Power & Sound Kit since I’d like to retain the warranty for a while. Later on maybe a small drop and some new wheels.
Anyway, few pictures of it for now.
I wanted something that was a bit more grown up, comfortable with some toys and tech and reasonably quick. I started looking at quick VAG offerings but I’ve always been a BMW fan so was drawn to the M140i. Took one out and loved it but I prefered the saloon of the 3er, I realised the same engine was available in the 340i so looked at them in more detail. Slightly more weight than the 1er but with the option of a BMW approved power hike it sounded up my street. One of the options I really wanted was adaptive cruise which was available so I was sold on the idea.
Originally looking at nearly new I soon realised brand new offered a better deal, plus the chance to spec my car exactly as I would like it. After a couple of days of back and forth with the dealer I got a very good deal and the car was ordered.
It’s almost run in now and it really is everything I hoped for, I think I’ve got the right options for me too. It’s a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde car, it’s smooth, quite and easy to drive about town when you’re just going shopping like any other 3 series but give it a poke and it soon takes off up the road at an alarming rate. The auto box means it climbs round the speedo very quickly without really realising, I’m making the most of the speed limiter function. I’ve also done a few longer drives, got out at each end feeling relatively refreshed, the Active Cruise works well on the motorways.
I have plans to make a few tweaks to the car but in the short term it’ll only consist of the BMW Power & Sound Kit since I’d like to retain the warranty for a while. Later on maybe a small drop and some new wheels.
Anyway, few pictures of it for now.
Thanks all.
When I was looking at nearly new Grey was top of the list, followed by Black. Once I started looking at new the Sunset Orange stood out but I couldn't find one in person to look at, in the end I just took a punt on it and luckily it paid off. I'm chuffed with it, after a wash in the sun it looks incredible and quite bright but in the shade it looks quite dark, almost like a rusty colour. The dark lights, trim and grills set it off nicely too.
When I was looking at nearly new Grey was top of the list, followed by Black. Once I started looking at new the Sunset Orange stood out but I couldn't find one in person to look at, in the end I just took a punt on it and luckily it paid off. I'm chuffed with it, after a wash in the sun it looks incredible and quite bright but in the shade it looks quite dark, almost like a rusty colour. The dark lights, trim and grills set it off nicely too.
Great cars, I almost miss ours more than the M3 that replaced it. Ours is up for sale right now actually, lost over half it's value in 2 years which is pretty poor IMO
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Small update. I've had the car a little over a month now and I'm really enjoying it.
I've done about 1500 miles now, initial thoughts are as follows;
Its fast, maybe not supercar fast but it's relentless in acceleration, big dollop of torque and super slick box helps harness the power. Very easy to get carried away without realising, praise the lord for the speed limiter function.
It's easy to drive to the shops, like a car of two personalities. In comfort mode everything is light and easy to drive, currently getting high 20s mpg wise going to work, longer trip on the motorway returned 35mpg, although they might improve with some more miles on it. The ride is way better than the E90 was, less bouncy & crashy, even on the runflats.
Subtle (ok maybe not the colour) but with no badges on no one tries to race you or bother you, also doesn't draw too much attention to itself compared to a M3 or similar. Talking of the colour, it's stunning. When the suns out and the light hits the paintwork it really is something else. Compare it to how it looks on a wet or overcast day it looks like two different cars.
Options wise I reckon I nailed it for what I need. Highlights include the H&K audio (really much better than I expected) Pro Nav & Active Cruise (my favorite!) but there's nothing I wish I had and everything I have I like.
Overall though I'm chuffed with it so far.
I've done about 1500 miles now, initial thoughts are as follows;
Its fast, maybe not supercar fast but it's relentless in acceleration, big dollop of torque and super slick box helps harness the power. Very easy to get carried away without realising, praise the lord for the speed limiter function.
It's easy to drive to the shops, like a car of two personalities. In comfort mode everything is light and easy to drive, currently getting high 20s mpg wise going to work, longer trip on the motorway returned 35mpg, although they might improve with some more miles on it. The ride is way better than the E90 was, less bouncy & crashy, even on the runflats.
Subtle (ok maybe not the colour) but with no badges on no one tries to race you or bother you, also doesn't draw too much attention to itself compared to a M3 or similar. Talking of the colour, it's stunning. When the suns out and the light hits the paintwork it really is something else. Compare it to how it looks on a wet or overcast day it looks like two different cars.
Options wise I reckon I nailed it for what I need. Highlights include the H&K audio (really much better than I expected) Pro Nav & Active Cruise (my favorite!) but there's nothing I wish I had and everything I have I like.
Overall though I'm chuffed with it so far.
aaron_2000 said:
Great cars, I almost miss ours more than the M3 that replaced it. Ours is up for sale right now actually, lost over half it's value in 2 years which is pretty poor IMO
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Over half its value? How much did you pay? (I assuming you are not taking the full list price as its original 'value')https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Only just seen this but welcome to the club.
I picked up my F31 340i in March and absolutely love it. Like you said in comfort it's really subtle and gentle however touch that tab button into sport or sport+ and it's like a whole other animal.
We're getting a combined of about 24mpg at the moment but I haven't quite got bored of hearing the burbles and pops and driving in sports.
My only gripes i'd say is 1. The turbo lag is pretty bad but i'm slowly getting used to it now but when you put the pedal to the bottom it takes 5 seconds to kick in which is a tad annoying, 2. There isn't enough sound in the cabin for my liking, 3. The wind noise with the windows down and pushing is just mental.
I think 2 & 3 will be solved next year when i get MPPSK fitted but at £1800 fitted it's a bit steep for me at the moment.
Other than that I love it like yourself.
Here's a pic of mine
I picked up my F31 340i in March and absolutely love it. Like you said in comfort it's really subtle and gentle however touch that tab button into sport or sport+ and it's like a whole other animal.
We're getting a combined of about 24mpg at the moment but I haven't quite got bored of hearing the burbles and pops and driving in sports.
My only gripes i'd say is 1. The turbo lag is pretty bad but i'm slowly getting used to it now but when you put the pedal to the bottom it takes 5 seconds to kick in which is a tad annoying, 2. There isn't enough sound in the cabin for my liking, 3. The wind noise with the windows down and pushing is just mental.
I think 2 & 3 will be solved next year when i get MPPSK fitted but at £1800 fitted it's a bit steep for me at the moment.
Other than that I love it like yourself.
Here's a pic of mine
Great car OP.
The MPPSK is an absolute must on these cars. It provides the much needed sound and sense of occasion (on demand and with a flick of a switch) and it also provides the additional power that I think is missing when stock.
Note that the exhaust is a complete system too and not just a back box. The MPPSK can be had for £1600 too which is an absolute steal!
Other than that there are a stack of other mod's to look for e.g. F80 M3 paddles, M Performance parts e.g. the alcantara steering wheel for £375 (BlueBell BMW), Bimmercode for great little coding modifications that can be done for your phone etc.
Have a look for my 440i thread on here, Bimmerpost and F30x on Facebook!
The MPPSK is an absolute must on these cars. It provides the much needed sound and sense of occasion (on demand and with a flick of a switch) and it also provides the additional power that I think is missing when stock.
Note that the exhaust is a complete system too and not just a back box. The MPPSK can be had for £1600 too which is an absolute steal!
Other than that there are a stack of other mod's to look for e.g. F80 M3 paddles, M Performance parts e.g. the alcantara steering wheel for £375 (BlueBell BMW), Bimmercode for great little coding modifications that can be done for your phone etc.
Have a look for my 440i thread on here, Bimmerpost and F30x on Facebook!
richatnort said:
My only gripes i'd say is 1. The turbo lag is pretty bad but i'm slowly getting used to it now but when you put the pedal to the bottom it takes 5 seconds to kick in which is a tad annoying
I don't drive one of these, but that sounds f
ked to me. I would get that looked at.richatnort said:
My only gripes i'd say is 1. The turbo lag is pretty bad but i'm slowly getting used to it now but when you put the pedal to the bottom it takes 5 seconds to kick in which is a tad annoying, 2. There isn't enough sound in the cabin for my liking, 3. The wind noise with the windows down and pushing is just mental.
I think 2 & 3 will be solved next year when i get MPPSK fitted but at £1800 fitted it's a bit steep for me at the moment.
Other than that I love it like yourself.
When you're pulling away from a stand still? I think it's more throttle lag than turbo lag, I've noticed it less when in manual mode or at least it feels like it. I think 2 & 3 will be solved next year when i get MPPSK fitted but at £1800 fitted it's a bit steep for me at the moment.
Other than that I love it like yourself.
Martin_Hx said:
Welcome to the orange/ginger club, its a great colour*
Nice, my mate had a 125d and it was a quick little car! Sunset Orange is stunning on the few cars I've seen in it. - On my lowly 125D
moffat said:
Great car OP.
The MPPSK is an absolute must on these cars. It provides the much needed sound and sense of occasion (on demand and with a flick of a switch) and it also provides the additional power that I think is missing when stock.
Note that the exhaust is a complete system too and not just a back box. The MPPSK can be had for £1600 too which is an absolute steal!
Other than that there are a stack of other mod's to look for e.g. F80 M3 paddles, M Performance parts e.g. the alcantara steering wheel for £375 (BlueBell BMW), Bimmercode for great little coding modifications that can be done for your phone etc.
Have a look for my 440i thread on here, Bimmerpost and F30x on Facebook!
MPPSK is 100% in the pipeline, I really wanted to get it fitted before I picked it up but I was just going to push finances too far doing that. I've got my eye on a few bits. I like the paddles and wheel for sure. The MPPSK is an absolute must on these cars. It provides the much needed sound and sense of occasion (on demand and with a flick of a switch) and it also provides the additional power that I think is missing when stock.
Note that the exhaust is a complete system too and not just a back box. The MPPSK can be had for £1600 too which is an absolute steal!
Other than that there are a stack of other mod's to look for e.g. F80 M3 paddles, M Performance parts e.g. the alcantara steering wheel for £375 (BlueBell BMW), Bimmercode for great little coding modifications that can be done for your phone etc.
Have a look for my 440i thread on here, Bimmerpost and F30x on Facebook!
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