Would you buy this F31 340i? What am I missing?
Discussion
I'm in the market for a fast (ish) petrol estate, and whilst I could probably get a C63 or similar, the expensive bork factor and age/mileage for my budget (£20-£22k) put me off.
(Estate because of dog. Fast because I miss driving my Z4, but lifestyle doesn't fit convertibles/coupes any more.)
I've come across this example, at a local BMW dealer.
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/201812053022012...
Are there any options that it's missing that are considered "must haves"? One of the things that comes to mind is the lack of HK speakers, which is a shame. I would have liked the HUD too, but not enough to write this car off the list. Equally, the grey isn't the most exciting colour, I think I'd prefer Estoril Blue, but I know petrol estates aren't hugely popular and at least it's not white.
(Estate because of dog. Fast because I miss driving my Z4, but lifestyle doesn't fit convertibles/coupes any more.)
I've come across this example, at a local BMW dealer.
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/201812053022012...
Are there any options that it's missing that are considered "must haves"? One of the things that comes to mind is the lack of HK speakers, which is a shame. I would have liked the HUD too, but not enough to write this car off the list. Equally, the grey isn't the most exciting colour, I think I'd prefer Estoril Blue, but I know petrol estates aren't hugely popular and at least it's not white.
I think the lack of M Sport Plus package which gives HK, 19s and big brakes will put a lot of people off, but TBH, the ride on 19s is awful and the tyres get pothole damaged very easily so having owned a 335D with that pack, I'd rather not have it! the HK does sound good and the bigger brakes look cool and have more power too (although how noticeable that'd be in the real world I'm unsure).
Does look like decent value though for an AUC. If you're not in a rush and have a little more budget, might make sense to wait a while until your ideal spec comes up, even if it costs 10% more,
Does look like decent value though for an AUC. If you're not in a rush and have a little more budget, might make sense to wait a while until your ideal spec comes up, even if it costs 10% more,
As above it’s a good spec apart from missing HK
Pro nav, LEDs, reverse cam and front sensors make up for it.
Companies like audiofile incar can do high quality audio upgrades which will sound better than HK.
The 6 cylinder engines get the same brakes as the M Sport plus pack they just aren’t painted in chavvy blue (which to me is a bonus)
Pro nav, LEDs, reverse cam and front sensors make up for it.
Companies like audiofile incar can do high quality audio upgrades which will sound better than HK.
The 6 cylinder engines get the same brakes as the M Sport plus pack they just aren’t painted in chavvy blue (which to me is a bonus)
Lack of HK and M Sport plus brakes are a bonus as HK isn’t all that - there are better aftermarket audio systems and the blue M Sport plus brakes squeak, I’m on the FB F30 page and there’s people on there moaning about the squeaky M Sport plus brakes.
I have a 440i grancoupe which came without HK audio and the blue M Sport plus brakes. Used the cash saved on the purchase price upgrading the audio and happy with the grey callipers as I have 20” alloys which would hide the blue calipers. I have also added the mppsk to mine, that’s something I would budget to add if I was you.
I have a 440i grancoupe which came without HK audio and the blue M Sport plus brakes. Used the cash saved on the purchase price upgrading the audio and happy with the grey callipers as I have 20” alloys which would hide the blue calipers. I have also added the mppsk to mine, that’s something I would budget to add if I was you.
ritch said:
don't see anything wrong with that. don't get the fuss with some of these lauded "must have" options. 340i with no options is a decent spec.
Agreed, every time a modern ish BMW pops up here people get in a tizzy over the fancy sat nav which is a bit odd. The standard one is fine, and it will be redundant in a few years anyway so who cares? That car looks lovely, nice too see one on 18s as the 19s ride a touch on the harsh side.
Test drive went well.
The engine is fantastic, but the car doesn't quite "grab" me. I'm not 100% sold on it, for some reason. There's a little niggling doubt in the back of my mind, and I can't quite place it.
On top of that, there's a few things missing that I'd like to have: HK speakers and electric seat adjustment. I quite fancied the HUD, but the former two things are things I'd much rather have. Especially the seats, as my wife and I will both be driving it.
I'll have a ponder about this one, and keep scouring AT/PH for future adverts. I'm also going to post up a "What Car" thread for other suggestions.
The engine is fantastic, but the car doesn't quite "grab" me. I'm not 100% sold on it, for some reason. There's a little niggling doubt in the back of my mind, and I can't quite place it.
On top of that, there's a few things missing that I'd like to have: HK speakers and electric seat adjustment. I quite fancied the HUD, but the former two things are things I'd much rather have. Especially the seats, as my wife and I will both be driving it.
I'll have a ponder about this one, and keep scouring AT/PH for future adverts. I'm also going to post up a "What Car" thread for other suggestions.
Pistonheader101 said:
stevemcs said:
You really don't need HK as a must have.
Agreed - I have the HK and it isn’t that much of an improvement over the standard speakers which are actually pretty good! OP have you been to look at the car in question?
For an extra £700 I'd be more tempted to buy this one:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Saturday 26th January 10:02
ZX10R NIN said:
I agree that the HK isn't a great improvement but it's better than the mediocre standard setup, personally I'd go to my local Audio Specialist & you'll end up with a much better setup than both for not a lot of cash.
OP have you been to look at the car in question?
For an extra £700 I'd be more tempted to buy this one:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Don’t reckon much to that spec - leasing white, small wheels, standard Nav with the little screen, no black panel display, manual seats, no HK....OP have you been to look at the car in question?
For an extra £700 I'd be more tempted to buy this one:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Saturday 26th January 10:02
ZX10R NIN said:
I'd go to my local Audio Specialist & you'll end up with a much better setup than both for not a lot of cash.
OP have you been to look at the car in question?
Went to see it on Friday. Engine is great, the car didn't quite feel special enough. It was very capable, but didn't quite have the spark. OP have you been to look at the car in question?
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Saturday 26th January 10:02
Agreed on not letting the lack of HK system get in the way, the chap at the dealer recommended a good place in Guildford which would do an aftermarket speaker system which wouldn't void the BMW warranty.
One thing I was disappointed by was the lack of electronic seats, as my wife and I will be both driving the car, swapping regularly. So having electronic memory seats would be a huge plus.
I'm not in a hurry to buy the car, the Focus is very functional (just a bit boring). So when I find a car that's right for me, I'll buy it straight away, but don't want to compromise just for the sake of jumping into something new and different. If that makes sense?
The 340i is very well reviewed, but ultimately I'm not convinced it's the right car for me. I'm currently considering other options, with a GLA45 AMG currently my favourite choice. Thanks also for the input on my other thread, ZX10R! (https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=1789772&d=0#separator)
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff