23/34 plate M135i vs 22 plate M340i
23/34 plate M135i vs 22 plate M340i
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Discussion

Zippee

Original Poster:

13,794 posts

250 months

Friday 15th August
quotequote all
Just after a bit of unbiased advice really.
I've just had a quick test drive in this M135i - https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202505212640192...
TBH I actually liked it, firm ride but not uncomfortable, handled well, decent spec inc HK sound. Wasn't overly impressed with the piped exhaust sound but not a deal breaker.

Same group, albeit different dealer, also have a white M340i (I like white cars) at what seems to be a very good price - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505302...
It seems to be quite base spec in terms of options but then the standard ones aren't exactly lacking. Needs to have Android auto but not too bothered about HK sound.

Anyone here driven either, or even better both, and have any opinions? I'm erring towards the 340i because of that engine but the little 135 is more where I want to be size wise. How do you feel both cars stack up against each other?

Galibier

191 posts

3 months

Friday 15th August
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The M340i all day long and twice on a Sunday. That engine is a peach. The B48 on the other hand, not playing the same game, let alone in the same league. Mrs G had an early M135i and it wasn't a very interesting car. Her previous M140i was flawed but altogether more interesting. Her Dad has an M340i and it's a gem, albeit a better specced 2023 model.

Zippee

Original Poster:

13,794 posts

250 months

Friday 15th August
quotequote all
Galibier said:
The M340i all day long and twice on a Sunday. That engine is a peach. The B48 on the other hand, not playing the same game, let alone in the same league. Mrs G had an early M135i and it wasn't a very interesting car. Her previous M140i was flawed but altogether more interesting. Her Dad has an M340i and it's a gem, albeit a better specced 2023 model.
Thanks for that, it's so hard for me to compare as I've not yet driven the 340. In terms of spec, especially considering the price, is there anything essential missing?

Galibier

191 posts

3 months

Friday 15th August
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Looks pretty ok to me - adaptive lights, heated seats, cockpit pro. It may well have CarPlay/Android anyway, but either can be added for not much money.

SteBrown91

2,854 posts

145 months

Friday 15th August
quotequote all
Galibier said:
Looks pretty ok to me - adaptive lights, heated seats, cockpit pro. It may well have CarPlay/Android anyway, but either can be added for not much money.
Pretty sure thats all standard spec on a M340i. ID7 has carplay and AA.

For me its missing the upgraded audio which id say is essential.

Pre Chip shortage the 330i/d and M40i/d got the advanced audio as standard whereas that has the billy basic audio which is just shocking.

However there are audio places that do BMW specific packages.

sortedcossie

826 posts

144 months

Friday 15th August
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That does look a pretty standard spec, which might be why it's priced so well.

We have an older 2020 m135i, had it 9 months now, does what we need perfectly (was only on 10k miles when we got it, and someone was handy with the optional extras when it was new as it's got a great spec on it).

Zippee

Original Poster:

13,794 posts

250 months

Friday 15th August
quotequote all
SteBrown91 said:
Pretty sure thats all standard spec on a M340i. ID7 has carplay and AA.

For me its missing the upgraded audio which id say is essential.

Pre Chip shortage the 330i/d and M40i/d got the advanced audio as standard whereas that has the billy basic audio which is just shocking.

However there are audio places that do BMW specific packages.
I guessed that may be the case. That said its still a very good price compared to others out there and still likely more costs effective to spend an additional 1500 or so on aftermarket ICE.
Giving it serious consideration over the m135 and also a giulia veloce.

SaintsPaul

702 posts

183 months

Friday 15th August
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Do you need 4 doors ?
If not the M240i is one hell of a car.

Zippee

Original Poster:

13,794 posts

250 months

Friday 15th August
quotequote all
SaintsPaul said:
Do you need 4 doors ?
If not the M240i is one hell of a car.
I (the wife) would like 4 doors. I'd agreed a great deal on a fully loaded m230i previously but my wife poo pooed it saying we 'need' 4 doors

andyvtr

33 posts

225 months

Friday 15th August
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As a 2022 M340i owner, I would say go for one with the technology pack at the very least. This includes Harman Kardon and HUD iirc.

Zippee

Original Poster:

13,794 posts

250 months

Friday 15th August
quotequote all
andyvtr said:
As a 2022 M340i owner, I would say go for one with the technology pack at the very least. This includes Harman Kardon and HUD iirc.
Thankyou. Honestly not fussed about HUD but sounds are important. That said, whilst base spec, it is the newest (22) available at that price and I'm more than happy to spend money on the ICE via aftermarket.
The more I think about it the more I like this particular car, especially versus the little 135 which, whilst better specced and still fun to drive irritated the heck out of me with the piped in exhaust sounds.

bigdom

2,213 posts

161 months

Friday 15th August
quotequote all
HK is not that great, better than business, but still poor. Upgrading HK does provide more speakers to play with. That said, on the cars I've upgraded even with business spec once you add something like Focal, JL, or Audison on later cars, its in a different league to HK.

Zippee

Original Poster:

13,794 posts

250 months

Saturday
quotequote all
M340i just purchased. Base spec but has all i really need, looking forward to collecting it smile

Fox-

13,447 posts

262 months

Zippee said:
with the piped in exhaust sounds.
The M340i has this as well.

Zippee

Original Poster:

13,794 posts

250 months

Fox- said:
The M340i has this as well.
Not a bad though, they were terrible in the 135

Clio200pat

153 posts

204 months

Yesterday (23:09)
quotequote all
Can't comment on the 340i, but used to to have a 2016 140i which I disliked apart from the engine.

Now have a a 2021 135i xdrive which I mostly prefer over the 140i, the Seats/ride are much better.

Downsides for me - the plastic used on the interior feels cheap. when you shut the doors the doorcards creak, rest your leg on the centre console and it creaks as well as the trim on the steering wheel.