340i/440i GC/540i/S4 - £25k 300bhp plus petrol auto choices

[joropug]

I've got a green light from home management to update the current car.

Currently driving a C220cdi Auto Coupe 2013, it's a lovely car but I want:
-4/5 doors
-Saloon or SUV body style
-300bhp plus
-Automatic (Not CVT, preferably ZF8)
-Petrol
-No known weak points (sounds vague, I mean the equivalent of BMW N47 timing chain issues etc)
-I want to get a newer car than I usually do, I want to keep the next one longer - 2016 onwards, sub 50k miles.
-Budget would be £25k, preferably a little less

I'll drive it 99% of the time but my Wife would rather not have an estate for some reason.

I currently am liking the:

BMW *40i range in 440iGC, 340, 540 flavours (3.0 Turbo, not V8) - A friend put me off the 540i a bit as he said it was markedly worse on fuel than his previous 135i.

Audi S4 - Not sure on theft risk or gearbox in Audis?

Maserati Ghibli S - I love the exterior look, interior is a bit dated compared to the BMW and Audi - Not sure on running costs

Mercedes C43 - Appear to be 340i equivalent

I would prefer not to be paying the £500+ tax bracket, i haven't checked any of those above actually perhaps I should!

Anything obvious I am missing here?

[joropug]

Cheers all,

I still can't help thinking the 440i Gran Coupe is the one to go for - I think it looks a little bit more modern than the 640i and it'll be a few years newer too for the same money. I do like the 640i though.

Think I can rule out Jaguars, I think the interior and exterior both look a bit dated and bland if I'm honest, I like the F-Pace and F-Type but struggling with anything else, as it's got to be something I really want I don't think I can persuade myself into one.

The CLS I love the exterior, but the interior is basically a carbon copy of my 2013 C Class (AMG Sport Plus Coupe) In fact, nearly all Mercedes have a very similar interior and it might sound petty but if I'm spending 2/3 times the value of my current car I want it to feel next generation. The CLS 400s linked I have seen already, they even have the same wheels as my C Class. I know they are a very different car but it's too familiar.

Ghiblis I think I can rule out - It would have to be a Petrol facelift and I think the BMW has a lot more to offer including peace of mind.

I like the S7 - But, again it will sound silly, we have an A1 (opposite end of the spectrum) but again the interior feels very familiar and it's too old - I would choose the 2018ish S4 over that for that reason.


Think I need to test drive a 440i - the B58 and ZF8 combo seems perfect for me, low down power, decent sound. Agree on the performance exhaust - I want some noise after years of diesels

[joropug]

That does look smashing , nice drive too - mines being done next week!

O can't believe the M4 is in the same price bracket. There must be a catch.....

I did want 4 doors but that is tempting me. I don't have children yet but certainly hope to, just considering the fact I might have to sell if it's a coupe.

[joropug]

I think the assumed higher running costs, slightly higher purchase cost, higher mileage and older car might descope the M variants to be honest.

I too have budget crept, was 17, then 20, then 25. Really I think it has to be a 540i, 640i GC, 440i GC or 340i.

I might open it up to coupe variants though.

[joropug]

That is a big factor for me - actually just looked at the hot hatches , shame the Golf R shares a similar issue I wouldn't touch one, but actually I think it would be a good fit for me otherwise.

The Seat Leon Cupra and Cupra Ateca are interesting.

There don't seem to be many 40i's at the moment that are suitable. Hope more come on the market after the lockdown.

[joropug]

Having another look today, there are only 15 or so 440i for sale on auto trader with age / mileage and price filters - seems unlikely I'm going to get one that is right.

Looking more at the interior agree with previous comments, I think the 6 series has quite an edge. The TFT dash I think is a must have , looks great .

My friend who had and saold a 540i very quickly says the engine doesn't suit the bigger cars. I used to do around 10kpa, we do a lot of weekend trips etc so diesel probably isn't an issue for me but did 'want' the Petrol.

There are heaps more 640d, 335d 435d available, power and driving pleasure wise I think I will get on with them (I had a remapped E60 530d) so I am edging towards them.

I have found a few new shape 530d well within budget. Dropping a little bit on power again, but gaining massively on interior spec.

[joropug]

aussieal said:

I'm surprised you've decided to start looking at diesels, although appreciate good petrol options aren't as abundant. We went down to one car back in August, as both WFH and barely use one, even with the kids. It's a solid family wagon, but I can't wait to swap it for something petrol - will likely be another 12 months or so as need to prioritise some stuff on the house.

When I do, I think it will be one of 540i touring, S6 Avant (the 4.0T) or S5 sportback.

I'm not settled yet to be honest, I think my main issue is that there are literally 10-15 440i in budget with sub 50kish miles, in the entire country. Most of these are devoid of spec, or have a colour combination I don't like.

640i again can count on one hand, but 640d There are 50 odd under 20k, facelifts with decent mileage and spec - Just seems I can get a lot more for the money

[joropug]

Type R Tom said:

Did anyone mention the Kia stinger gt yet? Bit different.

There's a white one for sale in budget and have to say it does catch my eye, but my Wife thinks it looks disgusting and can't get past the badge.

To be honest, neither can I - I'm sure they're great but just don't stir any emotions for me.

[joropug]

aussieal said:

I know what you mean, the combination of shortage of options on petrol models and the lack of additional spec is quite frustrating isn't it.

I like the idea of a 340i touring or a 440i GC, I'm just not a fan of the F3X interiors, particularly the seats.

The seats are what's putting me off too, here is a 440i vs 640i - A flattering photo in both, in adverts they look really narrow in the 4 compared. A little lost.

640i:
https://izmostock.photoshelter.com/image/I0000V4N....

440i:
https://izmostock.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/B...


I just listened to a few 640i and 640d videos, think the sound of the petrol is going to swing it - that said, for a diesel, it sounds pretty good.

[joropug]

I've just had another look at them - It's just not for me, I can't get excited about it to look at - I am very much a BMW fanboy, the favourite cars I have owned have been:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=17...

Honda Accord Type R - For the raw driving pleasure, I was 19
330ci M Sport - This was such a nice example, drove flawlessly and sounded fantastic
330ci Clubsport - Not as good an example, but looked better and had the 6 speed
TT225 Roadster - Rapid little thing after a remap, but impractical
530d M Sport - Had bags of torque after a remap, owned it for 2.5 years but started getting a bit long in the tooth and hadn't had any significant maintenance so sold before it started needing it all at once.

The Merc makes it into the list for looks and driving dynamics - I think it handles superbly and actually goes well being twin turbo, but at only 170hp it just doesn't thrill in the slightest and sounds very diesely.

In terms of this new ambient lighting in the BMW range, i think so far the only model that has it is the New shape 5 series is that right? It does make the interior look quite special - My BIL and FIL both have E classes with it. Not essential but wondering if it's optional on the older cars.

[joropug]

DoubleSix said:

Christ, the day I can’t buy a humble M car for fear of bloody home invasion is the day I move!

That is a sorry state of affairs.

I and my wife both have an insurance background and you only have to be active on car forums/social media to see how car theft has graduated from jimmying a door and crossing some wires to breaking into your house & threatening your family.

I'd actually be considering a well specced Golf R too if it wasn't for that.

Been speaking to my local Indi, he says both the 40i and 40d are great engines, his preference is the petrol - Need to stick to my guns and go petrol. I think this might rule out the 6 series but there are a few nice 4s and lots of 3s so should get one that ticks every box.

Interestingly he said the TFT dash is a really easy retrofit - plug, play, coding - They are about 700-800 on eBay new.

[joropug]

DoubleSix said:

I’m not saying it isn’t a ‘thing’, I’m saying I wouldn’t live somewhere where it’s that much of a concern that you can’t just buy what you want. Sad that that is normalised for some of you.

I live in decent sized city in the South West (Bristol) and home invasion really isn’t something you need factor when buying a car...

FWIW, I am “active on car forums” and it always seems to be the same areas that are blighted by this particular crime.

My area is decent too also in the south - I'm risk averse, would be playing on my mind.

[joropug]

Thought I'd update this - No car yet, but been doing some back and forth about cars at home - We have decided to upgrade my wife's car first to something a bit bigger, but I've had some recent luck and can swing mine too without a loan if I wait 6 months.

So I think that's what I'll do to be sensible.

I'm going to lower my budget to a hard 20k limit, preferably closer to 18 and I've actually been swayed towards the M140i instead.....reasons being:

-The coveted engine and ZF8 combo
-Last BMW RWD 6 Cylinder Hot Hatch (Probably)
-Fastest of all the cars that have that engine
-Lower running costs I assume
-Wife can drive it, she doesn't like 'long' cars but said she would drive a '1 series', as I have aptly named it.
-Slightly cheaper

I will be fussy on spec, will have to have HK, Pro Nav, Auto, Heated leather - Flexible on colour but don't want silver. Preferably grey or Estoril Blue.

So keeping my eyes peeled but looking forward to getting one. I definitely won't be ruling out a 340i and 440i though, if one comes up when the time is right.

[joropug]

Giving this a bump, boy I wish I bought when I first started this topic!

Things are good and I think it's time to start putting my car up for sale and pulling the trigger. I just got it serviced and it's due to be MOT'd next week.

At the moment I am thinking that an Audi S3 (2017 facelift) with technology pack (virtual cockpit primarily) for sub £25,000 is the best car for the money. Magnetic dampers and Matrix headlights a bonus but not essential. As a bonus, my wife likes them and would be confident driving it as she has the larger but much slower Q3. Presently she doesn't ever drive my cars for no reason other than unfamiliarity.

Primarily I don't think that the M140s have a particularly nice interior and the bigger 40is I don't think will be as fun as the S3. In terms of depreciation I think they are a fairly safe bet, just need to try and find one that hasn't been fettled with.

[joropug]

goldbazinga said:

Seeing as everything is going electric, I'm interested in giving petrol a last hurrah! and fancy buying a BMW 540/740/550/750 ~2010 model to see me the next few years of home working

Anything in particular to look out for? Which are the best of the bunch?

From everything I have read and the experience of friends the BMW V8's such as 550 650 etc have pretty horrendous issues that are expensive to rectify and waiting to happen. Could get lucky though.

The 40i (3.0 Turbos) are amazing, no doubting that. B58 engine is in a whole host of cars including the new Supra.

[joropug]

goldbazinga said:

Autotrader is showing these 540s as V8 4.4l? I've had a 3.0l straight six and it was indeed a fantastic engine - so no complaints there, but hankering after a V8 before they go extinct (like the polar bears)

Must be older ones than I am looking at , F10 shape I presume

[joropug]

Thought I’d reply to this rather than starting a new thread !

Over a year ago I started considering a purchase , telling my trusty W204 C Class - for various reasons mostly Covid uncertainty, followed by the explosion in prices I put it off.

For the last few months I’ve been looking solidly at similar offerings, mostly:

M140i
2017 on S3
2017 on Golf R
Audi S5

I thought I had settled on the bmw so did my first test drive today…and… I was a bit disappointed.

I hadn’t been in one before so wasn’t sure what to expect. I drove a 2016 on 28k. Auto.

Firstly coming from a diesel I thought the low down power was a little lacking , obviously as soon as you start getting into the revs it’s a moot point but was noticeable all the same. Once going, it’s obviously really fast but I could barely hear it, obviously it is crazy quick , the fastest car I’ve owned is probably a 265bhp tt roadster.

The gearbox wasn’t as smooth as I thought it would be - I’ve only driven a 520d with it but it behaves very differently, almost surges forward after changing gear and the changes were very firm when pushing on.

I found it to be very twitchy too, it had the worst budget tyres on ever which wouldn’t have helped but didn’t find it to be that fun, because it felt quite unpredictable even in a straight line. Felt a bit disconnected from it all.

I think the biggest turn off though was I reset the trip counter at the start of the test drive and it got 19mpg indicated - I did have quite a few blips but most of it was 20-30mph .

I am aiming to test drive an Audi S3 and or Golf R to see how I find those in comparison. I think all wheel drive and a more connected gearbox will be the missing piece of the puzzle.