Monday 27th January 2020

BMW M340d leaks on configurator

Coveting a new BMW saloon with a straight six? They still exist...

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By every conceivable measure, the new BMW 3 Series is an excellent car - another class leader, in fact. It probably won’t have escaped anyone’s attention, however, that the straight-six engines that were once the USP of the 3 Series are noticeable by their scarcity. Only the 330d and M340i xDrive have more than four cylinders, which is a bit of a shame - if understandable.

Now that looks to be changing, with this M340d xDrive. Borrowing the 3.0-litre diesel from the X3 and X4 M40d, it should be producing 340hp and 516lb ft, channelled to the road via the eight-speed automatic gearbox and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive. We say ‘should’, because the car doesn’t yet officially exist; BMW hasn’t announced the car anywhere, and these pictures are screengrabs from a configurator that is no longer available. But if it’s made it as far as the configurator, it surely has to exist. Doesn’t it?

What a car it could make for, too, with enormous performance and diesel frugality cloaked in a handsome, subtle 3 Series. Diesel may not exactly be in great demand currently, though that shouldn’t detract from the appeal of some recent (and brilliant) diesels - even if it inevitably does, somewhat. 

There isn’t word yet from BMW UK about the viability of the M340d for our roads, but given the X3 and X4 are available here you would have to hope it’s a matter of when and not if. Which would give the Audi S4 a formidable rival, and the ‘all the car you’ll ever need’ debate another contender…

[Source: Motor1]

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Search for a BMW 3 Series here

[Motormatt]

Guess this effectively replaces the 335d? That car sold well here, so would make sense for BMW bring it to the UK.
No guarantees though, as BMW decided not to bring the M550d here. UK buyers who wanted that engine were forced to have it in an SUV.

[IndyH]

Had the X3 M40D - fantastic package. I suspect with the added dynamic prowess of the new 3 series, and without the extra bulk of the x3, this will be a cracking proposition. Performance wise, likely to end up at mid 4s to 60 while averaging 40 mpg. My only issue with the engine was, unsurprisingly, how it ran out of steam so quickly. But superb if low down torque is what you are after.

[runnerbean 14]

Presumably a response to the new Audi S4. As those seem to be quite heavily discounted at the moment, BMW may think twice, which would be a shame . . .

[cerb4.5lee]

This would make a lovely fast and frugal mile muncher for sure.

[Roy m]

Touring version would suit my needs perfectly.

[Roy m]

Double post!

[vtecbwahhh]

Diesel, No Thank You.

[Olas]

I don’t mind if it leaks on configurator so long as it doesn’t leak on my driveway

[A1VDY]

3 series now looks to be the size of a 7series of not so long ago..

[iphonedyou]

A1VDY said:

3 series now looks to be the size of a 7series of not so long ago..

In other news; snow is cold, and water wet.

[A1VDY]

iphonedyou said:

A1VDY said:

3 series now looks to be the size of a 7series of not so long ago..

In other news; snow is cold, and water wet.

And in other news you're a cock.

[anonymous-user]

vtecbwahhh said:

Diesel, No Thank You.

Exactly what I was thinking.

Even when diesels were supposedly the bees knees I didn't want one, the diesel-gate makes sure I will never have another.

[RSTurboPaul]

Wasn't the petrol 340 roundly slated as being aloof, distant and dull to drive by evo magazine this month?

[Motormatt]

RSTurboPaul said:

Wasn't the petrol 340 roundly slated as being aloof, distant and dull to drive by evo magazine this month?

Sounds like they rated it very highly compared with X3M they reviewed last month then!

[9k rpm]

RSTurboPaul said:

Wasn't the petrol 340 roundly slated as being aloof, distant and dull to drive by evo magazine this month?

Yes and certain social media folk who have been waxing lyrical about the M340i and also happen to make shed loads of money from flogging it on finance deals aren’t very happy about it.....

[Helicopter123]

Diesel a bit yesterday now though.

[Wills2]

A1VDY said:

iphonedyou said:

A1VDY said:

3 series now looks to be the size of a 7series of not so long ago..

In other news; snow is cold, and water wet.

And in other news you're a cock.

Even the 7 series of over 40 years ago was half a foot longer than the current G20 3 series...so perhaps not.

[rayyan171]

runnerbean 14 said:

Presumably a response to the new Audi S4. As those seem to be quite heavily discounted at the moment, BMW may think twice, which would be a shame . . .

Luckily, BMW make a petrol version of this car as well. Can not say the same for Audi...

[Wills2]

runnerbean 14 said:

Presumably a response to the new Audi S4. As those seem to be quite heavily discounted at the moment, BMW may think twice, which would be a shame . . .

A lot of cars are heavily discounted at the moment and have been for years....

[Mouse Rat]

Straight 6 Diesel, Yes please!