I used to have a G20 330e that I absolutely loved, but the only thing that I didn’t like was the PHEV system and how it made me lose 100L of boot space and 20L of my petrol tank.
Unfortunately I had an accident last year in it and was wrote off.
Nevertheless the overall car was absolutely fantastic, and I was going to get another 3 Series without the PHEV system. But then I had to cancel it due to a parts shortage.
Opted for an Audi A5 (sorry for swearing on this sub) and it’s a really nice car but it feels so bland and boring compared to my BMW and I miss it dearly.
Though I’d love xDrive but unfortunately they no longer build this onto the regular 3 series’ in the UK. But they do on the M340. But I also massively prefer the styling on the M340 and I’ve been wanting one for ages.
My business has had a really good couple of months and I’m debating treating myself to a company car and would love to join the BMW club again. But I just question whether or not I need so much power, or if it’s worth being a daily driver.
The power makes me nervous, as it’s over 100bhp faster than my 330e and even that was a lot.
I’ve watched a lot of videos where people have said it’s a fantastic daily, and the MPG does look fairly decent for a car of its type and power. But I’m just questioning this?
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I know the comparison might be inappropriate, but I have and regularly cycle between a 330i and an M440i, both XDrive. They do drive differently, but it’s only obvious when driven back to back. In my experience, the 330i is a little less responsive to acceleration and steering than the M. Interestingly, I’d say the 330i in sport is closest to the M440i in Comfort. I imagine a similar comparison could be made with the M340i.
Noise to the cabin being different is a given. The 330i sounds sexy still, but it just can’t beat the M. I’d had my babies for some time now and I still grin like an idiot every morning when I hear that cold start.
The 330i is a wonderful machine and functions as an exceptional daily, and does well for harder trips (I’ve used it for 14 day+ camping trips with no lack of storage for necessary cargo, and just wrapped up a cross-Canada road trip), all while getting what I consider to be great fuel economy given the circumstances. All that being said, get the M340i. You get the benefits above and it looks and sounds like heaven.
The power makes me nervous, as it’s over 100bhp faster than my 330e and even that was a lot.
A lot of people say this when they’ve never driven a car over ~350hp. It really doesn’t matter, it’s not like you’re hit with 370hp or whatever it is the moment you touch the throttle. The car can handle it fine, you won’t get that power unless you ask for it.
If you loved the 330e, you’ll absolutely LOVE the m340i. Imo the 330e drives like a wet blanket, the mixed drivetrain falls apart when you really “drive”. Once you try the 3l, you’ll never be able to look at a 2l the same way again.
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I cant even get 250 bhp outta my 30i unless i put pedal to the floor with sport / sport transmission / full pedal to floor uphill so i wouldnt worry.
And yes at that power level on a narrow road can be fun
If you liked the 330e you’re going to love the M340i. Miles better engine, silky straight six. Then less weight and better set-up chassis. Do it, it’s a no-brainer.
I daily drive a m340 and it’s absolutely wonderful. When I want to drive calm it does so just fine and you wouldn’t even know it has that much power when it’s in eco or comfort but the moment you want to do some spirited driving it’s like night and day. Highly recommend it.
Also forgot to mention when I was buying my car I test drove the s5 (more of an equivalent to the m340. And it wasn’t as fun to drive as the bmw
i just got done test driving a 2022 m340i and an x4 m40i. i was bored with them. didnt like the x4 at all. the m340 is nice and make a great daily, just not very engaging and lacks a fun exhaust; which i imagine is being lost in general with current cars. the 3 was noticeable more quiet in the cabin than the x4. all things considered for my needs as a daily, i’d rather just have a 2018+ 330i for $20k less (maybe tune for $2k to get 300hp) or get a 2017+ M3 for same price as the m340i.
I’m prob older than most of Reddit so I had the opportunity to own a lot of cars over the years. 800hp corvettes, multiple turbo Supras, e36 to f10 to g12 all over the place with bmws most of them being higher performance models, amg e55, etc. I think my car count was 40ish last I checked.
I once got an m340 as a loaner car for two weeks or so (7 series n63 issues).
I’m not shitting you when I say the m340 might be the best “daily driver” type car that I’ve ever had the pleasure of living with even for a very short time. To me it’s the PERFECT combination of so many things. Luxurious and comfortable. Fast as shit for a daily. Really nice looking but not too fancy where you have to worry. Small enough for any parking garage but big enough to squeeze in friends when necessary. Great handling and maneuverability not only in sporty driving but also in real world situations. Prob as fun as any of my high hp sports cars I’ve owned when driven on the street. And it doesn’t have bmw’s big ugly beaver grill.
I’d 100% have one if I didn’t have a shit ton of kids and needed the space. If you can comfortably afford it, I can’t recommend it enough.
I gotta ask, how many kids is a shit ton of kids?
Just do it
I had a B58 the past 4 and a half years. Best engine I ever had yet!
100% do it. I have a 340xi 2016 as a daily. Enjoy the drive every trip.
Life is short, get the faster car. If your an enthusiast and can afford it, just spend the extra money and get the M340i
I daily 2023 m3, driving slowly
Nobody going to address how he wrote off his last car? But definitely an M340i is a beast and couldn’t imagine a more fun daily driver. You’ll also get to write off this car quicker :p
I own an M340i LCI and the answer is… YES. It’s bloody amazing. All the power you ever need and all the tech. It’s not intimidating in the slightest; put it in comfort mode, swap the run flats for pilot sports or something else and you’re good to go. Best car I’ve ever owned by a long stretch.
330i is good too if you want to save 8 grand
I daily a “stage 2” M240i. It’s a riot and the perfect daily. It’s quick but certainly not “too fast”.