Voice, like gesture control, is for who I don’t know. Pilots with mobility concerns perhaps?
Either feature adds a time consuming complexity that literally takes more effort and energy than simply pushing a button.
These aren’t driver aids. They’re gimmicky distractions. It’s too bad some have adopted then adapted to the extra effort well into the point of not realizing they’re working harder while behind the wheel.
Come in at the 5 series or you’re still looking at living in peasantry due, as high as the 4 series, fancy BMW shows up with poverty buttons.
Renting is a solid idea. Might get spendy though sorting between models though. Test drives are free. Bonus, they give you fresh baked cookies!
The engine and chassis are every bit as reliable as the factory limiter that happens way before the vehicle is pushed to failure. These machines are engineered to level up their composer at speed. Break the threshold and things are so buttoned down you enter a state of consciousness that’s removes shit you don’t need messing with with your head space.
The level of performance I’m able to extract with assured confidence, mostly, blows my mind.
We have them picked up to be fueled. It’s the reality of not wanting to mingle with the common element out there.
There’s thousands of these vehicles available at any given time.
The owner’s motivation to acquire then the prevailing circumstance that leads to separation is no reflection on the vehicle.
So long as there’s a clean service history and title…it’s a low mile CPO with a crap-ton of factory warranty on a car a couple of other pilots already paid the depreciation on.
You like the car? Pull the trigger.
Have you attempted a reboot?
If that doesn’t work, have you tried accepting being better off without CarPlay?
Never mind it continues to show as problematic, the CarPlay experience is so…dated. It feels like something AAA hired Garmin to do. In the 90s.
Do you 2 doors or 4 doors?
Is easy access to a rear seat a priority or, are you fine spending more time utilizing the boot?
The performance and driving experience of the two vehicles is similar enough that what you’re left with here is determining which best fits your daily driving goals.
The test drives will tell you more than anything. You may go in locked on the 340 but then the extra play at the 240’s rear has you leaving in it instead.
If they’re not manufacturing an iM3 until it’s as good as the current gas powered, it’s years off if ever.
Until and or unless an iM3 can reach and more importantly, maintain 155 mph as well as track day being an equivalent experience to gas engine running all day long…it’s not happening.
Break in service remaps your butt dyno.
Also, finally revving to redline is the first time you’ve accessed what that experience is like.
So.
The tune of the B58 in the 340i is an approachable, easy to use engine. It is not going to overwhelm you. Very smooth power delivery that does not approach scary fast. Spirited yes. But not scary.
As juxtapose, I found the 340i to be underpowered. It does not lack power, not at all. However, for me…underpowered.
But look, if you’re into the car…get the car. As the days and weeks go by, you will drive your way into worth it.
FYI, on the inside of your fuel door you’ll find AKI 93.
The engine will muster on lower octane fuel but, it’s a high compression engine that does best higher octane gasolines.
Ditch it
ConnectedDrive > CarPlay
It’s also the one burning up cost of ownership dollars. You’re paying for that subscription. But never mind the monthly hit on the payment…it’s a better experience than CarPlay.
Leaving all that adhesive on the rear ruins the gains of the badge.
Can’t roll in like you leveled up when you’ve got that mess showing back there. Come on now.
lol…OP wants all the BMWs.
2 and 3 series is too many sizes down from the X5.
A 430i/440i offers a smidge more room at the hip and shoulder. Sporty AF. Funky 5th door too. The thing is…the 5 series is the more put together cabin. Hop from a 4 into a 5 you notice it right away, the 4 may not have been as nice as you initially thought.
This leaves the 5 series. It’s the cabin and finish level you’re accustomed to. Several varieties exist. The 4 cylinder 530i is great around town but I sense you’re not looking to be down on power. The 6 cylinder 540i is where power begins stepping it up. Very balanced approach to good power and wild fuel economy.
But look, I’ve seen the leggings. The V8 powered G30 550i LCI is the car to daily here.
Right on OP.
Be safe and enjoy!
I may have heard bimmer once, 30 years ago. On TV.
It’s always just been BMW.
Personally, I just name drop the series or chassis code. Rare that ever mention the brand.
If some weirdo Audi person has no idea what I’m on about…they’re free to look it up.
The XM is dumb. It just is.
But for road trips, you’re not finding many other vehicles with that level of luxury, comfort, and space between you and the other body in the vehicle.