F30 340i vs F80 M3

[Darth One]

Lots of threads on this forum worried about overkill. I think overkill is a beautiful thing

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by Darth One

Lots of threads on this forum worried about overkill. I think overkill is a beautiful thing

I'm enjoying it. Glad I gave in.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by Darth One

Lots of threads on this forum worried about overkill. I think overkill is a beautiful thing

It's possible to find your personal limit for overkill if you try hard enough

Keep getting more and more powerful cars with lesser and lesser thought given to convenience features and NVH and you'll get there

[Ian1973]

Originally Posted by MomoM3

That's what I was looking for so I built a 2016 340i xDrive 6MT M-Sport, Track Handling, Technology, Lighting, Driver's Assistance Plus, and Cold Weather packages, added MPPSK, 19" 442M with MPSS (along with a proper square 18" snow wheel/tire setup for the winter), added a 1" Dinan drop & bump stops, even added a dang F80 painted lip spoiler to boot - I basically eliminated most major qualms some have with the xDrive model...

But despite the aforementioned, after coming from E46 and E92 M3s I still crave more. Not necessarily more power, but more of the allure of M. Case in point jmg

I can't concisely explain it but a here's an example that impacts me the most: I feel that the clutch on the F30 is not as heavy-duty as my previous BMWs and the only difference, while anecdotal, is that the F30 isn't an M. It slips, I can't consistently nail the perfect launch, I feel like it too easily rides... My previous M clutches were treated very well and performed spectacularly under the same stress, but of course perhaps an M is more forgiving overall.

The point is that I did absolutely 100% use the heck out of my xDrive and snow set up this winter but the F30 still doesn't feel overwhelmingly special. As sacrilegious as it is, I'm part of the minority that is OK with xDrive and welcome it on the new G80 M3...

But I can't wait to get out of this 340i already!! I'm bored of it!! I cannot wait TWO YEARS to get into next series M3 so I begrudgingly need to build one of the last F80s.

P.S. 2018 F80 colors all blow and I'm not paying $5k for San Marino Blue or Grigio Telesto Grey on top of an $85k build. Ugh, and just when I finally like Silverstone there's no more Silverstone at all for MY2018! (I like Sakhir or Silverstone interiors)

P.S.S. I'd go M2 Competition or 911$ but like spuntyb I kinda need 4 doors w 2 toddlers.

P.S.S.S. I've never driven an F80 M3, never wanted to because I know I'd like it too much and like many thought it would be overkill at the time. Will soon have one for a weekend next month but sadly it's DCT so can't really compare even then.

That's because the clutch does slip in the non M models. There is an orifice in the hydraulic clutch line that limits the flow of fluid(ie reaction of the clutch) so it won't close quickly, it allows some slip for people not so good with manuals. They call it the CDV. M models supposedly don't have it, but I swear it seems like the F8x does.

[MomoM3]

Originally Posted by Ian1973

That's because the clutch does slip in the non M models. There is an orifice in the hydraulic clutch line that limits the flow of fluid(ie reaction of the clutch) so it won't close quickly, it allows some slip for people not so good with manuals. They call it the CDV. M models supposedly don't have it, but I swear it seems like the F8x does.

That's interesting. I've been driving manuals since my first M3 in 2005 and think I'm pretty good at it. Never slipped since this 340i. Had a 2007 Mini Cooper S as a commuter for a short bit and also never slipped or rode that clutch either. Hopefully I won't experience the same in an F80!

[MomoM3]

Originally Posted by spuntyb

I went F80 this time around because my wife got pregnant with a second child and the idea of a 911 went down the tubes. Luckily, by the time this lease is over, my son will be out of a car seat all together, and the baby will be in a smaller front-facing, so will definitely go the 911 route in a few years. This thing isn't bad at all though.

Mmmm! I can't get enough of TZB! Got an album? This is a close second choice. Is that Silverstone or Opal interior?

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by MomoM3

Mmmm! I can't get enough of TZB! Got an album? This is a close second choice. Is that Silverstone or Opal interior?

Thank you!

Leather is Silverstone II.

Some pictures here:
https://flickr.com/photos/92687979@N...57695491171424

Can also follow on IG:
@spuntyb

[captainaudio]

Originally Posted by Darth One

Lots of threads on this forum worried about overkill. I think overkill is a beautiful thing

Anything worth doing is worth overdoing.

[Ian1973]

Originally Posted by MomoM3

That's interesting. I've been driving manuals since my first M3 in 2005 and think I'm pretty good at it. Never slipped since this 340i. Had a 2007 Mini Cooper S as a commuter for a short bit and also never slipped or rode that clutch either. Hopefully I won't experience the same in an F80!

As I said, the M models don't typically have them. No other vehicle I have ever known about has had it either, it's a BMW thing. My 2009 335i definitely had it, nearly removed it, but the fluid is on the same circuit as the brakes, so I didn't feel like dealing with it(if I remember correctly).

I do not know for sure if the F8x has one, but at times it sure feels like it does. At least in efficient and sport mode. Sport + definitely feels like a direct connection.

[jc05e46m3]

OP, Based on the way you wrote the initial post, I highly recommend the 340. It will more than likely satisfy your needs and exceed expectations.

Only call out is that if you have upgrade-itis like me, or feel like you'll regret not going bigger, then go for the overkill now and save yourself the regret later.

[jc05e46m3]

OP, Based on the way you wrote the initial post, I highly recommend the 340. It will more than likely satisfy your needs and exceed expectations.

Only call out is that if you have upgrade-itis like me, or feel like you'll regret not going bigger, then go for the overkill now and save yourself the regret later.

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by jc05e46m3

OP, Based on the way you wrote the initial post, I highly recommend the 340. It will more than likely satisfy your needs and exceed expectations.

Only call out is that if you have upgrade-itis like me, or feel like you'll regret not going bigger, then go for the overkill now and save yourself the regret later.

Already ahead of you. Picked up the F80 a couple weeks ago. Zero regrets.

[jc05e46m3]

Originally Posted by spuntyb

Already ahead of you. Picked up the F80 a couple weeks ago. Zero regrets.

My man! Congrats on the purchase.

[georgere]

Originally Posted by spuntyb

I know the differences and have driven both (although neither extensively). I'm currently in a 2015 335 that we got as a lease assumption when we suddenly needed a car this past spring. I forwent the M3 because it's just overkill for our purposes, and I'd be lucky to track it more than once or twice a year at most. The 335 made more sense.

So I got involved in building out this F30 to get it the way I want, but as much as I love wrenching on the car and buying car parts, I just don't have the time to devote to this kind of thing any more. I was about to have Autocouture install some Forgestar wheels and KW suspension that I picked up from these forums, but then changed my mind and decided to just do an early move up to a 340 or M3.

I need/want a more out-of-box solution, since IMHO Munich fails at delivering these cars the way they should be from the factory, particularly the 340 - thing needs wheels, suspension, tune, tires, m performance parts, exhaust, etc. just to be decent. To me, the chassis, power, and aesthetic of the M3 is perfect with ZCP. All it lacks is proper sound, but I know the MPE or another brand can fix that.

This will be a DD in North Jersey. A workhorse and not an Instagram model. So, does anyone regret getting their F80 over a modded F30, particularly for running errands, driving to work, a few long trips (200 miles max). Will easily be between 12k-15k miles/year. I'm just worried it will be overkill and I'll wonder why I didn't just settle for the 340, even though I know what a headache it will be modding it. Anyone else go through this?

RWD vs AWD not an issue.

Thanks for any insight or feedback.

Man I was in your shoes not too long ago.
Get M3 otherwise this thought will never leave you.
I had regular 3 before, it was e90, and until this day I still love it. It was manual and stock. My m3 is stock also but I got DCT. This is why i can't forget my 3er, because of that tranny.

About practicality, both cars are the same and completely great for the job. M looks better and is more fun but it costs more. Regular 3er will not resolve your itch. I prediction will get an M one day....

[jmg]

Originally Posted by spuntyb

I need/want a more out-of-box solution, since IMHO Munich fails at delivering these cars the way they should be from the factory, particularly the 340 - thing needs wheels, suspension, tune, tires, m performance parts, exhaust, etc. just to be decent.

The 340i is delivered just about right for it's intended audience. From your list of wanted upgrades: Wheels, suspension, tune, tires, M parts, exhaust... those are what the M3/4 come with but instead of a tune you can a tuned engine, plus lighter body panels, and a wider track, LSD, better cooling, better brakes, and a host of other small upgrades to compliment a performance oriented rather than commuter oriented car. It sounds like you want an M car, and not just a 340i. Now that this question has been resolved, your next decision is what color.