New 2018 340i ZHP or Used 2016 M3?

[kpgray]

I have a 2014 335i RWD with Sport Trans (Automatic) with MPPK and MPE (Est. 340 HP), I have been craving getting back to a manual trans more and more lately. A new M3 is more than I am willing to spend at this time so here is the question:

If I was to go back to a manual shift BMW, would a lease of a 2018 ZHP (355 HP) or a 3 year old M3/M4 (425 HP) be a better daily driver?

I recently was in a local dealer and test drove the ZHP, I tried to pay attention to the steering, torque, traction, sound and the shifting comparing it to my 2014 335i. I noticed the updated steering seemed a little more responsive than my F30, the mid-range torque was more linear than my 335i with MPPK & MPE, the LSD was very noticeable at launch as I did not feel the traction control kick in as mine, and even the exhaust sound was better as the newer MPPSK has an open exhaust with two exhaust valves vs. the 335i single exhaust valve. As for the manual, I really liked the up-shift rev match on the down shifting, it was very interesting.

I drive 15K miles annually, a lease on a ZHP or a purchase on a 3 year old M are about the same. I already changed froma 2013 F30 xDrive to 2014 F30 RWD M-Sport due to the soft suspension on the AWD, I live in Michigan, have a set of winter wheels and have to deal with the poor road conditions of Michigan. So what is the opinion of the drivers who have the "M" cars??? is a M3/4 manual trans a better package as a daily to the best revision ZHP F30? Thanks for your comments.

[A4W]

You've driven both?

M-anything is going to be a harder ride (especially on poor roads), higher maintenance costs long term, more expensive insurance, worse fuel efficiency. Plus a MT is less fun in traffic if you do any sort of commuting. So it's always going to be a "worse" daily driver than a 3.

But an M is a M. There's nothing else like it. I accept the compromises of dailying an M in exchange for the fun. I can never go back now.

[elinstylez]

If I could only have one car, that choice would easily be the M3. The f80 is still the latest generation M and packs a ton of fun. At the end of the day you can say you own an M whereas you have zero ownership in a lease.

[Audio Fan]

If you really love cars, appreciate them, and enjoy each moment of driving, you get the M3. These cars, especially when equipped with the comp pack are special. The regular 3/4care very nice, but the M/ are special and will remain so. The F80 will be better than the new (non-M) 3.

[Alan l.]

Spend some time in a M3 and the choice should be easy. M cars just feels right and very different from non M's. I've had plenty of both and once you go M its hard to go back and for very good reason.

Alan

[nicknaz]

If possible go with the M3 with manual, exec pack and Cf roof.

[kpgray]

Thank you all for the comments, no decision made yet...

Originally Posted by A4W

You've driven both?

M-anything is going to be a harder ride (especially on poor roads), higher maintenance costs long term, more expensive insurance, worse fuel efficiency. Plus a MT is less fun in traffic if you do any sort of commuting. So it's always going to be a "worse" daily driver than a 3.

But an M is a M. There's nothing else like it. I accept the compromises of dailying an M in exchange for the fun. I can never go back now.

If I was to pull the trigger, I would get the Manual, my present drive is on outskirts of city, traffic is a minimum till last two miles by home (lucky me!).

Originally Posted by nicknaz

If possible go with the M3 with manual, exec pack and Cf roof.

Yes to the manual, Wife has said on last two BMW's that she would not be able to drive it... she has not driven either one so I would get the Stick this time! I never use my sunroof so a carbon fiber roof would be a plus for me, save the 50 lbs., easier to clean and I love the smooth CF roof look. I was surprised the ZHP did not have a carbon fiber roof instead of the sunroof, it seems this would have fit the minimalism of the ZHP profile better.

A4W, I split your vote in half, therefore it looks like the vote is 1/2 for ZHP and 4-1/2 for "M"

[elinstylez]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

If possible go with the M3 with manual, exec pack and Cf roof.

I second this, but with competition package (MY 2016+).

[E92 M Sport]

M3. When this new zhp came out it didn’t really impress me and neither did the price for what you got. Take a test drive. There are willing dealers out there. I found one, and it was a manual to boot. I also did the M car control clinic, where can drive much harder than a test drive, if you need help deciding. Enjoy whatever you choose.

[gatorfast]

Get the M3 you won't be disappointed. I would rather have a preowned M car than a new non-M car. I am driving a CPO M3 now and couldn't be happier.

[jmg]

No contest. If you can afford the maintenance, CPO M3. I had a 340i previously and they aren't even in the same class.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by kpgray

I was surprised the ZHP did not have a carbon fiber roof instead of the sunroof, it seems this would have fit the minimalism of the ZHP profile better.

Zhp is still a package on a non m car. There's a lot more to the M3 chassis that you should look up.

Roof is just the most obvious thing.

As for competition package, I guess if it's a used car it might not make a price difference so go for it if you like the seats.

I assumed you would switch to full coilovers and aftermarket exhaust and wheels and tires anyway.

[Vanc2408]

I know this isn't exactly what you were asking, but I recently took my M4 in to the dealership to get serviced and got a 440i gran coupe (M sport design) loaner that I used for about 4-5 days. I was actually pretty surprised at how much more I enjoyed coming back to my M4. These cars are so much more fun in all the right ways. I say go with the M3

[RRedline]

Originally Posted by kpgray

I have a 2014 335i RWD with Sport Trans (Automatic) with MPPK and MPE (Est. 340 HP), I have been craving getting back to a manual trans more and more lately.

I just did this -- went from a 15 335 M-sport auto with MPE and Stage 1 tune to a slightly used 17 M3 ZCP MN6 for my daily driver.

The M3 is superior in every way -- looks, performance, handling. The MN6 is painless to drive in traffic -- I don't understand why people complain so much.

I had 19s/analog suspension on the 335 and have the 19s/adaptive on the M and the ride is about the same in "sport" and perfectly fine for daily driving. Put it in comfort and it's...comfortable.

Biggest difference for me -- the M3 is a lot thirstier. But I didn't buy the car for gas mileage.

[R3dliner]

Once you go to the M side, its a hard to go back to the normal cars. The ZHP imo is a marketing gimmick to make you think you're driving something in the M class.

[kpgray]

As an update:
It was nearly unanimous vote to get a used M3/M4 vs. the new ZHP (I was surprised). So I visited the local dealer to test drive the M3 today. I wanted to drive a 6-Speed but only a DCT was in stock. This was my first drive of the F80 chassis and the handling was nothing short of incredible! I am happy with my 335i (MPPK & MPE) and the ZHP was certainly a step up from mine with better steering, the B58 is stronger and the LSD made me ready to pull the trigger. However, the ZHP is a still a fully refined version of the F30, the M was a significant step up, a "WOW" factor!

The model was a base 2016 M3, standard suspension and DCT with executive package and upgraded wheels.

Initial thought:
I was expecting the suspension to be harsh, I was wrong, certainly stiffer than the F30 but very controlled. The steering is a significant upgrade over my 2014 F30, it was firmer, about half way between the F30 & the hydraulic E9x (IMHO) and I could feel the road much better through my hands. The performance came in very quick and very strong. In the curves, I could jump on it, feel the rear start to slip momentarily as the traction control activated and instantly the vehicle was right back in line! Whoa! Almost no leaning into corners, car stayed as flat as the road (amazing). Now I understand what everyone is talking about! My 335i will never be the same!

Even though the ZHP is the top version of the F30, the "M3" IS a significant upgrade. If I was to buy the ZHP, I would be thinking about the M. As someone said here, the M may have some faults but the trade off makes it worth it. The Wife has given the blessing and I will start the search, a stick shift version with executive package. No rush,but when right model, price and impulse hits...

[///M4ster Yoda]

It's not even a choice. ///M all the way

[Alan l.]

With M cars its the sum of all the parts that makes it special. Most of the suspension parts on the car is unique to the M not to mention the seats, engine, etc.... Going from my M3 to my friends 340xi its like one is a tight well fitted suit tailored to my body and the 340 feels like i'm wearing a suit 2 sizes too big.

Alan

[Budget M3]

Agree with all of the above—go with the M. Also, IMO owning an M3 is a better financial choice in the long run than leasing a 340.

[visi107]

I would also say go with the M3 but OP you are asking this question in the M forum so obviously there is a selection bias.

Re the snow/weather, I also live in southeast MI, use my M3 all year round with dedicated winters. Have not had any issues.

Just FYI - that dealership close to you has a Laguna seca manual M3 with CP, it's new though, however not the best place when it comes to pricing in my opinion.

[kpgray]

Originally Posted by visi107

I would also say go with the M3 but OP you are asking this question in the M forum so obviously there is a selection bias.

Re the snow/weather, I also live in southeast MI, use my M3 all year round with dedicated winters. Have not had any issues.

Just FYI - that dealership close to you has a Laguna seca manual M3 with CP, it's new though, however not the best place when it comes to pricing in my opinion.

Yes, this is the M3 forum, I wanted to know what justified such a premium in cost from those who purchased and presently drive, was it just prestige or actual drive of the car. I got my answer.

My present 335i is RWD and I have a set of 18" BMW 441M rims and winter tires I use and they work well. I know the bolt pattern is the same, so I believe they will work.

The dealer you are referring to is the dealer I went for my test drive, I seen the Laguna Seca Blue M3 CP, it was on the showroom floor, very nice color! I did not ask them to move the several cars needed for a test drive on that specific vehicle, I just wanted to get a feel for the M3 the year I would be willing to buy, a 2016. If I buy, it would be my price, a fair price. Who do you use when you have purchased?

I have purchased out of state on several vehicles as far away as California, I would do the same here. I expect quite a few 2016 models to be coming off lease in the next few months, just have to wait for the right color, options and price.

[visi107]

Originally Posted by kpgray

Yes, this is the M3 forum, I wanted to know what justified such a premium in cost from those who purchased and presently drive, was it just prestige or actual drive of the car. I got my answer.

My present 335i is RWD and I have a set of 18" BMW 441M rims and winter tires I use and they work well. I know the bolt pattern is the same, so I believe they will work.

The dealer you are referring to is the dealer I went for my test drive, I seen the Laguna Seca Blue M3 CP, it was on the showroom floor, very nice color! I did not ask them to move the several cars needed for a test drive on that specific vehicle, I just wanted to get a feel for the M3 the year I would be willing to buy, a 2016. If I buy, it would be my price, a fair price. Who do you use when you have purchased?

I have purchased out of state on several vehicles as far away as California, I would do the same here. I expect quite a few 2016 models to be coming off lease in the next few months, just have to wait for the right color, options and price.

I got my 328 from a local dealer back in 2013, then i learned about the forums and became smarter. The M3 i got from out of state, east coast, had great experience and would buy from them again. If you want the info shoot me a PM.