Downgrading to a 330i or M340i?

[Mr Friese]

Just to preface, I'm not trying to criticize anyone here, but just trying to understand. I've seen a few people state that they are getting rid of their F8x M3/4 to get in to the new M340 (or in some cases a 330). Setting aside any subjective aspects, why would anyone make such a move?

I could understand if it was to save money, but from what I'm seeing, the M340 is leasing between 800-900 a month which is damn near M3CS territory at this point. Are people really that crazed to get the newest thing that they would downgrade to a lesser vehicle?

Again, I'm really just trying to understand, as I've owned a mid-level 3 series in the past. While it was a fine car, I'd still rather get in to a used e9x M3 than get in to a new M340. I'm about to sign on a M3CS (for around M340 money) and I'm just worried that I'm missing the boat on something here, lol.

[Alan l.]

For some people what makes the M3 special isn't important to them so I can see why someone would be ok with going back to a non M 330/340. The M3/M4 isn't for everyone and its something people learn after owning it for awhile. Some value tech and comfort over power/handling.

Me personally I could never go back to a non M 3 series because I prefer firm riding cars and once you've seen the widebody you can't un-see it and normal 3's just looks like its missing something in my eyes. I'm not a M snob as i've had plenty of non M bmw's in the past but I clearly see the difference between the two. Someone else might not or doesn't value it.

Alan

[tebbnsx]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

For some people what makes the M3 special isn't important to them so I can see why someone would be ok with going back to a non M 330/340. The M3/M4 isn't for everyone and its something people learn after owning it for awhile. Some value tech and comfort over power/handling.

Me personally I could never go back to a non M 3 series because I prefer firm riding cars and once you've seen the widebody you can't un-see it and normal 3's just looks like its missing something in my eyes. I'm not a M snob as i've had plenty of non M bmw's in the past but I clearly see the difference between the two. Someone else might not or doesn't value it.

Alan

Wise words.

[White340]

I think drivability and comfort are two of the big reasons. As much as I love my M3, my 340xdrive was a much easier car to drive in NYC even with the track package and 19" wheels. Power with a chip was as good as the M3 with better traction too in daily lower speed driving which is all of nyc

[Humdizzle]

some people want the tech and comfort. or to just try something new. They may be coming out of there 2016 m3 comp lease and find the CS to just be more of the same and they want a change of scenery from the driver seat and what they see when they open the garage.

me personally i don't think i'll ever buy the same car twice. just too many other good options out there in the used market. variety is the spice of life.

[nicknaz]

My wife’s f31 330 is a pretty cheap lease and very practical due to AWD + Wagon. Also fairly well optioned and quiet. She loves it.

I had previously asked her about taking over my f80 and she thought it was too loud and flashy.

She chose to “downgrade” to 330 because she didn’t value the things the m3 had to offer. Everyone wants something different man.

[greasypeanut]

I'm sure there are plenty of people who could only afford a 800-900 lease and wants the latest and grestest. That will get them a m340 nowadays. (of course excluding the current m3cs). I expect to see less g8x compared to f8x due to bmws leasing rates.

[blinkme323]

Originally Posted by greasypeanut

I'm sure there are plenty of people who could only afford a 800-900 lease and wants the latest and grestest. That will get them a m340 nowadays. (of course excluding the current m3cs). I expect to see less g8x compared to f8x due to bmws leasing rates.

Latest? Yes... Greatest? Let's not get crazy 😜

[xsracer]

Originally Posted by Mr Friese

I could understand if it was to save money, but from what I'm seeing, the M340 is leasing between 800-900 a month which is damn near M3CS territory at this point. Are people really that crazed to get the newest thing that they would downgrade to a lesser vehicle?

m3cs is 2018. Which, in some people's mind is "last year" car. People will be getting 2020 MY soon. Also, let's not forget all "reviewers" "It's the best f8x yet but interior is getting kind of dated...". None of it stopped me. I like interior, I don't care that it's "dated", that dashboard has circle with physical needles and not hexagon with LCD. My only concern is that if I decide to buy it out, it will be "older" car. Not good for resale per se.

Also, m3cs is a great deal right now because of ridiculously high 61% residual. m4cs with same discounts has only 58% residual, I think, so that's brings it into ~1100 territory.

[BigSky702]

Interesting thread. This is the situation I’m in now, I love my M4, best car I’ve owned so far.
My lease is up in 2 weeks, still haven’t done the inspection yet... in denial kind of.

I built an M340, should be here in 3 weeks(??). Like many have said there’s not a lot of options, I can jump into a 2019 M4 comp. same color and packages as the current M4, but as much as I love my M, I want to try something new, plus right now the M5 rates are HIGH. I already know I’ll be in a CPO M5 once the next lease is up. So it’s all good.

UPDATE: Maybe it’s not good!! damn curb weight is up NOT down! Lying sacks in marketing! About as heavy as a 2019 540ix!

[chicagoshark]

Originally Posted by BigSky702

Interesting thread. This is the situation I’m in now, I love my M4, best car I’ve owned so far.
My lease is up in 2 weeks, still haven’t done the inspection yet... in denial kind of.

I built an M340, should be here in 3 weeks(??). Like many have said there’s not a lot of options, I can jump into a 2019 M4 comp. same color and packages as the current M4, but as much as I love my M, I want to try something new, plus right now the M5 rates are HIGH. I already know I’ll be in a CPO M5 once the next lease is up. So it’s all good.

UPDATE: Maybe it’s not good!! damn curb weight is up NOT down! Lying sacks in marketing! About as heavy as a 2019 540ix!

So what did you get?

[2011zx10R]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

For some people what makes the M3 special isn't important to them so I can see why someone would be ok with going back to a non M 330/340. The M3/M4 isn't for everyone and its something people learn after owning it for awhile. Some value tech and comfort over power/handling.

Me personally I could never go back to a non M 3 series because I prefer firm riding cars and once you've seen the widebody you can't un-see it and normal 3's just looks like its missing something in my eyes. I'm not a M snob as i've had plenty of non M bmw's in the past but I clearly see the difference between the two. Someone else might not or doesn't value it.

Alan

Originally Posted by Alan l.

For some people what makes the M3 special isn't important to them so I can see why someone would be ok with going back to a non M 330/340. The M3/M4 isn't for everyone and its something people learn after owning it for awhile. Some value tech and comfort over power/handling.

Me personally I could never go back to a non M 3 series because I prefer firm riding cars and once you've seen the widebody you can't un-see it and normal 3's just looks like its missing something in my eyes. I'm not a M snob as i've had plenty of non M bmw's in the past but I clearly see the difference between the two. Someone else might not or doesn't value it.

Alan

This...

I was trying to explain to a friend how
A light weight carbon fiber drive shaft improves acceleration

And how structural rigidity translates into driver feel

How light weight forged aluminum wheels etc

He asked me does your M3 have remote start and Apple CarPlay

He has a 2018 sonata 2.0 sport with all options.

😭

[ntg44]

Originally Posted by 2011zx10R

He has a 2018 sonata 2.0 sport with all options.
😭

At least he got the sport.

[snareman]

Perhaps some people like the Lexus like smooth ride? After I drove my first M4 1200mi during my ED a few years ago and then came back to my 435 for another month while waiting for the M to make it over here I couldn't believe the stark ride difference. Occasionally when I get a loaner I think, wow, this smooth ride is nice. That said, it'll be hard for me to go back to a non-M.

[JamRWS6]

Originally Posted by snareman

Perhaps some people like the Lexus like smooth ride? After I drove my first M4 1200mi during my ED a few years ago and then came back to my 435 for another month while waiting for the M to make it over here I couldn't believe the stark ride difference. Occasionally when I get a loaner I think, wow, this smooth ride is nice. That said, it'll be hard for me to go back to a non-M.

Agreed. I still had my track pack 340i for a month before lease turn in while I started driving the M3. That car always felt firm and planted until driving it after the M3! Different strokes for different folks. That car was very capable, smooth, and quick but the M3 is an entirely different car. After getting used to it I wouldn't go back by choice.

[Aaaaaaaaa]

Rather get a Model 3 Performance. It's cheaper than a properly optioned M340i now.

[2011zx10R]

Originally Posted by BMWModel3

Rather get a Model 3 Performance. It's cheaper than a properly optioned M340i now.

Originally Posted by BMWModel3

Rather get a Model 3 Performance. It's cheaper than a properly optioned M340i now.

I was at the mall yesterday.

Their is a section in the parking lot with about 15 charging stations.

I saw one lady in a Tesla reading a magazine as the car was charging.

Must be cool to have that kind of leisure and freedom. I was thinking she must be be retired and have no place to be.

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

i mean just speaking from looks only. unless you drop 20k on a 3er itll never look as nice an f80.

[2011zx10R]

It's a nice car...

perfect for its intentions.

Sporty 3 series

The M3 and M340 are so different it actually bothers me now that someone may think they are remotely similar.

M340 is closer to my Gti

M3 is closer to my race bike ZX10R by comparison...

There is just a disconnect with the M340 when you try to get on it. Feels like you're pushing a garden variety 3 series.

Again; it's a great car but it's quite a stretch from an M3.

It feels like a dressed up 3 series

I just felt nothing in the M340

I was confused by the automatic transmission, the lane assist trip me out
I could barely park the car

I'm old I've never owned an auto so pressing a button for park and a myriad of screens

Was just glad to give it back

[canukgtp]

Originally Posted by 2011zx10R

Seriously...

I was confused by the automatic transmission, the lane assist trip me out

I tried a 330i with that thing on the other week, was wondering that the hell was wrong with the steering, but overall the new car is quite nice...not enough of a departure from the F series look to make me say I need the new style

[ntg44]

I had my silver illuminated seat emblems replaced under warranty last weekend, and they provided me with the X3 M340iwhateverit'scalled as a loaner. Not the same car but close enough. I actually rather enjoyed it for the few hours I had. Sounds really good, with a few issues:

- Steering wheel is thicker than my M3's. So uncomfortable. Materials are very nice and cushy, but I can barely wrap my hand fully around it, and there's no feedback to be had. Really strange that BMW thinks this is what the average customer is looking for. My wife probably couldn't even fit her hands around it.

- Sport+ burble tune is idiotic. I laughed so hard the first time I heard it - it reminds me a poorly tuned old carbureted car misfiring all the time. Was mildly amusing the first time, but got super annoying on every downshift and every time I let off throttle in the midrange. Reaffirmed my decision to not get my M3 in comp pack.

Only had the car for about 3 hours, but it was fun enough. Very quick with B58/ZF8 combo.

[hellokitty]

Dealer emailed me an offer to trade in my F80 for a M340i. I chuckled and deleted it lol