340i with mods - how close to M3 performance?

[speed2th]

complete different, even chassis is different. quote from a thread in this board

F3x: regular Steel-Chassis/Car-Body
F8x: lighter reinforced Steel/Aluminum/Carbon-Composite(?)-Chassis/Car-Body

[VanosKickedInYo]

Originally Posted by BMWILUVU

There is no argument the M3 is the better car. It just is not a "world" of difference as the apes-beating-chest I-spent-more-so-I-am-better guys seem to think over a 340i is all I am saying. The 340i already has enough power for most tracks especially with a tune and the B58 is a monster which if not capped could exceed the S55. I pass plenty of M3s and porsches at track. Its a difference not a "world" of difference.

I agree with You, the cars are not Worlds apart.
The little bit of a difference is due to the sheer Engineering by the M Division... But what do they know? Probably bunch of nincompoop apes beating their chest because they spend more time refining their skills, knowledge, and craft into their Work.

[mtr3s]

Steps to get on par with F80:

1. Wide body fenders to match M3 Fenders/respray after
2. Upgraded turbos to match M3 engine output
3. Existing roof cut out and carbon fiber roof welded into body
4. Remove all interior and swap for M3 interior
5. Upgrade brake rotors/pads
6. Replace rear diffuser and exhaust to match look and quad tips.

etc...

[jmg]

7. Replace body panels with lighter aluminum panels
8. Reinforce frame
9. Swap out suspension components

Doesn't the F8X also have more air cooling, oil cooling etc?

[Jim B]

Originally Posted by jmg

7. Replace body panels with lighter aluminum panels
8. Reinforce frame
9. Swap out suspension components

Doesn't the F8X also have more air cooling, oil cooling etc?

Yes, a LOT more. F8x cars have much larger radiators, oil coolers, and water cooled intercoolers which F3x cars don't have. you'd probably be money ahead to buy an M3 rather than modding a 340i to get it up to an F8x level of performance, and you'll get a lot more back when you trade it in a or sell it.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by Jim B

Yes, a LOT more. F8x cars have much larger radiators, oil coolers, and water cooled intercoolers which F3x cars don't have. you'd probably be money ahead to buy an M3 rather than modding a 340i to get it up to an F8x level of performance, and you'll get a lot more back when you trade it in a or sell it.

Agreed, and I got the F80 for those reasons, but on the other hand, for buyers who are just commuting and doing a few highway pulls, an F30 or E90 335 with turbo swap +supporting mods, full coilovers and sticky tires will be a pretty similar experience for a lot less money

All of the stuff we discussed matters if the car is tracked, and for a lot of people who don't track, you can get pretty close for way less money. I would totally get it if someone did a cheap lease on a 340 instead of getting F80 if the usage is 100% commuting

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by mtr3s

...carbon fiber roof welded into body

I'd sure like to see someone attempt that

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Agreed, and I got the F80 for those reasons, but on the other hand, for buyers who are just commuting and doing a few highway pulls, an F30 or E90 335 with turbo swap +supporting mods, full coilovers and sticky tires will be a pretty similar experience for a lot less money

All of the stuff we discussed matters if the car is tracked, and for a lot of people who don't track, you can get pretty close for way less money. I would totally get it if someone did a cheap lease on a 340 instead of getting F80 if the usage is 100% commuting

340s don't really lease that cheaply. Yes cheaper then say a comparable Audi or Merc but it's still gonna run $500+ a month depending on packages

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by ///M4ster Yoda

340s don't really lease that cheaply. Yes cheaper then say a comparable Audi or Merc but it's still gonna run $500+ a month depending on packages

I guess things have changed since when I leased an f30 335. It had tech, sport line and hk stereo and was $458/mo with ca tax no cap cost reduction and max msd

It would have been around$650/mo for stripped f80 had I leased instead of bought

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

I guess things have changed since when I leased an f30 335. It had tech, sport line and hk stereo and was $458/mo with ca tax no cap cost reduction and max msd

It would have been around$650/mo for stripped f80 had I leased instead of bought

You know how it is. Lease deals change all the time. I was taking a $500 a month ball park figure. I'm sure it could go below or above depending on the current deals/incentives (if any) offered by BMW plus the packages ordered and for my wife and I the ED discount. My wife's 340 is pretty loaded with exec, M sport, xDrive (winter ski car) and a few other things plus max MSDs and ED discount and it's around $550 a month.

I will say I probably could have gotten a little bit of a better deal on it and most likely will on her next ride in 2 years. She loves BMW and ED. I created a monster

[Leaveit2bevo]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

I guess things have changed since when I leased an f30 335. It had tech, sport line and hk stereo and was $458/mo with ca tax no cap cost reduction and max msd

It would have been around$650/mo for stripped f80 had I leased instead of bought

My buddy just leased one last week, manual, sensatec fake leather, exec and the msport and track handling package. He got it for about 1500 over invoice and ended up at 620 if I remember correctly with nothing down. I told him that was a lot for what it is especially considering I pay 780 for a 75k msrp m3 but hard to compare because the july 2016 residual/incentives were bonkers.

[F83]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Agreed, and I got the F80 for those reasons, but on the other hand, for buyers who are just commuting and doing a few highway pulls....

Pretty narrow parameters. Yeah if you narrow the parameters enough they are totally equal. I find in my driveway parked at night looking from afar in pitch blackness... the difference isn't big enough to justify the money.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by F83

Pretty narrow parameters. Yeah if you narrow the parameters enough they are totally equal. I find in my driveway parked at night looking from afar in pitch blackness... the difference isn't big enough to justify the money.

Yea, I stand behind that statement 100%, since I commuted in both F30 335 and F80 m3

If I didn't do euro delivery, track the car, etc, M3 would not have had any benefits (other than saying "I drive an m3")

Sure, I can tell the steering feel difference, the suspension difference, DCT vs 8spd auto, etc, but it doesn't matter when stuck on the freeway

Track days, canyon runs with friends.. that is what made the extra $ so worth it for me, but let's be honest.. a lot of people don't do those things.. so it makes sense for them to get the 340/335

[katit]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Agreed, and I got the F80 for those reasons, but on the other hand, for buyers who are just commuting and doing a few highway pulls, an F30 or E90 335 with turbo swap +supporting mods, full coilovers and sticky tires will be a pretty similar experience for a lot less money

How much all of the listed mods cost? Compare base M3 and loaded 340 and you can't do much for the difference. But you will lose warranty and won't have everything M have and won't have M car. All money spent on mods not coming back, you will get more on M3 resale

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by Jim B

Yes, a LOT more. F8x cars have much larger radiators, oil coolers, and water cooled intercoolers which F3x cars don't have. you'd probably be money ahead to buy an M3 rather than modding a 340i to get it up to an F8x level of performance, and you'll get a lot more back when you trade it in a or sell it.

If I am not mistaken, the B58 in the 340i has a air-to-liquid intercooler.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by katit

How much all of the listed mods cost? Compare base M3 and loaded 340 and you can't do much for the difference. But you will lose warranty and won't have everything M have and won't have M car. All money spent on mods not coming back, you will get more on M3 resale

I agreed, I wouldn't mod a new 340, other than swapping out the RFT or PSS to a better/stickier tire.

I was thinking F30 or E90 335 when I posted about mods. E90 335 is getting pretty low priced these days, and you can get many pre modded examples on the used market. I would not want to bet money in a drag race against an 335 with turbo swap + support mods and sticky tires if driving a stock F80 with PSS tires

[DBACE]

My daughter's boyfriend had a 340i and no matter what he had done to it, I always found it to be underwhelming, only because of the comparison to my F80. He thought his car was all that, and then he realized that if he was going to continue to strive for an M3ish look and feel, he should just get one. He did just that.

If you don't make comparisons or strive for the car to be something it is not, the machinery you choose will be just fine.

[AhsanU]

Not a 340i, but I traded in an F30 335i xDrive for my M3 and regret ever wasting time with the F30.

Yes, there is a world's difference.

It's not just due to performance differences to be honest. I HATE the orange lighting all over the instrument cluster, almost as much as I hate xDrive. I love the hips and wide rear fenders that make the M3 look so aggressive, I love the acknowledgment from fellow BMW enthusiasts and car enthusiasts alike when I'm driving. I enjoy being about to dial in what settings I want for the steering, throttle response, suspension, etc.

While the performance benefits can be debated, there is no substitute for the way the M3 just feels better, and how much happier I am behind the wheel of it rather than the F30.

[Bahn360Photo]

Originally Posted by AhsanU

Not a 340i, but I traded in an F30 335i xDrive for my M3 and regret ever wasting time with the F30.

Yes, there is a world's difference.

It's not just due to performance differences to be honest. I HATE the orange lighting all over the instrument cluster, almost as much as I hate xDrive. I love the hips and wide rear fenders that make the M3 look so aggressive, I love the acknowledgment from fellow BMW enthusiasts and car enthusiasts alike when I'm driving. I enjoy being about to dial in what settings I want for the steering, throttle response, suspension, etc.

While the performance benefits can be debated, there is no substitute for the way the M3 just feels better, and how much happier I am behind the wheel of it rather than the F30.

did the same upgrade before and M3 is in no way shape or form can be compared to F30. its light years away.
i did like 335 until i started driving m3, only back to back driving will prove the truew difference in speed, feel etc.

[ASAP]

No matter how anyone tries to compare specs, the FEEL of the 2 cars is night and day and from an emotional aspect, that cant be compared.

[bd307]

OP got you guys all excited.

[allinon72]

In my search I went from 335 > 340 > M3. I began to be so obsessed with the M3 that I knew if I compromised and got a 340 I would never be happy and the M3 would always be in the back of my mind. Didn't want to take that chance.

Be happy, get the M3