F80 M3 comp vs M340i vs X3M

gemini.m3 · 08-24-2020, 09:42 PM

More or less dealing with this conundrum as well except I don’t need a daily driver my 18 m3 comp only has 7800 miles with less than a year left on the lease. I looked at the new m340i with awd even fully loaded it just doesn’t look or feel special to me like even a 3 year old m3.

Plus since I don’t daily drive I’d rather have the m3- I may cave and just get the g80 since it looks wildly different than the regular 3 series which was always a draw back from the f80- to most people ur driving a car with a paint job and a body kit since it closely resembles a 3

I don’t consider a car “special” because it’s new or old or 60 or 90k but rather does it make you smile when you drive it? Does it turn heads.. my 2 year old m3 does all that, but if I was looking to daily it the safe bet would be the m340i

dmk08 · 08-25-2020, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InTheseUncertainTimes

Some of this thread could continue in PM's just saying

The discussion was on topic.. What is the problem?

doug_999 · 08-25-2020, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmk08

The discussion was on topic.. What is the problem?

There was discussion? I think we missed that.

kchan · 10-02-2020, 03:13 PM

Since I start this thread, I like to update you all on where my journey is.

So I went to test drive the 330i and m340i at my local BMW dealer (Fremont BMW) couple weeks ago. I actually didn't even try the X3M, because I am not sure if I like to put down too much money (esp during this COVID time), and that insurance cost will be huge (with a 70-80K new car). Not to mention gas mileage is bad and living in CA gas is still pricy. Anyways...

I tested the 330i first. This one without any sport package, just your basic no thrill 330i. There are tons of those on the dealer lot. First thing I was surprised is that the I4 doesn't sound as bad as what I have envisioned. I think BMW does a decent job on sound insulation and the engine is quite smooth, I don't have that I4 feeling from like the F30 or the X1. Onto the drive. It's reasonably fast, but handling needs alot to be desired. During any on ramp, it's a big difference and the whole chassis just doesn't feel very planted. The sound of the engine and the speed is fine (of course still no M3), but handling is quite subpar...

Then I tested the M340i. When the car first start up, I was like WTF, it sounds just like the F80 (which for those of you haven't follow the entire thread, it's a minus to me...) It actually is quite fast (but feel not as raw/fast compare to F80), and it does it in a quite effortless way. The cabin seems to be more quiet (even though start up noise from outside is loud), and the whole package just seems more comfy/smooth. However, during the real on-ramp test, it still lacks quite a bit in terms of how stable it feels. I can take a hard corner with no fear in the F80, but the M340i would have some hesitation. Was a little disappointed since I was expecting a bit more of cornering capability. Not sure if it's the skinnier tires, but the whole car just doesn't have that special feel to it.

In short, I think most likely I will buy out the F80. I just need to get a good wash/detail to make it look more fresh. From the recent wildfire in CA, the ash made it so dirty. May now look into some mods/sound upgrade, hehee.

Thanks for all of your comment, just like to give you all an update to my adventure...

2011ninja · 10-02-2020, 03:33 PM

Surprise surprise...

All it needed was a little TLC...

Now slap 4 new tires on and it will feel brand new.

08-24-2020, 09:42 PM	#89
gemini.m3 Major 1496 Rep 1,297 Posts Drives: 2022 M3 xDrive comp Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (8)	More or less dealing with this conundrum as well except I don’t need a daily driver my 18 m3 comp only has 7800 miles with less than a year left on the lease. I looked at the new m340i with awd even fully loaded it just doesn’t look or feel special to me like even a 3 year old m3. Plus since I don’t daily drive I’d rather have the m3- I may cave and just get the g80 since it looks wildly different than the regular 3 series which was always a draw back from the f80- to most people ur driving a car with a paint job and a body kit since it closely resembles a 3 I don’t consider a car “special” because it’s new or old or 60 or 90k but rather does it make you smile when you drive it? Does it turn heads.. my 2 year old m3 does all that, but if I was looking to daily it the safe bet would be the m340i
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10-02-2020, 03:13 PM	#92
kchan Private First Class 39 Rep 129 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Fremont, CA iTrader: (0)	Since I start this thread, I like to update you all on where my journey is. So I went to test drive the 330i and m340i at my local BMW dealer (Fremont BMW) couple weeks ago. I actually didn't even try the X3M, because I am not sure if I like to put down too much money (esp during this COVID time), and that insurance cost will be huge (with a 70-80K new car). Not to mention gas mileage is bad and living in CA gas is still pricy. Anyways... I tested the 330i first. This one without any sport package, just your basic no thrill 330i. There are tons of those on the dealer lot. First thing I was surprised is that the I4 doesn't sound as bad as what I have envisioned. I think BMW does a decent job on sound insulation and the engine is quite smooth, I don't have that I4 feeling from like the F30 or the X1. Onto the drive. It's reasonably fast, but handling needs alot to be desired. During any on ramp, it's a big difference and the whole chassis just doesn't feel very planted. The sound of the engine and the speed is fine (of course still no M3), but handling is quite subpar... Then I tested the M340i. When the car first start up, I was like WTF, it sounds just like the F80 (which for those of you haven't follow the entire thread, it's a minus to me...) It actually is quite fast (but feel not as raw/fast compare to F80), and it does it in a quite effortless way. The cabin seems to be more quiet (even though start up noise from outside is loud), and the whole package just seems more comfy/smooth. However, during the real on-ramp test, it still lacks quite a bit in terms of how stable it feels. I can take a hard corner with no fear in the F80, but the M340i would have some hesitation. Was a little disappointed since I was expecting a bit more of cornering capability. Not sure if it's the skinnier tires, but the whole car just doesn't have that special feel to it. In short, I think most likely I will buy out the F80. I just need to get a good wash/detail to make it look more fresh. From the recent wildfire in CA, the ash made it so dirty. May now look into some mods/sound upgrade, hehee. Thanks for all of your comment, just like to give you all an update to my adventure...
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10-02-2020, 03:33 PM	#93
2011ninja Colonel 3376 Rep 2,619 Posts Drives: 2022 G80 6MT Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	Surprise surprise... All it needed was a little TLC... Now slap 4 new tires on and it will feel brand new.
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