[apascutia]

Hello everyone,
Since the new G20 won't be available with a stick in non-m form, I'm thinking of getting a 340i to replace my 328i. I have an early 2012 build 328i with the base suspension. Needless to say, I'm slightly unhappy with the soft suspension when I'm driving aggressively. I've been recently thinking about a 340i because I hear that the engine is fantastic, and most publications have been saying that the suspension has been sorted. I'm thinking of a rwd version, with the base m-sport suspension configuration. Can anyone give me some feedback on this car? How is the engine, how is the steering feel, and how does the suspension feel? Also, is the interior build quality improved? I received a 330i loaner last year and it felt like they improved the build quality. I love the sound of the new B58 engine, and I'd love to pair it with a manual. Thanks!

[bimmer456]

I have the 340 it is a nice upgrade over the 328 and 330.

[apascutia]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

I have the 340 it is a nice upgrade over the 328 and 330.

How would you say it's a nice upgrade?

[rb71]

Well, I can tell you that after looking at the 340ix, I wanted to drive the 328 mainly due to the price difference. After seeing/driving the 328, I bought the 340i; hands down the best choice for me; great engine, handling, quality interior. But as my Dad used to say, "that's why they make Vanilla and Choclate". Try it on for size and see what works for you.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by apascutia

How would you say it's a nice upgrade?

More power sounds awesome more standard equipment.

[Eddien123]

It's a nice upgrade from a 28i. Virtually everything will be better except gas mileage. Interior quality will be better since you're getting leather most likely. However, there are still plastics used throughout the interior. The experience is much better you have much more torque and high end power and the 6 cylinder is miles smoother than the inline 4. The m shifter is nicer and if you're interested in a sportier ride I'd suggest finding one with the adaptive suspension.

Edit: I appreciate your appreciation for RWD 6MT. Love my 335 in that configuration.

[apascutia]

Originally Posted by rb71

Well, I can tell you that after looking at the 340ix, I wanted to drive the 328 mainly due to the price difference. After seeing/driving the 328, I bought the 340i; hands down the best choice for me; great engine, handling, quality interior. But as my Dad used to say, "that's why they make Vanilla and Choclate". Try it on for size and see what works for you.

Yeah, I'm planning on test driving one. I test drove a 14 335i and it felt better, but I hear the B58 engine is really great.

[apascutia]

Originally Posted by Eddien123

It's a nice upgrade from a 28i. Virtually everything will be better except gas mileage. Interior quality will be better since you're getting leather most likely. However, there are still plastics used throughout the interior. The experience is much better you have much more torque and high end power and the 6 cylinder is miles smoother than the inline 4. The m shifter is nicer and if you're interested in a sportier ride I'd suggest finding one with the adaptive suspension.

Edit: I appreciate your appreciation for RWD 6MT. Love my 335 in that configuration.

The manual makes my car so much better. I'm so pleased that it isn't the lease special (328xdrive) that Michigan roads are filled with. If there's one thing that I truly love about the car, it would be that it's a manual

[tturedraider]

You’re going to have a hard time finding a rwd manual in the Midwest. Hopefully you’re able to travel. Good luck.

[Eddien123]

Originally Posted by apascutia

The manual makes my car so much better. I'm so pleased that it isn't the lease special (328xdrive) that Michigan roads are filled with. If there's one thing that I truly love about the car, it would be that it's a manual

It was the top thing I was looking for in an F30. Had to have it shipped from Arizona to New Jersey but it was worth it

[GF]

I was in the same position as you. I planned to get a G20 M340i but when I learnt there would be no manual available I rushed out to my local dealer and very luckily got a 340i xdrive manual with both M performance packages. Having the M exhaust and M tune is awesome. It significantly boosts HP and Torque. I highly recommend it!!!! At least try a 340i with and without the M exhaust and tune to compare.

My vehicle has the adaptive suspension which works well. If you need it to feel more planted in sports mode you can always get the Dinan Shockware which will reprogram the adaptive dampers. It only costs $200 plus $50 approx to install. If you don't like it you have 72 hours for a refund (labor not included). . .

[apascutia]

Originally Posted by GF

I was in the same position as you. I planned to get a G20 M340i but when I learnt there would be no manual available I rushed out to my local dealer and very luckily got a 340i xdrive manual with both M performance packages. Having the M exhaust and M tune is awesome. It significantly boosts HP and Torque. I highly recommend it!!!! At least try a 340i with and without the M exhaust and tune to compare.

My vehicle has the adaptive suspension which works well. If you need it to feel more planted in sports mode you can always get the Dinan Shockware which will reprogram the adaptive dampers. It only costs $200 plus $50 approx to install. If you don't like it you have 72 hours for a refund (labor not included). . .

I started thinking about this when I heard that the G20 won't be available with a manual anymore. I just read an article about the 340i where it was said that BMW cited a take rate for the manual in the double digits. I don't understand how that wasn't enough to continue the manual. Also, when the 340i was released, pretty much everyone was given a manual version to drive.