Imminent New Owner

Mancster · 01-17-2017, 03:07 AM

Morning All,

My first post on this forum and subsequently this will be my first ever BMW, go easy on me! I've just placed an order for a 340i M Sport in Estoril Blue. Spec is as follows

M Sport Plus with 442M Bi Colour Wheels,
Pro Media,
Reversing Camera,
Interior Comfort Package,
Folding and Dimming Exterior Mirrors

Now, this is where I need a bit of advice. I've placed the order despite never actually driving a 340. I went to the dealer with a 340 in mind as I don't think my daily commute suits or warrants having a diesel. 95% of my daily commute is town driving, school runs etc so very very seldom do I drive on the motorway. The dealer agreed with me and said i'd be best to either go for the 330i or the 340i. I knew deep down i'd much prefer a 340 so worked really hard to eventually get a deal I was happy with.

I did test drive a 330d M Sport and boy was that impressive. I drive a C220D AMG Line Mercedes at the moment and the difference between the two cars to drive was simply night and day. The Merc looks a little nicer inside and is very futuristic feeling but the way that the 330 delivered the power was simply incredible, i've never drove a diesel so smooth! I was a little bit unsure as to why the dealer made me test drive a 330d when I had no intention of purchasing a diesel, but it all became apparent after I had driven it. These cars sell themselves when you drive them, really impressive.

Anyway enough of that, I've watched tonnes of YouTube videos on the 340 and each and every one of them is impressive, as is every single owners review I read on here.

Thoughts please, am I going to be happy with it? It's due to arrive at the dealer next Friday, 27th Jan.

mcoops · 01-17-2017, 03:14 AM

Everyone on here who has an x40i is just unbearably smug, so pretty sure you will love it

gr4z · 01-17-2017, 03:15 AM

Honestly, you will be delighted with a 340i! The engine is fabulous. Nuff said.

Remember to add a few more extras...heated steering wheel is only £150ish.

DanChapman90 · 01-17-2017, 03:18 AM

You'll be very happy!

I test drove a C250 AMG (I presume you have the newer model?) and the interior is very nice but I didn't find it inspiring to drive at all. Lots of good standard equipment in the Merc though.

One thing you may notice is how the power is delivered, diesels are known for their torque whereas the 340i may deliver it's power in a much more linear motion. Although my previous 530d had a very nice power curve. Plus you have a lovely sound from the 340's exhaust!

You'll be happy with it, I love my 420d so I can only imagine what the 3/440i would be like!
Make sure you show us pictures

and welcome!

Rukka · 01-17-2017, 03:21 AM

Welcome to the forum

I went from a 435d to a 440i and love it.

You won't regret it one bit so stop with the worrying

F30Andy · 01-17-2017, 03:45 AM

You have basically got the "one down" from the M3.

Trust me you will not be disappointed.

Excellent choice my man and welcome.

Now did you know it is customary on this forum to allow other members to spend your hard earned cash on mods?
Have a look into the MPPK.

Mancster · 01-17-2017, 03:47 AM

Thanks for the welcoming replies, you chaps seems like a lovely bunch. I've scoured the forum since placing the order and have already amassed a list of mods. I'm not going to go overboard but will definitely be going for gloss black kidney grills, rear bumper diffuser upgrade and possibly M Sport sill decals.

Gr4z, heated steering wheel is included in the interior comfort package. I've never had a heated steering on all of my previous cars, excited by that!

I must admit, when listening to the noise of the exhausts on videos it does make me extremely giddy!

All my other cars have always been Mercedes or Audi, almost all of them diesels so this is a bit of a culture shock. Looking forward to it immensely

Dobbins Den · 01-17-2017, 04:01 AM

Consider HUD it's brilliant and although I don't have speed limit display I think it would be good as well.

Danny Fireblade · 01-17-2017, 04:06 AM

Spend the money you have now on factory fitted options like HUD, as trying to retrofit will either be impossible of extremely costly.

You will find money later for the rest of the goodies

rosstin · 01-17-2017, 04:08 AM

No need to worry. I've had mine 6 weeks or so and put 2k miles on it and it's just getting better.
You'll become a bit more accustomed to your local Shell garage, but I'm sure you know that already.
You'll also find yourself making up reasons to get behind the wheel..

Mancster · 01-17-2017, 04:57 AM

Unfortunately I can't amend the spec of the car as it has already arrived in the country.

Quick question, Is the rear bumper diffuser easy to remove and install?

Grant_7 · 01-17-2017, 05:01 AM

Hi OP

Congrats, you're going to love it. Especially coming from a C220d (I came from an E300). It's a superb engine and really does make every drive special

MashinBenzin · 01-17-2017, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mancster

Thoughts please, am I going to be happy with it? It's due to arrive at the dealer next Friday, 27th Jan.

Yes you are. Friday is going to be a very good day for you, as will every other day that you need to drive

Welcome

Mancster · 01-17-2017, 05:36 AM

Excited but also slightly apprehensive having not driven one. The BM is going to cost more per month than the Mercedes but hopefully worth the extra outlay!

Chrismac13 · 01-17-2017, 05:39 AM

Hello & Welcome. You should no problems with the 340i other than a rather large grin when you put your foot down

Alscoob · 01-17-2017, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mancster

Unfortunately I can't amend the spec of the car as it has already arrived in the country.

Quick question, Is the rear bumper diffuser easy to remove and install?

Yip, Simples

Welcome to the forum and enjoy that engine ... great choice

Mustard3 · 01-17-2017, 06:50 AM

I test drove a couple of 330Ds (X & S-drive) with a view to buying one.

Ended up with a 340i because on 6k miles a year I was concerned about the usual diesel issues on such a low mileage.

The 330D is suberb as you say, and if I was a higher mileage user would have bought one.

But wait till you push the x40i engine through to red line (run in of course), it's a terrible addiction.
Oh, and the lower revs torque will not leave you disappointed either.

DarrenL_007 · 01-17-2017, 08:26 AM

Welcome and congrats on your order!

If I had an x40i I would gladly let you borrow it for the weekend to push it to its limits on the road and track but unfortunately I have a smelly diesel.

I'm sure one of the ever so helpful forum members above would let you take one of their cars to help allay your fears.

Torque of the Devil · 01-17-2017, 08:35 AM

Doubt he can change the spec if the car is coming end of January

Congrats on the car you will love it and a 220d Merc wouldn't even see where you went if you put your foot down

Mancster · 01-18-2017, 10:53 AM

Just been doing some reading about the mod where people have been unplugging the connector for the exhaust valves / flap once they've opened so that they are permanently open. I fancy doing this, couple of questions though.

By having the valve permanently open, is that likely to have any negative impact on fuel usage?

Also, I watched a video a while ago where a chap disconnected the plug in connector for both sides of the exhaust. On the LCI 340, is there just one plug to disconnect or two?

Rukka · 01-18-2017, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mancster

Just been doing some reading about the mod where people have been unplugging the connector for the exhaust valves / flap once they've opened so that they are permanently open. I fancy doing this, couple of questions though.

By having the valve permanently open, is that likely to have any negative impact on fuel usage?

Also, I watched a video a while ago where a chap disconnected the plug in connector for both sides of the exhaust. On the LCI 340, is there just one plug to disconnect or two?

No impact on fuel usage I can see and only one connector on the 40i

Here's how to do it properly

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1329107

.

Mancster · 01-18-2017, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rukka

No impact on fuel usage I can see and only one connector on the 40i

Here's how to do it properly

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1329107

.

Thanks Rukka, great that. Think i'll get the car and see how it sounds for a few weeks before deciding whether to do it or not

01-17-2017, 03:07 AM	#1
Mancster Private First Class 60 Rep 171 Posts Drives: 2016 340i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Manchester iTrader: (0)	Imminent New Owner Morning All, My first post on this forum and subsequently this will be my first ever BMW, go easy on me! I've just placed an order for a 340i M Sport in Estoril Blue. Spec is as follows M Sport Plus with 442M Bi Colour Wheels, Pro Media, Reversing Camera, Interior Comfort Package, Folding and Dimming Exterior Mirrors Now, this is where I need a bit of advice. I've placed the order despite never actually driving a 340. I went to the dealer with a 340 in mind as I don't think my daily commute suits or warrants having a diesel. 95% of my daily commute is town driving, school runs etc so very very seldom do I drive on the motorway. The dealer agreed with me and said i'd be best to either go for the 330i or the 340i. I knew deep down i'd much prefer a 340 so worked really hard to eventually get a deal I was happy with. I did test drive a 330d M Sport and boy was that impressive. I drive a C220D AMG Line Mercedes at the moment and the difference between the two cars to drive was simply night and day. The Merc looks a little nicer inside and is very futuristic feeling but the way that the 330 delivered the power was simply incredible, i've never drove a diesel so smooth! I was a little bit unsure as to why the dealer made me test drive a 330d when I had no intention of purchasing a diesel, but it all became apparent after I had driven it. These cars sell themselves when you drive them, really impressive. Anyway enough of that, I've watched tonnes of YouTube videos on the 340 and each and every one of them is impressive, as is every single owners review I read on here. Thoughts please, am I going to be happy with it? It's due to arrive at the dealer next Friday, 27th Jan.
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01-17-2017, 03:14 AM	#2
mcoops Lieutenant Colonel 1757 Rep 1,705 Posts Drives: Short term lease Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: England iTrader: (0)	Everyone on here who has an x40i is just unbearably smug, so pretty sure you will love it __________________
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01-17-2017, 03:15 AM	#3
gr4z Colonel 1135 Rep 2,808 Posts Drives: i4 e40 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Stamford iTrader: (0)	Honestly, you will be delighted with a 340i! The engine is fabulous. Nuff said. Remember to add a few more extras...heated steering wheel is only £150ish. __________________ Current: G26 i4 M Sport Pro, Tech Pk, Sunroof Previous: 2016 440i MPPSK, 2014 330d Saloon F30, 2013 Audi S4 Avant, 2011 Mercedes C350
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01-17-2017, 03:18 AM	#4
DanChapman90 Private First Class 50 Rep 175 Posts Drives: BMW F32 M Sport Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Grimsby, UK iTrader: (0)	You'll be very happy! I test drove a C250 AMG (I presume you have the newer model?) and the interior is very nice but I didn't find it inspiring to drive at all. Lots of good standard equipment in the Merc though. One thing you may notice is how the power is delivered, diesels are known for their torque whereas the 340i may deliver it's power in a much more linear motion. Although my previous 530d had a very nice power curve. Plus you have a lovely sound from the 340's exhaust! You'll be happy with it, I love my 420d so I can only imagine what the 3/440i would be like! Make sure you show us pictures and welcome! __________________ Current - BMW F32 M Sport Previous - BMW F10 M Sport
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01-17-2017, 03:21 AM	#5
Rukka Brigadier General 2647 Rep 3,664 Posts Drives: M4 Comp Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Cheshire (UK) iTrader: (0)	Welcome to the forum I went from a 435d to a 440i and love it. You won't regret it one bit so stop with the worrying __________________ Current: M4 G82 Past: C43, X4 M40i, TTS, M4 CP, 440i, 435d, M235i, 220d, F30, E90, E87
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01-17-2017, 03:45 AM	#6
F30Andy Brigadier General 1777 Rep 3,490 Posts Drives: An Entire Fleet Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	You have basically got the "one down" from the M3. Trust me you will not be disappointed. Excellent choice my man and welcome. Now did you know it is customary on this forum to allow other members to spend your hard earned cash on mods? Have a look into the MPPK.
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01-17-2017, 03:47 AM	#7
Mancster Private First Class 60 Rep 171 Posts Drives: 2016 340i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Manchester iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the welcoming replies, you chaps seems like a lovely bunch. I've scoured the forum since placing the order and have already amassed a list of mods. I'm not going to go overboard but will definitely be going for gloss black kidney grills, rear bumper diffuser upgrade and possibly M Sport sill decals. Gr4z, heated steering wheel is included in the interior comfort package. I've never had a heated steering on all of my previous cars, excited by that! I must admit, when listening to the noise of the exhausts on videos it does make me extremely giddy! All my other cars have always been Mercedes or Audi, almost all of them diesels so this is a bit of a culture shock. Looking forward to it immensely
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-17-2017, 04:01 AM	#8
Dobbins Den Private 48 Rep 71 Posts Drives: BMW M440i Arctic Race Blue Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Norfolk iTrader: (0)	Consider HUD it's brilliant and although I don't have speed limit display I think it would be good as well.
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01-17-2017, 04:06 AM	#9
Danny Fireblade Village idiot 750 Rep 1,237 Posts Drives: Myself crazy Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Spend the money you have now on factory fitted options like HUD, as trying to retrofit will either be impossible of extremely costly. You will find money later for the rest of the goodies
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01-17-2017, 04:08 AM	#10
rosstin Captain 327 Rep 665 Posts Drives: 340i saloon Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: London iTrader: (0)	No need to worry. I've had mine 6 weeks or so and put 2k miles on it and it's just getting better. You'll become a bit more accustomed to your local Shell garage, but I'm sure you know that already. You'll also find yourself making up reasons to get behind the wheel..
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01-17-2017, 04:57 AM	#11
Mancster Private First Class 60 Rep 171 Posts Drives: 2016 340i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Manchester iTrader: (0)	Unfortunately I can't amend the spec of the car as it has already arrived in the country. Quick question, Is the rear bumper diffuser easy to remove and install?
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01-17-2017, 05:01 AM	#12
Grant_7 Lieutenant Colonel 2021 Rep 1,926 Posts Drives: Caterham 420R. Tesla Model 3 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Warwickshire iTrader: (0)	Hi OP Congrats, you're going to love it. Especially coming from a C220d (I came from an E300). It's a superb engine and really does make every drive special __________________ F31 340i \| GS with CR & Ash Grain Trim \| M Sport+ Pack \| Prof Media Plus Pack \| Interior Comfort Pack \| Leather Dash \| Folding Mirrors \| Pano Roof \| Elec Mem Seats with Lumbar \| Adaptive Suspension \| Comfort Access \| Reverse Cam \| Surround View \| SLD \| Rear Sunblinds \| Folding Headrests \| Model Designation Delete \| Trim Designation Delete \| MPPSK
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01-17-2017, 05:36 AM	#14
Mancster Private First Class 60 Rep 171 Posts Drives: 2016 340i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Manchester iTrader: (0)	Excited but also slightly apprehensive having not driven one. The BM is going to cost more per month than the Mercedes but hopefully worth the extra outlay!
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01-17-2017, 05:39 AM	#15
Chrismac13 Captain 201 Rep 607 Posts Drives: BMW F31 335i Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Blyth iTrader: (0)	Hello & Welcome. You should no problems with the 340i other than a rather large grin when you put your foot down __________________ Current: 2016 BMW M5 F10 Gone: 2015 BMW 335i F31, MPPK, DMS Remap, Eibach Pro kit
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01-17-2017, 06:50 AM	#17
Mustard3 Lieutenant 99 Rep 403 Posts Drives: F31 340i Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (1)	I test drove a couple of 330Ds (X & S-drive) with a view to buying one. Ended up with a 340i because on 6k miles a year I was concerned about the usual diesel issues on such a low mileage. The 330D is suberb as you say, and if I was a higher mileage user would have bought one. But wait till you push the x40i engine through to red line (run in of course), it's a terrible addiction. Oh, and the lower revs torque will not leave you disappointed either. __________________ Old flames: S3, M235i, E92 335d, Alpina B3, E46 M3
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01-17-2017, 08:26 AM	#18
DarrenL_007 Lieutenant 209 Rep 542 Posts Drives: F36 430d xDrive M Sport GC Join Date: May 2015 Location: West Midlands iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 430d xDriv ... [0.00]	Welcome and congrats on your order! If I had an x40i I would gladly let you borrow it for the weekend to push it to its limits on the road and track but unfortunately I have a smelly diesel. I'm sure one of the ever so helpful forum members above would let you take one of their cars to help allay your fears. __________________ 440i GC M Sport : Arrived 25th May 2018 Mineral Grey / Ivory White Dakota Leather / Reversing Camera / Folding/Auto Dipping Mirrors / Park Assist / Sun Protection Glass / Electric Glass Sunroof / Heated Steering Wheel / Icon Adaptive LED Headlights / 19" 704M Alloys / Digital Cockpit / Head-up Display / Wifi Hotspot / Driving Assistant / Speed Limit Display / Harmon Kardon Loudspeakers / High-Beam Assist / Enhanced Bluetooth - Wireless Charging / Online Entertainment / M Sport Brakes / Comfort Access / Extended Storage
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01-17-2017, 08:35 AM	#19
Torque of the Devil Banned 579 Rep 1,148 Posts Drives: 440i Gran Coupe Join Date: May 2013 Location: Hampshire, UK iTrader: (0)	Doubt he can change the spec if the car is coming end of January Congrats on the car you will love it and a 220d Merc wouldn't even see where you went if you put your foot down
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01-18-2017, 10:53 AM	#20
Mancster Private First Class 60 Rep 171 Posts Drives: 2016 340i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Manchester iTrader: (0)	Just been doing some reading about the mod where people have been unplugging the connector for the exhaust valves / flap once they've opened so that they are permanently open. I fancy doing this, couple of questions though. By having the valve permanently open, is that likely to have any negative impact on fuel usage? Also, I watched a video a while ago where a chap disconnected the plug in connector for both sides of the exhaust. On the LCI 340, is there just one plug to disconnect or two?
	Appreciate 0 Quote