[JK479]

18 340 or 540

Anyone on the fence for these two picks?


Or wait for m340i ?

[DrivenByE30]

Originally Posted by JK479

18 340 or 540

Anyone on the fence for these two picks?


Or wait for m340i ?

540 if you can afford it
G20 if you can wait (assuming that it is bettr than either of the previous choices)

[Calvin36]

Wonder how much longer until M340. I want the sportiness of the M340 with the practicality of the sedan. Can't do with the M240 since it's a coupe. Felt freaking amazing though!

[NWest]

Wait.

[instalher]

5 series all the way... but more coin...

[Buzzo]

Originally Posted by JK479

18 340 or 540

Anyone on the fence for these two picks?


Or wait for m340i ?

Now that I've had a 340 for almost two years, and had some time behind the wheel of a 540, I can answer without a doubt: M3. Or M5 if you must.

[drummerlauw]

G20 platform, just because the interior of current 340i is pretty outdated in my opinion. I love my 340i, but if you can wait, you should.

[Climb Mode]

Wait, see if they fix the steering in the G20.

I have a '17 340 and while its generally great, the steering blows.

[AudiA4]

Originally Posted by drummerlauw

G20 platform, just because the interior of current 340i is pretty outdated in my opinion. I love my 340i, but if you can wait, you should.

This.

[RedKloud]

Wait. The 5 series is a much bigger car, and most reviews suggest it is more luxury oriented.

[autopal]

I was in the same dilemma a few months ago. I didn't want the 5 series, just too big. There are great deals now on '17 340i, so I leased one for 2 years. My lease will expire summer 2019, just in time for the G20

[eluded]

The five series and three series are two different cars. Do you need a bigger more spacious luxurious car?

If you're going to buy a 340 I would wait for the next generation. The new one will be way better than the current generation. It will have the updated interior, the exterior will look better, the engine will be the same but with a few extra horses. It will be pretty awesome and also be lighter. Handle better. Come with more standard options. And cost way more than a current 340. When the next generation comes out, if you have sticker shock, I'm sure the dealers will be giving away the old 340s at that point?. So it's just a win-win for you if you want a three series. If you need the larger car, get the brand new five series.

[RoundelM3]

I'm waiting for the G2x cars to come out, specifically the M340i.

[insanecoder]

I'm thinking the M340i would've fixed the few minor issues (imo) the gang complained about in the 340i
I'd wait for the m340i myself but others have made a good argument about the LCI being a quality stud being near the end of the lifecycle with all the kinks ironed out

[metallicpea]

Originally Posted by JK479

18 340 or 540

Anyone on the fence for these two picks?


Or wait for m340i ?

Well, those choices are very different. What are you looking to get out of your car? What level of sportiness? What level of luxury? How big a car do you want?

If I were shopping in your price range, I would order an F80 when the incentives are good. The 5 is too big and the G20 M340 will likely be close to price of the current M3. I would be surprised if the G20 is any better of a sports sedan than the F80, although it will have more gadgets if that factors into your decision and the F80 is already more than big enough and G20 will be bigger.

I am jaded by the fact that I was very disappointed with the 1st year offerings of the E90 and F30, so now I am a bit gun shy, plus the ultimate driving machine continues to take a back seat as BMW "progresses" (unless you pay an ever growing premium for top M models) so I am not as optimistic as others.

[Portadown95]

I would wait. I have a 228 with with THP but lurk here on the F80 forum as I have contemplated getting a 340. I just don't see the same lever of customer satisfaction in the F80 communities based on this forum . Too many F80 owners on 'this forum seem to be under enthusiastic about their cars-"meh"".

I had a 340i with auto for a half day test drive and enjoyed it but did not come away with the exuberant feeling I got after first driving a 2 series. Perhaps bmw will up the game on the next? If you live in Europe I would get a 140i. Nearly as practical as a 340 series but more fun.

[bimmer456]

Do a lease now then upgrade to the m340i. Fingers crossed they have the mppsk available (or whatever it will be called) as a port install at launch but I wouldn't hold my breath.

[StewartE]

Earlier this year, I saw stories about BMW planning to produce the 3 series in San Luis Potosi, Mexico starting in 2019 (2018?). My sales guy doesn't see that happening due to the importance of the 3 series to the overall brand and image. However, if the stories are true, I would not favor buying any BMW made in Mexico until a few years of verified quality have been posted.

Anyone have more info or is anyone else concerned about purchasing a 3 series made at a startup plant?

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by RedKloud

Wait. The 5 series is a much bigger car, and most reviews suggest it is more luxury oriented.

The 5 series is really a boat, at least the F10 was, the G30 is better, (I got to track one at the UDE). I'd say it's a better balance of luxury and sporty handling, feels smaller than it is, but the 3 series has the cult following for a reason.

[JRocker3]

I was on the fence, went '18 340i. My reasons:

1) 6MT... maybe G20 will have it, maybe not...?
2) Uncertainty of what new platform will look like... spy shots don't help a whole lot.
3) LCI > pre-LCI... I wanted the last MY of the F30 platform more than the first MY of the new platform.

At the end of the day, I don't think you'll go wrong with your decision. Enjoy!!

[goj]

Originally Posted by Calvin36

Wonder how much longer until M340. I want the sportiness of the M340 with the practicality of the sedan. Can't do with the M240 since it's a coupe. Felt freaking amazing though!

We will probably see the announcement mid 2018 as a 2019 model but won't be in the states until early 2019

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by Calvin36

Wonder how much longer until M340. I want the sportiness of the M340 with the practicality of the sedan. Can't do with the M240 since it's a coupe. Felt freaking amazing though!

the M240 isn't a true M car as it has the N55, though some will argue it's the sportiest of the line. The M340i likely won't be like the M240i due to being larger. If you're a purest and like the M240 I would go with that, or hope they bring the M140i 5 door hatch to the states.