[gekrem]

Hi All,

I've just recently purchased my first BMW, a G05 X5 40i, mainly for my wife. I need a second car, and we are enjoying the X5 so much that I'm considering another BMW.

I'm looking at either an F80 M3 LCI, either a Pure or Competition model, with circa 5000km on the clock for around $95-100k depending on the model. Or alternatively, I can purchase an M340i brand new for around $95k (a new M3 is out of my price range).

I have to admit that I'm really confused about which one to go for. I understand that one is newer than the other etc. and they are different cars when you compare them side by side.

Which would be *your* choice and why?

For reference, I'm coming from a 2017 CLA 45 AMG. I loved the car. It felt fast and solid and I enjoyed the pops and crackles with it too!

[stein_325i]

F80 M3 would be my choice.

The M3 being a step above the M340i is a lot more fun to drive and more engaging. The M340i is a great car, but since you already have the X5 as a family hauler, I'd say go all out on a fun car with 4-seats. Coming from a CLA45 you'll appreciate the more raw and playful nature of the handling and engagement of the F80.

At the end of the day though, test drive both and see which you like more.

[enginediver]

I got the M340x drive now and I'm coming from a fully loaded, comp, manual F80. Even though I miss the F80 (it looked AMAZING)...the M340 is VERY fun to drive. I disliked the stiff suspension of the F80 as a daily driver. I'm very happy with the M340.

[Blubaron79]

M340i is the new M3.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by Blubaron79

M340i is the new M3.

It's definitely not, but it is fast.

[chenry]

I don't think you can really compare the two cars - because each delivers a very different driving experience. The M3 IMHO is more visceral and raw whereas the M340 is more buttoned up.

I think it's not about the car but more about what the driver (you) wants out of a daily.

I've owned many M and non M BMWs over the years and each one was just perfect for that particular time in my life and what I wanted/needed out of a car. And I would never say one was better vs the other.

My advice? Think long and hard about what you want out of a daily and the right choice (for you) will likely become clear.

**EDIT** I now see you asked which would each one of us choose. For me I would get the G20 xdrive - flash it and enjoy a 525 AWD sports sedan...but that's just me and that's presently where I'm at.

[Germanauto]

Not even a comparison. Ultimately the decision should come down to whether it's financially worth it to you to go for the F80 M3.

[Ikester19]

Cross shopped both and ended up going with the M340i. Didn't go with the F80 because IMO;

-the suspension setup is way to stiff for DD
-F80 has been around since 2014 and is now dated
-didn't dig the S55 engine at all
-I don't intend to track the car
-potential crank hub issue with the S55

As someone mentioned above, test drive both back to back then make a decision based on your needs. For me personally it was a no brainer

[RSnic]

gekrem ,

If you are going to use the car as a daily driver, I recommend the M340.

As you can see below, that's what I did and I even occasionally track it. The M340 is quite quick, particularly when you need it, like entering highway or passing on a narrow road, yet comfortable-- even in sport mode

[hockeymen14]

Here was a thread I started almost 1.5 yrs ago when I was in your shoes. I went m340i and don't regret it.

CPO M3 vs new M340i

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1589764

[MBM340]

I am sure the M3 is more fun as a sportscar, but my M340 is a burner and is likely the better daily driver. I guess it depends on what you are going for...

[Alex_bm]

Two different cars even though they have the same badge. Never meant to compete with each other. M340i should satisfy any possible craving for speed. M3 is a raw machine. The F gen M3 in my mind was simply too much as a daily. Can't say it's not a fun ride.

[gekrem]

All,

Thank you for your comments and contribution. Some very good perspectives.

Sounds like everyone is preferring the M340i which is a bit of a surprise to be honest.

I think the conclusion as I'm reading it, is if I want a balanced go-fast car the M340i is the way to go, as the M3 is a lot more raw.

What I'm seeing at the moment is that because there isn't a lot of stock in Australia of M3s the value of the cars for an M3 competition has gone up by 10%.

Back in July I could pick up an M3 Comp in Nardo Gray and Carbon Fibre everything for under $100k no more than 5000kms on the clock and there we're a few of them I was looking at.

It seems now they are climbing to $110-$120k which is starting to get pricey considering I can get an M340i for under $95k.

Tough decision people!

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by gekrem

All,
Sounds like everyone is preferring the M340i which is a bit of a surprise to be honest.

Well, you also have to remember where you are posting. People in the G20 forum will prefer the G20. Post this same question in the F80 forums and they'll tell you to get an M3. Post this on MB World and they'll tell you to get a C-Class. You get the point, there will always be a slight bias depending on where you post.

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by Blubaron79

M340i is the new M3.

Not even close...except 0-80mph

[Drew335]

Hi mate - I had the exact same dilemma and agonised over it for months! I even came from the same previous car, an F30 335i.

I went with the M340i (post here) and haven't looked back. While I was really keen on the full M3 experience, the M340i just ticks so many boxes. There were two reasons why I chose it in the end:

1 - this this thing is quick. In the real world it just gets up and goes, with the AWD putting the power down cleanly and with no fuss. I took a mate with an M2 comp for a spin and he was blown away. But it still has a bit of RWD feel and is well balanced.

2 - the tech is a generation ahead of the F80. Between the newer iDrive setup, the safety and autonomous tech and the driving mode options, you're not left wanting. I got in an M3 after driving the M340i and it felt old in comparison.

I'm done about 1,500km in it now and am really happy with it. The only area I'm disappointed about is the noise, it's just too quiet and lacks character. They have tuned out some of the pops and overrun noise in the newest release, which is a shame. But an aftermarket exhaust or tune could fix that. I haven't bothered, the only aftermarket addition I am making for now is a ceramic coating going on in a few weeks.

Hope that helps

[bsmf8x]

I spent months thinking/researching this.

It depends on you.

If you want a true animal & beast of a performance car that is relatively comfortable (opinions on comfort vary greatly with the f80) get the F80.

If you want something really comfortable & modern that is fun, get the G20.

My f82 has 19 inch rims and adaptive suspension & Dct so it's on the more comfortable side. Definitely not as dailyable as an m340 but I have zero complaints. The car is on a completely different level than an m340.

You might see videos of an m340 winning off a launch, but if both cars are rolling (Dct F8x not manual) the F80 M3 will walk the m340 if you floor both. Big difference in acceleration. But yeah the awd is a benefit if you like launching and low speed rolling. I floor it at 40mph and onwards and I've felt numerous m340's feel significantly underwhelming at this speed compared to the m3/m4.

Transmission & handling are on such a different level I don't even need to explain. Just drive both.

But yeah 100% the g20 tech and dailyability is on a different level. If you don't drive an f80 you'll love the g20 performance. If you drive a f80 properly and know what raw performance feels like you'll regret getting a g20, so keep that in mind.

[covinsky]

I totally agree with post above. We purchased our 2021 M340i Xdrive for this exact reason! Had I driven an F80, I would have wanted it. I am of the opinion however, for AWD, automatic, daily driver, the M340i is the best bang for the buck!

[gekrem]

Thanks for the feedback folks. I need to go test drive an F80 M3 again and see where it goes from there. In Australia all the M3s pretty much come decked out and even if you go for the Pure which is the Australian cut back version the mechanics collectively across suspension, gearbox and engine are the same as the competition, just the trimming in seats is half leather/ material and sound system is standard.

Based on the cars I've owned in the past such as an RS4, CLA45, older C63 and prior to that R34 GTR the rawness I think will be my preference.

What I noticed about the M340i is that it was very quiet as I drove a 2020 model, and even in sports mode just felt so underwhelming because of it and this was a fully optioned m340i.

I'm not too fussed on tech as I prefer the raw power of a car than comfort, and I think the M3 would be something special in comparison to the M340i.

I'll let you all know how I go over the coming days and give you my feedback.

[Damage Inc]

If you want newness and tech then 340i. But the initial newness might wear off after a while then you have fast but straight line fast sedan.

M3 is raw, more exciting, and more of an event each time you drive. Since you have an X5 I'd go for the M3 since it will offer more excitement over time.

[FrankMartin]

I have a m340i touring as a fast family all rounder. It is very quick and a good drive, but it lacks the engagement you get with a more focused car. If I alrrady had a quickish x5 then it would be the F80 M3, but I'd probably be looking for something even more fun like a Cayman, 911, Evora, Alpine, etc.

[iceRN09]

if you want Rawness. Get a GT4. Manual. NA Mid engine Flat Six. Nothing beats that driving experience. That is why I have both GT4 and M340i. Forget the M3.