[AK0142]

Hi,

I'm planning to buy 3 series but the problem is which one should i choose a M3 or M340i. I own a 2014 320i base model now and I love the car and so I wanted to upgrade in terms of model and power.

Can someone who owns or has better experience and knowledge in owning these cars in terms of fun, maintenance, resale value after 3-4 years of ownership could guide me ??

[yoandry]

Originally Posted by AK0142

Hi,

I'm planning to buy 3 series but the problem is which one should i choose a M3 or M340i. I own a 2014 320i base model now and I love the car and so I wanted to upgrade in terms of model and power.

Can someone who owns or has better experience and knowledge in owning these cars in terms of fun, maintenance, resale value after 3-4 years of ownership could guide me ??

Besides that you are in the M3 forum, ofcourse m3 is better. period

[wtwo3]

I came from an m340i and now own an m3.

I've said this before and I'll say this again as this is the best way for me to describe it:

The m340i is a really good and fast sedan. The M3 gives off supercar vibes.


That being said, coming from a 320i, both of them will feel like a major upgrade.

[NJBMWM5F10]

Originally Posted by AK0142

Hi,

I'm planning to buy 3 series but the problem is which one should i choose a M3 or M340i. I own a 2014 320i base model now and I love the car and so I wanted to upgrade in terms of model and power.

Can someone who owns or has better experience and knowledge in owning these cars in terms of fun, maintenance, resale value after 3-4 years of ownership could guide me ??

I feel that there are many variables when it comes to purchasing a car of these price points, and it really should come down to what you want exactly. Me personally after owning 7 bmws, them being 5 M models, and 2 m series or “m-lites” as some would call them, i almost always prefer the “real” M cars in every scenario and if the money isnt a problem in this situation i would advise you to just get the m3. My girl had got into an m340i while i was still in my f82 m4 waiting for my g80 m3 allocation and it was a great car and all but personally i believe its not to different from a 330i which she now has unless you plan on doing aftermarket performance upgrades and being a “go fast boy” as i like to call them. The m3 is just more special in every aspect of a car in my personal opinion. As to the maitenance and resale value between the m340i and m3 i feel they will be basically the same.. they will probably depriciate in value around the same rate, with xdrive holding its value a lil better then the rwd cars. Maitenance will also most likey be very similar especially if your looking for brand new which comes with a 3 year or 36k mile maitenance warranty. In the end of all this, its your money, buy what you think makes the most sense! The m3 just takes the win for me at the price point of around $100k and below cars, out of any other cars for this price i believe you cannot find another package that can do it all as well as the m3 can.. it truly is a jack of all trades. In my opinion go big or go home man!

[kgelfen360]

M3 is a beast for the price. You getting a lot for what it costs. It’s relatively speaking good value if you are after that much power and performance.
There is nothing wrong with m340 and if you care about the cost it’s a probably a better buy. I don’t think you would be disappointed with it for daily use.
I drive my M3 daily and I love the car but let’s be honest I am not getting much out of that true performance on the daily use going to work.
It’s hard decision I think cost should be a factor. As far as maintenance, non M car will be a little cheaper but not that much.

[madpistol]

Everyone is going to tell you the M3 is better, including me. It's going to feel like it's 3x as powerful, so if you have the opportunity, go for it. M340i is great, but the M3 is next level.

[yaymitch]

Depends on what you are wanting. For daily use exclusively it’s hard to utilize the performance of the M3 other than in short spurts now and then. Maybe save your money and get the M340. That being said the M3 is definitely more luxurious, more head turning and way better performance all around. Now…if you plan to do any track events whether it be HPDE, autocross or drag racing then there is absolutely no comparison. M3 is miles better for those applications.

[JeetG80x]

Depends on your pockets. If you can afford the M3, it's well worth it over the 340. You do not want to be the "BF looking back" meme whenever you see an M3 while you holding hands with your 340.


EDIT:

[Juanero]

I drive my m3 daily. It has so much power. It's always a half second press from cruising, to getting squirrely.
Going from the 320 to m3 is an appreciable jump that you won't regret.

[pateke]

I bought my first car this April, an M440x. Before summer I ordered a new M4 (without ever driving one). Both cars have most of the equipment available, but the “M-lite”- stamp annoyed me.

When I got the M4 about three weeks ago and drove it for the first time it felt very different to the M440. Definitely a totally different car. My wife said the same thing when first driving, she said “this feels totally different compared to your M440, the level of quality overall is on another level”.

I couldn’t be happier changing cars from the Mx40 to the M4. Considering I left it for break in service today, it will be interesting to see how it feels to push it a bit.

My conclusion even if Mx40 is a nice platform: real M, all the way!

[forcefed]

Originally Posted by AK0142

I'm planning to buy 3 series but the problem is which one should i choose a M3 or M340i.

How is it a problem? It's not a problem at all... just get the m3

[snyder268]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I came from an m340i and now own an m3.

I've said this before and I'll say this again as this is the best way for me to describe it:

The m340i is a really good and fast sedan. The M3 gives off supercar vibes.


That being said, coming from a 320i, both of them will feel like a major upgrade.

I agree. I had a 23 M340 drove it for 7 months and ordered my 24 M3 comp. As a daily driver M340i is great. I think it depends what you’re looking for. M340i is a sweet spot where it’s comfortable to cruise in and can be fast and fun when you want. If you want something more driver oriented and want a more track feeling car I’d say go M3 route. Obviously big price jump too. Both cars are winners in my eyes.

[Mike02z]

Not sure many people in this forum would tell you the M340i is better. I’d never go back to a non M car.

If you’re looking for a comfy ride, do not get an M. The ride of the M is perfect for me but my wife does complain about it being too stiff. She has her own car so not an issue for me.

If you want better gas mileage don’t get an M. People will complain about the mileage but I averaged 26.6 on non ethanol 93 octane (not available in many places) last month. I’m still within break-in so I’m sure it will drop some.

The M will be more expense to fix once your out of warranty but I’m set for 7 years so really don’t care. Brakes and rotors are big ticket items if you have the dealer replace them.

Good luck with your decision.

[ChurchDog]

I faced this same question twenty years ago. I had an e30 325 and was looking at an E46 M3 or 330ci. I vacillated between the two for weeks and ended up ordering an M3. Then, for some stupid reason I can never seem to remember, I changed my order to the 330. I loved that car. It was tastefully modded, reliable, fun to drive, and a great looking car. But it wasn’t an M3.
To this day, I always wish I kept the M3 order.

So twenty years later, when it was time for a new car, there wasn’t even a discussion.
M3 all the way.

[house]

As someone who has owned 8 BMWs, including 3 M3/M4s, I agree with everyone's comments.

Only thing I'd also ask you to consider, how patient are you?

I waited 6 months for my G80 allocation, and unless you want to pay a broker or keep calling dealership after dealership, you will likely have a similar wait.

I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing an M340i allocation would be easier to get, still be a very fun car, and $20k cheaper.

[robopp]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I came from an m340i and now own an m3.

I've said this before and I'll say this again as this is the best way for me to describe it:

The m340i is a really good and fast sedan. The M3 gives off supercar vibes.


That being said, coming from a 320i, both of them will feel like a major upgrade.

Oh no…. The supercar reference again?!

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by robopp

Oh no…. The supercar reference again?!

I don't know what reference you're talking about but this is my personal quote. I'm not talking about spreadsheet numbers... I'm talking about the vibes/feelings it gives off in relation to the rest of the lineup.

[robopp]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I don't know what reference you're talking about but this is my personal quote. I'm not talking about spreadsheet numbers... I'm talking about the vibes/feelings it gives off in relation to the rest of the lineup.

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=30532979

TL;DR It’s not even close to a supercar.

I’m curious though, what supercar have you driven that the M3 reminds you of?

Don’t get me wrong, the M3/4 is an incredible care for the money, but that’s it IMO.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by robopp

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=30532979

TL;DR It’s not even close to a supercar.

I’m curious though, what supercar have you driven that the M3 reminds you of?

Don’t get me wrong, the M3/4 is an incredible care for the money, but that’s it IMO.

I never said it's close to a supercar.

I'm not sure why you're taking my saying literally. The whole purpose of what I'm saying is that the difference between the m340i and the m3 is vast in terms of the feeling that you get, beyond just spreadsheet numbers. When I drive an m340i it just feels like a really fast 330i. When I drive the m3 it feels like a totally different beast.

Feel free to word it differently in your head if it doesn't sit well with you but that's my quote and I'm sticking to it.

[Mike02z]

Super car, Hyper car what’s next Super Hyper car? 😲

I just say “exotics” and I don’t consider BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Audi, Nissan, Acura, or any other mass market brand a super car brand. When I think exotics I think Koenigsegg, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Zhonda, Bugatti, and a few others.

YMMV.

[Needsdecaf]

Splitting hairs, here's the overarching point:

M340i feels like a hotted up 3 series.
M3 FEELS more akin to a purpose built sports car. Not in looks, not in overall performance, not in build quality, but in intent. The car feels more purposeful. It's stiffer, rawer and louder and has a much more distinct vibe than an M340i.

Still not anywhere close to a supercar. Feels more like a Porsche sedan.

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by AK0142

Hi,

I'm planning to buy 3 series but the problem is which one should i choose a M3 or M340i. I own a 2014 320i base model now and I love the car and so I wanted to upgrade in terms of model and power.

Can someone who owns or has better experience and knowledge in owning these cars in terms of fun, maintenance, resale value after 3-4 years of ownership could guide me ??

I assume you are talking M3C/CX. I came from the M340i and found it to be incredibly dull and boring. I could not wait to get out of it and did only 9 months after I purchased it.
The G80, 6MT in my case, is not only much more engaging and fun from the transmission perspective but all other aspects -- feel, sound/loudness, more raw (although I preferred the pure rawness of the F87)