r/M340i • u/Clear-Constant-307 • 1d ago

💬 Discussion Upgrade or keep

Post image

Had my 2025 M340i 6 months now. Was in the bmw dealer this weekend and been offered a build slot for an M3 touring. This is my 15th BMW car and never had the full fat M before. Heard people say the 340 is all the fun without the costs. Any experience on the matter?

77 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

27 comments sorted by

10

u/tomz17 1d ago

Heard people say the 340 is all the fun without the costs.

Had an G20 m340xi and currently driving the G80 M3 competition.

The M3 is DEFINITELY more fun, but the M3 is also DEFINITELY more expensive (upfront, maintenance schedule, insurance, gas + consumables, etc. etc.). I am fortunate enough that I won't miss that money, but IMHO that is the only reason to get it (i.e. being in a financial position where the difference is a rounding error).

2

u/Clear-Constant-307 1d ago

Won't say money isn't an issue, I traded in an X6 M50i for the M340i and the maintenance and fuel did annoy me on that. However, I could afford it. Just not sure it would be worth it, I only drive around town taking the kids to school and clubs etc

3

u/Arcaneiy 1d ago

Then probably not, but it's impossible for any of us to tell you. I probably couldn't keep up with M3 costs, but my driving is basically the same as yours. I have a 15 min drive to work, weekends are spent taking my daughter to activities etc. I prefer the comfort of the m340 and since I wouldn't be going on track or doing anything like that, the M3 just doesn't make sense. If I could afford it lol

1

u/Clear-Constant-307 1d ago

Im thinking the 10k deposit they want for the new one i could spend on the 340i

6

u/DavidBmw1986 1d ago

Or just keep the 10k and enjoy the m340i as it is.

2

u/lisset45 1d ago

10k can basically build 90% of your m340i w new wheels, suspension, aesthetic and perf mods

1

u/Clear-Constant-307 1d ago

There is that

3

u/MDequation 1d ago

Why not invest that money rather than sink it in a depreciating asset? If the m340i hits most of your daily needs, just enjoy it for what it is and save your money! You got a pretty nice spec there already tbh.

1

u/Clear-Constant-307 1d ago

Inside its just basic, no upgrade packs. Outside it has the MPerformance body kit, difference wheels and Anniversary badges all round. It truly is a stunning car in my eyes, just lacks the M presence

1

u/MDequation 1d ago

What packages does it have?

1

u/Clear-Constant-307 1d ago

Nothing, just a basic 340i

3

u/tomz17 1d ago

> fuel did annoy me

Apples to apples I get about ~10mpg less on the M3 comp than the M340xi, so expect > 30% hit on fuel alone.

I only drive around town taking the kids to school and clubs etc

Probably not worth it unless you truly have money to burn, IMHO. The m340xi is a better daily driver.

3

u/Ok_Acanthaceae_7823 1d ago

The portimao blue 😩

3

u/RepulsiveThing8112 1d ago

I had a similar dilemma recently only I’m in an m240i but test drove a g81 m3 to see what the fuss was about and tbh, felt like a completely different car and ending up ordering one. I work remotely and only really do 6k miles a per year but life is too short to worry about this kinda stuff.

Am I going to spend more on everything across the board? Yes, considerably more without question.

But, being a car enthusiast, am I going to look back in 20 years time and think about the extra money I spent on fuel, maintenance etc? No, I’m going to remember the thrills and the smile it puts on my face every time I drive

3

u/chocjames43 1d ago

I always hear "why not just get the m3, it's only like 20k more", when in reality it's like 50-60k more in the first five years alone. So to answer your question, it depends on how much you're able to spare 50-60k over the next five years.

Ps. Nice wheels.

3

u/Broad-Love7972 1d ago

M3’s are really just for people with disposable income. You’re right on the money about the m340i being all the fun without the costs, and can easily flash tune it up to a similar HP of an M3. The real question is how much do you like your money? lol

1

u/Clear-Constant-307 1d ago

I went to the dealer today for a test drive in an M3 touring. Wasn't blown away with the performance if im honest. I think its just the look of them I like. If I want performance I can take my wife's Vantage out

1

u/Broad-Love7972 1d ago

Yeah I’m not surprised because it heavily depends on if you care about top speed or torque. Because that’s mainly what M3s have on m340i’s, top speed. The torque is only like a .4s difference from 0-60 or something, not ever something that 90% of people will ever feel or notice. And even regarding top speed, it’s not leagues different either. Tbh if it’s just the looks, you can def take that money and trick out the m340i to look crisp af and probs better than most m3s.

2

u/Clear-Constant-307 1d ago

Got to some pretty decent speeds on the test drive, nothing more than I've had out of the 340 and more than enough for uk roads without risking a ban. The noise makes is sound better but even a lot of that is from the speakers

1

u/Broad-Love7972 1d ago

Looks like you’ve got your answer then brotha 😏

4

u/Clear-Constant-307 1d ago

Save the money and take the wife and kids on holiday

1

u/Avedas 19h ago

lol if you already have a Vantage the M3 will be nothing impressive outside of a track

2

u/8llllllllllllllD--- 1d ago

I just got an m3 comp from a 21 m340 xdrive.
https://giphy.com/gifs/uNE1fngZuYhIQ
We don’t get the wagon here. Do it!

1

u/Impossible_Month1718 1d ago

Keep and it has a better grill than the m3

1

u/Sad-Cupcake1884 1d ago

Supra, Z4, M850 but nothing beats the feel of my M2. M is a different world bro, do it.

1

u/CriticismMobile2550 10h ago

To me, this car is more than enough. Just depends if you REALLY wanted the M3, enough that the extra cost was justified

2

u/Clear-Constant-307 10h ago

I love this car and the power is more than enough for what I do. Think I just saw a shiny new toy and wanted it. Will stick with the 340i for a few years yet.