[paimon.soror]

So this has been the debate in my head for a while and i just can't decide so i may need some advice. Of course, this is a forum that most likely has more allegiance to the latter but here is my thought process:

Current: f36 n55
- sporty styling
- i prefer the m sport style of the couple over the f body sedan
- 4 doors to accommodate the kids
- awesome engine
- fairly easy to work on and mod
- knock on wood reliable

Choice 1: 21+ m550
- bigger (more rear leg room)
- basically a mild m5
- v8 twin turbo, performance!!
- concerned about reliability, BMW v8 record has been meh compared to i6
- more luxury
- i love to tinker... But does the platform have much room to tinker with?
- too big to be nimble?

Choice 2: 23 m340
- probably more rear room than the f36
- sporty look and feel
- lots of tech
- concerned about lack of hard buttons
- can probably get a new for the same price as a gently used m550
- epic engine with lots of support thanks to supra
- thoughts on mild hybrid?
- thoughts on wide screen?

[br438]

Originally Posted by paimon.soror

So this has been the debate in my head for a while and i just can't decide so i may need some advice. Of course, this is a forum that most likely has more allegiance to the latter but here is my thought process:

Current: f36 n55
- sporty styling
- i prefer the m sport style of the couple over the f body sedan
- 4 doors to accommodate the kids
- awesome engine
- fairly easy to work on and mod
- knock on wood reliable

Choice 1: 21+ m550
- bigger (more rear leg room)
- basically a mild m5
- v8 twin turbo, performance!!
- concerned about reliability, BMW v8 record has been meh compared to i6
- more luxury
- i love to tinker... But does the platform have much room to tinker with?
- too big to be nimble?

Choice 2: 23 m340
- probably more rear room than the f36
- sporty look and feel
- lots of tech
- concerned about lack of hard buttons
- can probably get a new for the same price as a gently used m550
- epic engine with lots of support thanks to supra
- thoughts on mild hybrid?
- thoughts on wide screen?

As it pertains to choice 2... as an owner of an X3 with the 48v mild hybrid, I do not like that I own it. I don't trust - just a hunch from how it threw some errors early on, but... meh.

[paimon.soror]

Originally Posted by br438

As it pertains to choice 2... as an owner of an X3 with the 48v mild hybrid, I do not like that I own it. I don't trust - just a hunch from how it threw some errors early on, but... meh.

That's interesting info. As I understand it was really a move to meet some euro compliance stuff. It it really just used when you are in ECO/have Auto Start Stop enabled ?

[br438]

Originally Posted by paimon.soror

That's interesting info. As I understand it was really a move to meet some euro compliance stuff. It it really just used when you are in ECO/have Auto Start Stop enabled ?

Yes - I am sure it helps w/ fuel economy a bit. That's good, but I think it is really just a nod to some regulation; it's not enough battery to really do much of anything.... except go bad and make the car need service.

I have heard/read that it does offer some (11bhp) boost at certain times as well. It also is supposed to smooth the "auto-off" stop feature, but... at a stop sign, it's still dumb and brutally disturbing to have the car shut off and start back in the span on 1.5 seconds. It's not that smooth.

[wtwo3]

This honestly just comes down to what you prefer - luxury or sporty?

The m550 has a big powerful v8, but it's really only good for top end acceleration (the m340i will get you 95% of the acceleration on the low end). Handling wise the m550i isn't nimble and it's tough to call it a mild m5 when it shares its suspension with the 540i. It's big, heavy, and numb. The m340i on the other hand is smaller, lighter, more nimble and playful.

Where the m550i shines is luxury. It's got tons of power but at the end of the day it's about the interior materials quality, the quietness of the cabin, the smooth suspension. In comparison the m340i, while build quality is IMO far superior to the f generation, the materials are noticeably lower quality than what you'd find in the m550i. You'll also notice a bit more wind and road noise. And the suspension is definitely much harsher.

[Rob_G77]

I had a 2021 m340i and while it was beautiful in factory nardo grey, I didn't find it as engaging to drive as I had wanted. Nimble and quick yes, but not as much a luxury cruiser on the highway. Maybe if it had driver assist pro it would have been different.

Still wish I had it.

[G30M]

i have both cars. AMA

[G30M]

Originally Posted by paimon.soror

Choice 1: 21+ m550
- bigger (more rear leg room)
- basically a mild m5
- v8 twin turbo, performance!!
- concerned about reliability, BMW v8 record has been meh compared to i6
- more luxury
- i love to tinker... But does the platform have much room to tinker with?
- too big to be nimble?

Choice 2: 23 m340
- probably more rear room than the f36
- sporty look and feel
- lots of tech
- concerned about lack of hard buttons
- can probably get a new for the same price as a gently used m550
- epic engine with lots of support thanks to supra
- thoughts on mild hybrid?
- thoughts on wide screen?

they are different cars

550i - a poor man's Bentley - it's a proper luxury car. handling is hard to pin point - it's 'nimble' but you can't flick it around at will. it's for someone in their 40s who don't want a boy racer car. there is more torque than you need from anywhere in the rev range. [the 340 won't move until it's above 2500rpm, won't push you until 4000rpm.]

340i - a proper sports car. a porsche that ate a bit too much but still wildly agile and bumpy, flickable around the place. let's get the worst part of this car out of the way - the steering wheel - too fat, too heavy, too numb ... ok phew. next it is not a luxury car, nothing about it feel luxurious (does not feel cheap, just not luxury). the fake engine sound in the LCI is very good. a little cramped in my opinion but not too cramped. i like the buttons and the stick - i use them all, a lot. esp the stick to flick it into sport plus mode from anywhere - comfort, sport individual etc.

[tturedraider]

Low mileage CPO 2020 - 2022 pre-ruined-LCI M340i

[RTPenland]

A low mileage 2020 M340 is the way to go. The last year the 3 series will ever be non-hybrid. Tunable, flashable and reliable - added bonus comes with buttons on the dash. Also most 2020's were built in Germany - it really is the 3 series to own.

[paimon.soror]

Good info. I've been rackingnmy brain the last few days trying to figure out what I want to do. Of course now my brain wandered into a new m440 gc...

Basically gets me the pre LCI goodies like hard buttons and a shifter ... But it also has the kidney grills that are an acquired taste...

[G30M]

M440i GC is what you need then that's what you get.

the grill looks better in person than in the photos.

it handles better than M340i, a touch faster, and the exhaust is a little more glorious, basically they made the M340i first, then decided to make everything better on the M440i next - gave it a Sprint Mode, heck even the fake engine sound is a bit more substantial lol.