BMW M340i Touring

[Bowen86]

Don't seem to be many of these on here, so thought I'd represent.

After a short stint in a Seat Leon Cupra ST 300 4drive (Golf R estate really), which I couldn't live with after the quality of my previous BMW ownership history.

I sold the Leon and was left car less, apart from the Clio, which is far from an ideal daily with no rear seats and the aforementioned 3 year old.

I was really tempted by an Audi S4 Avant a C63 AMG V6 touring (or is it shootingbrake) and lastly an M340i touring. I originally looked at an Audi S4 Avant with all the bells and whistles described as "mint/like new" only to drive the 3hrs to the dealer to be greeted by a car with a huge crack in the windscreen, 3hr drive back home. More research led me to lean towards the M340i, the countless reviews and youtuber videos solidified my choice.

Whilst on a Christmas family break, I set about a search for a new car. After much research and much scope creep with budget, I found a few online but when I called they were sold "why are they still online?"...Anyway.

One last call to the dealer with the car with a perfect spec and also the less than perfect (top of my budget) price and it was in stock. Deposit left, train tickets booked and I'm on my way.

Early start on 10th December







Spec:

BMW M340i G21 Touring - Xdrive
Shadowline

(I think these are the names and contents of each pack)

Comfort pack:
- Keyless entry/start
- Touchless open of the boot (wave your foot under the bumper)
- Heated steering wheel
Tech Pack:
- H&K
- Reverse Assistant
- Drive Recorder
- Wifi
Visibility Pack:
Laser lights
High beam assist
HUD

My first impressions (this was back in December) were "it's a quality product" compared to the Leon and my previous Golf R's. It had and still has a premium feel. Compared to the F80 M3 it has that BMW quality feel, it's not as wild as the M3 but the tech is leaps above the F80.

I post more over on my instagram if anyone is interested: @its.bowz

Thanks

[salmanorguk]

A very cool looking car - IMO much better than the tttish new M3. Hope it treats you well.

If possible could you expand on the differences between this and the last model?

[Bowen86]

I have a history of fettling with cars in my ownership, nothing outrageous but if you're expecting 'no modifications' you'll be very disappointed.

My subtle change was to add a genuine M-sport spoiler and a sunglasses holder.

Spoiler fairly easy DIY




Sunglasses holder:

It's a nice soft close item which is felted inside


And a pic on one of the many b roads in South Wales

[MitchT]

Looking at the map if looks like it came from Marshall BMW in Scun-thorpe, which bids the question... were you in the mood for a long trip as I would have thought you'd have been able to get the franchise to relocate the car to one of their nearer dealerships (to you) in Salisbury or Hook?

[helix402]

Looks good. I have a similar sun glasses holder on my E91-which is too small for any glasses I own! So I did an ash tray delete and that’s my sun glasses holder now.

[Jhonno]

Spoiler looks good!

Like a modded BMW Touring!

[Court_S]

Looks good OP.

The G series interior is very good, it certainly feels like a step up from the E and F series cars. The tech is much better - I have been very critical of the digital dials and I still don’t like them aesthetically but they work really well with a huge amount of stuff information available.

[sunnyb13]

Do you not hit your head on the sunglasses holder when exiting the car?

[rix]

I got one! Surely the perfect daily?!

[RonnieHotdogs]

They're incredible. I have a pre-LCI saloon at the moment and have been looking at what (if anything) I'd want to change to. Been looking at an M4 Comp, Alfa Giulia QV or a Mustang, but to he honest I'm thinking I might just change to an M340i LCI touring as long as the sums make sense.

There is nothing the car doesn't do well. If you have Bridgestone Turanzas, expect them to be bald in the middle by 10k miles.

[CalisenQX]

These looks fabulous…. If only Mrs Calisen would drive an estate car… maybe in a few years!!
Excellent work chaps

[sunnyb13]

RonnieHotdogs said:

They're incredible. I have a pre-LCI saloon at the moment and have been looking at what (if anything) I'd want to change to. Been looking at an M4 Comp, Alfa Giulia QV or a Mustang, but to he honest I'm thinking I might just change to an M340i LCI touring as long as the sums make sense.

There is nothing the car doesn't do well. If you have Bridgestone Turanzas, expect them to be bald in the middle by 10k miles.

The only tyres that should be going on are Michelin pilot sport 4S

[Bowen86]

salmanorguk said:

A very cool looking car - IMO much better than the tttish new M3. Hope it treats you well.

If possible could you expand on the differences between this and the last model?

Expand between the F80 M3 and G2X M340i?

The biggest difference is the M340i doesn't want to kill me. The F80 M3 was an incredible car, a dream car but it was quite lairy. I have Clio 182 which is my track/weekend/fun car, I wanted and needed a daily to be a bit more of a relaxed drive. That said, the M340i is not 'boring' compared to let's say a Golf R which, IMHO also isn't boring, it's just incredibly capable out of the box. The M340i is a 60/40 drivetrain split, provoked it will go a bit sideways and does keep you alert. It's 'fun' but not lethal.

Back to F80 vs G20/21 the tech is leagues above which is to be expected, it's a newer generation. The idrive, wireless android auto and laser lights to name 3 that come to mind.

The M3 is a more special car and has far more road pressence.

All IMHO. I could go on a bit comparing the two but that's a brief comparison.

[Bowen86]

MitchT said:

Looking at the map if looks like it came from Marshall BMW in Scun-thorpe, which bids the question... were you in the mood for a long trip as I would have thought you'd have been able to get the franchise to relocate the car to one of their nearer dealerships (to you) in Salisbury or Hook?

I'd just been trapped at festive centre parcs with my wife and 3 year old got a week. After that, sitting on a train listening to podcasts, sipping s coffee and reading a book on my own, sounded like bliss.

[keo]

I love these, looks great. Perfect daily? I am trying man myself into a m340d as I do a lot of miles but they are just to expensive. I’d prefer a petrol but I don’t think they would be economical enough for what I need.

Added you on instagram, love the Clio as well!

[bumskins]

keo said:

I love these, looks great. Perfect daily? I am trying man myself into a m340d as I do a lot of miles but they are just to expensive. I’d prefer a petrol but I don’t think they would be economical enough for what I need.

Added you on instagram, love the Clio as well!

FWIW a chap at our place dailies a M340d wagon, around 20 miles each way along a couple NSL A-roads with a couple of miles of urban at each end. Reckons he's averaging 45mpg tank-to-tank which I didn't think was bad given the performance and usability on offer.

[keo]

Thanks bumskins yeah that’s pretty good but if I only did them miles I’d definitely have a petrol.

[d_a_n1979]

That's lovely; I do like the 340i Touring!

In a few years; once the mortgage is gone; I'l be aiming for either a 340i or 540i touring hopefully!

[ajap1979]

Did the privacy glass come like that from the factory?

[cerb4.5lee]

ajap1979 said:

Did the privacy glass come like that from the factory?

I've always thought that sun protection glass was a bit of a gimmick to be honest(just for the way it looks). However I've recently sat in the back of our cars with it(not something I usually do because I'm either driving or the front passenger), and it is so much cooler and more comfortable in comparison to the front. I wish that legally you were allowed it on the front side windows as well.