G20 330i or m340i?
Discussion
Hi all,
I’m beginning to look at my next car after I downsize from two to one (I blame Putin and Trussonomics).
One that’s at the top of my shortlist is a G20 3 series, either in 330i or m340i guise, but I do have a few questions, if someone would be so kind:
1) is the m340i really worth the extra £5k or so it’d cost me (looking at 69 plates and newer)?
2) is there much of a difference in maintenance costs? BMW servicing suggests it’s negligible (more spark plugs to change for the major).
3) can the G20 work as a family car?
The reviews I’ve read suggest the 330i is plenty powerful enough for UK roads, but I’ll be coming from a TVR Tuscan, so am concerned about being underwhelmed…
And yes, I will try and test drive both, but there are none nearby, so if I can rule one out now, it would save some travelling!
Thanks in advance!
I’m beginning to look at my next car after I downsize from two to one (I blame Putin and Trussonomics).
One that’s at the top of my shortlist is a G20 3 series, either in 330i or m340i guise, but I do have a few questions, if someone would be so kind:
1) is the m340i really worth the extra £5k or so it’d cost me (looking at 69 plates and newer)?
2) is there much of a difference in maintenance costs? BMW servicing suggests it’s negligible (more spark plugs to change for the major).
3) can the G20 work as a family car?
The reviews I’ve read suggest the 330i is plenty powerful enough for UK roads, but I’ll be coming from a TVR Tuscan, so am concerned about being underwhelmed…
And yes, I will try and test drive both, but there are none nearby, so if I can rule one out now, it would save some travelling!
Thanks in advance!
Th G20 can most certainly work as a family car; they’re a big old beast. I had a 320 for a week and it’s a noticeable step up size wise from the previous generation cars.
Having driven the car with the B48 engine albeit in a lower state of tune, the extra for the B58 is definitely worth the extra cash. The B48 is effective but it’s a gruff thing and not much fun to extend. There’s more to an engine than just the performance in my opinion.
Having driven the car with the B48 engine albeit in a lower state of tune, the extra for the B58 is definitely worth the extra cash. The B48 is effective but it’s a gruff thing and not much fun to extend. There’s more to an engine than just the performance in my opinion.
As Court_S said, the B48 in the 320i at least was pretty disappointing for me, plenty quick but felt like it had to work quite hard in typical BMW outside lane driving, and it was a bit gruff and unrefined. However I've been much fonder of it in previous experiences- quite enjoyed it in the same state of tune in a G29 Z4 20i and while I've only been a passenger in the 330i it always felt like a very nice engine in that car- I suspect both have a slightly naughtier exhaust system or at least better fake noises as I remember both being much more characterful than the 320i. Handling is also a little better on the B48 cars, supposedly they've got a slightly better steering rack and less weight over the front will help.
However I think if I bought one with a B48, every time I started it and every time I put my foot down I think I'd wish I spent the extra. The B58 really is that good- paired with the ZF8 it's pretty flawless. Sublimely smooth when you want it to be, ballistically quick (with actually pretty sharp and aggressive gearshifts) when you want some fun. The xDrive will let you slip enough to know you're being naughty but always keep you out of the hedge, although I'm sure if you're braver with the assists than I am you can be quite silly. It'll still probably feel quite numb and heavy coming from a TVR but I think the M340i would scratch an itch that the 330i couldn't- and returns very similar fuel economy. My Dad's average in 'sensible' driving was about 45mpg in his 330i, I got an M340i up to 42mpg on a motorway run by just keeping roughly to the speed limit...
Also I assume if you're concerned about it working as a family car you're considering the G21 Touring as well?
However I think if I bought one with a B48, every time I started it and every time I put my foot down I think I'd wish I spent the extra. The B58 really is that good- paired with the ZF8 it's pretty flawless. Sublimely smooth when you want it to be, ballistically quick (with actually pretty sharp and aggressive gearshifts) when you want some fun. The xDrive will let you slip enough to know you're being naughty but always keep you out of the hedge, although I'm sure if you're braver with the assists than I am you can be quite silly. It'll still probably feel quite numb and heavy coming from a TVR but I think the M340i would scratch an itch that the 330i couldn't- and returns very similar fuel economy. My Dad's average in 'sensible' driving was about 45mpg in his 330i, I got an M340i up to 42mpg on a motorway run by just keeping roughly to the speed limit...
Also I assume if you're concerned about it working as a family car you're considering the G21 Touring as well?
Edited by Sofa on Thursday 9th February 23:37
Sofa said:
As Court_S said, the B48 in the 320i at least was pretty disappointing for me, plenty quick but felt like it had to work quite hard in typical BMW outside lane driving, and it was a bit gruff and unrefined. However I've been much fonder of it in previous experiences- quite enjoyed it in the same state of tune in a G29 Z4 20i and while I've only been a passenger in the 330i it always felt like a very nice engine in that car- I suspect both have a slightly naughtier exhaust system or at least better fake noises as I remember both being much more characterful than the 320i. Handling is also a little better on the B48 cars, supposedly they've got a slightly better steering rack and less weight over the front will help.
However I think if I bought one with a B48, every time I started it and every time I put my foot down I think I'd wish I spent the extra. The B58 really is that good- paired with the ZF8 it's pretty flawless. Sublimely smooth when you want it to be, ballistically quick (with actually pretty sharp and aggressive gearshifts) when you want some fun. The xDrive will let you slip enough to know you're being naughty but always keep you out of the hedge, although I'm sure if you're braver with the assists than I am you can be quite silly. It'll still probably feel quite numb and heavy coming from a TVR but I think the M340i would scratch an itch that the 330i couldn't- and returns very similar fuel economy. My Dad's average in 'sensible' driving was about 45mpg in his 330i, I got an M340i up to 42mpg on a motorway run by just keeping roughly to the speed limit...
Also I assume if you're concerned about it working as a family car you're considering the G21 Touring as well?
Much to think about: thanks.However I think if I bought one with a B48, every time I started it and every time I put my foot down I think I'd wish I spent the extra. The B58 really is that good- paired with the ZF8 it's pretty flawless. Sublimely smooth when you want it to be, ballistically quick (with actually pretty sharp and aggressive gearshifts) when you want some fun. The xDrive will let you slip enough to know you're being naughty but always keep you out of the hedge, although I'm sure if you're braver with the assists than I am you can be quite silly. It'll still probably feel quite numb and heavy coming from a TVR but I think the M340i would scratch an itch that the 330i couldn't- and returns very similar fuel economy. My Dad's average in 'sensible' driving was about 45mpg in his 330i, I got an M340i up to 42mpg on a motorway run by just keeping roughly to the speed limit...
Also I assume if you're concerned about it working as a family car you're considering the G21 Touring as well?
Edited by Sofa on Thursday 9th February 23:37
In terms of G21, there seems to be an “estate surcharge” of about £5k, so a 330i estate is similar money to a m340i saloon, and I know which one I’d rather have! M340i estate is out of budget, unfortunately…
Not driven the M340i to compare, but I was given a 330i courtesy car when my M2 was in for a service a few years ago and absolutely loved it. It sounded good for a 4-cylinder and it felt light, nimble and satisfyingly old-school. I think the M-Sport version has a LSD, or it certainly felt like it anyway.
Furthermore, a friend took me out in his 330e which was another eye-opening experience, not so much the outright pace but the way it gets off the line with the electric assistance was mind boggling. I know that's a pretty standard party trick these days with any reasonably powerful hybrid, but it still put a smile on my face. I'm not sure where they sit price wise between the 330i and M340i, but definitely worth a look if you do a lot of miles.
So in summary, the M340i would sound fantastic and be another step on in performance, but I don't think I'd personally be able to justify it when the 330i is so good and a lot cheaper to buy and run. I'd also have suspicions that the X-Drive would be less fun than the RWD 330i/330e.
Furthermore, a friend took me out in his 330e which was another eye-opening experience, not so much the outright pace but the way it gets off the line with the electric assistance was mind boggling. I know that's a pretty standard party trick these days with any reasonably powerful hybrid, but it still put a smile on my face. I'm not sure where they sit price wise between the 330i and M340i, but definitely worth a look if you do a lot of miles.
So in summary, the M340i would sound fantastic and be another step on in performance, but I don't think I'd personally be able to justify it when the 330i is so good and a lot cheaper to buy and run. I'd also have suspicions that the X-Drive would be less fun than the RWD 330i/330e.
I had the 330i as a courtesy car and it's perfectly fine as a family car and it is fast enough but I couldn't wait to get my 540i back. Make of that what you will. The B58 is a brilliant engine and the B48 is just an engine. I'd happily pay £5k more for the 340i but my non car friends would think I was mad.
I would take a 330i touring over a m340 saloon as a family car if the budget didn't allow for a m340i touring. The added practicality is very useful, especially if you have younger kids with pushchairs etc. Or you could look at earlier 540i touring or x3 40i which can be had for less money.
bobsavage789 said:
Much to think about: thanks.
In terms of G21, there seems to be an “estate surcharge” of about £5k, so a 330i estate is similar money to a m340i saloon, and I know which one I’d rather have! M340i estate is out of budget, unfortunately…
Christ, had no idea the estates were so much pricier. Interesting considering most ‘non-petrolheads’ still seem to regard them as uncool.In terms of G21, there seems to be an “estate surcharge” of about £5k, so a 330i estate is similar money to a m340i saloon, and I know which one I’d rather have! M340i estate is out of budget, unfortunately…
Agreed regarding the 330e, they seem to have a range of about 250 miles and if not charged deliver worse fuel economy than the M340i. You also lose quite a bit of boot space to the batteries so for a family car you’d have no choice but to opt for the touring I think.
The 540i is a good suggestion, although you may lose a bit of fun stepping up to the 5, and I think they’re also about 50hp down on the M340i? Probably still more than quick enough though…
Plenty of very good replies thus far. To respond to a few point raised:
1) 330e is out because of reduced boot capacity and the occasional longer journey “en famille”.
2) the 540i is the elephant in the room, but the increased budget was only achieved by way of compromise with the wife that the new car would have CarPlay. I don’t think the 540s in budget would have this (if at all?)
3) X3 m40i would certainly meet the criteria, but I can only find one for £35k or less, with similar age/mileage.
1) 330e is out because of reduced boot capacity and the occasional longer journey “en famille”.
2) the 540i is the elephant in the room, but the increased budget was only achieved by way of compromise with the wife that the new car would have CarPlay. I don’t think the 540s in budget would have this (if at all?)
3) X3 m40i would certainly meet the criteria, but I can only find one for £35k or less, with similar age/mileage.
bobsavage789 said:
Hi all,
I’m beginning to look at my next car after I downsize from two to one (I blame Putin and Trussonomics).
One that’s at the top of my shortlist is a G20 3 series, either in 330i or m340i guise, but I do have a few questions, if someone would be so kind:
1) is the m340i really worth the extra £5k or so it’d cost me (looking at 69 plates and newer)?
2) is there much of a difference in maintenance costs? BMW servicing suggests it’s negligible (more spark plugs to change for the major).
3) can the G20 work as a family car?
The reviews I’ve read suggest the 330i is plenty powerful enough for UK roads, but I’ll be coming from a TVR Tuscan, so am concerned about being underwhelmed…
And yes, I will try and test drive both, but there are none nearby, so if I can rule one out now, it would save some travelling!
Thanks in advance!
The 330i is a 4 cylinder engine. I’m beginning to look at my next car after I downsize from two to one (I blame Putin and Trussonomics).
One that’s at the top of my shortlist is a G20 3 series, either in 330i or m340i guise, but I do have a few questions, if someone would be so kind:
1) is the m340i really worth the extra £5k or so it’d cost me (looking at 69 plates and newer)?
2) is there much of a difference in maintenance costs? BMW servicing suggests it’s negligible (more spark plugs to change for the major).
3) can the G20 work as a family car?
The reviews I’ve read suggest the 330i is plenty powerful enough for UK roads, but I’ll be coming from a TVR Tuscan, so am concerned about being underwhelmed…
And yes, I will try and test drive both, but there are none nearby, so if I can rule one out now, it would save some travelling!
Thanks in advance!
The m340i has a 'proper' inline 6, which is among the best BMW have ever produced.
It's a brilliant family car and it has a lot of genuine M division components, not just badges and sporty seats.
It actually makes a lot more sense than a G80 M3 on UK roads.
I would definitely go for it.
I’ve posted this elsewhere on here, so apologies for those who’re reading it again.
I did back to back test drives if F30 340i and 330i. The conclusion I came to was that at British legal speeds, the 340 wasn’t worth the extra over the 330. If I lived in Germany, I’d want the 340, but here the 330 is everything you need.
I bought used, with 47k on the clock, 18 months ago. It’s now on 54k.
Since buying, it’s had:
PCV system replaced
New turbo
New “Oil Filter Housing” aka oil / water heat exchanger made from plastic FFS
It now has a recurring EML that the BMW dealer can’t find the cause for. The only code stored is “Catalytic Converter Efficiency Error”, usually thrown if I fill up with 95 ‘cause the petrol station hasn’t got 99. Emmisions tests show no issues.
People with 340s don’t seem to have these problems. So that may well be a better buy, albeit with higher running costs.
I did back to back test drives if F30 340i and 330i. The conclusion I came to was that at British legal speeds, the 340 wasn’t worth the extra over the 330. If I lived in Germany, I’d want the 340, but here the 330 is everything you need.
I bought used, with 47k on the clock, 18 months ago. It’s now on 54k.
Since buying, it’s had:
PCV system replaced
New turbo
New “Oil Filter Housing” aka oil / water heat exchanger made from plastic FFS
It now has a recurring EML that the BMW dealer can’t find the cause for. The only code stored is “Catalytic Converter Efficiency Error”, usually thrown if I fill up with 95 ‘cause the petrol station hasn’t got 99. Emmisions tests show no issues.
People with 340s don’t seem to have these problems. So that may well be a better buy, albeit with higher running costs.
Magnum 475 said:
I’ve posted this elsewhere on here, so apologies for those who’re reading it again.
I did back to back test drives if F30 340i and 330i. The conclusion I came to was that at British legal speeds, the 340 wasn’t worth the extra over the 330. If I lived in Germany, I’d want the 340, but here the 330 is everything you need.
I bought used, with 47k on the clock, 18 months ago. It’s now on 54k.
Since buying, it’s had:
PCV system replaced
New turbo
New “Oil Filter Housing” aka oil / water heat exchanger made from plastic FFS
It now has a recurring EML that the BMW dealer can’t find the cause for. The only code stored is “Catalytic Converter Efficiency Error”, usually thrown if I fill up with 95 ‘cause the petrol station hasn’t got 99. Emmisions tests show no issues.
People with 340s don’t seem to have these problems. So that may well be a better buy, albeit with higher running costs.
Yes, I remember your reply to my post on the readers’ rides thread. I did back to back test drives if F30 340i and 330i. The conclusion I came to was that at British legal speeds, the 340 wasn’t worth the extra over the 330. If I lived in Germany, I’d want the 340, but here the 330 is everything you need.
I bought used, with 47k on the clock, 18 months ago. It’s now on 54k.
Since buying, it’s had:
PCV system replaced
New turbo
New “Oil Filter Housing” aka oil / water heat exchanger made from plastic FFS
It now has a recurring EML that the BMW dealer can’t find the cause for. The only code stored is “Catalytic Converter Efficiency Error”, usually thrown if I fill up with 95 ‘cause the petrol station hasn’t got 99. Emmisions tests show no issues.
People with 340s don’t seem to have these problems. So that may well be a better buy, albeit with higher running costs.
As far as I’m aware, the B58 is a solid unit, so would provide a bit of peace of mind. I’d be looking at a BMW warranty either way anyway, but you can’t put a price on inconvenience should the worst happen!
bobsavage789 said:
Yes, I remember your reply to my post on the readers’ rides thread.
As far as I’m aware, the B58 is a solid unit, so would provide a bit of peace of mind. I’d be looking at a BMW warranty either way anyway, but you can’t put a price on inconvenience should the worst happen!
I’ve bought AUC, then extended the warranty. I’ve hit the point now where I simply don’t trust the car - sooner or later something else will fail. Sure, the warranty will cover it but what I really need is a car that just works.As far as I’m aware, the B58 is a solid unit, so would provide a bit of peace of mind. I’d be looking at a BMW warranty either way anyway, but you can’t put a price on inconvenience should the worst happen!
From what I’ve read on various forums, the oil filter housing is the only problem I’ve had that occurs a lot, usually at about 50k miles. It’s also unique to the 30i variants of the engine, and isn’t used on the 20i version.
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