540i Touring or M340i Touring

[ricof]

Need a dad wagon for when the 128ti goes back. 540i Tourings seem rare as rocking horse eggs but meant to be a step up from the 3er in terms of comfort and space.

M340i Tourings are more available - test driving one this weekend to make sure the mrs is happy with it but should we hold out for the 540i?

[Sensibleboy]

Not only is the 540i rarer but can you find the spec you want?

[d_a_n1979]

ricof said:

Need a dad wagon for when the 128ti goes back. 540i Tourings seem rare as rocking horse eggs but meant to be a step up from the 3er in terms of comfort and space.

M340i Tourings are more available - test driving one this weekend to make sure the mrs is happy with it but should we hold out for the 540i?

Having been out in both and a huge 5 series fan; I'd personally go for the 540i... But as stated above, that's if you can find the spec you want etc...

Both are superb cars; fantastic engines etc...

Do you need the size of the 5'er now or can that wait for the future; will the 3 series do size wise etc?

[Drmarkf]

If you’re testing a 340 I very strongly recommend you also try a 540 (or 530 if you can’t find one).

My personal view is that you need a good, realistic use case to go for larger vehicles: it’ll be a big step from your current car.

The 5 series is a little more comfortable on long journeys and over rough roads, and self evidently it’s got more space. But you’re always threading a larger (especially wider) vehicle through towns and carparks, and you’ll be using more fuel. Not much relaxation there, so how does that balance for you against the marginally smoother motorway & A road drive?

Are you really sure you need the space?

[bigdom]

The 5 series is a better built car and nicer place to sit. The 3 series is more fun to drive.

Less than 15% boot space difference with seats up or down, but overall interior dimensions make it more comfortable. If you can find them, Comfort seats - I've never seen them in a 3 series, I do miss the 7 series seats. A roof box is always an option for a bit of extra carrying capacity if you go for a 3.

https://www.carwow.co.uk/guides/choosing/bmw-3-ser...

[curvature]

I had an F31 330d and went to a 640d GC. After driving the 6 for a few years the 3's now feel rather small and cramped inside so I would look at the 5 but that is just my opinion.

[andrewp88]

Hi
My wife finds my 530 Touring too big a car.
I find her M340 Touring too small; especially as a passenger. To drive, it is actually a very good car.

You need to drive both, as I fear you will find the M340 engine will make up your mind for you.

[d_a_n1979]

curvature said:

I had an F31 330d and went to a 640d GC. After driving the 6 for a few years the 3's now feel rather small and cramped inside so I would look at the 5 but that is just my opinion.

I'd sort of agree; but with the size / width I am; I don't find my F31 small/cramped at all... And that's after an E39 Touring and F01 730D!

Yes the F31 is smaller; but it's much bigger than what the E46 and E91s were before the F3X range etc

I settled on the F31 over an F11 as it was to be our only car (sell the wifes etc) but after she came back with her car full of dents after parking it up at work; that idea went out the window...! The 640D GC is a lovely car and one I really wanted when looking Dec 2022 but its far too small in the back for anyone to sit behind me, that ruled it out straight away unfortunately

Yes it'll be a 5 series touring I go for when the time comes to sell the F31, but until then it's plenty big enough for me/us... However, that is just 2 adults (well, 1 n half as the wife's only half my size)

I do get that for a family it could be cramped and a 5'er would make more sense...

[JackReacher]

How about a X3 40i?

I have a m340i touring and an ix3, and the x3 body makes for a better family car. A bit more cabin space, and a better shaped boot with more height. The m340i is great to drive, and works well but we do use a roof box when going away with 2 small kids. The 5 series is an extra 20cm longer than the 3 or x3, and that is very noticeable in tighter car parks.

[NickXX]

I’ve had an F11 and G31 as a family car (2 kids). Would struggle with anything smaller on longer trips. I’ve never found the size to be annoying even in central London. The slightly elevated height over normal cars and a reversing camera make it very easy to drive around town.

[PistonHead007]

Buy this, one owner from new and clearly looked after. I've seen 20k mile cars with 150k mile looking interiors. Nice house too and well priced.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024021264...

[Seasonal Hero]

Assuming you've been ok with the space of the 128 I'd say the 340i will be more than enough.

[ricof]

PistonHead007 said:

Buy this, one owner from new and clearly looked after. I've seen 20k mile cars with 150k mile looking interiors. Nice house too and well priced.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024021264...

Bloody hell that is extremely tempting. No sunroof or privacy glass but it’s a hell of a good price.

[ricof]

andrewp88 said:

Hi
My wife finds my 530 Touring too big a car.
I find her M340 Touring too small; especially as a passenger. To drive, it is actually a very good car.

You need to drive both, as I fear you will find the M340 engine will make up your mind for you.

Test drove the m340i and the mrs liked it, result!

It’s a great car.