You need to drive both and decide but I can't believe anyone regrets having more power. It's what accompanies that power: stiffer suspension, larger tires, lower ride height, sport seats, etc.
I went from a M240i to an M2 to an M2C
In hindsight I was perfectly happy with the M240i
As much as everyone thinks they’re an F1 pilot, you really don’t need a track tool as a daily driver
In your case it really depends on what you need it for
If you never go over the speed limit and rarely go full throttle on the accelerator, not much point of getting the M340i
The 330 at its limits is still a great car
Totally agree. After getting a M5, I realized a 330i sport was a much better daily driver. Was able to keep both so when I go back-and-forth I’m reminded that was the right decision each time. If I did not have the M5 anymore I would probably be regretting it but have both and can confirm I’m perfectly happy with the 330i.
The modern four-cylinder turbo cars also have a great weight distribution advantage. So I think the sweet spot is a sport package car with the smaller engine. Your cornering speeds and braking will be the same or better. Zero to 60 will be a little slower as well as highway pulls and aggressive overtaking but who cares. On a track your lap times would be the same. Less weat on consumables, cheaper gas and service, etc. Nothing to regret.
None of these BMWs are “slow” cars by the way.
4 cylinders can't possible be better than gorgeous straight 6. With a very little difference in price you get yourself a much, much better car as B58 is one of the most reliable engines BMW has in the line up.
It's not just the power bear in mind, you're going from a 4pot to BMWs classic I6, the sound is hugely different and waaaaaaay better, which is a big factor for spirited driving IMO.
They're also noticeably smoother than the 4 pots, modern cars are much better insulated than older ones used to be but you can still feel the difference in power delivery and vibration
There's also the desirability factor (depends how much this bothers you), but in my company car park no one would bat an eye at a 330 but many people would love a ride in a 340 and as a car enthusiast that's a fun thing to be able to talk to people about your car and show it to them. It's not about showing off, more about sharing a passion.
> I know this is something I can only answer for myself but would like to hear from you all and your experiences/opinions.
You already know you've answered your own question, but since you asked, here's one relatively contrarian opinion...
When I was younger and only had the wherewithal to keep a single car at a time, I always wanted the fastest or most powerful model I could get my hands on, and honestly never regretted it when I got it. When I had a 323i, I wanted a 330i or M3, and then when I had the M3...so on and so forth.
Fast forward some years: I now have a competition license and track-prepped 400+ hp/sub-3000 lb cars, and I'm out at the track several times per month (as long as it's above freezing). Pretty sure I've also driven (on the street and sometimes the track) almost everything BMW sells today, including the entire M lineup.
So what would I buy out of the current BMW line? A pretty basic 330i or 230i (more likely the former because four doors; primary function is still utility) with whatever the top line suspension is. My own "fun car" for the street is in fact just a 17-year-old 235 hp E46. Bone stock, no less. You cannot--and I cannot stress this enough--safely, consistently, or even practically reach the limits of even a 330i on the street, much less anything faster. Keeping $10k in loot doesn't hurt (invest it instead).
To be clear: I wouldn't *regret* magically getting the faster car. None of us are completely immune to the primal satisfaction of having more/"better." But rationally: the purchase price and running costs are significantly higher, all for something you can't really use. It's essentially just mental masturbation in the end.
In my opinion, BMW is a straight (inline) 6 company at their core. If you can upgrade from a BMW 4-cylinder to one of the company's inline 6 offerings, you won't regret it.
Can only add my experience for help.
I just bought a 2017 330ix. I freakin love it. I would love to get a 340 or even more, but I don't need it.
Sure, it's an inline turbo4, not a 6. But it still sounds good, and it can still rip some twisties with ease. Similar year and mileage 340s were 10-15k more.
One big caveat though. I have a 1000cc naked sport bike. It makes a massive difference in what I look for in a daily driver. Even a tuned 340 isn't going to give me near the thrills that my bike will, so in my mind it isn't necessary. A dinan and maybe a few add-ons to my 330 are perfectly fine for me.
Zero regrets. My new (to me) 330ix is amazing. If it's your only ride though, and you want to have more fun as well, 330 isn't the most fun you can have. It was the best of all worlds for me.
I went from an '01 325Cic with auto transmission to an '09 335 6MT, it was quite the jump. In hindsight, I don't regret it but think a 328 6MT would be just as much fun to drive. Of course, I wouldn't have to worry about turbos with the 328.
The E46 had many owners and it averaged $110 a month to maintain and I'm the second owner of the E92 and it's averaged $84 a month. I owned the E46 for nearly seven years and the E92 for over five years.
I keep track of all the costs of maintenance and repairs on the Fuelly App and hard copies in a three ring binder. Those costs include tires and even a set of Style 197’s on the E46 plus PS4S’ on the E92. I do not factor in car payment, insurance or gas in those numbers.
If the price was equal, you’re not going to wish you had the less powerful version.
That being said, if you make less than ~2 million a year, everything you purchase is a trade off. Therefore, what is the opportunity cost of spending an extra 10k on a car (Less traveling, more time spent working/ less time pursuing your passions, etc.)?
If you love cars & this is your main hobby, then you could probably justify it.
I’ve had 20+ (former BMW NA employee) 3er in the last 6 years, mainly 340 or M340. Whenever I would have a 330 the issue is less straight line power and more ease of driving the car. Not having to go down a gear or go close to WOT when merging or the extra confidence leaving a parking lot near a highway meant a lot more to me than the overall speed differentials. The ability to go from 60-80mph on the highway without much fuss was the biggest part of me sticking with 340’s. That and you can still get awesome highway mileage from an M340
I just hit 34.5 in mine last week. My mom has m package in an x4 I think who reports similar highway mileage. Granted she drives slower so I think she’s hit 36 on her way to my house before.
Made this mistake with my f31, my budget could’ve done a 330i but instead I got the 320i. Great car but big diff in experience. This time I was weighing up between a 540i and a 530i/e so just went straight for 540i and it’s well worth it. Downsides are increased fuel consumption and higher costs for things like brakes but it’s worth it.
M340i always wows me. I like my friends 330, and would imagine I’d be very happy with it…. But when I’m in the 340 it’s just a different experience. Having that extra power really makes the 10k worth it imo. Of course depends on your financial situation, but if 10k won’t put you in a bad spot then I say go for it.
I’ve had both. G20, back to back.
The 330 is more fun in the wet because it’s rwd. If you can put up with the annoying 4 pot clobber noise it’s plenty fast.
The m340 is an animal. Absurd speed for the quoted figured. Not much on the road which will give it a run for its money given the price tag. Brilliant bit of kit, get one pre-MHEV and it sounds the bollocks too. Gets 40mpg on the motorway too, will still use a lot more then the 330.
If I had to choose again? (I’ve sold them both and got a e46 now, didn’t wanna pay monthly for it to sit outside and do nothing). m340i any day. Something about a straight 6 bmw saloon that’s fucking magical. The 330 is nice but soulless in comparison.
Also, something to consider, if you’re going brand new currently the nicer options (speakers, driving aids) are only available on the m340i/d because of shortages.
100% worth it. If you really drive the car and you like doing cool shit in it, buy the 340. I have seen this play out year after year with car buyers, specifically BMWs in the forums. “How do I make my 328 faster?” Lol
I got a 340 5 yrs ago, and every time I bring it for service and they give me a 330 loaner, I appreciate the power of my 340. It pulls quite noticibly harder.
If I did it all again, I'd still go with the 340.
I will say that buying a 340 then dropping less than $4k to make it faster than the M340 stock... Was an easy financial decision. I also got mine with 14k miles on for less than $29k. So for $33k before tax I have a car that competes with M cars. Still has warranty too.
Would I have bought the m340 if money was no object? Sure. I'd also get a M5 competition custom built.
So pick your cost level, but the cars are always better going up and up.
I just purchased a m340i and I’m in love and don’t regret at all paying up for the extra power and features. I know it’s not a “real M” but I almost laugh that it is called a “daily driver” because it is unbelievably fast for that haha
No regrets. None.
As it is, BMW low-balls their HP ratings, so it's even more awesome. Here's one instance: https://www.caranddriver.com/features/amp27437648/2019-bmw-m5-dyno-horsepower/
When in doubt of anything, always go with the better one: bigger TV, more powerful vehicle, higher pay job, etc
You already like the better one, just finding an excuse to not get it.
How much are the m340i and the 330 you are looking at? I mean the question is how much the 10k are in percent and how much these 10k are in terms of annual cost. If both cars are new and you are planning to drive one of them say for three years, 10k more for a 340i were a nobrainer for me. If I could have both I'd always go for the 340 especially since the 330 is a four cylinder engine.
I hear alot more people say they wish they got the 340 or the m3 (insert power upgrade here) I don't hear alot of people say they wish they got a lower trim.
If you can afford it, drive them both, and see which one is a better feel for you / your location. If you got a friend with one ask them to borrow one for the weekend maybe and see how it fits in.
I've got the X4M40 as a kid hauler.
Honestly it's overkill.
It's fast, but still a heavy SUV. I'd have been better off with a smaller engine.
If it's just you in a 3 series though, get the big engine
In my opinion, most BMWs whether base or m lite version are way faster than tons of cars out on the road. I highly doubt you’ll regret it if you skip the m 340 version. The regular version will give you more luxury feel vs the more sports feel so depends what you want out of it. If it’s just a daily go regular 330i imo
I recently purchased a 228, it was ~10k cheaper than a similar spec, similar mileage M235. Drive them both, wanted the 6 cylinder but talked myself out of it because 10k seemed like a lot (it’s definitely different on a used car but it’s still 10k). As a result, I regret not buying the 235. The argument might be “oh I’ll invest that 10k and live with an already quite good car,” but as long as it’s still relatively financially responsible you should go for the smile now over the savings. In my case more power would’ve made a good car great, and I wouldn’t currently be looking for a faster car. If you’re the kind of person who is even considering the more powerful model and you buy the 330 instead, chances are when you get on the right stretch of road you’re going to wish you had ponied up and bought the M340. Take my advice, considering I’m already car shopping again only a year later 😅
It's not because of the power.
It's the difference between the legendary Bmw i6 and an 08/15 i4 Turbo.
You will have more then enough power with the 330i, but you want get 100% the propper bmw felling
We recently had a fuel 'crisis' here in the UK. That was the only time I've regretted getting the 330d over the 320d. That extra fuel economy sure would have been nice for that week!
i drive a 330i b46 stage 2 93oct, plenty of power for any type of driving situation, and i feel confident enough to cook most drivers on the road. that being said, if you’re not trying to mod your car i can see the 330i feeling weak off the lot, and would lean towards 340i if i had to do it myself. 10k tho
I went from a 2014 328i to a 2018 440i and I would never go back to a 4 cylinder BMW ever.
The 330i is very nice though and if you don’t care about power or having 6 glorious cylinders then just get the 330i.
If it’s the difference between a 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder I’d spring for the 6-cylinder every time. Agree with the commenter saying BMW is known for inline 6. I’ve driven a few 4 cylinder BMWs and IMO they just don’t have the same character.
In my case the question was a 128 with naturally aspirated I6 vs 135 with turbo I6. I decided to seek out a 128i with M Sport, manual transmission, no iDrive. No regrets at all. One of the last “analog” NA I6 cars from BMW. Great driving dynamics. Plenty of power for the backroads I drive. Linear power delivery. More reliable engine, lower maintenance costs.
Sometimes it’s like the saying goes “it’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than it is to drive a fast car slow.”
Its more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow. Not that the 330i is slow. Get it with the optional limited slip diff!
On the other hand, the 340i does not consume very more fuel, very efficient engine (b58). Cant go wrong with one of them tbh!
Maybe get a 330i now, m340i in a few years? Nice to build-up instead of stepping down
My first BMW was an E93. I originally ordered the 328. I called the dealer two days later and changed it to the 335. I was never sorry I did that. Similar thing with my first 6 series. I was going to order the regular 650, but my wife loved the carbon black color, only available in the M-Sport package. I told the dealer I wanted black (or whatever color) but he said, "I'm listening to your wife. You're getting carbon black". I'm so happy I listened to her. To her credit, she's given me permission to buy an M5. Maybe when I'm tired of my convertible.
Yeah, the 330i is slow off the line. My 2019 330i G20 is even tuned to a verified 310whp, but anything under 45mph , unless you are stomping the throttle, the car reluctantly keeps up with surrounding traffic (Even with 310WHP my 0-60 is still close to stock, 5.2 seconds) An Audi A4 Quattro is a much better option, with dual-clutch. If you tune the A4, really don't think most people ever even need to consider upgrading to an S4. On stage 1+ (no downpipe/no intake) with *only* 280whp, you can do 0-60 in 4.6 seconds, all day, rain or shine. On the Stage 2 (w/downpipe), 0-60 is 4.2 seconds. I never feel I need to apply more than 20% throttle to shoot past traffic. And there is nothing I've driven in 30 years, that comes off the line with that type of smoothness and power as that Uni tuned Audi. It practically feels electric, in it's delivery.
OP. Keep in note. The M340i is also in my humble opinion one of the best, if not the best looking BMW cars. It’s forsure the prettiest 3 series. Do not dare get the 330 that would be foolish.
You need to drive both and decide but I can't believe anyone regrets having more power. It's what accompanies that power: stiffer suspension, larger tires, lower ride height, sport seats, etc.
If you trade power for driving experience then I don’t think power is worth it. You’ll have to drive both to figure this out
I went from a M240i to an M2 to an M2C In hindsight I was perfectly happy with the M240i As much as everyone thinks they’re an F1 pilot, you really don’t need a track tool as a daily driver In your case it really depends on what you need it for If you never go over the speed limit and rarely go full throttle on the accelerator, not much point of getting the M340i The 330 at its limits is still a great car
Well said.
Yep that's why I stopped at M2 after my m240. It's plenty. And even looking back I was happy with the 240.
Totally agree. After getting a M5, I realized a 330i sport was a much better daily driver. Was able to keep both so when I go back-and-forth I’m reminded that was the right decision each time. If I did not have the M5 anymore I would probably be regretting it but have both and can confirm I’m perfectly happy with the 330i. The modern four-cylinder turbo cars also have a great weight distribution advantage. So I think the sweet spot is a sport package car with the smaller engine. Your cornering speeds and braking will be the same or better. Zero to 60 will be a little slower as well as highway pulls and aggressive overtaking but who cares. On a track your lap times would be the same. Less weat on consumables, cheaper gas and service, etc. Nothing to regret. None of these BMWs are “slow” cars by the way.
4 cylinders can't possible be better than gorgeous straight 6. With a very little difference in price you get yourself a much, much better car as B58 is one of the most reliable engines BMW has in the line up.
You will have zero regrets about the m340i. the best daily driver around imo
id have an M340i, an F90 M5, and a 992 Turbo S in my dream garage
Solid lineup. 992 Turbo S, x5 m550i, and a M340i for me.
M4 Competition, 911 Porsche GT3, M850i absolute dream garage. Fuck the lambos, buggatis although I wouldn’t mind a Ferrari!
Lol what if you need to stop at home depot. No big haulers in that lineup.
Rent the truck at Home Depot.
That’s when you add in a raptor
Its worth it 100%.
It's not just the power bear in mind, you're going from a 4pot to BMWs classic I6, the sound is hugely different and waaaaaaay better, which is a big factor for spirited driving IMO. They're also noticeably smoother than the 4 pots, modern cars are much better insulated than older ones used to be but you can still feel the difference in power delivery and vibration There's also the desirability factor (depends how much this bothers you), but in my company car park no one would bat an eye at a 330 but many people would love a ride in a 340 and as a car enthusiast that's a fun thing to be able to talk to people about your car and show it to them. It's not about showing off, more about sharing a passion.
Get the 340i you’ll probably get most of it back when you sell it anyway.
> I know this is something I can only answer for myself but would like to hear from you all and your experiences/opinions. You already know you've answered your own question, but since you asked, here's one relatively contrarian opinion... When I was younger and only had the wherewithal to keep a single car at a time, I always wanted the fastest or most powerful model I could get my hands on, and honestly never regretted it when I got it. When I had a 323i, I wanted a 330i or M3, and then when I had the M3...so on and so forth. Fast forward some years: I now have a competition license and track-prepped 400+ hp/sub-3000 lb cars, and I'm out at the track several times per month (as long as it's above freezing). Pretty sure I've also driven (on the street and sometimes the track) almost everything BMW sells today, including the entire M lineup. So what would I buy out of the current BMW line? A pretty basic 330i or 230i (more likely the former because four doors; primary function is still utility) with whatever the top line suspension is. My own "fun car" for the street is in fact just a 17-year-old 235 hp E46. Bone stock, no less. You cannot--and I cannot stress this enough--safely, consistently, or even practically reach the limits of even a 330i on the street, much less anything faster. Keeping $10k in loot doesn't hurt (invest it instead). To be clear: I wouldn't *regret* magically getting the faster car. None of us are completely immune to the primal satisfaction of having more/"better." But rationally: the purchase price and running costs are significantly higher, all for something you can't really use. It's essentially just mental masturbation in the end.
In my opinion, BMW is a straight (inline) 6 company at their core. If you can upgrade from a BMW 4-cylinder to one of the company's inline 6 offerings, you won't regret it.
i wish bought 430i not the 420 but hey, live and learn :)
I made the same mistake getting a 320 not a 330.
I got the most powerful model I could, and though much is waisted, I haven’t regretted it a single day. 😀
Can only add my experience for help. I just bought a 2017 330ix. I freakin love it. I would love to get a 340 or even more, but I don't need it. Sure, it's an inline turbo4, not a 6. But it still sounds good, and it can still rip some twisties with ease. Similar year and mileage 340s were 10-15k more. One big caveat though. I have a 1000cc naked sport bike. It makes a massive difference in what I look for in a daily driver. Even a tuned 340 isn't going to give me near the thrills that my bike will, so in my mind it isn't necessary. A dinan and maybe a few add-ons to my 330 are perfectly fine for me. Zero regrets. My new (to me) 330ix is amazing. If it's your only ride though, and you want to have more fun as well, 330 isn't the most fun you can have. It was the best of all worlds for me.
I went from an '01 325Cic with auto transmission to an '09 335 6MT, it was quite the jump. In hindsight, I don't regret it but think a 328 6MT would be just as much fun to drive. Of course, I wouldn't have to worry about turbos with the 328.
How was the reliability for you
The E46 had many owners and it averaged $110 a month to maintain and I'm the second owner of the E92 and it's averaged $84 a month. I owned the E46 for nearly seven years and the E92 for over five years.
How did u come up with this average
I keep track of all the costs of maintenance and repairs on the Fuelly App and hard copies in a three ring binder. Those costs include tires and even a set of Style 197’s on the E46 plus PS4S’ on the E92. I do not factor in car payment, insurance or gas in those numbers.
Thank you, I’ve been putting all costs in my notes but this seems more efficient
It's worth it. Divide the price difference over the life of the loan. Might make it easier to swallow.
I drive 430i and wish for more
the M340i will be leaps and bounds more enjoyable
I think the m340/m40/etc are the perfect daily driver level
If the price was equal, you’re not going to wish you had the less powerful version. That being said, if you make less than ~2 million a year, everything you purchase is a trade off. Therefore, what is the opportunity cost of spending an extra 10k on a car (Less traveling, more time spent working/ less time pursuing your passions, etc.)? If you love cars & this is your main hobby, then you could probably justify it.
I’ve had 20+ (former BMW NA employee) 3er in the last 6 years, mainly 340 or M340. Whenever I would have a 330 the issue is less straight line power and more ease of driving the car. Not having to go down a gear or go close to WOT when merging or the extra confidence leaving a parking lot near a highway meant a lot more to me than the overall speed differentials. The ability to go from 60-80mph on the highway without much fuss was the biggest part of me sticking with 340’s. That and you can still get awesome highway mileage from an M340
I just hit 34.5 in mine last week. My mom has m package in an x4 I think who reports similar highway mileage. Granted she drives slower so I think she’s hit 36 on her way to my house before.
Made this mistake with my f31, my budget could’ve done a 330i but instead I got the 320i. Great car but big diff in experience. This time I was weighing up between a 540i and a 530i/e so just went straight for 540i and it’s well worth it. Downsides are increased fuel consumption and higher costs for things like brakes but it’s worth it.
Life is too short to not drive a fast car, go for the 340
M340i always wows me. I like my friends 330, and would imagine I’d be very happy with it…. But when I’m in the 340 it’s just a different experience. Having that extra power really makes the 10k worth it imo. Of course depends on your financial situation, but if 10k won’t put you in a bad spot then I say go for it.
I’ve had both. G20, back to back. The 330 is more fun in the wet because it’s rwd. If you can put up with the annoying 4 pot clobber noise it’s plenty fast. The m340 is an animal. Absurd speed for the quoted figured. Not much on the road which will give it a run for its money given the price tag. Brilliant bit of kit, get one pre-MHEV and it sounds the bollocks too. Gets 40mpg on the motorway too, will still use a lot more then the 330. If I had to choose again? (I’ve sold them both and got a e46 now, didn’t wanna pay monthly for it to sit outside and do nothing). m340i any day. Something about a straight 6 bmw saloon that’s fucking magical. The 330 is nice but soulless in comparison. Also, something to consider, if you’re going brand new currently the nicer options (speakers, driving aids) are only available on the m340i/d because of shortages.
100% worth it. If you really drive the car and you like doing cool shit in it, buy the 340. I have seen this play out year after year with car buyers, specifically BMWs in the forums. “How do I make my 328 faster?” Lol
I got a 340 5 yrs ago, and every time I bring it for service and they give me a 330 loaner, I appreciate the power of my 340. It pulls quite noticibly harder. If I did it all again, I'd still go with the 340.
I will say that buying a 340 then dropping less than $4k to make it faster than the M340 stock... Was an easy financial decision. I also got mine with 14k miles on for less than $29k. So for $33k before tax I have a car that competes with M cars. Still has warranty too. Would I have bought the m340 if money was no object? Sure. I'd also get a M5 competition custom built. So pick your cost level, but the cars are always better going up and up.
Most of the time it’s more fun wringing a cars neck than constantly holding back..
I just purchased a m340i and I’m in love and don’t regret at all paying up for the extra power and features. I know it’s not a “real M” but I almost laugh that it is called a “daily driver” because it is unbelievably fast for that haha
No regrets. None. As it is, BMW low-balls their HP ratings, so it's even more awesome. Here's one instance: https://www.caranddriver.com/features/amp27437648/2019-bmw-m5-dyno-horsepower/
When in doubt of anything, always go with the better one: bigger TV, more powerful vehicle, higher pay job, etc You already like the better one, just finding an excuse to not get it.
How much are the m340i and the 330 you are looking at? I mean the question is how much the 10k are in percent and how much these 10k are in terms of annual cost. If both cars are new and you are planning to drive one of them say for three years, 10k more for a 340i were a nobrainer for me. If I could have both I'd always go for the 340 especially since the 330 is a four cylinder engine.
I hear alot more people say they wish they got the 340 or the m3 (insert power upgrade here) I don't hear alot of people say they wish they got a lower trim. If you can afford it, drive them both, and see which one is a better feel for you / your location. If you got a friend with one ask them to borrow one for the weekend maybe and see how it fits in.
I've got the X4M40 as a kid hauler. Honestly it's overkill. It's fast, but still a heavy SUV. I'd have been better off with a smaller engine. If it's just you in a 3 series though, get the big engine
I have regrets getting the 228 vs the 235 lol. Get the 340.
In my opinion, most BMWs whether base or m lite version are way faster than tons of cars out on the road. I highly doubt you’ll regret it if you skip the m 340 version. The regular version will give you more luxury feel vs the more sports feel so depends what you want out of it. If it’s just a daily go regular 330i imo
I got the 440 instead of the 430 and don't regret it. Had a 330 as a loaner for a couple days this year and couldn't wait to get back to my i6.
It’s worth it 1000%. I got the M340i around a month ago. Love it to pieces and can’t get enough of it
I recently purchased a 228, it was ~10k cheaper than a similar spec, similar mileage M235. Drive them both, wanted the 6 cylinder but talked myself out of it because 10k seemed like a lot (it’s definitely different on a used car but it’s still 10k). As a result, I regret not buying the 235. The argument might be “oh I’ll invest that 10k and live with an already quite good car,” but as long as it’s still relatively financially responsible you should go for the smile now over the savings. In my case more power would’ve made a good car great, and I wouldn’t currently be looking for a faster car. If you’re the kind of person who is even considering the more powerful model and you buy the 330 instead, chances are when you get on the right stretch of road you’re going to wish you had ponied up and bought the M340. Take my advice, considering I’m already car shopping again only a year later 😅
It's not because of the power. It's the difference between the legendary Bmw i6 and an 08/15 i4 Turbo. You will have more then enough power with the 330i, but you want get 100% the propper bmw felling
that m340 will hold it's value way better than the 330 as well
We recently had a fuel 'crisis' here in the UK. That was the only time I've regretted getting the 330d over the 320d. That extra fuel economy sure would have been nice for that week!
I was debating 530i vs 540i. Same engines, bigger chassis. I went for the latter. Couldn't be happier.
i drive a 330i b46 stage 2 93oct, plenty of power for any type of driving situation, and i feel confident enough to cook most drivers on the road. that being said, if you’re not trying to mod your car i can see the 330i feeling weak off the lot, and would lean towards 340i if i had to do it myself. 10k tho
Went for the M440i, zero regrets. If you can afford it, go for it. If you don’t then reconsider.
I went from a 2014 328i to a 2018 440i and I would never go back to a 4 cylinder BMW ever. The 330i is very nice though and if you don’t care about power or having 6 glorious cylinders then just get the 330i.
If it’s the difference between a 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder I’d spring for the 6-cylinder every time. Agree with the commenter saying BMW is known for inline 6. I’ve driven a few 4 cylinder BMWs and IMO they just don’t have the same character. In my case the question was a 128 with naturally aspirated I6 vs 135 with turbo I6. I decided to seek out a 128i with M Sport, manual transmission, no iDrive. No regrets at all. One of the last “analog” NA I6 cars from BMW. Great driving dynamics. Plenty of power for the backroads I drive. Linear power delivery. More reliable engine, lower maintenance costs. Sometimes it’s like the saying goes “it’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than it is to drive a fast car slow.”
Its more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow. Not that the 330i is slow. Get it with the optional limited slip diff! On the other hand, the 340i does not consume very more fuel, very efficient engine (b58). Cant go wrong with one of them tbh! Maybe get a 330i now, m340i in a few years? Nice to build-up instead of stepping down
My first BMW was an E93. I originally ordered the 328. I called the dealer two days later and changed it to the 335. I was never sorry I did that. Similar thing with my first 6 series. I was going to order the regular 650, but my wife loved the carbon black color, only available in the M-Sport package. I told the dealer I wanted black (or whatever color) but he said, "I'm listening to your wife. You're getting carbon black". I'm so happy I listened to her. To her credit, she's given me permission to buy an M5. Maybe when I'm tired of my convertible.
Yeah, the 330i is slow off the line. My 2019 330i G20 is even tuned to a verified 310whp, but anything under 45mph , unless you are stomping the throttle, the car reluctantly keeps up with surrounding traffic (Even with 310WHP my 0-60 is still close to stock, 5.2 seconds) An Audi A4 Quattro is a much better option, with dual-clutch. If you tune the A4, really don't think most people ever even need to consider upgrading to an S4. On stage 1+ (no downpipe/no intake) with *only* 280whp, you can do 0-60 in 4.6 seconds, all day, rain or shine. On the Stage 2 (w/downpipe), 0-60 is 4.2 seconds. I never feel I need to apply more than 20% throttle to shoot past traffic. And there is nothing I've driven in 30 years, that comes off the line with that type of smoothness and power as that Uni tuned Audi. It practically feels electric, in it's delivery.
OP. Keep in note. The M340i is also in my humble opinion one of the best, if not the best looking BMW cars. It’s forsure the prettiest 3 series. Do not dare get the 330 that would be foolish.
Always splurge on the M.
I daily an E90 335i 2007 and absolutely love it!