F30 340i vs F80 M3

[spuntyb]

I know the differences and have driven both (although neither extensively). I'm currently in a 2015 335 that we got as a lease assumption when we suddenly needed a car this past spring. I forwent the M3 because it's just overkill for our purposes, and I'd be lucky to track it more than once or twice a year at most. The 335 made more sense.

So I got involved in building out this F30 to get it the way I want, but as much as I love wrenching on the car and buying car parts, I just don't have the time to devote to this kind of thing any more. I was about to have Autocouture install some Forgestar wheels and KW suspension that I picked up from these forums, but then changed my mind and decided to just do an early move up to a 340 or M3.

I need/want a more out-of-box solution, since IMHO Munich fails at delivering these cars the way they should be from the factory, particularly the 340 - thing needs wheels, suspension, tune, tires, m performance parts, exhaust, etc. just to be decent. To me, the chassis, power, and aesthetic of the M3 is perfect with ZCP. All it lacks is proper sound, but I know the MPE or another brand can fix that.

This will be a DD in North Jersey. A workhorse and not an Instagram model. So, does anyone regret getting their F80 over a modded F30, particularly for running errands, driving to work, a few long trips (200 miles max). Will easily be between 12k-15k miles/year. I'm just worried it will be overkill and I'll wonder why I didn't just settle for the 340, even though I know what a headache it will be modding it. Anyone else go through this?

RWD vs AWD not an issue.

Thanks for any insight or feedback.

[narkotic]

I just lease assumed my F80 and have no regrets as a daily driver.

If you are feeling lazy, put it in auto mode / comfort and DCT-1 so the shifting is smooth. You will instantly forget you are even in an M3.

I performed the exhaust valve disconnect hack (while valves were opened) and it makes it sound better under 3k RPM's... but yes, I wish it were a bit louder.

[///M4ster Yoda]

No such thing as overkill. We have both. The wifey has a 340 and I have an M4. No comparison. The ///M blows the 340 away. Most on this board will agree. Just get winter tires for our sketchy northeast winters. Once you go ///M there is no going back.

[nicknaz]

My $0.02, the only way you'd have regret is cost related

Either the capital you lock up in the f80 ends up being more than you wanted or you miss the hp/$ you can get from mods vs stock

If it's a pure daily, I think an x3m or glc63 needs to be considered.

[silvergray545]

"Move up to a 340..." Is it really moving up though? You're really just replacing your car with a new MY.

I daily my F80.

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

My $0.02, the only way you'd have regret is cost related

Either the capital you lock up in the f80 ends up being more than you wanted or you miss the hp/$ you can get from mods vs stock

If it's a pure daily, I think an x3m or glc63 needs to be considered.

Well, we have a Macan GTS landing in January for most of the DD duties and long trips when we don't need two cars, so we'll have that. This will be more for me to get to work and run errands and occasionally take on longer trips with the 3yo in the back.

The Macan is a direct result of Munich not giving us a performance wagon in the US...hate to see the F31 go, but it's the same issue - if I had infinitely more free time, I would just mod another F31, but I'm done with that noise I think.

[MadZarBMR]

As a previous F30 and current F80 owner, I can say this will not be overkill. If you don't have time or want to mod anymore, then you will probably only be happy with a stock F80 ZCP. Except for the hideous front wheel gap, I could live with a totally stock ZCP. I cannot say the same about a stock F30. If you do get the F30, the mod bug will bite you and soon you will find yourself spending what you may have saved on an F80. Yes, these cars can be wild beasts, but are also surprisingly tame and comfortable with the same level of practicality (# of doors/cargo *******.

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by MadZarBMR

As a previous F30 and current F80 owner, I can say this will not be overkill. If you don't have time or want to mod anymore, then you will probably only be happy with a stock F80 ZCP. Except for the hideous front wheel gap, I could live with a totally stock ZCP. I cannot say the same about a stock F30. If you do get the F30, the mod bug will bite you and soon you will find yourself spending what you may have saved on an F80. Yes, these cars can be wild beasts, but are also surprisingly tame and comfortable with the same level of practicality (# of doors/cargo *******.

Yeah I wonder if I should have just taken over an M3 lease, but work has become very busy this year, and I thought I would have had more time. I know if I got another F30,I would want to mod the hell out of it, and even then, it still won't be an M3 chassis or looks-wise.

[Paz1]

Traded in my F30 for a f80 about two months ago. F30 was modded and the f80 only has a exhaust done. Very happy with the decision and it’s an ///M . A dream I had since a child. Zero regrets on the trade. This feels and is a real sports sedan. The F30 was a wanna be imho

[335ic_Black]

Originally Posted by silvergray545

"Move up to a 340..." Is it really moving up though? You're really just replacing your car with a new MY.

I daily my F80.

I had the 435I with MPPSK and the gf bought the MY17 440i and it felt like a different car all together. It was so depressing going back to the 435i that I had to trade mine in for the new M3. The new engine in the 440i is definitely more beefy and the acceleration a lot more linear, the turbo leg is also less noticeable.

As for op, I would go test drive the new 340I (if possible with the MPPSK) and see if you are happy with it. Obviously M3 is a better car but it comes with a price tag.

[325iExecutive]

DD or weekend toy or track toy.... you can get bit of all with the M3. The car is designed to be all. Drive it, enjoy it and you will not regret the decision.

The mod bug bites no matter what car you have. It will likely be easier to keep it stock if it is a F8X but that is a personal choice.

This has been a dream car for me which I am living to the max everyday. I drive it to the train station, to kids swim meets, groceries cruises etc. Hopefully I can get it to a track event depending on schedule.

If you feel the same - go for it.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by spuntyb

Well, we have a Macan GTS landing in January for most of the DD duties and long trips when we don't need two cars, so we'll have that. This will be more for me to get to work and run errands and occasionally take on longer trips with the 3yo in the back.

The Macan is a direct result of Munich not giving us a performance wagon in the US...hate to see the F31 go, but it's the same issue - if I had infinitely more free time, I would just mod another F31, but I'm done with that noise I think.

haha, I got an x135 (aka lifted e91 335xi wagon) for a similar reason.

F80 will be great go for it.

[UGADawgFan]

Agreed with all, though I think if you're leaning towards a car that blends both the DD factor and the fun factor, you should also do yourself a favor and test drive a B9 Audi S4. Picked one up for my wife a couple months back and it's the perfect split between the 340 and M3..and has a WAY nicer interior to boot.

Also for reference, I just bought my F80 a week ago after owning both an E92 M3 and an E90 328i M Sport as a DD. F80 fits the bill for me as an all-in-one car, but I could totally see myself just driving the S4.

Here's a few pics of my wife's B9 S4:

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by UGADawgFan

Agreed with all, though I think if you're leaning towards a car that blends both the DD factor and the fun factor, you should also do yourself a favor and test drive a B9 Audi S4. Picked one up for my wife a couple months back and it's the perfect split between the 340 and M3..and has a WAY nicer interior to boot.

Also for reference, I just bought my F80 a week ago after owning both an E92 M3 and an E90 328i M Sport as a DD. F80 fits the bill for me as an all-in-one car, but I could totally see myself just driving the S4.

Here's a few pics of my wife's B9 S4:

I love the new S4. Unfortunately it's a matter of getting out of this lease ASAP. I just don't want to drive it any more - it has the stock xDrive suspension for crying out loud! . It matures in July 2018, and I don't want to wait that long to jump ship. If I can somehow get out of this lease soon (as in next week) and into an S4, it will definitely be on my list.

Yours is gorgeous!

[KevinM]

No, you will not regret it. You will only regret it if you don't, especially when you see an F80 on the road. M cars feel different even when you are just leisurely driving around town. The only thing you should know is that you will never want or buy a non-M BMW again (for me, SUVs excluded). I had two wonderful BMW 5 series (I still miss the E39 530i 5-speed) before I bought my first M, the E39 M5, in 2004. Since then, only M.

[espressoo]

The S4 doesn’t do it for me. The only thing it has going for it is AWD and the quilted leather seats. On the road from a distance, unless you can see the badge, it looks like a sportline. An M3 however has sweet fender flares and unique bumpers. If you remotely considered an M3, you would always second guess your decision if you could afford one but opted to get a lesser 3 series. I was fortunate enough to purchase one a few days ago and it’s been a dream car.

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by espressoo

The S4 doesn’t do it for me. The only thing it has going for it is AWD and the quilted leather seats. On the road from a distance, unless you can see the badge, it looks like a sportline. An M3 however has sweet fender flares and unique bumpers. If you remotely considered an M3, you would always second guess your decision if you could afford one but opted to get a lesser 3 series. I was fortunate enough to purchase one a few days ago and it’s been a dream car.

The hips on the F80 are great, I have to agree.

[325iExecutive]

I agree - that a$$

[shoei]

Sitting in a 340, you'll always look in the rear view mirror at a f80 longing for it and wondering what if...

You'll never sit in a f80 and look longingly at a 340 and wonder what if...

[neilum]

IMO I wouldn't worry about ZCP or base M3 when thinking about this comparing it to a 340. Either are just a way different experience compared to a 340i.

I've had 340's as loaners and it was a decent package but I 100% know I made the right choice as soon as I gain the perspective of driving both.

Sure it's overkill but that is what makes it worthwhile. 340 feels like fast commuter car. M3 feels like something special.


Even if you get a base M3 put 295 tires on it, a tune and an MPE you'll thank me later.

[UGADawgFan]

Originally Posted by espressoo

The S4 doesn’t do it for me. The only thing it has going for it is AWD and the quilted leather seats. On the road from a distance, unless you can see the badge, it looks like a sportline. An M3 however has sweet fender flares and unique bumpers. If you remotely considered an M3, you would always second guess your decision if you could afford one but opted to get a lesser 3 series. I was fortunate enough to purchase one a few days ago and it’s been a dream car.

S4 is not built or intended to be an M3 compete, it's intended to be a 340i compete.

That's why I say it splits the difference between the two. It's definitely an upgrade from the F30 3 series. And the interior is better than any BMW really.

[evanescent03]

Originally Posted by UGADawgFan

S4 is not built or intended to be an M3 compete, it's intended to be a 340i compete.

That's why I say it splits the difference between the two. It's definitely an upgrade from the F30 3 series. And the interior is better than any BMW really.

Agree with you. I drove a new S4 and thought it drove great. It feels more special than a 340i but certainly is less bada$$ than the M3.. falls way short. but it's AWD which IS nice in the NE and from a dig for fun. I do struggle with the pedestrian appearance of the S4 but there are also some benefits to a subtle appearing car.

If you want to spend $80k and have something sporty and nice, you could go the other direction and get an M550i?? Big but fast and has a really nice interior.

I've had 2 F80s ... i got antsy and went through 2 V8 Camaros, a boxster 718S and an S3 ... blew too much money over the course of a year trading those around so I'm "stuck" with an S3 and SS1LE. Both serve a good purpose but I do somewhat regret getting out of my tuned '16 M3 6MT. Plan is to get another F80 once I ride out my S3 lease. Perfect dad, commuter, + underestimated track weapon.