2023 BMW 3-Series facelift M340i driving REVIEW - the 3er strikes back!

[@autogefuehl]

►Follow us on Instagram @autogefuehl and @thomas.letsgo ►Subscribe here: kzbin.info ►Compare the Mercedes C-Class: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnfTY4toqtaab9k ►Compare the Audi A4: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIXUp2Sia72qkNE 00:00 BMW 3-Series facelift! 00:23 BMW M340i in Frozen Grey 01:23 M Performance vs base double kidney 02:02 Length, shadow line and wheels 03:03 Rear design and exhaust ports 04:00 Base vs adaptive suspension 04:25 Brooklyn Grey sedan 04:41 3-Series Touring Mineral White 05:15 M Performance Parts 06:17 Interior: Key fob and doors 06:44 M Sport / Performance interior 07:14 Seating test 07:54 Alcantara / Sensatec sport seat 08:16 Perforated Sensatec seats 08:45 New sustainable seating materials 09:13 New vegan BMW steering wheel 09:44 Interior cockpit overview 10:18 BMW OS8 infotainment 11:48 Apple CarPlay and Maps in instruments 13:17 Digital instruments and HUD 14:00 Middle console 14:38 Rear seats sedan 15:53 Rear seats estate / Touring 16:07 Trunk / boot sedan 16:52 Trunk / boot estate / Touring 18:40 Sound M340i and engines 19:13 Driving BMW M340i with launch control 20:32 Steering feedback 21:32 Adaptive suspension 22:57 User interface while driving 23:58 3-Series vs Audi A4 vs C-Class 25:32 Traffic light race 26:30 Fuel economy / consumption 27:12 Over-the-air updates 29:35 Sportiness plus comfort? 30:28 Assistance systems 31:32 German Autobahn high speed #BMW #BMW3Series

[@kreigerbailey3550]

Portland, JAMIACA in the Building!!!

[@joeykitty2892]

One thing's for sure; auto manufacturers DON'T value customer input, nor their preferences. Whenever you make basic controls and functions more difficult, it is indeed, a step backwards. On another note; nice review!

[@JetsetDruid]

Yup, when I saw this video pop up in my KZbin subs list I opened it and skipped to the interior chapter thinking "I bet they have screwed up the HVAC controls" and yup they have.

[@autogefuehl]

Cheers! Yeah, not always new is better...

[@nomansland120]

Just because you're used to one thing, doesn't mean it's better than something else. As with anything there's a learning curve. It took a LONG time until people started getting used to touch display only smartphones, now nobody can imagine going back. If you think there's not 200+ guys involved in designing and testing new control interfaces, you are a fool.

[@JetsetDruid]

@@nomansland120 the smartphone analogy is a poor one, you aren't operating a deadly machine while using your phone (or you shouldn't be anyway!). Distracting a driver's attention away from the road to perform common tasks (like adjusting the AC) is dangerous. It's not about the manufacturers improving the UX it's about saving money, the cost of virtual UX Vs physical UX is much lower.

[@nomansland120]

@@JetsetDruid You know how often I operate the climate controls? When I first buy my car, that's it. Set it at 21 degrees once. That's it. Haven't touched it since.

[@autogefuehl]

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[@danielzarnik3359]

have had a 2023 M340I for 3 weeks now, absolutely love it

[@tawonezvichuru5630]

I'm surprised by comments that say Thomas you are biased towards German cars. Thomas mentioned it on his review of the BMW X7, yet he is the most authentic reviewer who honestly highlights every good thing and every bad thing about any car he reviews. He even gives tips on the most cost effective car to buy, how about that.

[@RC-bx5jo]

User review: This car is all the car you'll ever need. I have had a M340i for 2 years, looked into replacing it by something fancier. Tried things costing 2x more...still have the M340i. I also drive a 911 GTS on the side and i can say I'm never sad to take the 340i when i need to. I only wish the suspension settings in sport was much harder (frankly it isn't much more planted in sport VS comfort), and steering from the M3 would be nice. But other than that, value for money is unbeatable. I like the old interior better, but headlights here are better.

[@autogefuehl]

thanks for the feedback!

[@dunkelheit6341]

Change to Bilsteins (B6) or to the AC Schnitzer springs and dampers

[@Caa310]

Can I ask what you think of the new C43 please? I am torn between the 2.

[@RC-bx5jo]

@@Caa310 drive both, pick on feeling :)

[@Caa310]

@@RC-bx5jo thank you!

[@Michael-kd7hn]

Horrible that the HVAC controls are now integrated into the screen.

[@jamiep61]

I don’t like that Idea either 😊

[@leviathan3434]

Agree. This is the only reason that will stop me buying LCI 3/4 series

[@rolfherrmann3707]

My wife said the same

[@seang3538]

I have MY21 M340 xdrive M Performance Edition in Canada with just under 14,000 kms and am averaging 6.6L/100KMs since Factory. I have more than enough Sunday morning fun drives and the fuel economy, comfort, sportiness is amazing with this car.

[@luvomdleleni84]

That’s insane! Especially from a 6 cylinder engine! Wow! 😨

[@ak2112]

exterior looks better, interior worse. hate the new gauge cluster/screens.

[@gripguygolf]

Thomas is the delightful German foil to Doug Demuro I didn't know I needed

[@autogefuehl]

welcome!

[@namesbinge3073]

Bring back the "in full HD, full screen and full length. Let's Go." please.

[@naughtysauce4323]

I already asked, he said they're not bringing it back.

[@YungMerlyn]

Agree. Let's go 💪

[@Undisputed_King]

Love how the rear window on the estate opens separately

[@nobodyyouknow4319]

wish my C300 wagon would do that

[@Rodrigomau5]

That door lock m knob joke was good …

[@rlsedition]

That rectangular info screen looks like no thought was given to its shape, at all. Did all the interior designers leave the studio when this was done?

[@sebastianstoica578]

It is indeed a very lazy "design".

[@born1in1a1sauna]

In glad Im not the only one reacting to it. Why do you remove a separate ”gauge cluster”? This screen looks confusing and badly designed. Great for the living room perhaps, but not for a car thats supposed to be driver focused. Was market research done before they decided to put this in all models? Perhaps some Competitior infiltrated BMW and now tries to sabotage their business?

[@sultanniazi2394]

Thomas I remember how much you admire Korean cars with their buttons and I agree. Tired of screens. Over it.

[@Leskylor]

Thanks for the great review Thomas! Personally i found this facelift as a step back compared to predecessor in terms of design and practically aspects. I think the pre-facelift was the pineacle of 3 series. Btw, do you have any plans to test updated I-Pace as you have the last review from 4 years ago? I think that car deserves more recognition as the electricity transition in Europe is pacing up.

[@tsvetankostov1486]

Thats what happens when you left your best designer team to leave. Now every capable BMW's designer works for KIA. :)

[@masoodrazaq]

One thing that bugs me slightly in the newest BMWs is the hard corners of the digital display, especially that corner sticking out from the left side of the steering wheel. It would look better if the screen followed a trapezoidal shape (like older BMWs) or gently curved on the sides (like Lucid Air), to follow the contours of the steering wheel. The “stuck on” look of the screen is incoherent with the rest of the cabin design, despite being the central feature.

[@jesse1008]

I love the animal free interior and efficiency.

[@usmanladan1515]

This is the best BMW 3 Series ever, almost perfect in every sense and blows the competition out of the water.

[@peterpoppe4855]

nice car, but one thing bothers me : a screen instead of a genuine dashboard with dials. It's a no no for me. And as you mentioned : things like changing the temperature ought to be done by a physical button. Soooo easy and much safer (less distraction).

[@ph1ogic]

out of all the m340 videos I watched this is the best thank you ser

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Great video again. Thanks

[@autogefuehl]

🙏🙏

[@davidrpriest]

Great review !! I love the exterior design and the larger screen. I am not sold on Idrive 8. I like the favorite buttons and hard buttons for climate control on the previous model. I am not sure that part of the update is progress. Time will tell. I wonder if the RWD only model sold in the USA has a better steering feel.

[@autogefuehl]

thanks for tuning in !

[@kaypee1972]

I need knobs and dials! As a current BMW 2020 driver with OS 7 I cannot imagine getting next year this new model. Need to look for a brand where they still believe in dials and knobs!

[@solly7929]

Thomas, you are the best. I’m enjoying the humor in between. 😀

[@CT37BN]

Fascia with big mouth opening actually suites the slender headlamps/new wide grille. Touring looking really sporty.

[@drpepperfan0]

Thomas is one of the few auto journalists who complains about #BS capacitive buttons. Thanks for that. Love your detailed reviews.

[@autogefuehl]

👌😎

[@louisrichards3407]

Bmw should put screen into the dashboard the screen look like putting a tv in you home to the wall

[@mikepersichini9267]

Great video Thomas- best reviewer bar none!

[@autogefuehl]

thanks so much Mike - keep tuning in !

[@JrBangY]

Much better looking than the m3. Welcome back BMW.

[@fatwhitetuna6659]

It would be awesome if the cockpit display is integrated within the dashboard. It looks like an unfinished product , shortcut poor execution.

[@jazzyflorida3757]

Very beautiful car, love frozen pure grey color

[@sinisastojic3108]

Toma’s thanx for your wonderful reviews, always impartial and very helpful in choosing the right car for yourself. Greetings from Serbia

[@autogefuehl]

Thank you so much! Please recommend / share our channel and our videos 🙏

[@sinisastojic3108]

You are the benchmark for all car reviewers, who you believe the most! Congrats

[@brainblasta2]

It’s better than the beaver teeth but still not quite right for my taste. I would choose the touring if offered in the US though.

[@rmpumper]

The headlights of the original design were the worst part of the cars look, this makes it so much better.

[@TheMacgeorge]

Great review as always 👏🏼. I’m ok with exterior facelift, it’s still a beautiful 3 series. But as a graphic designer I hate the os8. The angular interface in drivers screen it reminds me the DS and the apps in main screen are awful. Also the big screen doesn’t fit in a sport car like 3 series. In the new X1 looks great but here I would prefer the previous two separate screens. The climate controls could be physical buttons in the place where the radio memories were. But the worst is the gear shift. The classic gear stick it was so small and elegant. I can’t understand why all cars should look like EVs. So all these upgrades just doesn’t fit in a sport 3 series car. Don’t get me wrong I’m a BMW fan but this is a step to nowhere it’s very disappointing.

[@jdo1014]

If you like computers, then modern cars will please you. But if you're over 40 and appreciate a decent driving machine... Yes I've driven a G20 M340i.

[@AOTanoos22]

Gorgeous car, though i don’t really like the mesh of the kidney grill, the regular 3 series grills look more expensive and better to me.

[@steveluth3139]

I just don't like the trend with the big and wide displays where everything is in 1 panel. I rather have the classic looking cockpit with a loose infotainment system. It is just missing some class this way. The exterior is top notch though, one of the best looking sedans on the market.

[@nicole8020]

Thomas touching his face near the eye at 3m32s means sarcasm in German

[@johnbmw550i]

Another very informative Video, thanks.

[@autogefuehl]

thanks keep tuning in!

[@mbojilov1]

Great to hear you call out the inadequate steering of the 3 series. Others have called it out too, but I don't think it gets mentioned enough because the 3 series should (and used to) provide the benchmark for steering. Alas, no longer... Great overall review, as always!!

[@autogefuehl]

👌

[@L0p3s]

You’re talking about the original G20 3 series? Or do they changed it for this LCI? I only drove a 320d G20 when it was launched but just around 10km on a mix of city and highway.

[@mbojilov1]

Both. And the previous F30 as well.

[@L0p3s]

@@mbojilov1 I only drove a basic 318d F31 LCI manual... It seemed "normal", but I prefer my 320d E91 LCI 184 in terms of handling and steering ;) On the other hand it already has more than 200k km so it will not last forever... And a like the G20, mainly the 330i sedan with M packet.

[@mbojilov1]

@@L0p3s I own a 2012 F30 Sport line with a 6-speed manual and I do love it, but I have to admit the steering is not as buttoned down as the E90-91 or my previous E46. I know for the F30 choosing the Sport Line made a big difference for me relative to the Base, Luxury or Modern line when it comes to steering feel and suspension; I assume the same is true now for the G20 needing the M packet.

[@limpunsing2229]

Top-notch review, Thomas

[@planetfabulous5833]

Too bad we can't get the Touring version in the USA. Sport wagons are always cool!

[@michaelstaunton1632]

Another good car review on the channel 👍

[@muthulingamramiah5546]

Why is no one talking about the fact that BMW just totally destroyed the Cockpit design by deleting the Instrument Cluster Cover??? What used to be the most Driver Center Cockpit in the Auto Industry is now replaced with a stupidly lame looking flat Interior with an unnecessarily long and ambiguous looking Infotainment Panel which feels "Naked" without a proper "Instrument Cluster Cover"...WTF???... The 3 Series is a dynamic and athletic Sports Sedan with and aggressive Exterior Design, it is supposed to have an equally aggressive Driver centric Interior with a proper Instrument Cluster Cover which gives you the feeling of being in a fighter jet's cockpit...but now you will feel like you are driving a lame city car with no bite... What kind of an idiot designer gives a soft and lame Interior design language to the most aggressive and iconic Sports Sedan in the World??? Have you lost your mind BMW???

[@Mike_221]

Agree! also all the fake leather does my head in. Looks like it's Audi for me.

[@moonwalk6404]

Nest reviews ever, and the best looking sedan ever

[@khetheloshabangu8291]

If the facelift M3 Competition keeps the kidney grills and we don't get those beaver tooth grills, I'm sold I wouldn't care less about the i drive 8 system 😀

[@thanosob3329]

Really, REALLY hate this screen trend in all of the new cars. Also these tablet style screens, seem out of place. Like a later add on. Hate it

[@chillitebza]

From South Africa 🇿🇦

[@kennyli5838]

I have to say one of the BIG letdown for BMWs is that they DON'T let you pick Driving Assistance Pro/ACC in based models such as 330, 430, i or e. Only starting in M340i they would let you do it. Com'on, we are at 2022, even 20k, 30k toyota, honda has ACC by DEFAULT.

[@redbull4fly797]

But interesting that you could have it in pre-facelift version, even 320i, Same goes for X3, which is even more expensive...X3 3.0.d for 75k and you can't get DApro is absurd

[@slobodandimic9295]

Touring ftw!

[@DaraM73]

I suppose BMW makes you subscribe to gear stick and indicators?

[@kanon_od_ua]

One of the most beautiful BMW sedans in 10-15 years.

[@final_mile_music9713]

I’m so happy with idrive 7 in my m340 xdrive. I really dislike idrive 8 with it’s stuck on screens.

[@jchong9661]

Thank you Thomas!

[@JackKing12.]

Good that BMW kept the swivel wheel unlike Audi & Mercedes.

[@CHAuto333]

Much better, I love the hook shaped headlight signature. I have loved the great and incredibly immersive content over the past few years as well as your unwavering commitment to review most new luxury cars that are released.

[@zarzaf6414]

I accept this exhaust design

[@albertKFC]

If BMW seeing this...please also make the climate fan speed to be always on the screen? This is especially useful for customer is the hot weather country...

[@cwancyk]

Thomas grew 1 inch since I last saw his video 😁 he was always 6'1'' hehe

[@ikgeignirengiu]

Did you tell BMW representatives about your steering critique? Maybe it's related to the platform and they can't change it in the facelift

[@haxhibaba]

This 3-series M packet facelift looks way beautiful than the actual M3

[@jamfgh2589]

I have had my m340 lci for nearly a year now. I love the car and actually like the big screen but I think some physical buttons should have remained. You get used to it but it isn’t as slick and easy. Fortunately the idrive controller helps as I think without that it would be an issue. I think they could have made the steering better so that was more difference between the modes. I’d like comfort to be a bit more comfortable and the sport modes to make it more sporty but I can live with it. The 6cyl is the masterpiece. Be nicer if you had an option to get some proper rubber on from factory because the run flat tyres may be convenient if you get a puncture but not ideal on crap sections of British road. Much better on a quality road surface but we don’t have many of those in the uk!

[@autogefuehl]

Thanks for the report!

[@jamesshort5682]

Great review Thomas. Any chance the estate will come to Canada? All the best. Jim

[@autogefuehl]

thanks! afaik not

[@jkliao6486]

Thank BMW and Merc for eliminating my choice for my next car. Now I can put that order for RS3 in with no regrets. More than a 4-banger, and PHYSICAL buttons on the dash.

[@myemailiscool]

funny enough i decided to cancel my RS3 order in favor of an M340i. perhaps you'll get my order spot! haha

[@jkliao6486]

@@myemailiscool Why do I need your spot when I already got one. If anything, it's the other way around.

[@manofsesame3024]

Don't like the touch screen integrated AC. Guess I will just wait for a lightly used 2022 or 2021 340i coming into the market if BMW have no plan to change it back to mechanical buttons

[@oaip1878]

Finally after years I can be Fan of bmw again , they starting improving a lot and this 3 series is really nice

[@shredwing]

I keep the steering wheel mode in sport mode in 330i tofeel more the road. Either in comfort or eco mode you can feel the road and bumps a bit. I Lower lanes assist to a minimum to have a fun drive. Its difficult to choose a 2020 330i digital analog to a 2023 330i or m340i with a full digital screen.

[@rockys7726]

Really happy that they got rid of the tall grill look. It doesn't look like a filter feeder mouth anymore.

[@njabulosibiya6578]

Love this 3series so much! Extremely beautiful

[@melvinbenjamin637]

Love this car. Love that color

[@samirmahdi8405]

Thanks شكرا...You helped me know the features of cars, so I owned them with my eyes, even though it was impossible for me to actually own them

[@kreigerbailey3550]

Portland, JAMIACA in the Building!!!

[@orangesonicc]

At least the outside style is 👍 good Don’t need the beaver teeth grill😂

[@ryansmithza]

It's be great if the instrument cluster offered traditional style gauges.

[@Darx97]

Looks quite good

[@AJpro88]

I really like the look of this gen 3 er

[@CoastalEscapes777]

Nice review as always. The outside looks better however the inside is not so good. I also like physical buttons and I also like the stick shift auto controller which has been taken out.

[@powersliding]

the touchscreen makes the dash look modern but takes away that quality feel because it is so wide...r.i.p. awesome bmw dashboard

[@ronniet906]

For goodness sake, It's Sept 2022, and your co-drive is still wearing a face mash. Enough said. Anyway, Good review guys, and happy to see BMW return to an ergonomic grill design. Funny how the overall exterior design language of MB changes every 5 years, but BMW mostly stays the same. Hence why 10-15 years old BMW's still look period relevant on the road today.

[@barsk76]

Touring all day every day 🚐🚐❤❤

[@mx5mad]

Another excellent, detailed review Thomas. How I would love an M340i Touring... Looking forward to your X1 review - hopefully the embargo will drop soon.

[@knopperskojote7187]

I like the new eyes and the red leather carbon combination. But missing the easy temperature control and the sunset orange metallic Great review of course, thanks

[@danepher]

Thomas, BMW "Listening to customer complaints" package is €9.99/month subscription ;D

[@autogefuehl]

😂

[@e46m54nissansr20937]

With every new facelift and generation my E92 gets older, but hey at least i can get a decent knock off kidney grills that look like the new ones, heck headlights too

[@cjwestside]

Great review as usual

[@Elaba_]

May the BMW force be with you.

[@user-rc9cd6fn4y]

Those screens look so out of place. I love everything else about the car but what were they thinking when they decided those dashboard screens were a good idea?? 😨😖

[@peponas87]

Great presentation as always! Thomas, seriously, you have to make an ASMR video with door closing sounds, with trunk closing sounds and various click and clacks!

[@mrtopcat2]

Sorry, but I just won't buy ANY vehicle with a rectangular dash. Manufacturers may think it looks cool and new, but it just look totally cheapy and as a 'bonus' the rectangular edges may present an increased opportunity for injury in a crash. Perhaps this is just already built-in obsolescence. Alike they do this first, so that in the next model they can trash this and improve it.

[@motlking]

Disappointing they haven't used the new updated M-Sport steering wheel found in the new X1

[@jkliao6486]

Most likely because this car comes out before the X1 (I think)? That also explains why the screen in the X1 is integrated into the dash miles better than on this car?

[@Dr.Ijaz_ab]

Hello, how’s the steering feel in 440i compared to 340i ? Is it same?

[@grein545]

That front reminds me of that Clarkson speed mouth meme 😂

[@masonjones3780]

loving the new grill

[@baytok94]

Hi BMW,listen please;)This is LCI and why don't you change steerıng wheel?😏 New X1 steering wheel is absolutely perfect😇 We will wait future 3 series🥲 Thank you Thomas You are the best✌️Wonderfull presentation just like the previous ones👏👏👏🤗💙 In Türkiye it is said"you are doing this Sport"🤗 Hi from İstanbul Good luck🏆

[@danielwitte95]

Great review! I personally preferred the pre-facelift interior - the screens look a lot more integrated. Now it just feels like someone plonked a rectangular screen on top of the dash. Lovely sounding engine, though!

[@Jeff_F7]

I made a very similar comment on here as well. Except I expanded on it by describing how I hate how it's now a trend with manufacturers to switch to these tablet-style displays. I think it's lazy and uninspiring. Looks tacked on. The dash is the one design element that gives manufacturers an opportunity to design an interior that is unique to that manufacturer. But now, they're all gonna look the same. Ashame really.

[@born1in1a1sauna]

@@Jeff_F7They have to reverse this trend. Its a deal breaker for many buyers. Hopefully they listen. At least have a normal interior in half of the models so buyers have options

[@Von_RX]

Another benchmark review Thomas! Do you think the s5 sportback is a better value for a daily driver or does the M340 make the driver feel a bit more special with the sporty performance?

[@autogefuehl]

thanks 🙏

[@autogefuehl]

yes S5 Sportback is the better deal, check if available without animal skin seat in ur market

[@Von_RX]

@@autogefuehl that's exactly the feeling I got after watching all your reviews. Thanks Thomas!

[@Bacender]

The “base” kidney definitely looks more attractive than the M performance version, I don’t understand why BMW hates their heritage.

[@harpritgrewal7987]

I bought a M340i. The car gives me average 43mpg UK. I bought it to use for 4 years but love the car so much that I’ve decided to keep the car for at least until UK bans petrol cars in 2030. Just before this draconian measure comes in I’m gonna get another M340i to use until it becomes used until I cannot use it anymore. Excellent car you will not regret buying one. Also it’s the only BMW model without the pathetic big horrible ugly face.

[@aps19423]

Would you say it's sensible to buy one as a daily with a 10 month old baby?