I Bought A BMW 340i Is It A Good M3 Compromise?

I Bought A BMW 340i Is It A Good M3 Compromise?
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[@CalvinsCarDiary]

I have no idea why the first upload didn’t work. Sorry about that. Hope you like the vid. Hit like if you did and don’t forget to give me a follow on insta @calvinscardiary 👍

[@inwithsliminwithjim3416]

Calvin's Car Diary really strange there is no paddles, I thought all the autos had paddles, let alone the “sportiest” 340i version...

[@jamiehall8188]

Don’t quote me on that 😁

[@martinyoung3572]

another youtuber said youtube was having trouble with its conversions when videos get uploaded and should catch up later

[@ghostinthemachine76]

Shame about the lack of paddles, but great car none the less. I’d have that over an M3, save £15K and fit an LSD.

[@AppyG]

360p lovely quality Btw I know you didnt mean that xD

[@Billythekid0716]

Just got a 2017 340i, great spec, 30k miles and good price. Was looking at the golf R and S3 but for the money I paid (£24k) I think the 340i was the right choice. I’ve always had hatchbacks and glad to have something which I can drive to work and doesn’t look like a teenagers car (I’m 33 now). Looking to keep this car for 5+ years. If anyone is considering one, trust me, they move!

[@Billythekid0716]

Meant to add, this video was one of the main reasons for my purchase so thanks for doing what you do. Great video as always, giving a genuine review.

[@subz68]

I find myself pretty much in your situation and lean towards the 340i. How has your ownership been ?

[@Billythekid0716]

@@subz68 definitely no regrets mate, can’t beat it for the money imo.

[@B58Kizy]

@@subz68 the 340i is just such a good choice. I personally own one and love it so much. all I can say is get the m performance exhaust if possible (I didn't ) and red leather if u like

[@prodbyjayyy]

how’s the fuel economy on it like?

[@paddydowney6269]

18:35 who specced this car??!! They got the performance pack for the showy bits outside, got the best engine, and didn’t spec the sport auto box, upgraded shifter, and paddles! I have it in my 4 series, I didn’t even realize bmw would allow a 2/3/440i out of the factory without it. any serious buyer should spot this too.

[@dennissmirnov1815]

i picked up a drag pack 340i imo better than the regular m sport.

[@breathe_3asy]

@@dennissmirnov1815 a drag pack wtf?

[@dennissmirnov1815]

@@breathe_3asy There is a different model with gray wheels not sure how much it differs between the m sport but there literally is a track or drag package.

[@Maniacility]

I reckon someone bought a 335i M Sport then later on they or someone else has put the boot lip, M Performance stickers, front grille and front splitter on. The M Sport Plus has upgraded M Sport brakes that are blue so this car wasn't specced up with these bits out the factory

[@billionone4100]

The performance pack was after market Calvin says it in the video that the previous owner added it after they bought it

[@mateoleslie2035]

ive got a 2018 340i m performance and its too fun bruh. getting 0-60 times in about 4.3 seconds with x-drive. love it

[@Psalm_23]

I can't find X drive models anywhere. Where did you get yours from?

[@s5_b856]

@@Psalm_23 In germany there are lots of 440i/340i xdrive for sale

[@Psalm_23]

@@s5_b856 UK?

[@s5_b856]

@@Psalm_23 Srry don’t know about the UK

[@s4ms0n1t3]

B58 engine in the 340i, same lump that's going in the Toyota supra. About the same power as the old n55 but more torque and better torque delivery. Also stronger closed deck block. Good for tuning

[@BuffaloSoldierH]

Tank Roberts the Supra will have a diff version of the B58 but can’t be too different if they kept the same overall engine code. Curious if it’s mostly tuning or if it’s mechanical differences.

[@unrealeck]

@@BuffaloSoldierH Yeah the Supra's is similar (or possibly the same) to the Z4/M40i. Same core engine but it's updated a bit.

[@varsity2845]

Drove the 340i at the M performance school here in Thermal, CA as part of our BMW training. Was not disappointed. A BMW is made to be beat shit out of. I was impressed what it could do. Now I know why it’s called “Ultimate Driving Machine”. You don’t buy it for the reliability you buy it for the amazing driving experience. You gotta PAY to PLAY

[@herbie365012]

I bought a 16 plate 340i, added AP induction + Evolution racewerks decat which has transformed the car totally. Sounds the nuts, power on tap, throttle response a lot more responsive. Remap coming soon which will apparently take it to around 440ish bhp.... can’t wait!!

[@SuperArd666]

Be good to see that on llf when its mapped, if you can be arsed!

[@funkmasterjay]

Bought

[@1Motorbreath1]

I'm running an AP intake, VRSF 200 cell downpipe, LSD, coilovers and remap on mine and it's mad loud and fast now :)

[@herbie365012]

Did you do rolling road or plug in tunebox?

[@1Motorbreath1]

Proper software calibration, dyno will happen in 10 days, haven't had time yet. @@herbie365012

[@waynosdaboss]

Great video mate. Just bought one of these bad boys myself! So happy i made the right choice as ideally i wanted an M3 but went for this for the exact reason you mentioned ... value for money etc. This is also my first BMW!

[@AnakinSkysquatter]

“ECO Pro mode feels a bit dead” - describes literally every ECO mode on every car ever😅

[@ajmark2031]

This car has a non-Sport Auto box. You can tell by the style of the gear stick and the fact it does not have paddles. Most 6 cylinder BMWs are spec'd with the Sport Auto box and it has much snappier gear changes and they come with paddles. This non-Sport Auto gearbox will feel a little more sluggish on gear changes but the gearbox can be remapped so it behaves like a Sport Auto. Both are the 8 speed ZF box and I think the only difference is software.

[@mikeknight3352]

I recently bought a 320d auto and mine has S Mode and Paddles so i'm assuming mine is this? I was going to comment about him not switching the box to S but from your comment I assime it hasn't got it?

[@andrewbowring1298]

The standard auto box does have an ‘s’ mode which livens it up a reasonable amount but it still won’t make it anything like the sport auto boxes.

[@mikeknight3352]

@@andrewbowring1298 So mine is possibly regular box? Changes in sport mode are quite harsh, has the paddles too. Car has been well spec'd. Any way to tell?

[@andrewbowring1298]

If It has paddles it will have the sport auto gearbox

[@butt5810]

this is honestly better for daily driving too, if you can get used to not reaching for paddles

[@islandtradewind]

I also picked up on the lack of paddles and the old style shifter knob, I think this is actually a 335 badged as a 340...pretty sure I saw the oil filter up front (so N55) and we know the B58's filter is buried in back by the firewall

[@b4nkrup710]

No way is it really lol thats gonna be fun

[@Areku06]

Nope that’s real 340i, engine cover is different on n55.

[@voodoosheep]

I went from a 340 M Performance to an M3 Competition pack and they are like chalk and cheese. Amazing car though, I loved every minute of it! I just craved that extra something that the 340 was missing.

[@whoflungdung80]

Totally agree with you Calvin. I've got a 320d Sport..now it's not as fast as a 340..but it's a great all round car..200hp, 55mpg, 4 doors..what more would you want.

[@BurritoSenor]

A proper engine

[@dismasjoseph7313]

I just picked up one of these. 2018 so nearly 4 years old and only 11,000 miles. Unlike the one you reviewed have the paddle shift for the gears. Absolutely beautiful 😍🤩

[@deanodrives4966]

You can't beat the beemer 6 cylinder engines. I've got a 330i e46 touring but I want a 335i touring next time for sure. Great video Calvin, love the variety of cars you film

[@simonmorton]

4:26 sport plus changed colour grading too ;)

[@where_s_wally]

Gearbox setup is like a sequential shift touring car of the older generation. Great video Calvin, really natural style and editing is cool. 😀

[@tskizz]

“Sort me hair out, all 3 of em😂😂😩

[@SteveGreenCRMDeveloper]

Loved it when he said that. Calvin is a funny guy.

[@nickc5498]

Sport+ is traction control at the lowest interference, if you want it off altogether there is a TCS button hold it down for about 5 secs. 340i has an e-diff, not an LSD so it will spin up one wheel in certain situations, I tend to drive in S+ most of the time.

[@EchoDefine]

360p. Perfects for my iPhone 3GS. Love it Calvin xx

[@gt546]

Echo Define did it take you a year to type this

[@alextorrealba3691]

The B58 is a decent platform, I am hoping the new BMW/Supra engine will have massive tuning potential that will break 1000hp unlike the N54

[@Thuds593]

Still on finance

[@supercarshunter2450]

No paddles? Wtf who speced this car?

[@xVwraithVx]

honestly shocked me, even my mum used to have a honda civic with paddles.

[@flapjackizbeast]

Old rich guy

[@Muussaah-gh9zf]

Most 340i's if not all of them have this gearbox without paddles. 335i is a much better car and has the paddles available

[@GaSsification]

@@Muussaah-gh9zf In ZA 99% of 340's have paddles

[@AliveGhost13]

@@Muussaah-gh9zf that's bollocks most 340is have paddles

[@thezanzibarbarian5729]

Dropping it from Sport + to Eco pro, and the car feels a bit flat. Err... Yeah... It would do that. It's trying to "save you petrol".

[@odfkjdhgovj]

The M-Sport seats in the F80 generation look so cheap and tacky. Very comfortable and supportive but horrible to look at in any colour. Prefer the look of the old fashioned E90 seats. Althought the comfiest 3 series seats were the E46 M-sport ones. Weird thing to notice but seats matter to me lol.

[@derekwhyle1884]

ECo-pro mode is designed to feel pokeless. It’s an economy mode that even reduces the air con to save mpg. Comfort is the normal day to day mode.

[@MasoradSK]

I’m about to buy 340i soon so thanks for the video. BTW about the shifting you’re totally right, it just feels more natural thanks to the g-forces.

[@npantaz]

I have one! (Black shadow edition). It is the most amazing to drive (and reliable) car I have had. Love it!

[@jasonshort43]

Sequential cars are always back to go up, kind of like slotting into the 2 gate on an H pattern from 1st.

[@thePeterpumpkin68]

What a fantastically, enjoyable form of employment you have. Truly blessed.

[@Shane_Marsh]

Another superb video mate, appreciate all the effort you put in to these uploads and we can feel your passion for these motors. It's like talking to a car mate. Waiting for the next installment.

[@user-qd8ik7uz2k]

I’m buying my 66reg 340i in the coming weeks, excited I must say

[@azizul8304]

You know you're early when the quality goes up to up to only 360p #NotificationGang😂

[@deewats7029]

Drone shots and that now yeah. I see you 👀 levelling up. Keep it up

[@turbosandchill8335]

Great vid Calvin, I completely agree with what you were saying about shifting back to go up gears feeling right. Shifting forwards to go up I really didn't like doing in my S3 so never used it.

[@bmw530dm6]

Calvin that's my kind of motor bro lovin the vids been following u since day respect mate👊

[@Slideslikebutter]

I bought a BMW Free40i

[@SenszR]

James Gunn piss off poshington

[@Slideslikebutter]

@@SenszR not posh, just pronouncing words properly...

[@mattdavenport7596]

Chief Juk where are you from

[@gt546]

2:00 sounds like theres some clicking in the steering mate , couldnt be indicators ona bmw

[@benryan381]

Had the 340i touring until March, u have to say, I think its the perfect car. Good lugging space, unreal performance and great value at one year old.

[@JoshXCVIII]

I’m looking at changing from an Audi S3 to one. Thing it’s a good swap? Always had Audis and never a BMW

[@benryan381]

@@JoshXCVIII yeah it's a worthy trade up for sure.

[@G-Tay]

Gear shifting's the same as rally car's I think, pull back to move up a gear & push forward to go back down gear. Does seem a more natural movement!

[@Dan-78]

Appreciate the videos mate, and wicked camera angles, great work man

[@chrissyh20]

Great video & to see the excitement in your face. I’ve had mine 3 years from new and it puts a smile on my face every single day without fail! Love it!

[@andyparsley3744]

Cant believe it doesn't have paddles can't afford it anyway, will stick with my 335d it's a beast. Good vid mucker.

[@SuperKoreanzombie]

Another excellent video from you Calvin, been watching your videos since u was under 5k subs. Keep it up bruv

[@macbitz]

If you can find a 340i with the MPPSK, that's the icing on the cake.

[@LandB2312]

i always judge the power by how far back into the seat you sink haha

[@aowen1079]

The up gear selection for lower gear and down selection for higher gears are actually similar to race cars.. Just watch Australian v8 supercars its the same. Only thing is they still have a clutch to step on when they changing gears.

[@michaelbourne2546]

Watched the full advert for you, keep up the good videos!

[@keithr639]

Hey calvin, great vid as always. I'm looking to get a 428i but there arent many around, would you say theyre value for money?

[@laughinghyena345]

Actually, Calvin BMW is the only one that gets it right with the manual shifting, take note of WRC Rally cars they do it the same way i.e. Down to shift up and Up to shift down. They take into account the Gs that these cars are pulling. I guess the other manufacturers that do it the other way round aren't too confident about their cars ...hehehe

[@cmac2427]

Stop/Start on a turbocharged car is a crazy thing to do? You'd be hard pressed finding a car that's not turbocharged nowadays lol

[@Parknest]

I've driven a 318d of a similar vintage. The F30 is a great 3 Series whatever the spec. I'll be featuring the car on my channel when the owner (partner's son) wants me to do some work on it.

[@jackhill888]

Ill wait for the new 340i xdrive with 360 bhp

[@jkallo]

M340i xdrive will be a beast. Upward of rrp £50k when you opt for any options is a lot though. Shame they aren't considering a 330i x drive which would be a great sweet spot for the g20.

[@Weissman111]

Sport mode changes the car...well knock me down with a wet haddock.

[@Northernerdownsouth]

The B58 is possibly the best modern engine BMW has made. I’m yet to drive a Fx car that doesn’t benefit from an aftermarket suspension kit (Birds B3 is 👌) ARBs, XHP gearbox remap and a stage 1. Different cars. But thats a lot of money you shouldn’t have to spend on an already expensive car.

[@XclusiveAaron]

My Merc is the same in comfort it's alright power but nothing crazy, and the throttle feels a bit lifeless and doesn't really feel connected. Yet as soon as you're in S+ it literally feels like your right foot is directly linked to the wheels and it's so much faster!

[@johntandy6830]

1 of the best channels on KZbin keep it up

[@shahzadayub7191]

Wow. Aerial shots. Amazing. Keep up the good work👍

[@ph5937]

I'm off to test drive a 340i x drive tomorrow 😊

[@xenongames7533]

Not bad cars both 330is and 340is only question is how much do you want to spend on fuel and how often do you step on the accelerater? 😆😆😆

[@MrToastyman900]

What git de-specced the paddles, sports gearbox (with paddles and proper launch control) is standard on this so someone either did an oopsie in the configurator or is completely mad!

[@ultimateRacr]

Great vid m8. The gear orientation is probably inherited from old school race cars. Sequential. Back in the day when electronics never controlled gears or steering. There was a direct link from the gear box to the shifter. Same as manual.

[@timothymertenton6981]

Bmw should fit bigger exhaust tips on these cars something to the size of golf 7.5 gti exhaust tips.

[@gmailsuckyourmum8951]

Timothy Mertenton Yeah to small and narrow boom 💥

[@mrayy_]

Had the same thing in a 420i I had for a few months, eco mode is shit the only decent modes are dynamic and sport plus.

[@peterbrierley5134]

Who else could here the word "free" too many times.....great vids tho Calvin, found you throu LLF, now watch you both.

[@byrnesy919]

Always wanted an Mfree but I had to compromise for the freefree5.... wasn’t to bad a price too, only paid 10 thousand freehundred and thirtyfree

[@pauljoel7095]

Great cinematics!

[@sansde1ty]

Hate the m performance stick on parts, kind of get it with these just not my taste but on a 320d just makes me chuckle.

[@TheMerlin1984]

The same in my 58 plate 135i coupe. A different machine in sport mode.

[@liambrennan2605]

Nice video nice car intrigued by these mate has a 440i sounds and performs very well for a stock car seem good value as well.plenty of after market tuning potential

[@darrenstewart6813]

I would say no! Currently have an M4, which is going back ... end of lease. And will be picking up a 2020 M340i, but if I could afford to I’d gladly jump back in an M. Maybe in 4 years after the G80 has been out. Not knocking the 340, excellent car ... but no substitute for a true ///M

[@tan9640]

Lovely cars, which they looked abit more special I.e. 140/240i... but I believe that’s been rectified with the new generation of 3 series!

[@philmaddin8114]

Great video mate and a happy Christmas and new year to you an your family keep them videos coming

[@ethansenior9918]

Glad you've done this video! Been thinking of getting a 340i for a couple of weeks. Pretty sold on the car itself just haven't done an insurance check...deffo get shafted trying to insure this for a 21yo 😂😫

[@jasonleon1976]

Ethan Senior 21😂 if you live with mum and dad you might scrape it. Get it before the wife and kids otherwise it will always be a pipe dream. Trust me🧐

[@BunDMC]

Gear lever bmw always done the shift same as a rally sequential gearbox. I believed they change the way around in 2003ish when they made autobox adaptive. Alway weird had a 5series that shifted one way and a 3 series that shifted the other way.

[@MrBoboBlack]

Calvin mate, love the videos but please sort the Video Quality out. 22 Hours up and it's still 360? Impossible to watch on a decent sized TV.

[@jamesr8897]

Nice review, just got the mrs a m140 yesterday, really nice car to drive and sounds nice. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@paullockwood7219]

Great car. B58 engine is a diamond. A far cry from an F80 M3 Comp though mate.

[@ellmoreable]

had a few m cars before my current m135i (63 plate) had to get into something with 5 doors whilst waiting for the f80 to drop in price. I had the same expectations (coming from a m135i) going into a test drive in a 340i and was massively underwhelmed with it. I know the m135i is a lot lighter but the 340i felt sluggish.

[@declanmoore1491]

The power delivery will feel a little different due to the weight. M135 & 235i’s feel like really cars where as 3 series feel like boats in a sense.

[@bfraser80]

Alright Calvin Is that a black on black Naff Co jumper I see lol. Cracking videos as always sending some love Glasgow Scotland

[@BM_PAZ]

Good compromise for public roads, not so much on a track. All depends how/what you use your car for.

[@turbomonkey93]

Love your videos man👍 you just seem like a genuine honest guy and not doing KZbin just to make money but because you wonna 👌

[@damindra]

Great vid Calvin, and to be fair my 6 Series M Sport Gran Coupe (640D) has the eco pro mode, and i only use it in traffic as it is just soooo comfy in stop start (pun intended) traffic. most of the time i am in comfort + as my car has option Variable Damper control, and i generally use it in comfort+ most of the time, then comfort when a bit windy on the motorway to keep it steady, and then on the twisty roads use Sport, i don't use Sport+ very often as it is bonkers quick enough in Sport and it changes the car completely! I am test driving the new 840D in a couple of weeks so be good to compare!! of the 340i has similar power as my diesel, just i reckon mine has more torque!!!!!

[@lovegar]

Nice one I have the same 640d Gran Coupe Msport with VDC remapped to 400bhp...………….I never use ECO Pro lol and I think you are restricted to about 60mph with that? Comfort Plus I find too soft, so tend to use Comfort for daily driving. Sport with gear selector to sport mode is a real licence loser. Sport +, I don't venture there with the DTC being turned off due to the chassis nature of the 640 GC

[@46holl]

Sequential gearbox, you pull back to go up, it’s the right way 👍 Great vid

[@bEEBO178]

Except its not a sequential gearbox.

[@Neil2022]

Thought it would come with sport auto as standard. My old 330d and 335d x drives had them standard. Would be more useful on a petrol car.

[@GodsCommunity]

_Have a nice day!_ 🙌🙌

[@MrChels1997]

Recently started watching your stuff mate, great channel. Proper enjoyable vids 👌

[@4m1rh4mz4hu5541n]

Smashing it. Subscribed 👌🏼

[@johnmclaughlin2845]

Tune it to the max and go and see Ricky again m4 chaser

[@jamesroberts5232]

Loving the drone shots

[@aldeen1982]

I first thought "shi** my internet connection sucks"... than I realized its only 360p available haha! are you serious?

[@easyskiphirerubbishremoval6869]

What exact model watch are you wearing bud? Looks awesome, Omega chrono?

[@davidm3maniac201]

Lovely motor whats the mpg on the 340i. Have an M3 but had my fun with it and now looking to see whats out there. This looks like agood compremise. David

[@nickprince6479]

Did you get a 340i ? I’m also a previous F80 owner looking to change to the 340i

[@billyjohnson777]

i went from a 335i m sport to an m3, and to be honest if you are m3 shopping and buy one of these as a compromise you are going to be left disappointed!

[@darrenstewart6813]

billyjohnson777 😔I’m going the other way m4 to m340i (G20). Hoping it won’t disappoint

[@danieljones1446]

Another wicked video, Calvin living life good!!!

[@jassyxD1]

loved the intro cinematic

[@gjh2460]

Lovely motor but no paddles is a real let down. Takes away the enjoyment of the car

[@Jiyuu17]

Love your enthusiasm, Calvin!

[@dean1834]

Nice one Calvin keep delivering nice motor covers all the bases.

[@askfrank6003]

If it had JB4 on it you like it lot more... and eco is to help the pockets...

[@samadkayani7185]

340I without the sports gear box/paddle shifters is a little off tbf.