2021 BMW G20 M340i xDrive - The Honest Review BMW Didn't Want You To See!

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Of the many car companies I don't work with, the one I can't understand is BMW - I have been a vocal supporter of their products for a long time, but they don't even respond to my emails!
So, when it came to reviewing one of their new cars, I had to get a bit creative. Thanks to Dick Lovett Swindon, I have reviewed my BMW M340i xDrive courtesy car - so what did I think?
#BMW #M340i #xDrive
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[@JayEmmOnCars]

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[@usandutz]

@@gerrythecarenthusiast He's the wrong guy to ask for car buying advice. 😂 Btw the 330e is great. If you haven't bought a car yet, I recommend the 340i, the F30 or the G20. I got the F30 and it's an incredible pocket rocket. PS. Mine is also tuned to 450hp.

[@SeanT6792]

Almost 400bhp and xdrive. Not sure why you're complaining about 30 mpg. That's pretty impressive.

[@AntoniusTyas]

Probably because the B58 is famous for being quite a bit more efficient than advertised. I think TopGear Mags did 36mpg on the Z4 M40i.

[@SeanT6792]

@@AntoniusTyas That is true. I have a b58 myself. However , xdrive will use more fuel. 30mpg for mixed driving is decent for the m340i imo.

[@jamesengland7461]

Yes, but that hybrid system seems to offer no benefit

[@henryshu6265]

@@SeanT6792 And modern 3 series weighs more than we used to think!

[@HH-uv4iw]

@@henryshu6265 yes. Everyones forgetting that this doesn't weigh the same as an e46

[@spud82]

After watching the first 5 minutes I can now see why BMW doesn’t respond to your emails 😉

[@usandutz]

BMW doesn't talk to idiots.

[@iNkunziMalangaOnke]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@suhailjamil3909]

Hahahahah exactly. All those dislikes he stated are the reasons I like the car!! The aluminium trim looks amazing on it and differentiates it from a 2.0 diesel and not a try-hard!! He seems annoyed his emails weren’t replied to 😂

[@MoonayMultipliar]

@@spud82 this is by far the best car in that category. I have atleast not been in any better. And what i find remarkeable is how this car is cheaper than the c class but the c class seems just so much cheaper built

[@sxhrgvs]

I’ve owned one of these for a year and it has done about 10k miles. The average consumption is 35.6mpg, which is mostly from local driving. I love this car. I don’t know what this guy’s problem is but he does seem determined to find small problems. Mine has electric seats, so I guess it’s an option. For the money I think the performance is amazing and, as an owner, I’ve got zero complaints.

[@JROLL84]

Same here

[@robi4387]

I guess he expects the M badge to add more and for £ 60,000 to offer more. Suppose you have to up a level to the M3 or M4 for that but then they seem to hard core for every day. BMW should focus on steering feel. So that real M cars rival Porsche and M badged cars are better than just bling.

[@suhailjamil3909]

He’s upset his emails were ignored 😂

[@joebmtb109]

Not sure the MPG in a courtesy car counts. Everyone will drive it like they stole it 🤣

[@bathstreetblues2588]

Never a truer word said.

[@Anonymouseys]

The fastest cars in the world are hired econoboxes

[@mariodiniz21]

And still 29 mpg, which is great for a 4wd, heavy, powerful turbo petrol engine.

[@UTubeSL]

Yes, will be the same mentality as 'Don't be gentle, it's a rental'

[@viratkohli1524]

Agree, this is just misinformation. Do a proper test to determine mpg or don't mention it at all

[@Gemini_0815]

30mpg is very acceptable for the performance. Also, manual seats are great if you’re the only driver, saving weight, money and complexity. Also, the manual seats typically adjust lower than the electric seats, which is an advantage for tall drivers. I’d never spec electric seats, if not needed due to being part of a pack or so.

[@ruk2023--]

Maybe I'm just old, but 30mpg seems pretty good to me for knocking on 400 horsepower and 4 wheel drive. Back in the 80's a Vauxhall Astra 1.3 would be lucky to average 30mpg. BMW are such penny pinchers in the UK. I've had a couple of 3 series in the USA and over there even the base model (which is the 330i there) has electric seats. Weirdly, heated seats are still an option that hardly anyone gets. I guess because you don't need them in 50% of the states it's easier to just make it an option that try to build the right amount with them by default and then figure out the logistics of where to send what inventory.

[@GM-fh5jp]

I agree, 29mpg average is pretty damn good for that weight and performance.

[@Carrera-gp9od]

Agree 100% It must be a case of getting old I remember back in the day , if you had a performance car that would do 20ish you were happy These days 400 bhp and 30 mpg I’m over the moon 👍🏻

[@stefanmeekers9079]

It's also pretty easy to get 37mpg + on a run. Which for the performance (4.4 to 62mpg) on offer I think is amazing.

[@Carrera-gp9od]

@@stefanmeekers9079 I agree, I’ve got a m140i remapped to 420bhp It will do mid 30’s on a run no problem Amazing engine and gearbox combination

[@mariodiniz21]

29 mpg is great for a service car that I imagine everyone abuses, 1800 kg, 4wd, 370 hp. I dont understand this critic.

[@richardh3587]

I can tell that this car must be really good given how far James had to go to find nitpicks.

[@hottuberrol968]

It is. I have one. Not with manual seats. And a better exterior colour than this one.

[@isserdigan2835]

It can smoke a prev gen M3 while being 30K cheaper. That itself earns it an M performance badge

[@tv321123]

It can't "smoke" a last gen M3. The F80/82 is faster. Both in 0-60 and the 1/4 mile. But it's dang close.

[@brianrockefeller3552]

With stage 1 you get 500Hp and you can smoke the G80

[@tv321123]

@@brianrockefeller3552 Yeah with a down pipe, tune, ect you probably could beat a stock G80... And then as soon as the G80 gets the same treatment of tune,downpipe,ect it will be faster....

[@brianrockefeller3552]

@@tv321123 just Stage 1 alone

[@brianrockefeller3552]

@@tv321123 just Stage 1 alone

[@kash.h]

Hate the clickbait type title. Please don't become one of "those" KZbinrs.

[@landyandy270]

This this this.

[@kash.h]

@Richard Harrold he has reached so far without clickbait titles...we like and trust him because he comes across as authentic. Clickbait titles feel like the creator is prioritising money over accuracy and authenticity. Yes, these titles will will make him more money for sure, but it will wear down the appeal he has to his original followers. Totally up to him.

[@olley1ify]

Turned off after 4 minutes never heard so much moaning I'd take 29mpg my golf r gets 24. And that digital dash is miles ahead of the last one. Test drove this car and its absaloutely fantastic !

[@AntoniusTyas]

Ummmm the overall review is actually quite positive...

[@vonpaparas]

Yeah, depends what you're looking for. If you're looking for an M3-lite, this is not it. OTOH, this is a cracking car, a wolf in sheep's clothing. Nobody looking at it realizes how quick it is. I drove it for a day and I'm thinking of getting it as a family car...

[@teabagtowers3823]

@@AntoniusTyas Sorry but that MPG comment just seemed a bit ridiculous if I'm honest. I had one for two weeks as a loaner whilst my other car was being repaired. Granted I did rag it around all the time even then it averaged 25mpg with me ragging it everywhere and when you settled down and cruised on a motorway the MPG figures were very impressive. So that comment seemed like a pointless nitpick and the fact it is a loaner car one in this video whinging about MPG just seems a bit unprofessional.

[@patrickbateman6885]

I’m hoping to drive the M340i xDrive soon. Absolutely love this and if I could I would buy it in this exact spec, however I unfortunately don’t have the 90-120k you need for one of these in Australia. Maybe I’ll update my 323i to an F30 LCI 340i or 440i.

[@Audios81]

Same, he whinges about every car he's in. Yet nobody points out the elephant in the room. He's massive. There isn't one car he's tested that he actually would fit comfortably in. And in small light cars, he's 10-20% of the cars weight. And we know weight is the enemy of dynamics. And nobody else mentions this, I guess to be PC. But just his weight will affect the way anyncar handles and drives. And he wonders why BMW won't get back to him with a press car. I mean stop whinging constantly about everything. And sorry, but large people seems to bitch and moan a lot. I mean make drop 50kgs and in think he'd see things differently. I'm a bigger guy at 85kgs, and we have this car, a '21 G20 which for $130k, it's absolutely a baby M3. I bought a brand new Abarth 595 comp manual. He drove one and hated it. I could see that if I weighed another 50kgs, it would be downright torture. He needs to stop blaming the cars and instead either drop several stone or 50 kilos at least.

[@alstound]

Are you kidding? 29 UK mpg for a car that does 60 in less than 4 seconds is remarkable.

[@markscarupa6201]

I've been driving this car for 2 years. It's fantastic. I really find it the best of both worlds. In sport settings, has much in common with a M3. When I am driving my elderly parents or on a snow day, I am happy to have the softer ride and all wheel drive. Maybe at 50 I am getting too old for an M3.

[@paulwilliams7288]

Completely with you. I had a One Series M Coupe but now I’m 50 I love my 340 - mine is a wagon so looks way better than the saloon.

[@ranjanthomas5982]

Are you concerned about long term reliability and maintenance costs or do you plan to sell as soon as the warranty is over? Thanks!

[@markscarupa6201]

@@ranjanthomas5982 Honestly, I am concerned, though have had no problems at all thus far. It is a lease that I intended to swap at year 3, but as there is no inventory I am buying it outright in August. At that point all I can do is cross my fingers. I have faith in the car's overall mechanics long-term, less so in the electronics. With all the cameras, safety and infotainment there is a lot that can go wrong.

[@jofernandez73]

I’m about to buy a 2020 m340i for 38,000 dollars with 76,000 miles, what do you think? Who many miles your car has? It’s is worth it?

[@markscarupa6201]

@@jofernandez73 My car will be 4 years old in August and only has 23,000 miles on it. It has had no mechanical issues but also has very few miles on it. In general, I haven't heard many significant mechanical complaints about the m340i.

[@bry0391]

This car is a great all around car. I have one and don’t have anything bad to say about it. It’s fast, smooth, plenty of room and is an everyday drivers dream.

[@superchickenlips1]

Gone are the days when your dashboard gave you the info you needed at a glance. Now it's like the navigation computer on the Starship Enterprise.

[@faisalahmed1982]

We spend our entire days looking at damn screens and NOW the car industries dont even want us to get a break from it even when we drive 😡🤬

[@johnnyboy1586]

@@faisalahmed1982 I honestly don't care for all the tec ,s long as is got reverse camera, air con, central locking,a radio I am happy, I can get all other onfo on my phone,

[@Bmwguy2011]

No, i believe that the starship enterprise of 1969 had fewer buttons and lights than the new Bmw’s, and they were needed.

[@Bmwguy2011]

@@faisalahmed1982 it’s dangerous these new cars-when you need something you have to pull over and research the owners manual to figure it out.

[@sirwellingtonthethird687]

@@faisalahmed1982 I’m pretty sure the idea is to rely on infotainment while driving rather than looking at a phone, potentially causing a crash.

[@sjqlee]

I've just swapped my 2017 S5 3.0 V6 for this, its miles better on MPG and best car in its class i'd say. The review seems to be aimed to trigger a reaction from BMW to get you more access to their press cars....

[@MS-sy8ls]

30mpg with that level of performance is STAGGERING! Although manual seats? Unforgivable at £60k

[@FastRedPonyCar]

Yeah these M340i's put down the same performance numbers as the F80 M3 but get about 10mpg more. Several reviews saying they are getting upwards of 35+ mpg on the highway.

[@kroche6851]

250 pounds option to get electric-operated seats

[@nahnatsnotme937]

Fantastic all rounder 🙌🏽 had one as a courtesy car for a week didn’t want my own car back😂

[@Anonymouseys]

Just crash it so you get it back 🤣

[@richardgreen7654]

Yeah same with me for three days. Brilliant car!

[@garybradley1003]

J

[@michaelisaacson9735]

The guy on the bike did a great job of staying ahead of you for half of the video.

[@martinalangallagher5996]

Sounds more like he's basing his review on BMW not responding to his emails. I have and it's amazing

[@nealm1814]

"It should be more than the regular 3 Series because they've stuck M badges on it." Mate, BMW will stick an M badge on anything these days.

[@SachwanBeef]

M badges are put on 80% of new BMW's. I take Beemers off the ships brand new and they literally do put the M badge on anything above bottom spec, it's mad.

[@gaara4667]

Same for Benz with AMG

[@onecookieboy]

@@gaara4667 Same with Audi 'S line'. cosmetic upgrades only.

[@sonicsabbath]

One reason I have never had a BMW. Porsche for me currently, maybe a Lotus next

[@gaara4667]

@@onecookieboy is that bad? Because I don’t get the point of it. AMGs and M badges were saved for the very best which just happened to be expensive. Now they catering to people who want a M car or AMG car but too cheap to spend on the top car so they get M40i or M50i or AMG 53 or 43 Annoying to see tbh

[@Theocurrie]

If your worried about the MPG, a petrol straight 6 isn’t the car for you 🤣

[@derekjohnson3445]

I hear that the 6 litre W12 Bentley does a similar 29 mpg

[@entropy5431]

My M140i does 27mpg on average, mostly 5-6 mile commutes. It will get close to 40 mpg on motorways.

[@bluehead_info]

I also prefer old style analog clocks.

[@dungareesareforfools]

These LCDs looks so dated and cheap within a few years and suffer in bright sunlight. Unlike nice quality analogue dials which will always look classy.

[@Sierra747]

I prefer the analogue dials too. These new BMW ones look hideous. Horrible shape and the speedo and rev counter go in the opposite direction which really annoys me anyway!

[@stevem2323]

@@dungareesareforfools We are old school, new generation are already on Tesla BS interior.

[@pinkpineapple5296]

@@dungareesareforfools Facts. Screens age like milk.

[@blassberg]

I'd even settle for digital images of analogue clocks

[@Molloy1951]

Not easy to publicly express it, but this video has shaken my trust on James’ criteria to review cars.

[@Gerry926]

I've had this car for about a month. Bought it with only 4k miles on it and I've honestly got no complaints. I had a 2018 440i M-sport and a Kia Stinger Gt1 before this. The handling and gas mileage was enough to sell the Stinger. This 2021 is great for a 50 year old like me. Exhaust is just aggressive enough and all i did so far is tint the windows. No mods needed for me.

[@QCJSiteB]

That poor Beemer went as fast as a pedal bike for a quarter of the vid lol.

[@simonstyles4536]

Ha I noticed that too...lol

[@simonstyles4536]

Also cool name

[@khalidacosta7133]

Loved how the cyclist was drafting the lorry upfront for maximum aero!

[@chronologicist]

I picked up a 6 month old m340i touring last month and was amazed to record north of 45mpg on the motorway trip home. It was driven very lightly due in large part to restrictions and the traffic volume. It came with the optional m sport seats which have electronic controls and are very supportive. The sunroof for me is an essential - not possible in the m3, but then again this was about half the price of what folks are trying to get for m3 tourings at the moment. In terms of living up to the m badging, I very much like the fact that the original owner ticked the badge omission box hence no m on bootlid or wings. This could well be the perfect all rounder daily for me (once I get used to the huge digital dash and lack of buttons!).

[@robertanthony8092]

A (probably) hard driven courtesy car with over 370bhp averages 30mpg, pretty impressive if you ask me!

[@magnusbuinevits9535]

Slight correction: All 3-series have had multilink rear suspension since the E36.

[@Zeeturbo]

You can add extra info on the right of the centre dash display like torque and BHP and other things if you play around with the settings. (it's not as good as the Mercs for sure but it's decent). My M340i that I drive daily does around 500miles on a full tank of Momentum99 £80 with mixed driving. In eco mode the engine shuts off when you're coasting so being a mild hybrid does help. Before this I had a 2016 M3 and honestly my M340i suits the real world 100% better. The M340i can be a very rapid car then stick it in Eco /comfort mode and it's a perfect family car and the X Drive guarantees you'll be ok on any road surface... and at any set of lights no matter what's next to you. Only mods I've done is a JB+ box, springs and wheel spacers. My negatives... theres turbo lag at times and the gear changes could be more aggressive in sport plus. Looks wise mine is the shadow edition and I feel this looks a lot better. If you're thinking about getting one... trust me you won't regret it.

[@KraPar-z4r]

Throw the JB in the garbage and buy yourself a MHD or Bootmod3 tune,flash to stage 1(no other mods required) or stage 2(only if you have a downpipe) = your turbo lag will be solved. Buy yourself a Xhp trans tune and flash to stage 2 or 3 = your trans will be more aggressive in sport and sport plus. Eco and Comfort will still function as intented and even better. Everything can be done in a couple of minutes by yourself. Thank me later.

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

Good review James as always. I know you knock the fuel consumption, but I’d argue near enough 30mpg for a mid size saloon with 370 odd horsepower and 4 wheel drive ain’t bad, especially for a courtesy car that may well have done quite a few shorter trips and been driven fairly ‘enthusiastically’ 😂 most of the time. If it’s anything like my M240i, it’s not difficult to get 40 mpg plus on the motorway, so anywhere between mid 20s and low 40s depending how and where you drive. To me that’s pretty remarkable. A full on M would be nowhere near those figures. I’m taking UK gallons by the way, for our friends ‘over the pond’ watching this, so expect a bit less Stateside.

[@smm6526]

At this level of horses, the fuel bill becomes insignificant, all you want is the car and all of its bells and whistles..

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

Excuse me Jay, this is the G20 ///M340i. The G21 is the Touring version; you’ve got the sedan version.

[@simon8089]

Anal Dave🙌🏼😆

[@Bmontepeque11]

I think this is the best BMW currently on sale. (Mind you, I am evaluating it as a daily driver, as the premium sedan that it is, not so much as the sports sedan it could be.) It sounds better than the M3, looks better than the M3, it's a lot cheaper than the M3, and no, you don't have a drift analyzer or a widebody in here but this is still amazing, softer ride too! So, to me this is my absolute dream daily car (I would prefer a Touring body style but the saloon is still amazing 💙)

[@Kelveron]

Blimey, I've never seen JayEmm nitpick a car so much, which he actually likes....I think!

[@crimsonpirate1710]

Hes going through the change

[@christopherjones3614]

Definitely won’t be buying one based on watching this review - not that I’d planned to - but still!!!

[@23Piccolina]

He may like 'the car', but its clear he is at odds with the brand.

[@christopherjones3614]

@@23Piccolina That’s for sure!!!

[@Beer_Dad1975]

What I don't get, and absolutely hate about current BMW's is the insanely thick steering wheels - they look like they need to go on a diet, and they feel awful when you compare them with the competition. It's the thing you literally spend the most time touching in a car, and they just to a terrible, terrible job of it.

[@saltandsham]

I did a run the other day. 280 miles and got 40MPG in a MY 2021 with MHT. It adds around 2 MPG but needs to be driven correctly, you need to really feather the throttle in the right places. On a 126 mile run to Tenby I got 24.6 miles on the battery. Took me over 1K miles to learn how to use the MHL correctly

[@TheUncleGoat]

I normally like your content, and yes i'm 3 years late, but this one is a bit bollocks tbh. My TLDR review is the M340i is quite literally the best all rounder daily you can buy today, PERIOD. It looks fantastic (Not trying too hard at all, as per the video), It's bloody fast for the speeds normal folk can do here in the UK (Car wow did a video of one a few years ago in icy conditions and did a 3.8s to 60mph, faster than the official claimed figures), its priced right and very appealing used prices today, and if its done an average of 30mpg in the past 2k miles (with people no doubt ragging the nuts off it because that's what you do when you get an interesting courtesy car) then that's bloody good going for a car with near enough 400bhp, I get that mpg from my 2.4i Honda Accord and its a smaller engine and nearly half the power and weighs less.

[@mohawk5010]

I’d actually like the option to have manual seats in a premium vehicle just to save weight. Electric seats weigh a lot and I only change positions when I get a car wash or valet.

[@UTubeSL]

Agree. Might just be my experience but they have seemingly made the seats higher than manual equivalents too.

[@matthewstyles1767]

@@UTubeSL you speak the truth! 🤘🏼

[@ml9052]

I quite like the semi electric seats that came standard on e92 and e93s. I've not enough patience to wait for the seat to slide forward and back!

[@unixnerd23]

@@UTubeSL I just put a manual driver's seat in my E46 because it can be adjusted an inch lower.

[@UTubeSL]

@@unixnerd23nice one. Tempted to do similar with my i30N - having driven a normal i30 I was amazed I could sit so much lower!

[@Holdeenio]

Really appreciate this review James. I had an m140i a while back and now considering the m340i.

[@theobabajooni5452]

I drive one, it’s a fantastic car

[@bry0391]

Same. Best car I’ve owned

[@nikpester]

I have owned a M340i touring for nearly two years - great car. Some of the points Jay makes are valid, but he definitely has an issue with the brand and this is easily the most nit-picky review I have ever seen him do. Not sure his plea for a M135i to review is going to be too well received.

[@JROLL84]

I had this car for a year and love it!!!

[@GS-pk9rd]

Agree with some of the criticisms here. The previous 340i was nice because it was RWD, lighter, totally under the radar. OK this has lots more tech but also heavy, blingy and mandatory AWD. I'm in two minds about upgrading my f31 340 for this reason. Even second hand they are still v expensive in this post-covid world.

[@drstevej2527]

BMW unlike other car makers has managed to keep producing interesting sports sedans while the world turns to crossovers and SUVs.

[@tifthetif6567]

Every new sedan looks like an SUV, the new generation looks horrible.. I know their sales went down to SUV sales, but this is not the way to keep customers

[@drstevej2527]

@@tifthetif6567 No they don’t and BMW has managed to make sports sedans that can’t be replaced with SUVS. My M550 is faster to 60 than my 991S Porsche was. Only a handful of car makers produce high performance SUVs. BMW sports sedan buyers are not buying an Acura RDX. They might buy a Porsche or BMW SUV but they are not buying a CRV to replace their 5 series.

[@tifthetif6567]

@@drstevej2527 I know for my self, I am moving to Alfa, once I pay of my F30 330i. It is a great car, BMW still makes great cars, but their design department is completely out of their minds. High performance versions looks OK, but the rest, really are horrific.

[@drstevej2527]

@@tifthetif6567 Given Alfas reliability I suggest an additional fund for repairs. That and it’s terrible infotainment system explains its horrible rankings.

[@tifthetif6567]

@@drstevej2527 I had to engine rebuilt on both of my BMWs that I owned, so I figure it cant go worse then that. But then again, I track my cars... Reliability is the only reason why I didn't switch earlier, lets hope I will not regret my move. Honestly I don't care about infotainment. BMW interior is great, in my opinion only Alfa, Ferrari and Maserati makes it better. Clearly I have to start fallowing my heart

[@Gopher31]

Watching this three years later. The depreciation on these makes them very tempting. I’ve seen 3 year old models for around £30k.

[@chrisduran3007]

A good unbiased BMW review is rare these days. Well done.

[@d48248]

So true

[@HH-uv4iw]

Seemed pretty biased. Was salty bmw didn't give him a car

[@chrisduran3007]

@@HH-uv4iw which displays even less chance of potential bias when he gives the car a positive review...

[@d48248]

Sarcasm!!! Folks just sarcasm. 😊😎👍

[@teabagtowers3823]

@@chrisduran3007 No it just seems like he was nit picking for no reason. I mean seriously complaining about MPG when it's a big near two tonne saloon with AWD and the 400hp B58 even then it did 30mpg. I can deal with a bit of nitpicking no car is perfect but when it is this ridiculous and petty yeah sorry this was a poor show by JayEmm.

[@mbferrari308QV]

I have a 2021 and I think you were spot on in your review. Thanks. I LOVE it as a DD and it can work to save gas in traffic in D.C. in my commute but can go to the wall with most every car on the road in SPORT PLUS mode, and as you say it didn't cost me 90k like an M3 would. I owned many BMWs through the years and this car reminds me of my 99M3...very point and shoot. A bit more refined than the E36M3, but in a good way. Again, well done on the review.

[@GLH8]

Never understood the fuss about electric adjustable seats. You don’t move them all the time. Double glazing cuts the noise down every metre you drive.

[@ruk2023--]

It's not the moving, it's the comfort. You can adjust electric seats to millimetre perfection, whereas manual ones tend to have notches you need to choose between. Then when you get electric seats perfect for you, there''s a button to remember that positioning to easily get back to it after someone else drives. I shared your cynicism until I had electric seats and now they are one of my must haves.

[@cafe405]

Electric seat memory is useful when 2 drivers.

[@silentviper88]

Manual seats mostly have two advantages if you don't change the driver often: they save a lot of weight and the M340i has a big weight issue, the other is, you sit lower. If you are 1,90m and like to sit like in a sports car, you want to have it as low as possible and the little electric motors just don't let you go low

[@markscars1069]

A few thoughts, as I’m awaiting delivery of my own M340i xDrive in that same Portimao blue with oyster and alu trim. The auto stop start button was removed when the mild hybrid was introduced. In the demos and loan cars I’ve had these last couple of months, I configure Sport Individual to comfort damping and sports engine. Good response, supple ride and always on engine. Perfect. And then just hit sport again for sports plus when the wife isn’t around… Nobody pays £60k for one of these. Mine is highly specced and is a LOT less than that. Comparing it to a Golf ignores the fact that new these are 2.9% for the moment, whereas you won’t get that on a used one, regardless of mileage. BMW do not support used sales. The instrument display is fine. It’s not perhaps as sexy as an Audi however, spend lots of time with it and it works, and the nav function in the middle works perfectly. The HUD (for which you need to spec Tech Pack) is washed out with sunglasses on so I tend to use that display in the middle. This is clearer than the directions on the iDrive screen. And on the MPG. The demo car I had, over 1k miles, averaged 36mpg. That car from Lovetts is well used, as most courtesy cars are.

[@hottuberrol968]

I have had one for a month, in tanzanite blue. Your comments are spot on. I’ve never seen a review from this supercilious fatso before, and based on this one, I won’t be watching another. What a load of shite.

[@markscars1069]

@@hottuberrol968 The difference between our comments is that mine is objective. Yours is insulting. James’ size is irrelevant.

[@tanget1337]

Great point about the finance deal - that was a big factor in ordering a new one for me (m340i touring). Additionally, that lightly used 45k model in my experience won't be well optioned - 50 plus and they still didn't have everything i wanted on them. One point I'd contest though is discount. Anyone looking to place an order right now will absolutely be paying close to 60k. Maybe you got very lucky (or ordered a while ago), but most dealers i spoke to literally let me walk away only having offered a measly few hundred quid off. It took me a while, but i eventually found one that would honour the uk bmw site's advertised deposit contribution...and that was it. That was the best deal I could get by far - even sites like carwow come up blank on a search for this car (believe me, i tried). Every dealer i spoke to told me the exact same story: "we have pulled back all our discounts because we're still selling cars". It really isn't a great time to buy a car, new or used, but the 5% I did get, plus the great PCP deal just about made it worthwhile for me (and i was going to need a replacement car before the market is likely to normalise anyway). But yeah, for now at least, gone are the days of 15-20% discounts on new bmws!

[@markscars1069]

@@tanget1337 Yep the market has changed. Witness the one year old Mini JCW I sold with 8k miles on it, and the BMW dealer which bought it from me now has it up for pretty much what I paid for it in September 2020. My M340i was ordered in April. Five months delivery due to the known delays. Got the 2.9% deal and a good discount at point of order but yeah, can understand that this won’t apply now.

[@tanget1337]

@@markscars1069 Sounds like you timed it rather perfectly! Congrats! I was happy to get the deposit contribution from the site at this point tbh - my initial experience seemed to suggest no one was going to offer even that. And at least the 2.9% is still available. I suppose it cuts both ways too - i got a really good price for my Golf R due to the current climate. Your m340 is presumably just around the corner - enjoy! March feels like a long way away to me :P

[@ARentz07]

My wife's 330i is in that same color, Portimao Blue, which I find stunning. And since ours has the M-Sport package, it also looks rather similar to the M340i inside. I think it is a fantastic car to tool around in, if a bit numb-feeling. Sometimes we have some regret about not springing for the M340i, but on the other hand, the 330i is pretty quick and gets about 31-32 MPG in our ownership. Honestly I think the 29-ish James managed is perfectly fine for what this car is - certainly better than my IS 350 which is much slower!

[@kristians2704]

This is the fastest car in its segment.

[@raccs600]

what ?

[@SpontaneityJD]

@@raccs600 yes

[@petresqvlad5795]

you are the first one who has review this car and has so many complains.. Maybe the problem is at you

[@oliveranthony7012]

Exterior: The fronts not great I agree, rest of the car is great and in the Blue 👌. Interior: The best display system in class, all screens integrate well and are easy to use. Especially when compared to Mercedes screens, which are incredibly complicated. Manual seats, who cares? They’re best in class in terms of comfort. Driving experience: agree, incredibly quiet and refined, (which is a great thing!). Fuel economy compared to the E46 M3. Think of the advance this way. You get the same MPG as you did before, but with an extra 150hp odd. As an all rounder, And only 1 car in the garage, one of these as an estate, is probably one of the best out there. And if you’re a tight arse (like me) buy the diesel.

[@m1l3s27]

Manual seats are pretty inexcusable, I recently bought an e46 for 1000 dollars that has working memory seats.

[@markwood7045]

30mpg is pretty good JayEmm. Xdrive makes a big difference. Otherwise superb review as ever.

[@dreamcrusher112]

Rather than a baby M3, this is likely the real alternative for normal people who are now priced out of an M3. £700 per month vs £1400. 3 series are great, but a bit too sensible for me.

[@chitpaul]

Wouldn’t pay over £500.00 for any car.. that’s a mortgage payment. Don’t understand people paying more for their car than their home..

[@adams7405]

You are getting the wrong deal.My 540i x drive £470 all in,including maintaining.

[@smilepermile8165]

@@chitpaul Because why not? Why not accept that people have different priorities to you, when life is too short and you never know what is around the corner?

[@genuine_legend]

I've had mine for just over a year since new. Its done approx 2,300 miles. I recently drove from liverpool to conwy and achieved 41mpg. Cant complain.

[@lr_s3102]

Thanks for reminding me about the speed limiters we're getting..

[@sebastiani.6822]

I am driving M340d xDrive - 50k/year mainly in Germany so Diesel makes more sense. It’s a great car, sufficient power, low fuel consumption… I could only complain about the seats,… not good.

[@jamiefulton918]

Had a rental G20 320i whilst my F30 320i was getting a new turbo and 2nd water pump (lol). The new seats look great, but they’re so uncomfortable, in my opinion - at least compared to the F30’s which don’t fatigue the driver at all.

[@smilepermile8165]

@@jamiefulton918 Interesting how the newer car has effectively worse seats than the previous generation car.

[@frankbcn2223]

I drive the 320d luxury with standard leather sests and these are very comfortable.

[@jamiefulton918]

@@frankbcn2223 could just be the sport seats, then? Just my experience, though.

[@frankbcn2223]

@@jamiefulton918 well, that could be. I must say that in general in any car "sport seats" are less comfy then normal ones, not specifically BMW. I stopped chosing those already years ago.

[@tk-fi4ef]

if you need a speed limiter to remind you of the speed limit on the road, you should not be driving, and you are a dangerous driver. I watched this review, but it was cringy as hell. yes I do own one of these and never seen manual seats... and by far it is the best , most balanced non-sports car, for everyday use. Looks like the author is trying to send a message to BMW for not answering his emails :D I wonder why they don't ... always to sides to each story

[@stubzzz9308]

One of these, as a touring, dark blue, silver wheels and clear glass with the badges removed is utterly compelling as a daily.

[@sfletcher83]

It is pretty much the perfect all rounder - had one since April, and a 440i GC before that. 30+mpg is easy to achieve, I've seen 40mpg from it a few times on long trips. It drove well, rode well, handled well in all conditions, and was incredibly comfortable and quiet. Just let it go though as the used market is mental and I've had an opportunity to get into a new Quadrifoglio. I'll probably regret it as the BMW was THAT good.

[@saltandsham]

I also came from a 2019 440i GC to a 2021 M340i. Its a massive upgrade I feel. The adaptive shocks and 4x4 and lighter chassis really makes a totally different drive and makes the B58 useable. I didn't have my 440i long, about 12 months and during the winter last year never felt 100% with the power and rear wheel drive only. But the M340i is now totally useable and custom/sport mode is like 2 different cars. I've now done a few long drives, with the head up display and dashboard layout I think its light years ahead of the F36/F series cars

[@unjustkatana]

The only negative point from the ones he mentioned that is valid is: not being able to turn off START/STOP.

[@leenevin8451]

Engine killer for the second owner

[@Barbarapape]

I agree Stop/Start are very annoying, the saving in emmisions must be negligable, all you do is wear out the starter motor and battery

[@mackie1001]

Odd, you can on the 840 without the mild hybrid system

[@leenevin8451]

@@mackie1001 can’t on x4 2.0d

[@bassandtrebleclef]

And price. And poor projected and expected reliability.

[@cjdalessio5448]

I was lucky enough to get one in March. It's so fun to drive and the MPG is around 17 for me. Always in sports mode!

[@mrbrainchild7637]

Still running non-stop sport mode with premium gas at 6.50 a gallon?

[@mirkono]

Ordered mine fully loaded RWD with laser lights today. My old f30 335i averaged 18 mpg didn't care at all. Bought it without tesd drive or seeing car in person, I can't wait.

[@darkbassi5911]

The 330i is a cracking car the 340i must be fantastic.

[@calumk]

I own this car as a touring and I can tell you that it's sweet as. Properly sorted chassis. little to no body roll compared to the F30. Gearbox tuned so much more aggressively than the old 340i (owned that too and put the MPPK on it - no compare to this). Wicked, precise and placeable on a B road. Calming on a motorway. Configurable to your taste in terms or damping, steering, throttle response. The B58 engine is super punchy until 120mph (allegedly) and then very decent thereafter (allegedly). Will smoke some very expensive competitors. 0-60 is also swift as hell (I have registered several 4 second runs in the estate). Lovely interior and packed full of cool tech. Truly love it. Great all-rounder. In its price bracket it's a fantastic package. Only gripe is the stiffness of the sports suspension on certain broken road surfaces.

[@vilas4265]

Great comment bud. How does the new 340i touring sound vs your previous touring with mppsk?

[@calumk]

@@vilas4265 hey Dude. Its more muted than F30 MPPSK. partly because sound damping is better in interior. Still throaty on startup and when revving out / pressing you do hear it but its never jawdropping. Upside is less constant drone on motorway (none of that now even in Sport).

[@vilas4265]

@@calumk cool man that’s what I thought. I currently drive an X3M40i so get what you’re saying. I came from a Lotus Evora 410 Sport, so I’m used to noise :). Just a shame about new regs meaning all cars are muted. That said, I’m also considering an M340D Touring for the torque and waftability, but with that instant torque hit. Hoping to take both out for a drive next month.

[@calumk]

@@vilas4265 hear the M340D is sick. Given post-dieselgate pollution concerns and that I live in the middle of the city, I do worry about diesel though. But by all accounts that car is phenomenal. Ultimately though M340i beats it off the line but can understand the sheer fun of that much torque in the diesel. I moved from the 330d to the 340i in the F30 generation and instantly felt that the nose was lighter and the car more placeable / darty / fun. Wonder if that's the case in this gen...?

[@ianmowbray3284]

For 60k I would buy a two year old m5 competition.

[@ruk2023--]

That's a good shout, but getting a 60k second hand car loan is difficult, and in the current age of finance nobody has 60 grand lying around to put into a heavily depreciating asset.

[@leenevin8451]

And a warranty if applicable

[@chitpaul]

@@leenevin8451 buy an extended warranty and it’s still better.

[@sambyf2445]

@@ruk2023-- good points

[@aibel99]

No real complaints, just you moaning about nothing.. seems like a fantastic car.

[@g9icy]

I’m daily driving a 440i GC and averaging 27! It’s becoming painful, especially after coming from a diesel. I absolutely adore the car, but it is making me question whether to move it on for something more efficient… but I’d miss that engine so much! I had a go of a 320d G20 and found the steering wheel far too thick and the buttons on the centre console to be of cheaper material than before. I wasn’t impressed, but would still love an M340i regardless.

[@ZAINALI-xm8ln]

Nice choice! It’ll stand out from the more popular 3 series and 4 series coupes you see all the time. Especially considering it’s a 440i! What spec is it?

[@g9icy]

@@ZAINALI-xm8ln Thanks :) It's Carbon Black, M sport and It basically has everything in terms of spec. I love it, despite it draining my bank account.

[@papa_pt]

The 6 cyls are BMWs bread and butter. The 4s just aren't the same even if they're quick (the pedal is super aggressive to make them feel faster)

[@sor609]

I love manual seats in my cars. One thing I really love about bimmers, you can get them even on premium cars! They're much quicker to adjust than the ridiculous and heavier electric seats

[@AntoniusTyas]

BMW played with too much gimmick these days, and it is kind of unnecessary when the car itself is actually already very good without having to be all gimmicky. It's as if they don't have the confidence with the driving dynamics of their own car that they feel the need to give it digital instrument panel and gesture control and what-have-you. Come on, BMW, when your car still drives really rather well all those fancy stuffs are simply not needed. Good thing the iDrive can still be controlled with a knob rather than only by touchscreen. Also, a confession: Saw the new M3 in flesh last week, it looks sensational in that Isle Of Man Green launch colour. In photos the styling looked all wrong but in person it is stunning. Lens distortion, perhaps? I don't know. Now I _REALLY_ want to have a go in one.

[@rogerhudson2814]

But it's overall too old looking. BMW needs to wake up to the future.

[@lancercool1992]

It’s the only option to get a b58 with a limited slip differential, appreciate that

[@TheEarlofK]

I think it's a badge of honour, James, that BMW UK don't seem to think you are 'worthy' of press car. Frankly, there are more than enough BMW 'groupies' on KZbin (no names, no pack drill) doing gushing reviews; I'd rather watch your warts and all reviews any day of the week.

[@zybexgaming2910]

It’s not fair to talk about the fuel due to it being a loan car and people trash the crap out of it.

[@michaelarchangel1163]

God, I'm getting old. The last BMW I drove was an 80's 735i, which had pretty decent steering and was a good car, albeit a little tail happy.Mechanically, it felt like it might go on forever, with an absence of gizmos and plastic bits under the bonnet. Nowadays, I'd sooner have the Lexus SC430 I saw outside the corner shop across the road, even with its comparatively crap driving dynamics, than be constantly fretting over the next BMW repair bill. A pal owned a 635i back then, which was lovely. My solicitor still has his, in a very nice light shade of green. BMW's were truly aspirational cars back then. Today, if I was given one on a Monday, I'd sell it on Tuesday.

[@elitegr4n7]

I have a 330e touring on 19’s, chocolate brown leather interior, in that blue and I love it to bits

[@germanengineering204]

The mpg complaint was just comical imo!

[@roger1uk676]

Always appreciate your reviews!

[@micksmith7541]

Hard to listen to with all the negative whinging. I wouldn’t return your email either.

[@usandutz]

"This seems very try hard, and I'm not sure it is going to age all that well" If anything hasn't aged all that well, it's your video lol.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Well, it is going to age better than the new M2!

[@usandutz]

Hated it when it came out and ended up buying a gorgeous carbon black 550i in M trim with spider rims.

[@Kurlach]

Wow. You sound like you have a huge chip on each shoulder. It’s a fantastic car and almost everyone else universally agrees. Leading with a rant about BMW not responding to your emails is not really going to lead on to an objective review of their products, and it wasn’t 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@christophermharlow]

You are 100% right! The M340i is available in both RWD and xdrive configurations here.

[@iancairns7398]

Another example of a manufacturer adding tech for tech sake and which no customer ever asked for bumping up the price, £60k base price 🤢. Manufacturers seem to be making the same mistake as the American car companies of the 80s, buy what we give you.

[@chitpaul]

They should give you the basic car then allow you to add what YOU want.. not what they think you want.

[@fredc9655]

G2X M340i is so underrated and almost ignored, people expect it to be some baby M3 but in fact its not M3 wanna be, its just a very capable all rounder, very very fast when needed, a bit soft but comfy easy to drive, great daily driver with more than enough performance.

[@FastRedPonyCar]

It honestly looks and feels more like a baby M5. The M5 doesn't have the super stiff feel that the M3 has. M5 feels like a slightly bigger and faster but a little less nimble M340i.

[@wings9925]

I agree with you about many things James, but slating the fuel economy isn't one of them. You gain a huge power increase for similar economy. Let's face it, that mpg figure in a performance car was unthinkable 10 years ago and most competitors still can't achieve it. Great review all the same. Your content is always very polished and entertaining

[@thelastemperor3704]

I have an F82 M4 and even when I drive it like an old man and baby it along I still can't average more than 29ish mpg. I don't think the economy on this 340i is bad considering it's x drive and probably been ragged by everyone driving it. It's close to 400hp which was super car levels of power from not too long ago and I can't imagine anyone moaning about 30mpg in one of those. From what I've seen on other reviews of the B58, it's very economical when it's driven sensibly.

[@alanjohnston3648]

Love your honesty! Very detailed and humble opinion. 🔥

[@derekjohnson3445]

I agree with you regarding the digital dials replacing the analogue ones. BMW lost the sale of a brand new M135i following a test drive, some cars can change the display layout but when the salesman said that this could not be done on the new 1 series I went out and bought a 5 year old M240i with analogue dials instead.

[@anaccount7923]

Get bimmercode

[@allantilley3716]

So to summarize: "BMW won't call me back so I am going to get a loaner car and complain about everything to show them!"

[@curbappealne8486]

Never have I watched a review of a car I own I disagree with more. You’re like the king of contradictions. The car knows exactly what it is and that’s a baby M3 the difference in performance handling styling is so minimal I’ve no idea how you can say it’s not. Then to moan about 30mpg in a demonstrator with 370hp is just barmy. The whole review sounded like you just hate BMW then you have the cheek to say “if ya feeling brave” send me a 1 series haha. If I was bmw after this review I’d send you anthrax.

[@vukiam]

That mpg is very good considering the performance

[@cvandenhaute]

Here in the US, we have the RWD version. I was on the market for one to replace my 128i (equivalent to the 125i in Europe but with a bit more power and hydraulic steering) and just did not find it special enough for $65k. I needed up going for the not yet available in Europe Genesis G70 that has a much better steering, close performance and a better interior

[@TML34]

Get a used M2 with the N55, then tune it! 😅

[@Beer_Dad1975]

The G70 is a pretty special place to sit. Also unlike the BMW, everything in it will probably remain working and in one piece for more than 5 years.

[@henryshu6265]

I'd say get a F30 335i or 340i if you don't mind buying an older car, it looks better, sounds better and you can get yourself a decent deal as well!

[@TrueFilter]

Please no. There’s a reason cars like the Genesis are not sold in Europe.

[@cvandenhaute]

@@TrueFilter and your point is? And that is not true, they are about to launch in Europe

[@gnaegi444]

Watching this video.. I just realize how much I love my analog 987.2 and 09 MX-5... yay 21mpg but ....

[@CYMRU619]

7:55 I don't quite understand what you mean here. Every 3 Series from the E36 has had a multi link rear suspension setup.

[@patrickbateman7122]

Haha exactly!! Thought this guy was supposed to be a car nerd 🤣

[@CYMRU619]

@@patrickbateman7122 He is very knowledgeable fair play to him. But it's better not to say anything when you don't know what you're on about.

[@dungareesareforfools]

And do many cars really have anything other than MacPherson struts up front these days?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I am a car nerd just not always accurate. And yeah lots of cars have ditched MacPherson fronts - Audi have been moving to multi link a lot lately. The Japanese often used double wishbone fronts, Lotus usually double wishbone, same for Ferrari, McLaren etc...

[@nickmeyrick7213]

@@JayEmmOnCars hi great video as always, I hav a 2021 m5 competition if u want to reverse it

[@michealofloinn2539]

I think that you must have been chasing poor fella in the bike all day. Another great review Jay. Thanks again.

[@_dan_here_]

My E92 M3 was £60-£70k brand new. The price of new cars has gone through the roof over the last 5 years so they can fiddle the finance packages to be more profitable for them. It’s no longer an actual price of the car. Given the fact you can buy an F30 340i for £25k with hardly any mileage on it, how can £60k be justified given how these cars depreciate?

[@smilepermile8165]

Don't forget that £60-£70k in 2013 is worth about at least 10k more in 2021, when you adjust inflation

[@_dan_here_]

@@smilepermile8165 But £90k for a well-specked M3 in 2021.

[@darrenhewett8448]

I’ve have a great spec one in the same colour as you tested and do some long road trips and she eats up the miles with ease with electric front seats! enjoyed the videos

[@MrPagnu]

The problem with last 10 years BMWs is the interiors quality with time goes downhill faster than Eddie the Eagle

[@bensmithkent22]

This is a step up from the shape before vast improvement that one before was so basic looking same goes for the current 5 that has a solid elegant interior that looks good in cream.

[@xxz1434]

You'd be a moron if you think that, they've actually improved, 10 years ago BMW interiors was just a big cheap plastic mess

[@jwe001yt]

Interior quality g20 is excellent, way better than e90 and f30.

[@monkeymagic4555]

BMW 3 series has never EVER been Mcpherson strut at the rear or anything close to it......Awkward :/

[@juliantaylor8777]

Contentious for contentious sake! Test drive one today, fantastic car. Build quality, great engine and a super ride with the adaptive dampers. Bear in mind this is a loaner, the mpg is not representative of real world. Mid 30's to 40 is easily possible if you don't rag it anywhere. As a daily driver this is a great car.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

The ///M340i belongs in the cool section of my cool board.

[@foeshizzel]

So if 340i is not a M3, then an M3 isn't a porsche. There is always a faster more expensive vehicle to compare to.

[@onecookieboy]

You spend the whole review bagging the car, then at the end say it's actually rather good.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Classic Clarkson technique

[@stevem2323]

@@JayEmmOnCars Tough love.

[@steveo8533]

Always enjoy and don’t always agree but you are right this is a great daily car. Great review as always so come on BMW send the man what he wants.