My New BMW M340i vs 2022 M3 Competition xDrive

[@npan3058]

Have had the M340i saloon for a year now- 70 plate with MHT. 1) quick as f*ck 0-60 in around 4.1 2) efficient- doing about 30 min commute either way and get around 30-35 mpg which is crazy good. . 3) x drive- I live in the north so I need it ! 4) 5 seats and comfortable ! The Jekyll and Hyde car.

[@sammooresphoto]

absolutely, I wish they'd stick the engine in a 5 series touring. The normal 540i is a bit dull

[@Leandre22_02]

Did ever had an issues with it?

[@martinboulden3540]

I think you made the right choice ! Under the radar is so much cooler than looking like an M3 driver. Daddy or not.

[@fredc9655]

I think my M340i Touring X drive is one of the best all-around daily drive available on the market, offers more than enough performance and practicality, it's the real deal. that's the reason i'm picking up the upcoming G81 M3 Touring.

[@WillSatchwell]

When that M3 Touring shows its face.... My deposit will be in instantly!

[@PetrolheadTours]

2 adults, 2 kids, a pram and a dog - easily fits in an M340i Touring. Great choice 😉👍

[@sammooresphoto]

Great minds...

[@FastRedPonyCar]

I drove a RWD M340i and M3 comp RWD side by side a couple months ago. I was fully intending to put down a deposit or order an M3 but after driving it in traffic (which is where most of my driving happens), I really did not find the M3's throttle response in sport mode usable or comfortable at all. It was super twitchy and hard to modulate when driving slow and in comfort mode, the throttle response was numb. The same was true for the suspension. Very hard in sport mode and still a bit too firm for my liking on comfort mode. The throttle response on the M340i in sport mode was that just right feeling of sharpness and responsiveness without being twitchy or jumpy and the suspension (it had the adaptive m suspension) was comfortable but still controlled the body roll fairly well. Power wise, yeah the M3 was obviously faster but not THAT much faster. I've been driving a Tesla Model 3 performance for the last 3 years so literally everything within my financial reach feels slow and laggy so I ended up ordering the M340i and will probably just put a down pipe, intake and eventually a tune on it and save $20k (which was what the price difference would have been between the M340 and the M3) Honestly for what the invoice price on the M3 was going to be, I'd rather have a low mileage F90 M5 but even then... it's slightly bigger, a bit better quality materials and luxurious inside, faster, etc but is it worth that $15k~$20k premium if I'm never going to a track or whipping through twisty back roads? It's a hard sell. I honestly regret spending the extra $10k for the performance model 3 instead of just getting the standard AWD version. Almost as fast, better range, same looks, etc. Lesson learned.

[@PrinceBarin77]

The reaction at 8:28 reminds me of the time I drove my F82 home after a service. I borrowed an M340i saloon for a couple of hours and then hopped back into mine. The difference is night & day and I was beaming all the way home. It’s not a criticism - these cars each serve different purposes and there are compromises with each but, for out and out performance, the 0-60 figures do nothing to illustrate the real gap between M and non-M.

[@sfletcher83]

Loved my m340i, but ended up upgrading to a Giulia Quadrifoglio and couldn't be happier. The M3 does nothing for me. The m340i is pretty much a faultless car though!

[@sammooresphoto]

Nice, I wish they did an estate version of the Giulia. Lovely car tho

[@mjarowicz]

Giulia Q is a love of my life. Now i am geting m3 xdrive cause of all year practicality and so my wife can drive it anyhow😅 One day ill swap it for alfa again. Had Giulia veloce till 2 years ago and i loved it.

[@veemacks7255]

Great choice, it ticks all the boxes. I agree on the audio. When I test drove a 540i recently I was stunned at how much better the Harmon Kardon sounds compared to my E class's Burmester system. Surprised you thought the E was crash, I guess it was an AMG. I downgraded the 19s on mine to 18s to get more tyre profile for comfort. Maybe mine is also crashy- I've only driven it on Germany's smooth roads.

[@sammooresphoto]

The road surface makes such a difference! You guys just have brilliant tarmac compared to us

[@sammooresphoto]

I also suspect tires played a big part

[@amiller2121]

The front end of the M340i looks sooo much better than the M3 front end. It's a real shame BMW couldn't have used a variation of it for the M car.

[@sammooresphoto]

🤷🏻‍♂️ madness

[@NotTheMaestro]

You're videos are really good. I've been dithering over the M340i for a few months now and found this yesterday. I called my dealer today and I'm going to test one and the M3 tomorrow. I do 99% commuting to school in traffic so really torn over which one to get. M340i makes more sense but the M3 just looks absolutely epic. I need someone to decide for me!

[@dxbdxb242]

I’m in a similar situation. Have you made a decision?

[@mie-]

what you decided?

[@slickmastajay]

I think the m340i has such incredible value. IMO its the best all around car in its class no comparison

[@NotTheMaestro]

@@dxbdxb242 I bought one! well worth it

[@NotTheMaestro]

@@mie- yeah I bought one!

[@goltyx]

I traded in an m2 comp for an m340i. Wouldn’t own an m car again as a daily, they stand out too much. Speaking of tyres I can’t wait to get rid of the Pirelli run flats, will be buying the Michelin ps4s*. Assume it will make a massive difference.

[@sammooresphoto]

Yeah, makes sense. I think you’ll find a large difference

[@amazingamazigh6847]

Very big difference!

[@dxbdxb242]

Great review I’ve got a X4 M40i on 70 plate thinking of either getting M3 xdrive or m340i……I’ll need to book test drives before I decide

[@sammooresphoto]

Cool, I’d definitely do some test drives. Quite different experiences (altho similar)

[@oliiverbetts]

I think a Golf R Estate is a great estate as well! Really subtle. That hybrid Volvo V90 is nice as well. It would be cool for a classic wagon like an Audi RS2 Avant.

[@alanwayte432]

I went from 17plate M4 to 2021 M40, and was shocked how much quicker in the real world the M40i was over my old M4 that was always trying to kill me in a damp countryside road..

[@sammooresphoto]

Haha, yes. Power to the road makes a difference 😂

[@utheman1800]

Idk if they are different in the us but we get about 400hrsp stock on the 340i

[@DJBeast_official]

Hi there. Nice review. Any suggestions for color choice for the M3? Thanks

[@sammooresphoto]

This was pretty good. I'm not 100% tbh, I need to go see a few more colours. i think something dark, hide the nose a bit

[@an09dre]

Hi Sam, glad I came across your video, great comparison and well put together video. I re watched the video and your smile 😃 and expressions were greater in The M3. I have the M340i Tourer and have my name down for The M3 Tourer, the dealer wants me to pull the trigger now for allocation. He arranged a test drive in the M3 Salon for me and wow I was blown away. Night and day between the two and imo taking the base list prices of both cars the M3 tourer is a bargain. Family wagon and yet supercar performance,dog in the back, Golf clubs etc. I totally agree the M340i is a better car around town(Common Sense),however having now driven The M3 , theres no drama/excitement in The M340I (there was once 😢)it now feels like a soft estate even in Sports Plus…. Yet I still cant pull the trigger just yet , running costs etc, will The M3 Tourer Value drop 20% within a year/18 months. Head says No (Wife says No)👎 Heart says 👍😍… Arghh 🤯

[@sammooresphoto]

Yeah there is such a difference between the two. Presumably prices will drop quickly after a bunch come to market but 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@calvinhuang1409]

Good choice Sam! I also own a M340i touring this is just an amazing car on both daily cruising and performance. Wireless apple car play and BMW’s adaptive cruise control are the best on the market. It can also satisfied my weekend track day needs. Congratulations!!

[@sammooresphoto]

I need to take it to a track day I think, see how it does. Did you do brake pads, fluid and lines?

[@calvinhuang1409]

@@sammooresphoto No, just fully stock setting. And of course not using the run-flat tires. I got PS4S now. Lookig forward for more M340i and 4 Lusso content!

[@sammooresphoto]

@@calvinhuang1409 of course haha. PS4S ftw

[@MadelnMachines]

Any more thoughts after pushing yours? I'm of the mindset that I want a car to feel fun, engaging and exciting. If a car is too fast you never get the chance to push it and spend more of your time breaking and trying not to lose your license. I'm of the opinion that anything under 5 second 0-60 is plenty. The rest is about how fast it feels, the sound, the back end sliding etc. Does the M3 feel significantly more exciting to drive? Maybe I feels too far and capable for the road? Sometimes a lower performance limit can be more exciting. I find a car where the engine is loud and roof comes off adds to this. In some respects refinement is the enemy of excitement.

[@sammooresphoto]

Yeah I think you’re right, the m3 is more fun but more capable which makes you push harder and faster (which isn’t particularly useful). Both are pretty heavy though and that also reduces the fun factor. Like you said roof down, something N/A with 3 pedals and light is the ticket

[@joeeacott9707]

Might leave the US just to get the touring version.

[@sammooresphoto]

Haha

[@My_Auto_Chronicles]

Loads of space! When my daughter was born I bought an rx8 as a family car from a 350z! 🤣

[@sammooresphoto]

😂

[@DJBeast_official]

Hi there. Nice review. Any suggestions for color choice for the M3? Also, is it true that the M3 is really that firm for daily driving compared with the M340? Cross-shopping between all these plus an X3M and M5 comp. Thanks for ur feedback!

[@sammooresphoto]

I quite liked this colour actually but I haven't really looked into the variety. I'm a sucker for the dark blue on the m340i. M340i vs M3 at low speed is quite a significant difference ride quality wise. You can live with it but one is significantly comfier than the other. Same for general driving around, the m340i just rounds everything off and moves around more.

[@mjarowicz]

@@sammooresphoto i am an m340i owner. Did a m3 test drive and went for it. M3 harshness is something You can live with. Its far more precise in stering, chasy stiffnes. Regarding colours in my taste portimao or isle of man. Dont go for frozen ones, because those are unfixable even on scratch

[@rahulwadhwa1341]

Went from a 440i to a C7 RS6 with DRC and now waiting for my M3Cx… I think the M3 in comfort is actually really decent and isn’t too firm or crashy. The RS6 actually felt firmer to me and the 440i was the softest of the lot. Soaks up bigger bumps well and honestly does even better with some speed. Went for Isle of Man Green as once I saw it in person, I was sold! Also a big fan of Aventurine Red 2 as it has different shades in different lights. Also was looking at M5C or the M3 and went M3 cos it does really handle that bit better when throwing it around. If you want the better drive, I’d go M3. If you want more straight line speed and a V8, get the M5.

[@manofsesame3024]

Blue and grey are the best colors to fit with the big front grill. Black is dull, white will make the car looks like a snow rabbit. Green.. that’s a weird taste.

[@smwatson1512]

M340i (or D) is the ultimate daily, or would be if the boot was bigger and squarer. I have twins, it's just not big enough for the paraphanalia. 5 series touring has the space but as you say, not as fun. X3 M40 is the other option but I don't really like SUVs. Tough stuff!

[@RayQ101]

Get an M5 then.

[@smwatson1512]

@@RayQ101 Saloon only.

[@XStoneXat]

Great review, Sam! I own a M340i Touring too - and I love this car. It's better looking than the M3 and the performance is way enough for most people. When you're having fun on a race track (like I do) I'm sure you can feel the difference between the M340i and the M3 instantly. But on the normal roads the M340i is the better daily - just my 2 cents. And take a look on the price-/performance ratio...

[@sammooresphoto]

Absolutely, on track there will be a massive difference but on the road there are so many benefits to the m340i

[@amazingamazigh6847]

Its not better looking. Youre delusional.

[@dopiestbison371]

What are you smoking, an m340i shouldn't be even spoken in same breath as an m3

[@amazingamazigh6847]

@@dopiestbison371 facts! M3 is in a different league.

[@XStoneXat]

@@amazingamazigh6847 Okay, if you're fine with the big kidney grill, then you'll love the look of the M3/M4. Unfortunately, I don't like the look at all.

[@northzider]

Great video. But xDrive came out for the 2022 model. 2021 models were all RWD.

[@sammooresphoto]

Good knowledge, will update the title

[@Jut1911]

Sam, would you still recommend the m340i?

[@sammooresphoto]

100%

[@motivationinc6415]

Dream those cars

[@cwinner6277]

I remember that you drove Shmee m3 which is 2wd, does AWD better than 2wd? And do you consider getting new M3 Touring?

[@sammooresphoto]

Unfortunately I didn't get much chance to push Tim's M3 very much. It felt very similar to this one. Would be a tough choice for me to decide. I couldn't buy an M3 touring with the current front end. I just don't like it.. It would be a great car though.

[@sweetserenitysg732]

In USA … my 2021 model M340i only 3000 miles coolant leaking ….

[@sammooresphoto]

Oh dear

[@amiller2121]

How'd you like the seats as far as getting in and out?

[@sammooresphoto]

The M3 seats? A pain to get in and out but great when you’re in

[@faisalleeds]

Nice choice Sam!

[@sammooresphoto]

Thanks!

[@natbarron]

Sam do you shoot still and video on separate cameras?

[@sammooresphoto]

All on the same (ish) but it’s not the best camera for it

[@jamesbaggaley1460]

Clear windows 👌👌👌

[@JMD535]

Hmm,....a bit of a scare at 14:55.x.x,...someone on a motobike splitting the lanes! Not good... I have no idea why those on motobikes tend to live in so much peril! Oh! For the record,...I have over 20 years of 2-wheel riding experience...from mid 70s dirt bikes,...'98 Kawi ZX-7R,...'01 Kawi ZX-12R,...to '17 HD Road Glide. .

[@sammooresphoto]

Yeah, splitting lanes at 100mph plus 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@bjornaltmann8184]

is this color Aventurine Red ?

[@sammooresphoto]

Yes, spot on

[@bjornaltmann8184]

@@sammooresphoto many thanks for prompt answer. Very sympathic and informative video! I am interested in that very nice looking aventurine red for an M5 competition, should look awesome as well in a 5 series.

[@jamsxr]

Nice, this was top of my list having sold my 340i touring, but the EV salary sacrifice scheme was too tempting.

[@sammooresphoto]

Fair, what did you go for?

[@jamsxr]

@@sammooresphoto Tesla Model Y. They all seem much of a muchness, but Tesla edged it when it came to charging infrastructure, space, tech and performance.

[@colbiocin]

@@jamsxr I tested the Y performance in town and after 20 minutes, when I got into my 2022 X3 M40i I thought it was broken. Good choice. Still I am thinking about M3 competition touring as I have 2 small kids and need the extra space and real M car is my dream from the E46 M3 time

[@jamsxr]

@@colbiocin I actually cancelled my Model Y order and bought a C63 estate 🙈

[@Usman-zp6ig]

Not even close to the m3

[@95lal]

Manual seats wtf

[@chop3625]

They’re not even close to being the same. One’s an “M” the other is a family sports sedan, NON “M”.

[@zzhughesd]

Always a chunky steering wheel M department cannot help themselves

[@sammooresphoto]

Always...does my head in

[@zzhughesd]

@@sammooresphoto does everyone. Bad M Dept. Bad

[@brettduffin8412]

Dude, one of you prats is going to kill a family in an oncoming car. If you want to test these cars go to a private road or track.