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2019+ BMW 3 AND 4-SERIES FORUMS (G2x Generation) General G20 Sedan / G22 Coupe / G26 Gran Coupe Discussions M340i or X3 M40i?

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      05-09-2019, 12:45 AM   #1
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M340i or X3 M40i?

I have about two days left before I sign the paperwork on a fully loaded X3 M40i, but the more I read about the M340i the more I like it. I am partial to the M340i, but no doubt an SUV is more capable, especially with two kids.

I'm torn, and I really don't know which to pick. Any advice or thoughts to share to help me decide?
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      05-09-2019, 04:40 AM   #2
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With 2 kids, I would go with the X3. In my opinion, practicality in the end is way more important than everything else (we're beyond sports cars here anyway), and you still get the awesome B58 in the SUV.
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      05-09-2019, 06:20 AM   #3
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I would say 340 over x 3 any day. The only thing you are gaining with x 3 is bigger trunk The rest of the space is the same. But you are loosing a lot

340 has better engine tune. 382 hp,vs 345
340 has much better handling
340 has all the modern tech and upgrades that are partially comming to x3 in august
340 can be tracked if so desired
Overall for me it is much faster and more rewardimg car to drive
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      05-09-2019, 07:13 AM   #4
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I have 2 kids in my 2017 340i without any issues. Will this be the primary car for hauling kids around or do you have another car? My wife has a Minivan so that is the primary car for driving kids - but I can fit both kids in the 340i no problem. One of the kids is in a booster seat now which can easily be removed and placed in the trunk if co-workers need to hop in - I usually try not to remove the carseat though just because it isn't easy to put re-install (good reason to ask someone else to drive!)

When my lease is up in October, I plan to replace it with the M340i and don't expect any issues.
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      05-09-2019, 07:48 AM   #5
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my wife has a 2018 530e and unfortunately trunk space is limited in that. we both have kid hauling duties. sometimes her more than me. one is in a booster the other is still in a seat due to age.

I've always been partial to sedans over SUVs but the m40 variant has my attention. I have to decide today which way to go as I have a fully loaded M40i coming Friday but I was smitten by a tanzanite II M340i the other day!
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      05-09-2019, 08:22 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by supershaft View Post
I have about two days left before I sign the paperwork on a fully loaded X3 M40i, but the more I read about the M340i the more I like it. I am partial to the M340i, but no doubt an SUV is more capable, especially with two kids.

I'm torn, and I really don't know which to pick. Any advice or thoughts to share to help me decide?
if you like spirited driving 340 ... The only advantage x3 has is when you put back seats down or if you go off-roading but otherwise trunk is not that big. 340 should be perfect for dual dad and sporty commuting duties. Analyze your most common usage cases to decide
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      05-09-2019, 08:29 AM   #7
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I would go with the 3 series because of the updated infotainment system. Correct me if I'm wrong but the X3 interior is different from the new 3, especially the navigation screen and how it merges with the live cockpit.
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      05-09-2019, 08:57 AM   #8
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Dont forget the g series 3er is bigger than the f series so more room in the back for kids. Also depends how old they are as well because I do remember buckling in two kids in my f31 340 was a pain as it was a bit cramped and low.
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      05-09-2019, 09:27 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ilyam5 View Post
I would say 340 over x 3 any day. The only thing you are gaining with x 3 is bigger trunk The rest of the space is the same. But you are loosing a lot

340 has better engine tune. 382 hp,vs 345
340 has much better handling
340 has all the modern tech and upgrades that are partially comming to x3 in august
340 can be tracked if so desired
Overall for me it is much faster and more rewardimg car to drive
I totally agree with your comments.
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      05-09-2019, 09:27 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ilyam5 View Post
I would say 340 over x 3 any day. The only thing you are gaining with x 3 is bigger trunk The rest of the space is the same. But you are loosing a lot

340 has better engine tune. 382 hp,vs 345
340 has much better handling
340 has all the modern tech and upgrades that are partially comming to x3 in august
340 can be tracked if so desired
Overall for me it is much faster and more rewardimg car to drive
+1

The legroom and shoulder room aren’t much different between the x3 and m340 most measures are the same or within an inch and the 340 has more front legroom.

All you are gaining with the x3 is a little extra cargo capacity but the m340 already has 17cubic ft which is pretty big. A poster above said his wife’s 530e trunk is too small. The trunk in the 530e is only 11cu ft because of the battery so that’s not a fair comparison.

And the x3 weighs a few hundred pounds more which seriously affects handling and gas mileage. Mpg ratings on M340 aren’t out yet but the 330i gets 26/36 while the x3 30 gets 22/29. That’s quite a huge difference for basically a slightly bigger trunk.

The interior of the m340 is Nicer than the x3

Last edited by wknddrivr; 05-09-2019 at 09:34 AM..
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      05-09-2019, 10:40 AM   #11
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Get the X3M with the S58
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      05-09-2019, 10:48 AM   #12
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What about the X3M coming soon?

My wife and i are in a similar situation. My M3 is due and i recently started a new position where i have a company vehicle. She was due for a car anyways so she'll be the fortunate one to enjoy either the M340i or X3 M40. We don't have kids but plan on a German Shep soon. I was originally pulling for the X3 M40 as i thought it was roomier and we could load up the bikes and stuff but the M340 seems to be quite the performer.
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      05-09-2019, 11:26 AM   #13
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The G01 is huge! Felt bigger than the F25 that I drive and felt like a Semi compared to the G20 340i. That being said, if you need the space its a nice ride!
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      05-09-2019, 12:03 PM   #14
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The X3 is about 450 Lb heavier, has 30 fewer horses (so it's slower), and is an SUV. I'd still rather get the M340i and deal with a bit of impracticality. That's just me.

Last edited by upsidedownfunnel; 05-09-2019 at 12:19 PM..
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      05-09-2019, 08:37 PM   #15
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I've been virtually shopping these same two vehicles (along with others).

My M340 build is at least $4000 more expensive than my M40i... But I'd argue it should be. The M340 has nicer seats, electronics including gauge cluster, and more power.

As for cargo capacity... I'd bet the M340 has at least as much SQUARE FOOT (not cubic) of trunk space than an M40i. The M40i gain in cargo is the hight and opening. I notice most of these SUVs can't accommodate a set of golf clubs across the back of the trunk like a 3-series can. They lack the same cutouts behind the rear wheels. Not sure about these two vehicles.
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      05-09-2019, 09:16 PM   #16
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Any need for light off road capabilities? Snow? Mountains? Hatchback with height for cargo? Those are the real differentiators. If no, get the sedan. Or plot twist, wait until the X3 has same HP as M340i (April? Not sure).
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      05-09-2019, 10:15 PM   #17
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The fact that you posted this question in the G20 section, tells us you secretly want a M340i.
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      05-10-2019, 12:14 AM   #18
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M340i. Because it’s not an SUV.
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      05-10-2019, 12:19 AM   #19
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SUVs are like running on stilts. No thanks,
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      05-10-2019, 05:58 AM   #20
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pick up the m340i Touring on the grey market???
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      05-10-2019, 07:28 AM   #21
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If you like the m340i, and the dimensions work for your family, go with that. Contrary to popular opinion, you don't NEED an suv just because you have 1 or 2 children. All you really gain with the x3 is height, which is what also spoils the driving experience in suvs, vans, and cross-overs. If one has a large family or needs that much space, then an x3 won't help anyway. At that point you're better off with a 3-row suv or van. If you want the x3, or have a bad back that hurts when bending over to place your kids in their car seats, then go with the x3, but a modern 3 series is perfectly adequate for 1 to 2 children. I know people with two child seats in the back of a 2-series, and they also seem to get by just fine. The m340i has four doors and more space.
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      05-10-2019, 09:57 AM   #22
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You won't be disappointed with either. My wife drives an M40i and loves it for the room, visibility from sitting up a bit higher, and the fact it is a bit of a sleeper when it comes to that time....
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