Wow: This Is The Best BMW On Sale Today (BMW M340i 2023 Review)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ค. 2024
- Full review of the 2023 BMW M340i LCI sedan, including 6 cylinder engine, handling, ride quality, price, features and running costs.
The BMW M340i is the top-spec 3 Series sedan before you get to the M3 range. But the 285kW (382 hp) 3.0-litre 2023 M340i might be the best BMW 3 Series. In fact, it might be the best BMW full stop. One thing’s for sure: it’s better than that new Mercedes-AMG C43. The Audi S4 is also worth a look, especially if you want a fast six-cylinder wagon. Plus, don’t miss the BMW i4 EV.
Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
0:15 - Price
1:10 - In This Review
1:27 - B58 3.0L Engine
1:57 - Cognac Leather
2:28 - LCI Updates
2:55 - 14.9” Touchscreen
3:26 - M Steering Wheel
3:38 - Sports Seats
4:05 - Build Quality
4:34 - Back Seats
6:00 - Skyscraper Grey
6:30 - 480L Boot Space
7:09 - No Comfort Access
7:29 - Frugal Fuel Economy
8:27 - Five Year Warranty
8:33 - Insurance Quote
8:50 - BMW Service Inclusive Plan
9:00 - Driving Dynamics
9:20 - Power & Torque
9:49 - M3 vs M340i
10:09 - 0-100km/h Acceleration
10:23 - xDrive AWD System
11:07 - Handling
11:30 - Ride Quality
11:59 - Steering Feel
12:27 - Refinement
12:36 - Brakes
12:53 - Safety Technology
13:34 - Strong Recommendation
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If it was a wagon, it'd be flawless. And physical climate controls would be nice.
Hi Tom, I couldn't agree with you more... Has BMW ever told you why they don't bring them here? I watch Joe Achilles here on TH-cam and drool when he's been reviewing both the 340i wagon and B57D in the 340D wagon recently... As a wagon lover who's had SS wagons and others it blows my mind BMW wouldn't give us Aussies the opportunity to buy them here in Australia especially when the UK drives on the same side as us negating the costly engineering excuses.. .. .. I actually wrote to BMW Australia last week begging them to bring them here.. I'll keep praying they relent..
Agreed - NZ get the wagon - we dont😢😢😢😢
Add Lexus reliability and then it would be flawless...
BMW should be publicly and repeatedly lambasted by all car related media outlets en masse until they finally relent and make the M340i wagon available here, even on special order. Disgraceful.
@@malsmith2012 because they want to sell the x3
The organic, honest, real-world, non-melodramatic reviews of Tom Baker are SPOT ON. Australia has a new superstar motoring journalist.
I still would take the older version over the LCI because Of the dash layout and the looks but I agree, it’s a sweet spot for bmw
I like lci styling but the digital EVERYTHING is a no no for me.
I like the LCI for one reason: It caused the prices of nearly new non-LCI cars to drop a bit. So I bought a 9 month old M340i xDrive a few weeks ago - and absoiutely love it. And yes having driven both, I also much prefer the older dash layout and iDrive. Losing the physical HVAC and custom buttons is a major mistake. The original version also has laser headlights as an option (which are great), which have been oddly dropped from the refresh. 21MY and 22MY are identical to the 23 in terms of powertrain and suspension - so win all round in my book.
HAH. i feel that. i was semi happy in a base macan, and went to test drive cars with my friend last year. we tested faster cars, which made me miss having some speed... so i started looking and discovered the new m240. my plan was to customer order a '23 ('22 orders had closed) and wait the 6 months, but when i heard that the '23 was getting the dumb curved screen, i went on the hunt for one even close to the spec i wanted for an on the lot '22
Now that is a Perfect Review !!
Love the time stamp, review, this channel is so underrated.
Glad that was helpful.
love your channel!
I have the x3 version of it. it's an absolute blast to drive.
Great review, Tom
I bought a 2021 M340i, and did so noting your recommendation but understanding that internal combustion engines, especially more than 4 cylinder engines would be history in the near future. When I bought mine the only feature cut was the wireless charging which I don't really miss. I have done 28000kms mainly Sydney to Wollongong and back as a virtually daily commute in most of that time in various good through to appalling weather conditions. The car is perfect for long commutes with its semi autonomous driving, safety tech and comfort. On the highway the economy is fantastic - for me 7.4 l/100kms which includes Mt Ousley and hills to/from to Bulli and the 30min suburban crawl at the Sydney end of the trips. Also it is fun to drive and quick for overtaking and traffic light drags. On weekends its perfect for family commuting. It would only be improved by the wagon version being available, which I would've bought in a heartbeat. All round its an amazing all round car. I would recommend this car. Your review sums this car up perfectly.
Not really, once the crappy electric cars will have their batteries replaced after 5 years time at the cost of a second hand electric car.
Great review.
Car looks amazing. Absolutely hate that awful looking screen just stuck to the dash, looks hideous. No physical climate controls? Awful. Looked better inside before. Great review.
I have a question. Do you think its slightly under rubbered ? I currently drive a M2 Comp and I’m considering purchasing the M340i. 225 fronts and 255 rears seem a little small to me. Test driving it next week so time will tell but I’d be very interested in your opinion.
Thank you for the strong recommendation, bought one in Malaysia, really please with it. Swap over from a 530
Someone upscaled their video to higher framerate, haven't they 🤔
Great review!
Tom Baker you are so right climate buttons are BETTER
just ordered one !!!
Fantastic video - I particularly enjoy how your reviews pitch each car within its specific market at the point of review, the value proposition of an M340i in 2023 vs 2020 is completely different. It really is the do-it-all car, it's peerless in its breadth of ability and I can't wait to take delivery of mine in the next month!
Just picked mine up a couple of weeks ago, absolutely brilliant car. Best available at this price point in every aspect.
Except for not having A/C buttons😂
Wow BMW nailed it with this model - big merc fan
Best everyday sedan. I wish I could afford buying one. While M3 Competition is my most favourite car, I'd go for M340i xdrive
Great video. I’ve got one on order, should be built this month. Checked all the options so hoping I don’t miss out the proximity sensing door handles…
The lack of comfort pack was an error at the factory. A bunch of new M340i arrived in Australia without it late last year. Your new build will have it.
Mine is scheduled for production 14/04 and can't wait.
$121k is still insane for a 3 series. Id love to grab is when its below 6 figures.
Paid $100k for mine brand new…close enough,
That must be in crazy high tax countries and not in the US
But then it'll cost you 121k over the years to get it going just from point A to B. Camry still looks better and is the way to go.
@Plot .Spoiler I don't know any Bimmer or Audi owner who paid much in maintenance or repair (except for the used cars that are over 100,000km in odometer). Mercedes may have more problems, but repair costs are not that expensive either. Yet if you ever touch the wheel of a German car, you will never want to touch a Japanese
@@BestDealsforCustomers dude said a Camry looks better 😂
Always best reviews from Tom
awesome man love this car
Great review bro, but please increase your volume on the final edit. Its difficult trying to focus on what you're saying when the volume is so low
love this
Amazing!
Having just bought an M240i, and doing lots of Highway running, I’ve seen 6.9 lt/ 100 kms on multiple occasions. Brilliant engine and fabulous when you open it up.
6.9 at what speed? My m340i does 8.5L at 140 km/h and my average is 11L
Great car. 98 octane or higher. Does this mean I can fill up with AVGAS ? 😮
BMW sedans have come along way from what they were along time ago, now with this new beast of a car I agree with you Tom, it is one of the best looking sedans in the segment! You are the best reviewer Tom, I genuinely trust your judgements on vehicles and thank you for your honest reviews always great to watch with you
Any chance of testing the Alpina B3? I'd be interested to hear how it compares to the 340i.
A pity BMW Aust never bought out the M340d X drive to Australia . Its also a great driver's car.
Lack of keyless entry is almost a solid dealbreaker. Something that adds convenience every single day. Would rather dump the powered boot. Apparently cars ordered today have the keyless entry, so I ordered one!
Tom, would you have a review on X4 2023
really hoping you guys get to review the new M2! Am very tempted and would value your input as your reviews are always objective and thorough
We will!
🎉🎉 amazing - congrats on the growth of your channel too, well deserved
CarWow have a review of the M2.
@@richardknights2436 i saw, thanks though :) tbh i just find his style and the frequent plugging a little grating. Chasing Cars and Carfection are the channels for me
BMW, please, a Touring. Will order as soon as it is announced.
Tom Baker LOL that piano black diffuser WAS some bullshit LOL
We get the wagon in the uk now, hopefully it'll come to you guys eventually too.
Why not BMW sale M340 touring in Au? Only have 330/M3 touring.
Is that actually cognac leather or sensotec? In Canada we only get cognac sensotec, the closest to that colour in leather is the tartufo which is quite a bit darker. I'm speccing an M340i very similarly to this one, and torn between the tartufo merino leather or cognac sensotec, as I like the colour of the latter far more.
This is cognac Vernasca leather.
Hi Tom, curious why you suggest to NOT opt for the M Sport Package Pro ??
Is it to save $$ or just your personal opinion?
I hope I made clear that the black grille and extended black pack that comes with the M sport pro pack is very much not to my tastes
Will be seeing these as Hwy patrol soon I reckon. I think ACT had a few pre lci 340i on duty
3:28 I am 100% there with you. Other steering wheels just scare me off
Really want the touring one. Why not in Australia?😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢
5:39 Some quality European design, right there
Well done
Could you put a US dollar conversion in there somewhere so my head doesn’t explode the second you put the msrp on screen lol.
Some feedback during the interior segment -- You mention the USB ports, the centre cubby, the toe room, etc, but you never actually show us, the camera just switches to b-roll with your voiceover.
I’ve not driven either the m330i or the m340i but just because I want the b58 I’d go for the pre LCI m340i over the m330i lol
Not having the wagon option is such a deal breaker as I’ve got to fit a car seat and a Golden Retriever. What should I get instead that’s still a joy to drive?
330i Touring and suck up the fact it’s overpriced. Or an S4 Avant.
Or The Boss 2019 edition?
I would like to tell you why I prefer a SUV. I'm 77, and not as agile as once was. So the suv normally has a higher roof line which just simply makes it easier to get in and out of! Something that I wouldn't have considered a few years ago 😂
I mean you only get in or out your cars a few times a day. Don't you think the better handling, aesthetics and efficiency are well worth it over a SUV?
@@mauriceyip2209 wait till you're 70 and you back will answer it for you
Yes, I am 77 and I do struggle a little bit getting in and out of the 330e, but it is still manageable.
I do have an SUV that is much easier to get in and out of but not as much fun to drive. 😃
Thought I would let you know, I took delivery of my M340i last Tuesday and it does have the lock feature from the boot button and full auto unlocking/locking of the doors etc. Also recommeneded fuel is 95 Octane not 98. I love the car, traded my 2016 M4 Comp and I 100% made the right choice.
Anything you missed from the M4?
@@christmasisawesome9348 after a week the only real difference is that extra power when you rolling and the noise of the M4. But the more I drove the M340i the more i am enjoying it.
@ntruluck1 I see. That awd grip and b58 low end must really be awesome.
@@christmasisawesome9348 100% it is mate. It’s just a whole lot of fun without having to do a 1000mph. Which is where most driving is done and I can’t get rid of the smile mate.
@@ntruluck1 100%
I just can’t stand the look of that ultra wide glass panel dash. It comes across as an afterthought where someone got caught up in a pissing contest over who has the biggest/widest screen, and it appears not to integrate into the dash at all. Surely all the information you could ever need whilst driving could easily be conveyed on a screen half the size.
Other than that it appears to be an awesome car, and the numbers appear to stack up very nicely.
Nice car. A bit 'ho hum' styling wise, not in the same league as the Audi S5 sportsback....but a step forward for BMW for sure. Agree, now is the time to get into one of these 'sports sedans', before everything goes quiet with electrafication.....
I curious … is this a much harder ride than a C200? I want a Mercedes but with the speed of this. Comfort is my most important thing… what do you recommend
Comfort and luxury wise c200 is more preferred, engine and power wise m340i is the best. Do a test ride in both and find out.
Almost convinced that this Merc looking 3 series was my new car, but then you mentioned the lack of physical controls and meh UI- its a shame that BMW now have something negative with every single model (imo) :/
I guess the f30/f80's are my best bet, and ill have to pray they get their shit straight by the time i need a change hahah
Thanks alot, Tom.
I’m not in the market for a Beemer sedan.
But I can answer your question about steering wheel shape:
Definitely a fan of the round steering wheel over flat-bottomed. A round shape makes it easier and smoother for the steering wheel to self-straighten using a little friction past your hands. I’ve enjoyed my 2015 Golf GTI but the flat-bottomed steering wheel has been a minor curse.
The missing comfort access is not semiconductor related but a mistake in the standard spec build sheet on the original delivery of these cars down under. All builds from Nov ‘22 have this as standard and those cars are hitting AU shores this month.
Given the sensitivity of consumers avoiding cars with compromised spec it’s important to highlight that this was a mistake by BMW AU and not a factory enforced restriction
Do you have any source material showing that? If so, please email in.
Thanks - have been in touch.
@@chasingcars Trust me, this is true. Mine was delivered in late Jan and the dealer told me "BMW Australia stuffed up"....not a deal breaker though as they took over $10k off the recommended drive away price!
My dealership had 320i and 330i cars on the showroom floor at the same time that had comfort access installed
Wow. Thanks. Will look into it.
@@chasingcars I have a 2023 M340i that was manufactured in Germany and shipped to me in Jamaica... Also missing comfort access and was told "it was an error on BMW's part"...
It seems a whole batch of them have had this issue
Just wish they made it more race like type modifications already put on or big new turbo or like a bigger wing and a better exhaust but it’s a great car though I will be getting one when I find one with the red interior 🤞😈
You can upgrade these B58's so easily. Downpipe, charge pipe, full exhaust, and a tune and you're doing 450 wheel HP. If you want more, look at "pure 800 turbo".
I agree the LCI 340i is now the value pick in the 3 Series range with a $8900 reduction in price compared to the pre LCI. I cannot really understand BMW pricing strategy at the moment. The 340i is obviously a better buy than the Mercedes C43 (4 cylinder) but just why the 330i has increased in price by approximately $30k since I bought mine in 2019 is a mystery. I also think that some of the newer features are a backward step compared to the original - doing away with the shift lever; doing away with climate control buttons; the bulky infotainment screen; the M Sport diffuser and black exterior highlights are all negatives. As a drivers car though, it ranks as one of the best and if all those people who think they need a SUV tried this, I am sure that they would realise this 3 Series is all you need.
I’d rather have a Lexus IS Series than a BMW 3 Series. Lexus is always tops in quality and reliability.
BMW quality and reliability suck and Jaguar and Land Rover quality and reliability are the absolute worst, regardless of what bullshit surveys say.
@@timcorrell9863 the Lexus is amazing quality and after sales service but just zero excitement
@@timcorrell9863 Bit of a false dichotomy. Calling BMWs shit is a bit of a stretch. They are right up there in quality surveys.
@@timcorrell9863 Rubbish
@@timcorrell9863 I beg to differ as I have owned 5 BMWs since 2000. The 323i I bought new in 2000 has now exceeded 340,000 kms and it’s still going strong.
Why can’t you get keyless entry????
Excellent Review. This is really tempting. Tom, would you choose this over a Kia EV6 GT ?
That's an entirely different proposition. Numb EV versus these that have a sonorous straight 6 turbo. I think once you test drive one you'll make you mind up right quick.
Removing buttons for touch screen or haptics, is basically cost saving wrapped up in slick design.
Nice review. Thx.
I do have one question. The US gets this car with a mild 48v hybrid system. Australia don't get this 48v system...so I'd imagined Australian varient would be slightly slower?
The hybrid system does nothing for performance. It's only been implemented to aid with stop/start. We get it here as well.
Color?
The screens are a BIG DEAL. As someone who gets anxious easily, I can't imagine having to deal with touchscreen and touch controls on a regular basis in my car. A touchscreen is fine for the infotainment but only if essential things like volume are physical.
This and slap a tune on it or keep saving and buy a low mileage used RS5?
The 330e still gets that title for me though. Also with a soft remap it reaches 350hp and 700nm... absolute beast
700Nm?? No way…!!
@@jarasw8226 yup. Check br-performance.
Stock figures: 252cv-420nm.
Stage 1: 400cv-700nm
@@silv3rArrow I’ve checked. They have Stage 2 ( ecu tune + downpipe+ intake) for B48 330hp/490Nm. It is impossible to get 700Nm from this engine with software remap.
@@jarasw8226 I can say it does 11s in 3rd gear in sport plus hey it's just my opinion :)
Love this! I'm currently deciding between this and the M440i Coupe... I'm finding it hard to find any kind of direct comparison between the two, there's individual reviews for both, saying both are best in class, but no direct comparisons which is odd!
Seen the M440i Coupe around Melbourne a few times, it really stands out in the crowd
@@ultimatestefano I've seen one where I live too and I love it, it's a really underrated car imo, the M340i gets all the attention, but the M440i is the same car, with just sleeker styling
The M440i Coupe is basically the same car with 2 doors and swoopy styling combined with the BIG grille.
The grille alone would turn me off the 440i.
I always had coupes but just got the touring. You won't be disappointed and occasionally the extra space comes in very handy.
This car’s handling is amazing. Engine is a gem. Build quality is so much better than Merc C class. You will be an idiot to get the C43🤪
@Tim Correll I have a 21 M340i and my wife has a c205 c63. In terms of build quality the c class doesn't even come close. Everything in the interior creaks and feels poorly put together for the money you pay. The bmw surprisingly is tight and well assembled. Quality feels much, much better. I was even unfortunate enough to drive the new c200 while the c63 was in for repair. In terms of interior quality it's just as bad as the outgoing 205 model. I've never really been a bmw fan prior to owning one, but it is the superior product 3 series vs c class
Just purchased a shadowline package, m340i 2024 loaded! Brooklyn gray. $64,000
Wish the M3 had this grill
The M3 grill is actually looking more attractive than this grill. Seeing it in person made me like...wooooo, it actually nice.
this is a nice car
Great car (and great review)… But is it worth paying $50K more than a Stinger GT?
Hard question to answer without offending anyone. Here’s as plain as I can make it: the Stinger was amazing value for money, but its engine and handling were not close to the level of polish this M340i gives you. It’s a significantly more expensive product that’s significantly better to drive. That’s not to say the Kia was a bad car. It wasn’t.
Est price is a bit off, i've just ordered a m240i and it was 113k optioned the same.
I don’t know about on sale but forsure for sale!
filming yourself crossing double white line at 12:11? 😁
Dude, it’s a private test track.
Beautiful car. Would love to see the M340d versions in Oz, and the wagons of course! Where does BMW expect us to put our golf clubs? 😢
how is it so exensive... i got mine fully equipped for 73k
Where's my ice cream BMW Lol
Damn Australia be taxing i could pick up a 2023 m340i for 50-60k in US
I think he's talking about Australian dollars
Big shame you don’t get the M340i xDrive Touring in Ozzyland.
Indeed!
Agree mate it's bloody criminal! 😭
my father got one here in the UK, 2021 plate which I prefer as I do not like the facelifted rear diffuser. XDrive is a game changer, wheels just do not spin, it grips and literally takes off.
@@paskyy9527 It’s good we have it in the UK at least.
Best M 340i
Call me old school, but I'm not a fan of these touch screens. Keep up with the great reviews.
What happened at 10:41
You mentioned the fabulous 340d available overseas which Joe Achillies raves about. Next best might be the 530d. Worth a test please?
if only the purchaser had took the tinted windows to go with that black pack ... it would be flawless to me.
M3 LCI should have a front like that.
+1
Im able to get 6.8L per 100km on the highway
Why doesn't the American market get the sport seats?
Americans won’t fit in them
There's no way I would spend that much money on a car that will depreciate faster than the monthly payments on it.
the only new bmws that has the traditional look
5 series. 8 series. Z4.
when we get to 6 figures most people start thinking of real 4wd suvs
Australia must have high tariffs
Even on the second hand market, they are retaining their value. Would love to upgrade to one of these bad boys but don't want to pay over 60k. I wonder how long I'll have to wait and what odometer I'd be expecting before they reach that price
Correction - BMW 340i doesn't have the engine of Toyota Supra. Toyota Supra has the engine of a BMW340i. The B58 engine has been around since 2017 and they're the best 3 Ltr engines out there
Yes, calling it the Supra sedan was an in-joke.
if only it comes in a wagon......
Had mine two years. Pre LCI but its brilliant. Agree the LCI is better but at least they kept the handwheel for the operating system. My wife has a new X1 and everything is on the touchscreen. Need to set the car up before every journey PITA
Come on BMW release a track edition with 300-315 kw in touring or sedan or both versions in AUS - pppppplllllllllleeeeaaaaseeeee
I wouldnt say underpriced. Just not as overpriced as the others.