[Dutt1113]

I know this is a 5er forum, but how do you guys think the 2019 m340i with full merino interior would compare to a 2018 m550i with just nappa leather? I know the base non-merino trims (apples to apples) that the m550 would be quite a bit nicer as 5er would have less plastics interior wise compared to m340i. Do you think an m340i with full merino would close the quality and refinement gap compared to m550i non-merino? I think m340i full merino would be more readily available/attainable as compared to m550?

I have yet to see/hear about m340i with full merino purchased by people in the forums yet, just what BMW showed at Auto Show way before any plan to when it would be offered to be purchased. My only concern with g20 full merino is that it doesn't cover sides of center console tunnel (knee / hip area), at least what I have seen from pictures.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by Dutt1113

I know this is a 5er forum, but how do you guys think the 2019 m340i with full merino interior would compare to a 2018 m550i with just nappa leather? I know the base non-merino trims (apples to apples) that the m550 would be quite a bit nicer as 5er would have less plastics interior wise compared to m340i. Do you think an m340i with full merino would close the quality and refinement gap compared to m550i non-merino? I think m340i full merino would be more readily available/attainable as compared to m550?

I have yet to see/hear about m340i with full merino purchased by people in the forums yet, just what BMW showed at Auto Show way before any plan to when it would be offered to be purchased. My only concern with g20 full merino is that it doesn't cover sides of center console tunnel (knee / hip area), at least what I have seen from pictures.

I have nappa in mine. I would have ordered merino but it was a special order and I didn't have time to wait the extra time.

I think the Nappa and Merino perform very similarly. I like both (and strongly dislike Dakota). The reason I would have gone for the Merino is the greater use of it and the wider choice of colors.

I had Dakota in previous BMW and ordered Nappa in my current one (including the dash...I don't know if that is an option for you but the leather dash in the 530e is also Nappa and covers the door tops as well. Really finishes off the interior). I think you will be happy with either (assuming you find colors you like in each).

[kwstandard]

The application of leather is minor compared to how each car feels... G30 is much more comfortable. The numbers don't seem that far off for interior space, but there is a big difference when you're in the car - especially for any extended period. The seats are very different too. That said, if you want a sportier, more nimble car, that still has a pretty nice interior, the M340i is your best bet. If you get Nappa in the G30 with the leather dash option, the only place you're missing leather is on the sides of the center console and the glove box. So, again, it's more about the car than the leather - IMHO.

[SteveinArizona]

If i could have gotten a three series with merino I would have opted for it. But that was not an option. I prefer a smaller car but I dislike Dakota and like Nappa and Merino.