[lychee6]

Considering two used vehicles, anyone recommend one over the other? I know the handling and craftsmanship will be different. I'll be switching up from a 335 (F30). Thanks in advance.

[Nai1ZuTe]

I came from a 2020 M340i and now own a 2022 M550i. Here are a few takeaways:
- Both cars are comfortable daily driver. M550i has softer suspension and better build quality.
- V8 is increasingly rare in a sedan and it sounds incredible. B58 sounds good as well especially for MY2020 because for 2021+ BMW nerfed the exhaust note (burbles and crackles)
- M340i definitely handles better but I didn't find M550i drive like a boat as some described. M550i has some body roll but for non-track driving the limit of both cars will be pretty close when turning.
- M550i has more luxury features like ventilated and massaging seats and B&W audio which is not available on M340i. B&W is a big factor for me to switch to the G30.

For your specific case since you are looking at a 2018 M550i:
- It's using N63TU2 compared to N63TU3 in LCI version, which is slightly less powerful and supposed to be not as reliable as the latest generation. If you are looking into long term ownership and tuning potential B58 is clearly a better choice.
- 2018 M550i uses id6 and 2020 M340i is on id7. I would prefer newer tech but since you come from F30 it probably doesn't feel outdated.

I'd chose M550i if you value comfort and want to experience last of the V8 (without caring too much on its reliability...). Otherwise M340i is a better choice for majority of the drivers.

[BMW012]

Originally Posted by lychee6

Considering two used vehicles, anyone recommend one over the other? I know the handling and craftsmanship will be different. I'll be switching up from a 335 (F30). Thanks in advance.

Do you have an actual car with miles, price, etc for comparison? As all that will matter a lot.

Most importantly did you get a chance to drive both? Usually, that's the most important thing for me before doing hours of endless research lol.

For me at least a 2018 M550 with high miles would probably be a deal breaker for me.

[2022M550i]

They certainly didn't nerf the exhaust crackles in my 2022…. My exhaust can get pretty rowdy in sport+ mode….depending on engine temp it can be a bit attention getting.

[HerkHealer]

Originally Posted by 2022M550i

They certainly didn't nerf the exhaust crackles in my 2022…. My exhaust can get pretty rowdy in sport+ mode….depending on engine temp it can be a bit attention getting.

Mine barks quite loudly once things are warmed up also.
Sometimes I actually get a loud POP when letting off the gas.
I wonder if it has to do with the resonators.
Prior to 2020, there are 4 resonators while we have just 2.

[lychee6]

Originally Posted by Nai1ZuTe

I came from a 2020 M340i and now own a 2022 M550i. Here are a few takeaways:
- Both cars are comfortable daily driver. M550i has softer suspension and better build quality.
- V8 is increasingly rare in a sedan and it sounds incredible. B58 sounds good as well especially for MY2020 because for 2021+ BMW nerfed the exhaust note (burbles and crackles)
- M340i definitely handles better but I didn't find M550i drive like a boat as some described. M550i has some body roll but for non-track driving the limit of both cars will be pretty close when turning.
- M550i has more luxury features like ventilated and massaging seats and B&W audio which is not available on M340i. B&W is a big factor for me to switch to the G30.

For your specific case since you are looking at a 2018 M550i:
- It's using N63TU2 compared to N63TU3 in LCI version, which is slightly less powerful and supposed to be not as reliable as the latest generation. If you are looking into long term ownership and tuning potential B58 is clearly a better choice.
- 2018 M550i uses id6 and 2020 M340i is on id7. I would prefer newer tech but since you come from F30 it probably doesn't feel outdated.

I'd chose M550i if you value comfort and want to experience last of the V8 (without caring too much on its reliability...). Otherwise M340i is a better choice for majority of the drivers.

Thank you!! Leaning towards the M340 as I value the reliability of the B58 compared to the N63, and not overly eager to take on some of the repairs that may arise with an N63 which is (or soon to be) out of warranty in my case.

[lychee6]

Originally Posted by BMW012

Do you have an actual car with miles, price, etc for comparison? As all that will matter a lot.

Most importantly did you get a chance to drive both? Usually, that's the most important thing for me before doing hours of endless research lol.

For me at least a 2018 M550 with high miles would probably be a deal breaker for me.

M340 has low mileage compared to the M550 which is around 50k. I have done a fair bit of research on the M340. Unfortunately I will probably not have the chance to drive either before purchasing. Leaning towards the M340 as I would give up finer finishes for reliability. Thanks for your input!

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by lychee6

M340 has low mileage compared to the M550 which is around 50k. I have done a fair bit of research on the M340. Unfortunately I will probably not have the chance to drive either before purchasing. Leaning towards the M340 as I would give up finer finishes for reliability. Thanks for your input!

I know it's not an M-light car like the other two, but have you considered going with a 540?

[BMW012]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I know it's not an M-light car like the other two, but have you considered going with a 540?

Yea the 540 is outstanding vehicle. I would take that over a M340 all day. I really think there is much more than 332hp in there...even with BMW's normal way of underrating things.

[2022M550i]

What I love the most, we have 4 doors…your average guy would have no idea how quick these cars are.

[Nai1ZuTe]

Originally Posted by 2022M550i

They certainly didn't nerf the exhaust crackles in my 2022…. My exhaust can get pretty rowdy in sport+ mode….depending on engine temp it can be a bit attention getting.

I meant the M340i. 2020 has the best exhaust sound

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by BMW012

Yea the 540 is outstanding vehicle. I would take that over a M340 all day. I really think there is much more than 332hp in there...even with BMW's normal way of underrating things.

All the comfort of the 5, the B58, and it wouldn't take much of a tune to get whatever power you're getting from the M340, I'm guessing. And plenty of aftermarket exhaust options if that's something you're interested in.

People should get what they want. Don't get me wrong. Just offering what may be a marriage of all the traits OP is looking for.

[turbobeagle]

Originally Posted by BMW012

Yea the 540 is outstanding vehicle. I would take that over a M340 all day. I really think there is much more than 332hp in there...even with BMW's normal way of underrating things.

I’ve always wondered about this. I came from a N55 X3 that was rated for 300hp. The G30 540i feels way faster than a 32hp bump would suggest. As you said, the 540i power seems under reported even by BMW standards. Maybe they wanted increased separation on paper for the M550? In any case, I would love to have the sound of the M550i but I can honestly say that the 540i is plenty powerful enough for me.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by turbobeagle

I’ve always wondered about this. I came from a N55 X3 that was rated for 300hp. The G30 540i feels way faster than a 32hp bump would suggest. As you said, the 540i power seems under reported even by BMW standards. Maybe they wanted increased separation on paper for the M550? In any case, I would love to have the sound of the M550i but I can honestly say that the 540i is plenty powerful enough for me.

Same. I've said it several times. 550 would be cool as hell. But the 540 makes me very satisfied. Hell of a car to be the mid tier of its model.

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by lychee6

M340 has low mileage compared to the M550 which is around 50k. I have done a fair bit of research on the M340. Unfortunately I will probably not have the chance to drive either before purchasing. Leaning towards the M340 as I would give up finer finishes for reliability. Thanks for your input!

You really should find a way to test drive them or something similar (ie used examples, turo, etc)

It’ll likely change your perspective entirely from what it is solely by reading reviews and forum posts.

(And they could be solidly towards one or the other, or maybe something else entirely)

[HThomas]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Same. I've said it several times. 550 would be cool as hell. But the 540 makes me very satisfied. Hell of a car to be the mid tier of its model.

This! I have my 540 tuned to just under 500hp and it's a great all around car. And if I wanted to do some additional work building the engine and new turbo, they sky is basically the limit. People are able to get 800-1000hp out of the in-line 6.

Some cars may handle better (m340)

Some cars may have a v8


But mine is great day in day out for everything. Has been very reliable so far.

B58 seems to be a great platform and the size of the 5 series seems to make everything easier to work on with more engine room.

Tough to go wrong.

[luthers4]

I'm also trying decide between an M340 and M550. Some of the M550 owners' reliability data on this forum is making me question my affinity for the M550. I have owned a 330ci, E46 M3 and just sold my F80 M3. As a DIYer I'm not too concerned about maintenance costs or minor issues (eg grill flaps, ambient lights). I'll likely forgo an extended warranty and plan to keep the car past 100k miles. Based on my research it sounds like 2020 M550s have fewer major issues. Please feel free to correct me if anyone disagrees.

Next car will primarily be used for road trips. M340 checks the mpg and fun boxes. M550 comfort, size and exhaust note checks boxes. Sounds like I can get 27-30 mpg at 80 mph in ECO mode on the road with an M550.

Think I'm going 2020 M550, unless the perfect M340 comes along.

BTW- if your not concerned about driver assistance options you should consider a 2016-2018 M3. I'm still questioning my decision to sell. F80s are bullet proof if cared for, comfortable ride in comfort modes and absolute beast in sport plus. So much fun!

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by luthers4

Next car will primarily be used for road trips. M340 checks the mpg and fun boxes. M550 comfort, size and exhaust note checks boxes. Sounds like I can get 27-30 mpg at 80 mph in ECO mode on the road with an M550.

Think I'm going 2020 M550, unless the perfect M340 comes along.

Can confirm - I got 29 MPG on the way home from picking up my 2020 M550i recently! MY20 is a great choice for the M550i. See my recent thread if you want more info on it (perhaps you already have).