[BMW012]

you get a 7 series for the back seat. if you want your kids to grow up getting the luxury treatment (or whoever sits back there), thats what you get it for.

If you really want to get the 7, then I would tell you to try out the s550. if both were the same price, would be highly interested in the % of people who take the 7 over the S.

other than that, if you want the next step up in terms of getting the joy you get from the m550i try the 850i vert. its much more fluid... just reread your comment- if the 330 brought you the most smiles, then you can even go cheaper and get an 230i or m240i. unless 4 door is absolutely necessary.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by BMW012

you get a 7 series for the back seat. if you want your kids to grow up getting the luxury treatment (or whoever sits back there), thats what you get it for.

other than that, if you want the next step up in terms of getting the joy you get from the m550i try the 850i vert. its much more fluid.

I really want to drive an M850 GC but I’d have to drive somewhere else to do it. And I can’t afford it with low enough miles, so I’m not driving 3 hours or something just for a ten minute test drive.

I’m telling ya, the M340 really has me intrigued. That 330 puts a smile on your face and it’s just a little 4 banger that is agile as hell but not that fast, really.

But at the end of the day, the best car I drove today is mine. G30 M550 with DHP is awesome. Especially when you’ve been in lesser performing cars for two hours.

[adhrp]

I can tell you that the comfort of an M550i VS 3 series is no contest. If you like/take long drives routinely, then the 3 will make you feel tired or stiff pretty quickly. I have yet to feel stiff in my M550i and the longest I've driven in it so far is 8 hrs straight. The 3 would be great for commutes, driving around town, or short road trips.

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I really want to drive an M850 GC but I’d have to drive somewhere else to do it. And I can’t afford it with low enough miles, so I’m not driving 3 hours or something just for a ten minute test drive.

I’m telling ya, the M340 really has me intrigued. That 330 puts a smile on your face and it’s just a little 4 banger that is agile as hell but not that fast, really.

But at the end of the day, the best car I drove today is mine. G30 M550 with DHP is awesome. Especially when you’ve been in lesser performing cars for two hours.

The 7 doesn't surprise me, the 3 does. It's probably the fact that I owned its similar predecessor for several years, but the G20 330i does nothing for me. It's a nice, practical car, easy to live with.

That said, I did a cross country drive in my F30 and had no comfort issues. The G30 with luxury seating package is on a different level though.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by adhrp

I can tell you that the comfort of an M550i VS 3 series is no contest. If you like/take long drives routinely, then the 3 will make you feel tired or stiff pretty quickly. I have yet to feel stiff in my M550i and the longest I've driven in it so far is 8 hrs straight. The 3 would be great for commutes, driving around town, or short road trips.

I knew I’d like it because I’d had it as a loaner and enjoyed it. I drove a M440 coupe two weeks ago and didn’t love it. Which is weird. It was cool and I liked it but I wasn’t really wowed by it. But the 3 puts a grin on my face even with the 4 cyl. I really want to drive a M340 to see if it puts it over the top. Could be a disappointment like the M440 coupe could be awesome.

But your comments on longer trips is spot on. First thing I did was look at my wife and ask “could you sit in this for a 3-4 hour trip?” She said she didn’t know. I think I could because I’m driving and having fun, but it’s hard to know without doing it. But I want her to enjoy it, too. We want to start taking more short trips without the kids and I want to do it in whatever I’m driving, not the X7. The drive is part of the fun for me and the X7 is great but I wouldn’t call it “fun”.

I definitely think it would be a bigger challenge to do the kind of 1,500 mile/4-5 day trip I did a few weeks ago. The M550 was flawless on that trip. Perfect. Engaging and comfortable with a great stereo and all the power I could ever want.

End of the day… like I said in my other thread a while back - the G30 is still the king (particularly the M550). It just does it all. And it looks incredible.

The best car I drove today was mine. Which is a nice feeling!

[G30M]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

My only itch in the BMW space is a late model F90 LCI M5C, honestly, nothing across the current BMW line even come close to tempting me. I always have the Porsche 911 itch, but I am stuck in procrastination hell about that. Similar procrastination hell on the M5C as I love my car, I have invested resources and sweat in getting it to where it is.

If the right (color, interior, options) M5C was local to me, that is a scenario where I might take the compulsive plunge. I look everyday at all the local dealers.

If this were local to me, but an LCI, I would probably be all over a car like this.

https://www.bmwofwichita.com/invento...f0c01lb448831/

I tested a Pre LCI non competition that was traded in at the dealers, it had 60,000 miles

luckily the way it aged really put me off, the seats didn't age well, the engine/drive train was a bit shaky

the ride was bumpy but not firm which is a strange concept, you feel the imperfections of the road surface but it wasn't harsh

the thing was a wild animal, spins up the rear tires on a dry day!

the thought of me going wild in that car scared me - not the power, the cost of fixing stuff i break!

i think i will just drive my 550 gently and continue to fling the 340 around

the 340 is my fling toy

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by g21

I tested a Pre LCI non competition that was traded in at the dealers, it had 60,000 miles

luckily the way it aged really put me off, the seats didn't age well, the engine/drive train was a bit shaky

the ride was bumpy but not firm which is a strange concept, you feel the imperfections of the road surface but it wasn't harsh

the thing was a wild animal, spins up the rear tires on a dry day!

the thought of me going wild in that car scared me - not the power, the cost of fixing stuff i break!

i think i will just drive my 550 gently and continue to fling the 340 around

the 340 is my fling toy

Totally get the 340 as the fling toy. But why drive the 550 so gently? I guess that’s a relative term. But if you’re going to be that gentle, why not get a 540? I drove a 2023 540 today just to revisit the B58 in the G30 platform. It’s as smooth as I remember. Fast. Not blisteringly fast but still fast. And did I mention smooth? If you’re going to be gentle with a G30, it’s a great way to travel.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Totally get the 340 as the fling toy. But why drive the 550 so gently? I guess that’s a relative term. But if you’re going to be that gentle, why not get a 540? I drove a 2023 540 today just to revisit the B58 in the G30 platform. It’s as smooth as I remember. Fast. Not blisteringly fast but still fast. And did I mention smooth? If you’re going to be gentle with a G30, it’s a great way to travel.

That's a good question

I didn't know you can fling the 550. I do flog the 550. It's seen 6500 RPM more than it's seen 3000.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by g21

That's a good question

I didn't know you can fling the 550. I do flog the 550. It's seen 6500 RPM more than it's seen 3000.

Right on!

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by g21

I tested a Pre LCI non competition that was traded in at the dealers, it had 60,000 miles

luckily the way it aged really put me off, the seats didn't age well, the engine/drive train was a bit shaky

the ride was bumpy but not firm which is a strange concept, you feel the imperfections of the road surface but it wasn't harsh

the thing was a wild animal, spins up the rear tires on a dry day!

the thought of me going wild in that car scared me - not the power, the cost of fixing stuff i break!

i think i will just drive my 550 gently and continue to fling the 340 around

the 340 is my fling toy

I had the opposite experience with the LCI M5 Comp I drove. It had far less miles than the Pre-LCI you drove. I found the ride to be surprisingly smooth. I live in New England, home of potholes and patched roads. I literally aimed for every imperfection I could find and my take away was that it handled them better than my M550. I think because the suspension is so grounded and tight (not harsh) that it just absorbed the hit much better and didn't transfer them to the driver like the M550 does. It is also not even close to floaty like the M550, especially the front end. Now this was a Comp and the suspension is upgraded. The M5C also felt like I was driving a car half the weight of the M550.

In terms of it being a wild beast, I can definitely manage that, and I did. But yeah, it is a real ///M car for a reason. When I had it in "Road" mode (///M speak for Comfort), I had no issues smoothly launching and stop and go. The tranny shift points are definitely more aggressive, but manageable, this was a good thing for me. Kind of like driving in Sport Plus, you use it when it is appropriate and you need to learn how to drive with it on. I like this "problem".

I have posted my review many times and I am sure you saw it. I went into it looking for a reason to say, nah, no way, the M550 is better for me. I wish I never drove it, because I left with the opposite feeling.

I also found the M5 seats measurably more comfortable than my seats in the M550. I just felt locked in and I didn't sink into them. In terms of wear and tear on the seats, I think the car I drove was just shy of 30k miles, it was clearly a lease return and the trim and console looked pretty key scratched and the carpet floor mats were trashed. It struck me as a car the prior drivers didn't care about like we do, but the seats were fine. They were Cognac Merino. I have seen the white seats look pretty beat in both the M550 and M5, but that is more the downside of going white/cream.

Trust me, I wish I had your experience so I wouldn't be obsessed with how it improves so much on the few things that fall short for me on the M550, mainly body roll, cornering and handling.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by Gautam

The 7 doesn't surprise me, the 3 does. It's probably the fact that I owned its similar predecessor for several years, but the G20 330i does nothing for me. It's a nice, practical car, easy to live with.

That said, I did a cross country drive in my F30 and had no comfort issues. The G30 with luxury seating package is on a different level though.

I had an F30 340i M sport with 6MT and adaptive suspension for 2 years between the M3 and the 540i. The 6MT was a bad decision as I was stuck in my save the manuals phase and never gave the ZF8 a chance until it was too late to change the order. It was a great city car, very agile and easy enough to park. Longer trips were fine but when I drove the G30 I knew it was next level comfort, luxury, less noise without giving up too much of the 3er driving dynamics. Everything is effortless in the G30, though it’s a little big and not as crisp driving twisty roads. At this point in my life it’s the Goldilocks car.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by NGT2

The 750 is sweet, no doubt. Ultra luxury freight train that hauls ass. If you want to be the biggest swinging thing on the road and super fast in a straight line, it’s for you.

If you want to change directions or drive more aggressively than just mashing it in a straight line, the M550 is as big as you want to go.

I have DHP and I feel like it helps it drive less boaty with any level of aggression. I guess in conservative, smooth driving I could see what you mean but it is intended to make that kind of driving smoother. I think it does it’s intended job well on both ends of the spectrum.

I drove 4 cars. The only one that put a big smile on my face was the 330 (they didn’t have an M340). If I were going to replace it with something other than another G30 M550, I think it would almost 100% be a M340.

Will be harder to come across for a drive in my market, but cars I’d still like to drive and haven’t yet:

X6 M50
M340
X3 M50
840 GC
M850 GC

After owning the M550 I don’t think you’ll like the 840 GC much - very nice if relatively underpowered to your current car- but the M850 GC could be very compelling. 20 years ago I switched from consecutive 5ers to a 330i ZHP, then an M3 lite. I don’t think I could do that now, I just prioritize comfort more. But the G20 is a good size car, not too big.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by adhrp

If I wanted the utility of an SUV while not feeling like I am driving an elephant, the X3 M40i (or now M50) would be my choice hands down. But I would just get a Macan S then.

Macan S definitely has great driving dynamics. The question becomes do you really want to pay about 20% more for that last 5-10% better driving dynamics and less space/utility.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

After owning the M550 I don’t think you’ll like the 840 GC much - very nice if relatively underpowered to your current car- but the M850 GC could be very compelling. 20 years ago I switched from consecutive 5ers to a 330i ZHP, then an M3 lite. I don’t think I could do that now, I just prioritize comfort more. But the G20 is a good size car, not too big.

I expect I’d agree after a drive in the 840 GC. Big presence but no real bite, relative to what I’ve got. But I’d jump on a test opportunity just to get a feel for the size and feel of the car. That’s why I tested the 330. Probably a very different drive than a M340 but I at least got to test out the seats and the size and the wind noise.

The M340 is really tempting. I’ll probably have it in the back of my mind for a while. But after testing all those and then getting back in the M550 with DHP, Lux seating, and Bowers stereo, it’s pretty hard to realistically imagine trading the M550 when it still has so much life left. I’ll probably sink the maintenance “investment” into it and roll on another couple years.

Supposedly, MY2025 will bring more upscale interior components to the M340 (but no bowers stereo). The same is expected for the new X3. If the M340 had some more seat comfort, upgraded leather, and upgraded hard materials then MAYBE it would be an easier switch. But still, hard to beat a M550 G30. I don’t even think it takes hard turns any “worse”, it just feels different.

Moral of the story… I wish I could afford to own two new-ish cars!

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I expect I’d agree after a drive in the 840 GC. Big presence but no real bite, relative to what I’ve got. But I’d jump on a test opportunity just to get a feel for the size and feel of the car. That’s why I tested the 330. Probably a very different drive than a M340 but I at least got to test out the seats and the size and the wind noise.

The M340 is really tempting. I’ll probably have it in the back of my mind for a while. But after testing all those and then getting back in the M550 with DHP, Lux seating, and Bowers stereo, it’s pretty hard to realistically imagine trading the M550 when it still has so much life left. I’ll probably sink the maintenance “investment” into it and roll on another couple years.

Supposedly, MY2025 will bring more upscale interior components to the M340 (but no bowers stereo). The same is expected for the new X3. If the M340 had some more seat comfort, upgraded leather, and upgraded hard materials then MAYBE it would be an easier switch. But still, hard to beat a M550 G30. I don’t even think it takes hard turns any “worse”, it just feels different.

Moral of the story… I wish I could afford to own two new-ish cars!

I find the M340i tempting but I couldn’t do it without the luxury seats and nappa or merino leather. Which is why I wish the Alpina B3 was available here. Except it still doesn’t have the G30 luxury seats.

I’m driving driving a ‘22 M5 base later today. Curious how the suspension is vs my 704 passive suspension. The engine will be otherworldly. It’s all black so a no-go for me. I’m doing a similar process to yours, driving different cars, but suspect it will lead me back to a new 540 eventually.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

I find the M340i tempting but I couldn’t do it without the luxury seats and nappa or merino leather. Which is why I wish the Alpina B3 was available here. Except it still doesn’t have the G30 luxury seats.

I’m driving driving a ‘22 M5 base later today. Curious how the suspension is vs my 704 passive suspension. The engine will be otherworldly. It’s all black so a no-go for me. I’m doing a similar process to yours, driving different cars, but suspect it will lead me back to a new 540 eventually.

I actually like the seats in the 3 series better than the base sport seats in the G30. But the upgraded seats of the G30 (and other upscale models) are obviously better than the 3’s.

Honestly, if they kept the seats but upgraded the leather, upgraded doorcard material, added a better stereo option, and gave it an electronically adjustable steering column then it would make a huge difference. Reducing road noise would be nice but I’m sure that would add weight, too.

Report back on the base M5!

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

I find the M340i tempting but I couldn’t do it without the luxury seats and nappa or merino leather. Which is why I wish the Alpina B3 was available here. Except it still doesn’t have the G30 luxury seats.

I’m driving driving a ‘22 M5 base later today. Curious how the suspension is vs my 704 passive suspension. The engine will be otherworldly. It’s all black so a no-go for me. I’m doing a similar process to yours, driving different cars, but suspect it will lead me back to a new 540 eventually.

Yeah, definitely report back on your thoughts on the base M5. Although I drove a Comp and formulated my review on that car, I would be curious to see what you think of the M5.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Right on!

i guess i'm too scared to do drifts and sharp turns with that thing, when i rev the engine, the entire engine looks like it about to fly out of the engine bay!

i also read someone videoed their giubo when doing a launch and there is so much flex in the drive train!

also i'm scared of ruining the rear wheel steer system

but yes i will floor it every time i drive it to feel the power

it's like a drug

maybe i'll be brave one day and drive it like i drove the M5 in the yard

[G30M]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

I find the M340i tempting but I couldn’t do it without the luxury seats and nappa or merino leather. Which is why I wish the Alpina B3 was available here. Except it still doesn’t have the G30 luxury seats.

I’m driving driving a ‘22 M5 base later today. Curious how the suspension is vs my 704 passive suspension. The engine will be otherworldly. It’s all black so a no-go for me. I’m doing a similar process to yours, driving different cars, but suspect it will lead me back to a new 540 eventually.

if you want to buy a 540 do NOT test the M5

[G30M]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I expect I’d agree after a drive in the 840 GC. Big presence but no real bite, relative to what I’ve got. But I’d jump on a test opportunity just to get a feel for the size and feel of the car. That’s why I tested the 330. Probably a very different drive than a M340 but I at least got to test out the seats and the size and the wind noise.

The M340 is really tempting. I’ll probably have it in the back of my mind for a while. But after testing all those and then getting back in the M550 with DHP, Lux seating, and Bowers stereo, it’s pretty hard to realistically imagine trading the M550 when it still has so much life left. I’ll probably sink the maintenance “investment” into it and roll on another couple years.

Supposedly, MY2025 will bring more upscale interior components to the M340 (but no bowers stereo). The same is expected for the new X3. If the M340 had some more seat comfort, upgraded leather, and upgraded hard materials then MAYBE it would be an easier switch. But still, hard to beat a M550 G30. I don’t even think it takes hard turns any “worse”, it just feels different.

Moral of the story… I wish I could afford to own two new-ish cars!

the 340 is not a luxury car. it's like a kid's toy compared to the 5 series\

when i stare at the passenger door from the driving seat, i can see bare metal (the door metal frame). i mean, seriously? they didn't even cover up the door with hard plastic trim.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by g21

i guess i'm too scared to do drifts and sharp turns with that thing, when i rev the engine, the entire engine looks like it about to fly out of the engine bay!

i also read someone videoed their giubo when doing a launch and there is so much flex in the drive train!

also i'm scared of ruining the rear wheel steer system

but yes i will floor it every time i drive it to feel the power

it's like a drug

maybe i'll be brave one day and drive it like i drove the M5 in the yard

I hear you. I haven’t ever launched mine. No clue if it was before I owned it. It was a BMW owned executive car and I could tell by the lifetime fuel efficiency that it wasn’t driven too aggressively.

And I’m definitely not drifting it.

If I got a RWD M340, I think I’d have to try and swing the rear end around. I’d feel obligated to!

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by g21

the 340 is not a luxury car. it's like a kid's toy compared to the 5 series\

when i stare at the passenger door from the driving seat, i can see bare metal (the door metal frame). i mean, seriously? they didn't even cover up the door with hard plastic trim.

Yeah, I’m interested to see what they do to pretty it up. I’m assuming they’re doing that to follow what they’re doing with the new X3.