Comparison: '13 335i vs '16 340i LCI

G80_Soom · 08-28-2015, 09:46 AM

Hey guys,

Just picked up my 340i yesterday and thought I'd share some comp photos and initial impressions. This was the first 340i delivered at Devon Hill BMW and one of the first in PA so even the dealership was just as excited as me, haha. Oh, and screw you U.S customs for delaying it over a week next door in Jersey!

Appearance: As much as my friends urged me to change colors, I could not move on from Estoril Blue II. Three years later, I still love it. So, the outside looks very similar. However, right away you can tell the 340i looks more aggressive. Besides the splitter and spoiler adding to the looks, just the new headlights/tail lights give a more robust look to the car. They look especially great when on. There are now fog lights which wasn't present prior.

In the interior, it's very similar but there are some minor changes. The cupholder cover now slides in and out. The Matte Blue accent in the interior is now on the door panel as well. The seats now have a white stitching on them. The software for the screen is updated. It's quicker and has some better transition effects.

The font color for AC is now white instead of orange. The Bluetooth finally works flawlessly with my Galaxy S6! The audio streaming used to cut off every minute or so no matter what fix I tried prior.

Sound: To preface, I had an Injen Intake and Borla ATAK catback on my 335i so this car doesn't sound nearly as good or loud but I'm comparing stock vs stock. They both are not compatible with the 340i. It's now a louder beep when you lock/unlock the car which is welcoming because the 335i was too quiet compared to other cars. The doors now have a softer thud when you close them. The B58 engine has a deeper sound to it.

Obviously, it's still in the break-in process so I couldn't really push it but it definitely sounds a little better than the N55. Now, the exhaust is interesting. As much "new school" the 340i is, the exhaust now has a nice little "old school" sound to it! It has that throaty rasp the E36/E46 has now. Love it. Loudness level is the same at the moment but it will open up more later.

Driving impressions: Here's where the car really shines. I always felt the 335i was a little too soft of a car. The 340i has tightened up noticeably. The steering is stiffer and so is the suspension. Haven't really tested the body roll but it's definitely less. I couldn't help but push the car once to 4500 RPM and it pulls harder. Never thought the 335i needed more power/torque but that extra bit puts a smile on my face, haha.

The new 6MT is interesting. I had no issue with the previous ZF one. Not sure if they made this one too but on upshifts to me, it feels very similar. However, I won't be able to feel the change until I do a high RPM 1-2 gear change. On downshifts though, is a different story. It rev matches for you and very well. I'm still indifferent in regards to it. I can't help but still do it myself just on impulse. My friend who drives a 6MT E90 loved it when he took it for a spin.

All in all, they took a good car and made it considerably better. I had no problems with the looks on the outside/inside and they made it slightly better. They tightened up the car and made it more powerful. Really, not much more you can ask. This is the best car in it's class and it's not even questionable to me. The 335i was before and the 340i is no different.

Enjoy the pics! (Sorry, forgot to take interior/engine/lights on pics)

[IMG]

[/IMG]

[IMG]

[/IMG]

the_phew · 08-28-2015, 10:19 AM

Nice car(s)! What were the MPG ratings on the on the window sticker?

.BMW. · 08-28-2015, 10:28 AM

Great comparison!

ErkanTR16 · 08-28-2015, 10:29 AM

Beautiful!!

adhrp · 08-28-2015, 10:52 AM

Beautiful! Congrats! I couldn't easily tell the difference between the front pics though...except for the black on the 340i's bumper. I didn't find it particularly aggressive looking compared to the 335i. Same story with the back if the 335i had a spoiler...

the_phew · 08-28-2015, 10:59 AM

After reading so many reviewers of the LCI 340i with the track handling pack complain about the steering/suspension, it's nice to see a positive review of these aspects on a model with plain old 704.

Skipping ZTR sounds like a prudent move if you like your steering/suspension "straight no chaser".

P-Bass · 08-28-2015, 11:44 AM

Thanks for the write up. I'll be in the market in the next 3 to 6 months. Contemplating a 340, 435, or M3. Did you consider the Track Pack? Does it come with suspension modifications? I like it, but don't want VSS , and definitely RWD next time.

Thanks.

hungsoon · 08-28-2015, 12:08 PM

nice car , that's cool

what's the custom tail lights use in this car ?

BobGonwild · 08-28-2015, 12:10 PM

Looks awesome man! I'd love to hear some updated driving impressions after you break the car in. Keep us posted!

NightWriter · 08-28-2015, 12:32 PM

Nice, congrats and enjoy.

M-Pilot · 08-28-2015, 12:33 PM

Congrats! Looking really really good

If you don't mind me asking, did you buy or lease? If you're leasing, can you share the lease details please?

Thanks for comparison and the pics again!

**OEMconcept** · 08-28-2015, 12:34 PM

Car looks great!

These pics reminded me of this...

JJS · 08-28-2015, 05:00 PM

I wonder if rev-matching could be coded into my 335i. It seems to do so when I downshift in under cruise control, but not when cruise is switched off.

drummerlauw · 08-28-2015, 08:06 PM

Totally subjective, but i like the look of Xenons projector better than the LEDs. The projectors just have more "character" (eyeballs-look).

Tim@codemybimmer · 08-28-2015, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drummerlauw

Totally subjective, but i like the look of Xenons projector better than the LEDs. The projectors just have more "character" (eyeballs-look).

I think it might have to do with how the angel eyes are clear rather than having a frosted effect with pre-lci. I agree, at least with the lights off, that the pre-lci xenon projectors look better. I'm sure once they are on, it'll look more cohesive.

phantom701 · 08-29-2015, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E46toF30

Hey guys,
The font color for AC is now white instead of orange. The Bluetooth finally works flawlessly with my Galaxy S6! The audio streaming used to cut off every minute or so no matter what fix I tried prior.

BTW, the AC font color turns amber/orange at night. It's very cool!!

EJL · 08-29-2015, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E46toF30

Hey guys,

Just picked up my 340i yesterday and thought I'd share some comp photos and initial impressions. This was the first 340i delivered at Devon Hill BMW and one of the first in PA so even the dealership was just as excited as me, haha. Oh, and screw you U.S customs for delaying it over a week next door in Jersey!

Appearance: As much as my friends urged me to change colors, I could not move on from Estoril Blue II. Three years later, I still love it. So, the outside looks very similar. However, right away you can tell the 340i looks more aggressive. Besides the splitter and spoiler adding to the looks, just the new headlights/tail lights give a more robust look to the car. They look especially great when on. There are now fog lights which wasn't present prior.

In the interior, it's very similar but there are some minor changes. The cupholder cover now slides in and out. The Matte Blue accent in the interior is now on the door panel as well. The seats now have a white stitching on them. The software for the screen is updated. It's quicker and has some better transition effects.

The font color for AC is now white instead of orange. The Bluetooth finally works flawlessly with my Galaxy S6! The audio streaming used to cut off every minute or so no matter what fix I tried prior.

Sound: To preface, I had an Injen Intake and Borla ATAK catback on my 335i so this car doesn't sound nearly as good or loud but I'm comparing stock vs stock. They both are not compatible with the 340i. It's now a louder beep when you lock/unlock the car which is welcoming because the 335i was too quiet compared to other cars. The doors now have a softer thud when you close them. The B58 engine has a deeper sound to it.

Obviously, it's still in the break-in process so I couldn't really push it but it definitely sounds a little better than the N55. Now, the exhaust is interesting. As much "new school" the 340i is, the exhaust now has a nice little "old school" sound to it! It has that throaty rasp the E36/E46 has now. Love it. Loudness level is the same at the moment but it will open up more later.

Driving impressions: Here's where the car really shines. I always felt the 335i was a little too soft of a car. The 340i has tightened up noticeably. The steering is stiffer and so is the suspension. Haven't really tested the body roll but it's definitely less. I couldn't help but push the car once to 4500 RPM and it pulls harder. Never thought the 335i needed more power/torque but that extra bit puts a smile on my face, haha.

The new 6MT is interesting. I had no issue with the previous ZF one. Not sure if they made this one too but on upshifts to me, it feels very similar. However, I won't be able to feel the change until I do a high RPM 1-2 gear change. On downshifts though, is a different story. It rev matches for you and very well. I'm still indifferent in regards to it. I can't help but still do it myself just on impulse. My friend who drives a 6MT E90 loved it when he took it for a spin.

All in all, they took a good car and made it considerably better. I had no problems with the looks on the outside/inside and they made it slightly better. They tightened up the car and made it more powerful. Really, not much more you can ask. This is the best car in it's class and it's not even questionable to me. The 335i was before and the 340i is no different.

Enjoy the pics! (Sorry, forgot to take interior/engine/lights on pics)

I picked mine up on Wednesday, but i don't have fogs. If you get ZTR, with ZMP, fogs are deleted.

The VSS does feel strange when you first start driving it, but as you get used to it, its not bad. But i can definitely see what the reviewers were talking about. I think the short amount of time they had in the car isn't enough to get used to it.

The car does feel stronger than the 335 to me, though I haven't really gotten on it yet.

FYI, it wasn't customs holding up your car, it was waiting for California to approve it. So say screw you CARB.

DS_BMW · 08-29-2015, 10:30 AM

Looks very sweet!! I just could not get the same car again even with the minor changes.

G80_Soom · 08-29-2015, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_phew

Nice car(s)! What were the MPG ratings on the on the window sticker?

It didn't have a window sticker but it's EPA 24/30.

G80_Soom · 08-29-2015, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cntzl

Congrats! Looking really really good

If you don't mind me asking, did you buy or lease? If you're leasing, can you share the lease details please?

Thanks for comparison and the pics again!

Thank you!

Lease

Sale price - $49,675 w/ $1000 Drive for Team USA event credit. Got about $4000 total off MSRP.

Residual - .59 (lower than expected)

Due at signing - $1957

Monthly - $632

G80_Soom · 08-29-2015, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timbits93

I think it might have to do with how the angel eyes are clear rather than having a frosted effect with pre-lci. I agree, at least with the lights off, that the pre-lci xenon projectors look better. I'm sure once they are on, it'll look more cohesive.

Yes. The beauty is at night. They did a fantastic job with the headlights. It's gorgeous and you can really tell it apart from the 335i when on. I will add a night shot when I get the chance.

itzryyster · 08-29-2015, 12:04 PM

Great post and comparison. Congrats on the new one!

I actually still prefer the older one over the LCI. For some reason the fog lights doesn't give the front end an aggressive looks. The new headlights are very nice of course but it ends there with me IMO. Sure hope they don't add fog lights to the 4GC MSport.

08-28-2015, 09:46 AM	#1
G80_Soom Freude am fahren 523 Rep 236 Posts Drives: '21 G80 M3 6MT IOMG/KO Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 BMW M3 [0.00]	Comparison: '13 335i vs '16 340i LCI Hey guys, Just picked up my 340i yesterday and thought I'd share some comp photos and initial impressions. This was the first 340i delivered at Devon Hill BMW and one of the first in PA so even the dealership was just as excited as me, haha. Oh, and screw you U.S customs for delaying it over a week next door in Jersey! Appearance: As much as my friends urged me to change colors, I could not move on from Estoril Blue II. Three years later, I still love it. So, the outside looks very similar. However, right away you can tell the 340i looks more aggressive. Besides the splitter and spoiler adding to the looks, just the new headlights/tail lights give a more robust look to the car. They look especially great when on. There are now fog lights which wasn't present prior. In the interior, it's very similar but there are some minor changes. The cupholder cover now slides in and out. The Matte Blue accent in the interior is now on the door panel as well. The seats now have a white stitching on them. The software for the screen is updated. It's quicker and has some better transition effects. The font color for AC is now white instead of orange. The Bluetooth finally works flawlessly with my Galaxy S6! The audio streaming used to cut off every minute or so no matter what fix I tried prior. Sound: To preface, I had an Injen Intake and Borla ATAK catback on my 335i so this car doesn't sound nearly as good or loud but I'm comparing stock vs stock. They both are not compatible with the 340i. It's now a louder beep when you lock/unlock the car which is welcoming because the 335i was too quiet compared to other cars. The doors now have a softer thud when you close them. The B58 engine has a deeper sound to it. Obviously, it's still in the break-in process so I couldn't really push it but it definitely sounds a little better than the N55. Now, the exhaust is interesting. As much "new school" the 340i is, the exhaust now has a nice little "old school" sound to it! It has that throaty rasp the E36/E46 has now. Love it. Loudness level is the same at the moment but it will open up more later. Driving impressions: Here's where the car really shines. I always felt the 335i was a little too soft of a car. The 340i has tightened up noticeably. The steering is stiffer and so is the suspension. Haven't really tested the body roll but it's definitely less. I couldn't help but push the car once to 4500 RPM and it pulls harder. Never thought the 335i needed more power/torque but that extra bit puts a smile on my face, haha. The new 6MT is interesting. I had no issue with the previous ZF one. Not sure if they made this one too but on upshifts to me, it feels very similar. However, I won't be able to feel the change until I do a high RPM 1-2 gear change. On downshifts though, is a different story. It rev matches for you and very well. I'm still indifferent in regards to it. I can't help but still do it myself just on impulse. My friend who drives a 6MT E90 loved it when he took it for a spin. All in all, they took a good car and made it considerably better. I had no problems with the looks on the outside/inside and they made it slightly better. They tightened up the car and made it more powerful. Really, not much more you can ask. This is the best car in it's class and it's not even questionable to me. The 335i was before and the 340i is no different. Enjoy the pics! (Sorry, forgot to take interior/engine/lights on pics) [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] __________________ Now driving: '21 G80 M3 Isle of Man Green 6MT Also driving: '16 340i M-Sport Estoril Blue 6MT Retired: '01 E46 325xi '13 F30 Estoril Blue 335i 6MT #savethemanuals Last edited by G80_Soom; 08-28-2015 at 10:15 PM..
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08-28-2015, 10:19 AM	#2
the_phew Lieutenant 352 Rep 556 Posts Drives: '17 GTI 6MT, was 320i ZSP/ZMT Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Nice car(s)! What were the MPG ratings on the on the window sticker?
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08-28-2015, 10:28 AM	#3
.BMW. Major General 1863 Rep 5,140 Posts Drives: BMW F11/F31 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0)	Great comparison!
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08-28-2015, 10:29 AM	#4
ErkanTR16 64-bit 598 Rep 817 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW 340i xDrive Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW 340i xDrive [0.00]	Beautiful!!
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08-28-2015, 10:52 AM	#5
adhrp Lieutenant Colonel 1324 Rep 1,643 Posts Drives: 2020 M550i (G30)/2021 X3 (G02) Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Beautiful! Congrats! I couldn't easily tell the difference between the front pics though...except for the black on the 340i's bumper. I didn't find it particularly aggressive looking compared to the 335i. Same story with the back if the 335i had a spoiler... __________________ 2020 M550i (G30) \| Carbon Black/Black Nappa \| DHP \| DAP \| Executive \| Luxury Seating \| Park Asst \| Ceramic Controls \| Front/Rear Heated Seats \| 20" 668M wheels 2021 X3 (G02) \| Dark Graphite Metallic/Cognac \| Premium \| DAP \| Front/Rear Heated Seats Sold/Retired: 2012 328i (F30)
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08-28-2015, 10:59 AM	#6
the_phew Lieutenant 352 Rep 556 Posts Drives: '17 GTI 6MT, was 320i ZSP/ZMT Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	After reading so many reviewers of the LCI 340i with the track handling pack complain about the steering/suspension, it's nice to see a positive review of these aspects on a model with plain old 704. Skipping ZTR sounds like a prudent move if you like your steering/suspension "straight no chaser".
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08-28-2015, 11:44 AM	#7
P-Bass The Ox 91 Rep 319 Posts Drives: 2009 Porsche Carrera S Coupe Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the write up. I'll be in the market in the next 3 to 6 months. Contemplating a 340, 435, or M3. Did you consider the Track Pack? Does it come with suspension modifications? I like it, but don't want VSS , and definitely RWD next time. Thanks.
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08-28-2015, 12:08 PM	#8
hungsoon Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: Black with led tail light Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	nice car , that's cool what's the custom tail lights use in this car ? __________________ http://pickmytaillight.com Here’s our picks for the Top Custom Tail Lights on the 2015 market, to help you get the most value for your money.
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08-28-2015, 12:10 PM	#9
BobGonwild Enlisted Member 8 Rep 38 Posts Drives: '14 428i Coupe Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	Looks awesome man! I'd love to hear some updated driving impressions after you break the car in. Keep us posted!
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08-28-2015, 12:32 PM	#10
NightWriter Colonel 4844 Rep 2,744 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Pure Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Nice, congrats and enjoy.
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08-28-2015, 12:33 PM	#11
M-Pilot Brigadier General 4861 Rep 3,660 Posts Drives: 981 Cayman GTS Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW X5 [0.00] 2023 Toyota GR86 [0.00] 2016 Porsche Cayman ... [10.00]	Congrats! Looking really really good If you don't mind me asking, did you buy or lease? If you're leasing, can you share the lease details please? Thanks for comparison and the pics again!
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08-28-2015, 12:34 PM	#12
OEMconcept 251 Rep 1,636 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Canada/U.S iTrader: (9)	Car looks great! These pics reminded me of this...
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08-28-2015, 05:00 PM	#13
JJS Lieutenant 123 Rep 441 Posts Drives: BMW F31 335i 6MT M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Wellington, NZ iTrader: (0)	I wonder if rev-matching could be coded into my 335i. It seems to do so when I downshift in under cruise control, but not when cruise is switched off. __________________ EBII 335i Touring M-Sport (Munich built July 2013) \| 6 Speed Manual \| 2VF Adaptive M Suspension \| 2VL Variable Sports Steering \| 403M wheels \| M-Sport brakes \| 688 Harman Kardon \| 494 Heated Seats \| 610 HUD \| 322 Comfort Access \| 5AC High-Beam Assist \| 609 Navigation Professional \|
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08-28-2015, 08:06 PM	#14
drummerlauw Second Lieutenant 80 Rep 245 Posts Drives: 2016 340i. 2020 M340i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Totally subjective, but i like the look of Xenons projector better than the LEDs. The projectors just have more "character" (eyeballs-look).
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08-29-2015, 10:30 AM	#18
DS_BMW Lieutenant Colonel 1613 Rep 1,767 Posts Drives: 2022 M4 comp, 22 M240 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Lancaster PA iTrader: (1)	Looks very sweet!! I just could not get the same car again even with the minor changes.
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08-29-2015, 12:04 PM	#22
itzryyster ..... 37 Rep 256 Posts Drives: i4/LCI G30/Tacoma Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Somewhere iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 535i [7.00] 2021 BMW 530e [0.00] 2021 Toyota Tacoma [0.00]	Great post and comparison. Congrats on the new one! I actually still prefer the older one over the LCI. For some reason the fog lights doesn't give the front end an aggressive looks. The new headlights are very nice of course but it ends there with me IMO. Sure hope they don't add fog lights to the 4GC MSport.
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