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After what felt like an eternity of waiting, I’m thrilled to be back in the BMW family! Trading in my reliable but somewhat uninspiring 2013 328i last year was a necessary step for our move to Germany, but the plan was always to get back into a Bimmer as soon as possible. Initially, I was eyeing another 328i, but as luck would have it, things shifted, and suddenly a 335i became attainable. Then, the real temptation hit – the allure of the brand-new 340i. The wait until summer for its release felt long, but the promise of the upgraded engine and features was too strong to ignore. So, I exercised some serious self-control, relied on our family CR-V, and patiently waited ten months for this moment. And now, I can confidently say I might just be one of the first private owners of a production model 340i globally! After putting the first 60 miles on the clock on the German autobahn, I can tell you unequivocally – the wait was absolutely worth it!
Let me dive into the specifics of my build:
- Model: 2016 Bmw 340i
- Color: Mineral Gray Metallic
- Transmission: Sport Automatic (Yes, I know, manual purists, but hear me out – it’s fantastic!)
- Packages:
- M-Sport Package
- Track Handling Package
- Driver Assistance Package
- Wheels: 18” 398 Orbit Gray wheels
- Tires: Summer Staggered tires
- Interior Trim: Anthracite Wood Trim
- Comfort & Convenience: Heated Front Seats, Side & Top View Cameras
Now, let’s get into my initial driving impressions and what makes this BMW 340i so special:
First Impressions: The Look, the Feel, and That Sound
Stepping into the dealership, my eyes immediately locked onto it. The 398 Orbit Gray wheels, exclusive to the 2016 F30 3 Series, made it instantly recognizable. My primary focus was to see the actual shade of these wheels, as online discussions and photos left me curious. Many, including myself, were eager to see how they compared to the black and silver options.
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I was immediately impressed. The Orbit Gray is virtually identical in shade to the Mineral Gray paint of the car itself. They strike a perfect balance, sitting right in the middle of the gloss black wheels shown in the ordering guide and the lighter silver wheels previously seen on models like the 435i ZHP. I personally find the color exceptional – it adds an edgy character without being overtly black and should be excellent at masking brake dust without looking like an aftermarket addition.
Moving to the interior, the Oyster gray stitching and accents within the black Dakota Leather are a masterstroke. It’s a subtle yet impactful contrast that elevates the cabin’s ambiance. The anthracite headliner and pillars further enhance the premium feel. And for audiophiles, the Harmon Kardon sound system is a significant leap forward from the standard hi-fi stereo in my old 328i – the audio clarity and depth are truly immersive.
But the real moment of truth came when I pressed the start button. The engine note of the BMW 340i is simply glorious! While it doesn’t possess the raw aggression of an M3, it’s a world apart from the diesel-like sound of my previous 2013 328i. That 328i, despite its excellent engine, had a peculiar engine sound that, to me, was a bit off-putting – like a disconnect between its sporty looks and the auditory experience. The new B58 engine in the 340i, however, emits a subtle growl and a refined purr that is genuinely pleasing, hinting at the power within without being intrusive.
Driving Dynamics and Suspension: A Revelation on the Road
Now, for the driving experience – the heart of any BMW! Keep in mind, my benchmark is a base-line 2013 328i. Therefore, stepping into a 340i M-Sport with the Track Package is naturally going to be a significant upgrade. However, my memory of the 328i’s driving feel is still vivid. While I can’t directly compare the pre-LCI 704 or Dynamic Handling Package suspensions to this new setup as I haven’t driven those, I can offer a compelling comparison. The new suspension in the 340i evokes the nimble and planted feeling of my old 2010 Mini Cooper S, but with a wider stance and far superior tires. It feels incredibly connected to the road, and the Michelin Pilot Super Sport (PSS) tires inspire immense confidence, gripping the tarmac like they could hold onto anything.
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Experimenting with the different driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ – was enlightening. Even in everyday straight-line driving, the differences were palpable. In Eco and Comfort modes, the ride is smooth and compliant, ideal for cruising on well-paved roads. Switching to Sport mode, however, transforms the car. You become acutely aware of road imperfections – small pebbles, road seams, and minor cracks are transmitted through the steering wheel and seat, providing a much more engaging and connected feel. The suspension noticeably stiffens, sharpening the car’s responses. While I haven’t pushed the RPMs beyond 4500 yet during this initial break-in period, and haven’t tackled truly twisty roads, navigating roundabouts already gave me a sense of body roll. In Sport mode, body roll is virtually nonexistent, while in Eco, a slight lean is perceptible. I can already foresee greatly appreciating the ability to switch to Comfort or Eco for long highway journeys and then dial it up to Sport for more spirited drives. Sport+ mode, as expected, primarily seems to alter the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) settings, which I opted to keep engaged for now.
The Nürburgring is calling! Being only 1.5 hours away, I feel a track day is almost obligatory for this car. And yes, DSC will be staying on for that initial run!
Addressing some common criticisms about pre-LCI F30 suspension being “floaty” or “disconnected,” I can confidently say this new suspension setup in the 340i feels anything but. The feedback from the road, transmitted through the steering wheel and chassis, is excellent, allowing you to feel the tires gripping and responding.
One aspect I’m still forming an opinion on is the variable steering. It’s the one element that hints at the electric power steering system. You can sense the steering ratio actively changing as you drive. While it functions effectively, optimizing steering input and efficiency, it does introduce a slightly artificial feel. However, based on many positive reviews from other owners, I anticipate getting accustomed to and eventually appreciating this technology.
The M-Sport brakes are simply outstanding! From the get-go, they are powerful and confidence-inspiring, with no squeaking or squealing whatsoever, even after a few assertive presses. I’m eager to see how they perform in wet conditions and as they wear in further. But for now, the sheer size of the rotors and their stopping power are immediately apparent and reassuring.
Electronics and Gadgets: Keeping it Simple and Functional
Regarding electronics, I opted to keep things relatively straightforward. I didn’t choose the Tech Package, as I prefer the simplicity and customization of mounting my phone directly. I use a Proclip mount with an iOauto magnetic attachment for my iPhone 6+, and for me, it’s the perfect setup.
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Clarifying some potential confusion, even without the Tech Package or 6NS (BMW Apps), Siri activation is easily achieved with a long press of the voice command button. Coupled with Apple Music, this gives me seamless access to virtually any song, album, or artist on demand, as well as the ability to create custom radio stations on the fly. For my needs, this is more than sufficient and incredibly convenient.
The Side and Top View cameras, along with the rearview camera, function seamlessly and are consistent with previous BMW implementations – reliable and clear. In fact, just today, navigating a tight parking situation, I was immensely grateful for the radar sensors and camera views that helped keep my new bumpers unscathed!
Conclusion: A Thrilling Start to BMW 340i Ownership
So, there you have it – my initial impressions of my new BMW 340i. From the striking Orbit Gray wheels and refined interior to the exhilarating B58 engine and dynamically engaging suspension, this car has already exceeded my expectations. It feels like a significant step up from my previous 328i in every aspect, delivering a driving experience that is both thrilling and refined. I’m incredibly happy with my choice and excited to explore its full potential, starting with a trip to the Nürburgring soon!
Now, the floor is open for your questions! I’ll do my best to answer anything and will aim to post more pictures tomorrow when the light is better. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more updates on my BMW 340i journey!
