M3 vs. M340i

[BMW M3 CRT]

There are informations, that with the next year LCI the 3er Series would would get its M Performance Automobile range-topping M340i version.
According to rumors this car will get the same all new B58 I6 with 370-380bhp like the M2 and the X4 M40i !?

[tdizzle]

Originally Posted by BMW M3 CRT

There are informations, that with the next year LCI the 3er Series would would get its M Performance Automobile range-topping M340i version.
According to rumors this car will get the same all new B58 I6 with 370-380bhp like the M2 and the X4 M40i !?

Seems illogical, although I wouldnt be too upset.

More likely it'll have an output closer to 330hp to keep sufficient distance from the M motors.

[ixse]

this can happen.. Since merc is coming out w c450 amg

[e39>all]

Originally Posted by ixse

this can happen.. Since merc is coming out w c450 amg

BMW will have to counter with M3700i

[solstice]

Still a large hp gap to the M3 and that's just the power in the equation. Nice addition to the standard lineup but no threat to the F8X.

[BMW M3 CRT]

Originally Posted by solstice

Still a large hp gap to the M3 and that's just the power in the equation. Nice addition to the standard lineup but no threat to the F8X.

BUT it seems clear, that all M40i Models will get the same B58 engine with the same power output ... so if the X4 M40i gets 365 to 375hp from an M2 (B58) engine, the M340i/M440i will get the same 365 to 375hp !

So only an ~50hp gap to the M3/M4 ... and the benefits of the M3/M4 are nearly reduced to chassis, suspension, brakes and the rest of the non engine related M gimmicks.

[Carl L]

Originally Posted by BMW M3 CRT

So only an ~50hp gap to the M3/M4 ... and the benefits of the M3/M4 are nearly reduced to chassis, suspension, brakes and the rest of the non engine related M gimmicks.

Plus the S55 has a unique crankshaft, crankcase, bearings, piston and wrist pin, valves, intake and hpfp. So even the engine is much more than just a tune.

Odd comments from with CRT in their name that they would be pushing the engine as more than just one part of what makes an M3 special.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by ixse

this can happen.. Since merc is coming out w c450 amg

There will be a C450 in the U.S. but that car will not have any sort of AMG nomenclature attached.

The "Sport Package" Mercedes-Benz cars have always been called "AMG Sport Package" cars outside of North America. They don't receive any AMG badging though. These cars get sportier interior and exterior treatments and authentic AMG wheels.

In North America (and in particular, the U.S.), AMG is very protective of the brand and does not want to water down/dilute it. In fact, a Mercedes-Benz franchise can lose its franchise for putting AMG badging on non-AMG cars.

Thus, the C450 will likely be called the C450 Sport here.

[BMW M3 CRT]

Originally Posted by Carl L

Plus the S55 has a unique crankshaft, crankcase, bearings, piston and wrist pin, valves, intake and hpfp. So even the engine is much more than just a tune.

You are totally right based on the N55 ... with the B58 it would be an new game.

[ACE_M3]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

There will be a C450 in the U.S. but that car will not have any sort of AMG nomenclature attached.

The "Sport Package" Mercedes-Benz cars have always been called "AMG Sport Package" cars outside of North America. They don't receive any AMG badging though. These cars get sportier interior and exterior treatments and authentic AMG wheels.

In North America (and in particular, the U.S.), AMG is very protective of the brand and does not want to water down/dilute it. In fact, a Mercedes-Benz franchise can lose its franchise for putting AMG badging on non-AMG cars.

Thus, the C450 will likely be called the C450 Sport here.

I believed you at the time...

[gthal]

Originally Posted by BMW M3 CRT

...the benefits of the M3/M4 are nearly reduced to chassis, suspension, brakes and the rest of the non engine related M gimmicks.

Gimmicks

[nicknaz]

Definitely a gimmick since there are so many Ms all over those suspension, brake and chassis mods

The gimmicks for me are all the heat exchangers, electronically controlled LSD and the wide body kit. those are $$$ to replicate on the 335/340

[Falafel Combo]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Definitely a gimmick since there are so many Ms all over those suspension, brake and chassis mods

The gimmicks for me are all the heat exchangers, electronically controlled LSD and the wide body kit. those are $$$ to replicate on the 335/340

Originally Posted by BMW M3 CRT

... and the benefits of the M3/M4 are nearly reduced to chassis, suspension, brakes and the rest of the non engine related M gimmicks.

I openly challenge anyone to modify a 335i to the level of an M3, and post the itemized upgrades here. Then go back to your desk and find a calculator and add up your bills. Between the brakes, rotors, wheels, LSD, exhaust, suspension bits, the extra turbo, ... Added to that, the fact that the N55 still can not even touch the power output and engine upgrades of the S55 (HPFP, and whatever it is that S55 turbos do to stay spooled in between throttle applications to minimize turbo lag). And we still haven't even talked about the stuff you simply can not upgrade on a 335i. The entirely unique M steering rack, stiffer chassis, bolted subframe, wider track, upgraded transmission (both 6MT and DCT) and just so much more. It's a becomes a silly proposition pretty quickly. And after all that work, you're still coming across as a wannabe.

Just get the M3 if you can afford it. And if you plan on heavily modding a 335i, you probably can afford it. Why bother with all the work, when the engineers at the BMW M division have slaved over the 3 series and perfected it, and handed you an M3 on an Austin Yellow platter?

[Falafel Combo]

Originally Posted by BMW M3 CRT

...

There is no such thing as an M340i. So far, this appears to simply be a figment of your own imagination.

All leaked information thus far points to 320i, 330i and 340i LCI models. So if you're going to compare an "M340i" to an M3, you may as well throw an M450i competition package into the mix, just for good measure.

[Maddict3]

Originally Posted by BMW M3 CRT

BUT it seems clear, that all M40i Models will get the same B58 engine with the same power output ... so if the X4 M40i gets 365 to 375hp from an M2 (B58) engine, the M340i/M440i will get the same 365 to 375hp !

So only an ~50hp gap to the M3/M4 ... and the benefits of the M3/M4 are nearly reduced to chassis, suspension, brakes and the rest of the non engine related M gimmicks.

LOL

the only thing the M4/ M3 shares with the 428 and 435 are its doors.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by Falafel Combo

And we still haven't even talked about the stuff you simply can not upgrade on a 335i. The entirely unique M steering rack, stiffer chassis, bolted subframe, wider track, upgraded transmission (both 6MT and DCT) and just so much more. It's a becomes a silly proposition pretty quickly. And after all that work, you're still coming across as a wannabe.

Just get the M3 if you can afford it.

I was being sarcastic and pointing out all of those areas that are expensive to upgrade on the 335 (which coincidentally is my wife's daily driver)

My M3 euro delivery date is March 30, 2015

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by BMW M3 CRT

There are informations, that with the next year LCI the 3er Series would would get its M Performance Automobile range-topping M340i version.
According to rumors this car will get the same all new B58 I6 with 370-380bhp like the M2 and the X4 M40i !?

As far as I know, the M2 and will use an N55, not a B58. It seems extremely likely that any potential M*40i models, including the X4 you mention, will also use an N55.

Just as the E92/E93 335si models had less power than the 1M using essentially the same engine, I would fully expect the same from an F82/F83 M440i as compared to the M2. How much less? I don't know, but I would figure no more than 360hp for the M Performance model assuming the M2 is officially rated as high as 380hp. If it is rated less, we can bump the M Performance model down accordingly.

Also, it's not clear yet whether BMW would see fit to offer an M340i sedan, or just an M440i which would include a Grand Coupe model for those who want four doors on their M Performance F3x vehicle.

[RocketBoots]

I also wonder about the price point of an M*40i model. I mean, once you tick all the boxes of a 3(4)35i right now, the price gap between it and the base M model (which comes with a lot of standard options) is already small enough that even the slightest car enthusiast would choose the M model, I would think.

Now, start adding CCB's, LED's, Full Leather, etc and it's a different story...

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by ixse

this can happen.. Since merc is coming out w c450 amg

And that car, in turn, to some degree or another likely owes the S4 for its existence. Granted, in the US, the S4 is the one and only six cylinder car in the A4 family. But in much of the world there is a lesser six cylinder A4 model which is the more natural comparison to the 335i and C400, while the S4 technically sits a rung up. This is the space Mercedes is entering with the C450 and where BMW may enter with the M340i/M440i.

The new B9 S4, by the way, will almost certainly see power increase to over 350hp.

[anerbe]

http://www.autoblog.com/2015/01/12/2...-detroit-2015/

MB definitely stepped it up with the C450 AMG, which had literature at the NAIAS display when I saw it yesterday. The display specificied particular AMG components, like the AMG adaptive suspension from the C63 and aesthetic AMG style upgrades like flat bottom steering wheel and quad style exhaust.

Considering the car now has 362hp and 384lbf!!! This will be the step up from the current S4, and perhaps a few steps over a 335/340 M-Sport.

Daimler is growing on me, and this latest submission into the market makes the car buying choices even better.

[Doctor///M]

Originally Posted by RocketBoots

I also wonder about the price point of an M*40i model. I mean, once you tick all the boxes of a 3(4)35i right now, the price gap between it and the base M model (which comes with a lot of standard options) is already small enough that even the slightest car enthusiast would choose the M model, I would think.


Now, start adding CCB's, LED's, Full Leather, etc and it's a different story...

This. If a buyer is fortunate enough to purchase new, it really does come down to an enthusiast vs. non-enthusiast level. The enthusiast would more than likely go with the M3/4.

[theriz]

Originally Posted by Falafel Combo

There is no such thing as an M340i. So far, this appears to simply be a figment of your own imagination.

All leaked information thus far points to 320i, 330i and 340i LCI models. So if you're going to compare an "M340i" to an M3, you may as well throw an M450i competition package into the mix, just for good measure.

i "M340ixDrive" what a mouth full....