If it was a wagon, it'd be flawless. And physical climate controls would be nice.

@malsmith2012

Жыл бұрын

Hi Tom, I couldn't agree with you more... Has BMW ever told you why they don't bring them here? I watch Joe Achilles here on KZread and drool when he's been reviewing both the 340i wagon and B57D in the 340D wagon recently... As a wagon lover who's had SS wagons and others it blows my mind BMW wouldn't give us Aussies the opportunity to buy them here in Australia especially when the UK drives on the same side as us negating the costly engineering excuses.. .. .. I actually wrote to BMW Australia last week begging them to bring them here.. I'll keep praying they relent..

@caleb1495

Жыл бұрын

Agreed - NZ get the wagon - we dont😢😢😢😢

@bbking0064

Жыл бұрын

Add Lexus reliability and then it would be flawless...

@JBOsurf

Жыл бұрын

BMW should be publicly and repeatedly lambasted by all car related media outlets en masse until they finally relent and make the M340i wagon available here, even on special order. Disgraceful.

@zaamuro8408

Жыл бұрын

@@malsmith2012 because they want to sell the x3

Love the time stamp, review, this channel is so underrated.

@chasingcars

Жыл бұрын

Glad that was helpful.

Now that is a Perfect Review !!

love your channel!

The organic, honest, real-world, non-melodramatic reviews of Tom Baker are SPOT ON. Australia has a new superstar motoring journalist.

I still would take the older version over the LCI because Of the dash layout and the looks but I agree, it’s a sweet spot for bmw

@meteora8888

Жыл бұрын

I like lci styling but the digital EVERYTHING is a no no for me.

@richh33

Жыл бұрын

I like the LCI for one reason: It caused the prices of nearly new non-LCI cars to drop a bit. So I bought a 9 month old M340i xDrive a few weeks ago - and absoiutely love it. And yes having driven both, I also much prefer the older dash layout and iDrive. Losing the physical HVAC and custom buttons is a major mistake. The original version also has laser headlights as an option (which are great), which have been oddly dropped from the refresh. 21MY and 22MY are identical to the 23 in terms of powertrain and suspension - so win all round in my book.

@10essee10titans

9 ай бұрын

HAH. i feel that. i was semi happy in a base macan, and went to test drive cars with my friend last year. we tested faster cars, which made me miss having some speed... so i started looking and discovered the new m240. my plan was to customer order a '23 ('22 orders had closed) and wait the 6 months, but when i heard that the '23 was getting the dumb curved screen, i went on the hunt for one even close to the spec i wanted for an on the lot '22

I have the x3 version of it. it's an absolute blast to drive.

I bought a 2021 M340i, and did so noting your recommendation but understanding that internal combustion engines, especially more than 4 cylinder engines would be history in the near future. When I bought mine the only feature cut was the wireless charging which I don't really miss. I have done 28000kms mainly Sydney to Wollongong and back as a virtually daily commute in most of that time in various good through to appalling weather conditions. The car is perfect for long commutes with its semi autonomous driving, safety tech and comfort. On the highway the economy is fantastic - for me 7.4 l/100kms which includes Mt Ousley and hills to/from to Bulli and the 30min suburban crawl at the Sydney end of the trips. Also it is fun to drive and quick for overtaking and traffic light drags. On weekends its perfect for family commuting. It would only be improved by the wagon version being available, which I would've bought in a heartbeat. All round its an amazing all round car. I would recommend this car. Your review sums this car up perfectly.

@marksakowski9272

Жыл бұрын

Not really, once the crappy electric cars will have their batteries replaced after 5 years time at the cost of a second hand electric car.

Great review, Tom

Great review.

Just picked mine up a couple of weeks ago, absolutely brilliant car. Best available at this price point in every aspect.

@madrx2

3 ай бұрын

Except for not having A/C buttons😂

I have a question. Do you think its slightly under rubbered ? I currently drive a M2 Comp and I’m considering purchasing the M340i. 225 fronts and 255 rears seem a little small to me. Test driving it next week so time will tell but I’d be very interested in your opinion.

Managed to pick up a brand new 330i M sport wagon today for $87k with 3 years free servicing, before onroad costs. It's 4 days before end of financial year and dealers are desperate to make up the numbers. Pretty happy with that.

Car looks amazing. Absolutely hate that awful looking screen just stuck to the dash, looks hideous. No physical climate controls? Awful. Looked better inside before. Great review.

love this

Thank you for the strong recommendation, bought one in Malaysia, really please with it. Swap over from a 530

Someone upscaled their video to higher framerate, haven't they 🤔 Great review!

Wow BMW nailed it with this model - big merc fan

Good presentation.

awesome man love this car

Always best reviews from Tom

Amazing!

Tom Baker you are so right climate buttons are BETTER

just ordered one !!!

Best everyday sedan. I wish I could afford buying one. While M3 Competition is my most favourite car, I'd go for M340i xdrive

Having just bought an M240i, and doing lots of Highway running, I’ve seen 6.9 lt/ 100 kms on multiple occasions. Brilliant engine and fabulous when you open it up.

@jaworq

Жыл бұрын

6.9 at what speed? My m340i does 8.5L at 140 km/h and my average is 11L

Great video. I’ve got one on order, should be built this month. Checked all the options so hoping I don’t miss out the proximity sensing door handles…

@mathewbates7567

Жыл бұрын

The lack of comfort pack was an error at the factory. A bunch of new M340i arrived in Australia without it late last year. Your new build will have it. Mine is scheduled for production 14/04 and can't wait.

Great review bro, but please increase your volume on the final edit. Its difficult trying to focus on what you're saying when the volume is so low

BMW, please, a Touring. Will order as soon as it is announced.

Well done

Tom, would you have a review on X4 2023

5:39 Some quality European design, right there

$121k is still insane for a 3 series. Id love to grab is when its below 6 figures.

@russell821

Жыл бұрын

Paid $100k for mine brand new…close enough,

@Fluterra

Жыл бұрын

That must be in crazy high tax countries and not in the US

@BestDealsforCustomers

Жыл бұрын

But then it'll cost you 121k over the years to get it going just from point A to B. Camry still looks better and is the way to go.

@manofsesame3024

Жыл бұрын

@Plot .Spoiler I don't know any Bimmer or Audi owner who paid much in maintenance or repair (except for the used cars that are over 100,000km in odometer). Mercedes may have more problems, but repair costs are not that expensive either. Yet if you ever touch the wheel of a German car, you will never want to touch a Japanese

@yurrickhunt9707

Жыл бұрын

@@BestDealsforCustomers dude said a Camry looks better 😂

Fantastic video - I particularly enjoy how your reviews pitch each car within its specific market at the point of review, the value proposition of an M340i in 2023 vs 2020 is completely different. It really is the do-it-all car, it's peerless in its breadth of ability and I can't wait to take delivery of mine in the next month!

Tom Baker LOL that piano black diffuser WAS some bullshit LOL

Great car. 98 octane or higher. Does this mean I can fill up with AVGAS ? 😮

Will be seeing these as Hwy patrol soon I reckon. I think ACT had a few pre lci 340i on duty

Any chance of testing the Alpina B3? I'd be interested to hear how it compares to the 340i.

A pity BMW Aust never bought out the M340d X drive to Australia . Its also a great driver's car.

3:28 I am 100% there with you. Other steering wheels just scare me off

Hi Tom, curious why you suggest to NOT opt for the M Sport Package Pro ?? Is it to save $$ or just your personal opinion?

@chasingcars

Жыл бұрын

I hope I made clear that the black grille and extended black pack that comes with the M sport pro pack is very much not to my tastes

Lack of keyless entry is almost a solid dealbreaker. Something that adds convenience every single day. Would rather dump the powered boot. Apparently cars ordered today have the keyless entry, so I ordered one!

Thought I would let you know, I took delivery of my M340i last Tuesday and it does have the lock feature from the boot button and full auto unlocking/locking of the doors etc. Also recommeneded fuel is 95 Octane not 98. I love the car, traded my 2016 M4 Comp and I 100% made the right choice.

@christmasisawesome9348

Жыл бұрын

Anything you missed from the M4?

@ntruluck1

Жыл бұрын

@@christmasisawesome9348 after a week the only real difference is that extra power when you rolling and the noise of the M4. But the more I drove the M340i the more i am enjoying it.

@christmasisawesome9348

Жыл бұрын

@ntruluck1 I see. That awd grip and b58 low end must really be awesome.

@ntruluck1

Жыл бұрын

@@christmasisawesome9348 100% it is mate. It’s just a whole lot of fun without having to do a 1000mph. Which is where most driving is done and I can’t get rid of the smile mate.

@christmasisawesome9348

Жыл бұрын

@@ntruluck1 100%

Is that actually cognac leather or sensotec? In Canada we only get cognac sensotec, the closest to that colour in leather is the tartufo which is quite a bit darker. I'm speccing an M340i very similarly to this one, and torn between the tartufo merino leather or cognac sensotec, as I like the colour of the latter far more.

@chasingcars

8 ай бұрын

This is cognac Vernasca leather.

Really want the touring one. Why not in Australia?😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

Excellent Review. This is really tempting. Tom, would you choose this over a Kia EV6 GT ?

@LIKEAYOHN

Ай бұрын

That's an entirely different proposition. Numb EV versus these that have a sonorous straight 6 turbo. I think once you test drive one you'll make you mind up right quick.

Could you put a US dollar conversion in there somewhere so my head doesn’t explode the second you put the msrp on screen lol.

really hoping you guys get to review the new M2! Am very tempted and would value your input as your reviews are always objective and thorough

@chasingcars

Жыл бұрын

We will!

@Keegan3005

Жыл бұрын

🎉🎉 amazing - congrats on the growth of your channel too, well deserved

@richardknights2436

Жыл бұрын

CarWow have a review of the M2.

@Keegan3005

Жыл бұрын

@@richardknights2436 i saw, thanks though :) tbh i just find his style and the frequent plugging a little grating. Chasing Cars and Carfection are the channels for me

BMW sedans have come along way from what they were along time ago, now with this new beast of a car I agree with you Tom, it is one of the best looking sedans in the segment! You are the best reviewer Tom, I genuinely trust your judgements on vehicles and thank you for your honest reviews always great to watch with you

I would like to tell you why I prefer a SUV. I'm 77, and not as agile as once was. So the suv normally has a higher roof line which just simply makes it easier to get in and out of! Something that I wouldn't have considered a few years ago 😂

@mauriceyip2209

Жыл бұрын

I mean you only get in or out your cars a few times a day. Don't you think the better handling, aesthetics and efficiency are well worth it over a SUV?

@fist003

Жыл бұрын

@@mauriceyip2209 wait till you're 70 and you back will answer it for you

@chaslau2345

Жыл бұрын

Yes, I am 77 and I do struggle a little bit getting in and out of the 330e, but it is still manageable. I do have an SUV that is much easier to get in and out of but not as much fun to drive. 😃

I’ve not driven either the m330i or the m340i but just because I want the b58 I’d go for the pre LCI m340i over the m330i lol

We get the wagon in the uk now, hopefully it'll come to you guys eventually too.

Why not BMW sale M340 touring in Au? Only have 330/M3 touring.

Where's my ice cream BMW Lol

Just wish they made it more race like type modifications already put on or big new turbo or like a bigger wing and a better exhaust but it’s a great car though I will be getting one when I find one with the red interior 🤞😈

@LIKEAYOHN

Ай бұрын

You can upgrade these B58's so easily. Downpipe, charge pipe, full exhaust, and a tune and you're doing 450 wheel HP. If you want more, look at "pure 800 turbo".

I agree the LCI 340i is now the value pick in the 3 Series range with a $8900 reduction in price compared to the pre LCI. I cannot really understand BMW pricing strategy at the moment. The 340i is obviously a better buy than the Mercedes C43 (4 cylinder) but just why the 330i has increased in price by approximately $30k since I bought mine in 2019 is a mystery. I also think that some of the newer features are a backward step compared to the original - doing away with the shift lever; doing away with climate control buttons; the bulky infotainment screen; the M Sport diffuser and black exterior highlights are all negatives. As a drivers car though, it ranks as one of the best and if all those people who think they need a SUV tried this, I am sure that they would realise this 3 Series is all you need.

@timcorrell9863

Жыл бұрын

I’d rather have a Lexus IS Series than a BMW 3 Series. Lexus is always tops in quality and reliability. BMW quality and reliability suck and Jaguar and Land Rover quality and reliability are the absolute worst, regardless of what bullshit surveys say.

@CorvusHyperion

Жыл бұрын

@@timcorrell9863 the Lexus is amazing quality and after sales service but just zero excitement

@CorvusHyperion

Жыл бұрын

@@timcorrell9863 Bit of a false dichotomy. Calling BMWs shit is a bit of a stretch. They are right up there in quality surveys.

@davidperry3531

Жыл бұрын

@@timcorrell9863 Rubbish

@davidperry3531

Жыл бұрын

@@timcorrell9863 I beg to differ as I have owned 5 BMWs since 2000. The 323i I bought new in 2000 has now exceeded 340,000 kms and it’s still going strong.

Some feedback during the interior segment -- You mention the USB ports, the centre cubby, the toe room, etc, but you never actually show us, the camera just switches to b-roll with your voiceover.

Great car (and great review)… But is it worth paying $50K more than a Stinger GT?

@chasingcars

Жыл бұрын

Hard question to answer without offending anyone. Here’s as plain as I can make it: the Stinger was amazing value for money, but its engine and handling were not close to the level of polish this M340i gives you. It’s a significantly more expensive product that’s significantly better to drive. That’s not to say the Kia was a bad car. It wasn’t.

Not having the wagon option is such a deal breaker as I’ve got to fit a car seat and a Golden Retriever. What should I get instead that’s still a joy to drive?

@chasingcars

Жыл бұрын

330i Touring and suck up the fact it’s overpriced. Or an S4 Avant.

@tonywirth6722

Жыл бұрын

Or The Boss 2019 edition?

this is a nice car

Nice car. A bit 'ho hum' styling wise, not in the same league as the Audi S5 sportsback....but a step forward for BMW for sure. Agree, now is the time to get into one of these 'sports sedans', before everything goes quiet with electrafication.....

I don’t know about on sale but forsure for sale!

I curious … is this a much harder ride than a C200? I want a Mercedes but with the speed of this. Comfort is my most important thing… what do you recommend

@asshwina

Жыл бұрын

Comfort and luxury wise c200 is more preferred, engine and power wise m340i is the best. Do a test ride in both and find out.

Removing buttons for touch screen or haptics, is basically cost saving wrapped up in slick design.

Beautiful car. Would love to see the M340d versions in Oz, and the wagons of course! Where does BMW expect us to put our golf clubs? 😢

The missing comfort access is not semiconductor related but a mistake in the standard spec build sheet on the original delivery of these cars down under. All builds from Nov ‘22 have this as standard and those cars are hitting AU shores this month. Given the sensitivity of consumers avoiding cars with compromised spec it’s important to highlight that this was a mistake by BMW AU and not a factory enforced restriction

@chasingcars

Жыл бұрын

Do you have any source material showing that? If so, please email in.

@pelicanb58

Жыл бұрын

Thanks - have been in touch.

@baysidelad1

Жыл бұрын

@@chasingcars Trust me, this is true. Mine was delivered in late Jan and the dealer told me "BMW Australia stuffed up"....not a deal breaker though as they took over $10k off the recommended drive away price! My dealership had 320i and 330i cars on the showroom floor at the same time that had comfort access installed

@chasingcars

Жыл бұрын

Wow. Thanks. Will look into it.

@casperiito

Жыл бұрын

@@chasingcars I have a 2023 M340i that was manufactured in Germany and shipped to me in Jamaica... Also missing comfort access and was told "it was an error on BMW's part"... It seems a whole batch of them have had this issue

Just purchased a shadowline package, m340i 2024 loaded! Brooklyn gray. $64,000

Wish the M3 had this grill

@jahudini

Жыл бұрын

The M3 grill is actually looking more attractive than this grill. Seeing it in person made me like...wooooo, it actually nice.

I just can’t stand the look of that ultra wide glass panel dash. It comes across as an afterthought where someone got caught up in a pissing contest over who has the biggest/widest screen, and it appears not to integrate into the dash at all. Surely all the information you could ever need whilst driving could easily be conveyed on a screen half the size. Other than that it appears to be an awesome car, and the numbers appear to stack up very nicely.

The 330e still gets that title for me though. Also with a soft remap it reaches 350hp and 700nm... absolute beast

@jarasw8226

Жыл бұрын

700Nm?? No way…!!

@silv3rArrow

Жыл бұрын

@@jarasw8226 yup. Check br-performance. Stock figures: 252cv-420nm. Stage 1: 400cv-700nm

@jarasw8226

Жыл бұрын

@@silv3rArrow I’ve checked. They have Stage 2 ( ecu tune + downpipe+ intake) for B48 330hp/490Nm. It is impossible to get 700Nm from this engine with software remap.

@silv3rArrow

Жыл бұрын

@@jarasw8226 I can say it does 11s in 3rd gear in sport plus hey it's just my opinion :)

Almost convinced that this Merc looking 3 series was my new car, but then you mentioned the lack of physical controls and meh UI- its a shame that BMW now have something negative with every single model (imo) :/ I guess the f30/f80's are my best bet, and ill have to pray they get their shit straight by the time i need a change hahah

filming yourself crossing double white line at 12:11? 😁

@chasingcars

Жыл бұрын

Dude, it’s a private test track.

Why can’t you get keyless entry????

Shipping from Germany to the upside down country must be costly

@harryatkinson9757

3 ай бұрын

They are built in Mexico, not Germany….

Thanks alot, Tom. I’m not in the market for a Beemer sedan. But I can answer your question about steering wheel shape: Definitely a fan of the round steering wheel over flat-bottomed. A round shape makes it easier and smoother for the steering wheel to self-straighten using a little friction past your hands. I’ve enjoyed my 2015 Golf GTI but the flat-bottomed steering wheel has been a minor curse.

The screens are a BIG DEAL. As someone who gets anxious easily, I can't imagine having to deal with touchscreen and touch controls on a regular basis in my car. A touchscreen is fine for the infotainment but only if essential things like volume are physical.

Call me old school, but I'm not a fan of these touch screens. Keep up with the great reviews.

Damn Australia be taxing i could pick up a 2023 m340i for 50-60k in US

@manofsesame3024

Жыл бұрын

I think he's talking about Australian dollars

Nice review. Thx. I do have one question. The US gets this car with a mild 48v hybrid system. Australia don't get this 48v system...so I'd imagined Australian varient would be slightly slower?

@LIKEAYOHN

Ай бұрын

The hybrid system does nothing for performance. It's only been implemented to aid with stop/start. We get it here as well.

M3 LCI should have a front like that.

@chasingcars

Жыл бұрын

+1

You mentioned the fabulous 340d available overseas which Joe Achillies raves about. Next best might be the 530d. Worth a test please?

This and slap a tune on it or keep saving and buy a low mileage used RS5?

Color?

This car’s handling is amazing. Engine is a gem. Build quality is so much better than Merc C class. You will be an idiot to get the C43🤪

@chev85

Жыл бұрын

​@Tim Correll I have a 21 M340i and my wife has a c205 c63. In terms of build quality the c class doesn't even come close. Everything in the interior creaks and feels poorly put together for the money you pay. The bmw surprisingly is tight and well assembled. Quality feels much, much better. I was even unfortunate enough to drive the new c200 while the c63 was in for repair. In terms of interior quality it's just as bad as the outgoing 205 model. I've never really been a bmw fan prior to owning one, but it is the superior product 3 series vs c class

Big shame you don’t get the M340i xDrive Touring in Ozzyland.

@chasingcars

Жыл бұрын

Indeed!

@malsmith2012

Жыл бұрын

Agree mate it's bloody criminal! 😭

@paskyy9527

Жыл бұрын

my father got one here in the UK, 2021 plate which I prefer as I do not like the facelifted rear diffuser. XDrive is a game changer, wheels just do not spin, it grips and literally takes off.

@DaveDVideoMaker

Жыл бұрын

@@paskyy9527 It’s good we have it in the UK at least.

There's no way I would spend that much money on a car that will depreciate faster than the monthly payments on it.

when we get to 6 figures most people start thinking of real 4wd suvs

Best M 340i

the only new bmws that has the traditional look

@Kostas_Dikefalaios

Жыл бұрын

5 series. 8 series. Z4.

Est price is a bit off, i've just ordered a m240i and it was 113k optioned the same.

how is it so exensive... i got mine fully equipped for 73k

Love this! I'm currently deciding between this and the M440i Coupe... I'm finding it hard to find any kind of direct comparison between the two, there's individual reviews for both, saying both are best in class, but no direct comparisons which is odd!

@ultimatestefano

Жыл бұрын

Seen the M440i Coupe around Melbourne a few times, it really stands out in the crowd

@Shaggy12321

Жыл бұрын

@@ultimatestefano I've seen one where I live too and I love it, it's a really underrated car imo, the M340i gets all the attention, but the M440i is the same car, with just sleeker styling

@davidperry3531

Жыл бұрын

The M440i Coupe is basically the same car with 2 doors and swoopy styling combined with the BIG grille.

@russell821

Жыл бұрын

The grille alone would turn me off the 440i.

@biddyboy1570

Жыл бұрын

I always had coupes but just got the touring. You won't be disappointed and occasionally the extra space comes in very handy.

Im able to get 6.8L per 100km on the highway

if only the purchaser had took the tinted windows to go with that black pack ... it would be flawless to me.

Australia must have high tariffs

That efficiency is ridiculous😅

@LIKEAYOHN

Ай бұрын

I've been getting 5.9L per 100km in eco pro on highway driving. BMW sure understate the specs.

A beautiful car. Very elegant and potent! 😊

M340d all the way

if only it comes in a wagon......

I wouldnt say underpriced. Just not as overpriced as the others.