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Thread: 2018 M3 (manual) vs. 2020 M340i (auto)

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2019
    Location
    Houston, TX, USA
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    2018 BMW M3

    Cool 2018 M3 (manual) vs. 2020 M340i (auto)

    Hi, I'm new here. Have a 2018 M3 base model with a stick shift. I love it. It's my second BMW--I had a 2014 328i M-Sport which was a great car too but no comparison to the M3. I got what I considered a decent deal on the lease, which is a payment of $892/month and residual value of $41,324. Although I'd have to pay taxes again, I'm strongly considering just buying the car when my lease is up in early 2021.

    The dealership has sent me 3 "personalized" offers to "upgrade" to a 2020 M340i for a lower payment (most recent offer is $707/month). The M340i MSRP with discounts is about $6k less than the M3.

    I don't think I can give up on the stick shift as that is one of the primary joys I get from driving the car BUT would love to hear any views on the M340i, buy vs. lease, etc. I read here that the next gen M3 will have a manual transmission option so perhaps by the time my lease is up, there will be other interesting deals out there.

    Glad to be on here!

    -Justin

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    US
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    2016 M4
    I'd stick with the M3.. An M340i is not on par to an actual "M" series BMW in my opinion. BMW has added M to more of their lower class models to try and target those that dont want or cant afford a "real" M car.. I got myself a 2016 M4 and cant imagine going to a lower 4 series model.

    Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2019
    Location
    Houston, TX, USA
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    2018 BMW M3
    Thanks. The dealer sends me a new offer every month. I'm just going to keep the car given how few miles I've put on it.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Location
    Berks County, PA
    Posts
    6
    My Cars
    20 M4 & 19 Shelby GT350
    Drive the M340i and you might change your mind. It is very quick and handles well. Certainly no M pedigree but if only a DD then worthy of consideration.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2019
    Location
    Whidbey Island Washington
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    2020 BMW M4, 2006 325I
    M3. Easy.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Salisbury, MD
    Posts
    80
    My Cars
    Z31
    For starters, ignore the dealer emails. The will suck you into a hole you probably don't want to get into. Your MY18 M3 is a great car. The 328i MSport performs really well, but it's not an M car. I'd advise that you keep you M3 through factory warranty and do whatever at that time when there will be more better options, or, if you really want a 328i MSport, go drive one (and I mean, really really drive one), then make a decison.

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