BMW M3 F80 LCI or M340i G20 xDrive?

[Syndrome]

I am starting to investigate what to replace the Falcon. On car sales a 2016 M3 is similar price and similar performance to a 2021 xDrive. My main concern is a M3 is more likely to have been flogged by a previous owner. Anybody on here own one of these vehicles? I am leaning to the xDrive.

[Crazy Dazz]

If you buy a 2016 M3, it's going to be even more expensive to maintain than a 2016 Falcon.

Why not look at something more modern, and with the mod-cons.

If I had that kind of money, to spend on a big RWD Sedan, I'd be looking at a Jag

[Citroënbender]

Alfa Giulia. More passion, less pretence.

[Syndrome]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

If you buy a 2016 M3, it's going to be even more expensive to maintain than a 2016 Falcon.

I am well aware of that. The German made ZF transmission in my previous Falcon that was damaged by engine coolant was $6k to replace. On the BMW my biggest concern is the direct injection fuel injectors and high pressure fuel pump as they are very expensive to replace.

At least the BMW won't need the rear bushes replaced every 40,000km at about $1,000 a time!

Jaguar? Brand living on past glories so no way in hell.

[pkram3r]

They aren't being made anymore but what about a 2023 Kia Stinger?

4 door sedan, decently quick, look good.

[Dr Terry]

Originally Posted by pkram3r

They aren't being made anymore but what about a 2023 Kia Stinger?

4 door sedan, decently quick, look good.

And much better than any BMW.

Dr Terry

[fordomatic]

Buy the M3, just make sure you have the purchase price as extra (plus a little more) in the bank for repairs when it breaks.

[rare ss]

I was looking into these options as a replacement for the F6 a little awhile back

I feel the later model M340i is the better car, all-wheel drive with the full auto compared to the dual clutch transmission, just as quick if not faster than the older gen M3

Looking online the M3's seem to suffer from the timing gears slipping on the crank, one would suspect due to the harshness from the dual clutch so depending on how it's treated this might be an expensive repair should it happen when driven harshly

Looks wise the M3 does look great though, the pumped guards and bonnet do give the car a tough look, might be worth sussing out the difference in insurance between the two also as I think the premium for the M3 would be higher for a similar value car

[FTE217]

well I beg to differ for it takes all types.
Jags ? christ talk about taking the leap into the unknown and unexpected.
Great shapes and driving but I wouldn't own one for quids.
Alfa's similar to Jags, great driving cars but long term ownership and IF out of WTY have deep pockets.
Stinger, yer true smart buy in some ways I just couldn't buy it compared to a euro equiv, chalk and cheese depending what your after in ownership.

Syndrome not every M series is flogged, most are owned by sedate drivers who still luv having that sporty vehicle but drive them with care.
A well maintained low K and WTY is nothing to be shy of imo.
Heck have owned similar euros a number of times as long as you shop smart sheer driving and ownership pleasure, sure service's cost more but IF you can afford it great.
This ticks the box's
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...G-AD-23469990/

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...G-AD-23604718/

340 xdrive not a bad bit of kit being later model.
They go very well and you'd have latest tech compared to 17/18 obviously.

Rides are harsh to some, being sports models but thats typical BM - especially 20's with 30 profiles.
I luv it thats the way I prefer steering handling.
Always put 20's on my Falcons so I'm used to that feel.

[Crazy Dazz]

Originally Posted by FTE217

well I beg to differ for it takes all types.
Jags ? christ talk about taking the leap into the unknown and unexpected.
Great shapes and driving but I wouldn't own one for quids.
Alfa's similar to Jags, great driving cars but long term ownership and IF out of WTY have deep pockets.
Stinger, yer true smart buy in some ways I just couldn't buy it compared to a euro equiv, chalk and cheese depending what your after in ownership.

You do realise it's nolonger the 1970s?

[FTE217]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

You do realise it's nolonger the 1970s?

And somethings just never change
Go buy yourself a Jag.
DFB is one of the LUCKY ones mind you it’s a garage Queen though many are still very unlucky.


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[Citroënbender]

Another deflecting thread.

If someone wants to buy pretty much a specific BMW, they should just go and do it - there’s no real need for a meandering thread… Have we collectively lost confidence in making our own decisions, and taking carriage of mistakes with candour?

To address general comments on reliability of marques - don’t forget the fate of Aeschylus. One should be prepared for anything; always wear a stackhat outdoors in case of falling tortoises. ;-)

[Giant Cranium]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Another deflecting thread.

If someone wants to buy pretty much a specific BMW, they should just go and do it - there’s no real need for a meandering thread… Have we collectively lost confidence in making our own decisions, and taking carriage of mistakes with candour?

To address general comments on reliability of marques - don’t forget the fate of Aeschylus. One should be prepared for anything; always wear a stackhat outdoors in case of falling tortoises. ;-)

Were you not the first one to post and mention a different car?

[Franco Cozzo]

Ford Ranger

[FTE217]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Ford Ranger

makes sense, 4doors, family cab and possible ABN tax benefits haha

[FTE217]

Out 3 BM’s round the era you mention Syndrome I’ve had the main issue I had was coolant leak from their plastic hoses a 330i M I had.
@ 60/70 tho k’s.
I get rid of them anyway by 80 so buying a low k as mentioned with service record and wty never had other issues but service consumables and flat runs cost the other main usage depending your driving.


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[Giant Cranium]

m3 or m340, you need to go the m3, you will kick yourself eveytime you see one

M340 positives are newer and doesn't sound like **** like the m3 does

Jag... surely he was having a laugh.

[DFB FGXR6]

As a counter to the Jaguar haters, our XE has been terrific. Personally, I like that they are something other than another black BMW or silver Mercedes. They drive better than both as well.

The only thing I would change in ours would be the engine, the 2.0t spec with 147 kW makes it brisk but the chassis is capable of so much more. If you look under one, the suspension components are far beefer than needed on a vehicle this size, which in turn makes them extremely well planted on the road.



From experience, the supercharged V6 has more than enough grunt, especially considering the light-weight aluminum body of the XE and XF. I just wish they went back to their roots and put the Ingenium Inline 6 in these.







As for the M3, BMW haven't made a proper one since the E90/E92, they sound terrible and don't have that finely crafted balance between chassis and engine, so they are twitchy and overpowered feeling. I'm not saying go buy a Jag, but I'm also not saying go by a M3 either because I think you will end up hating it.

[FTE217]

the OP asked about a couple of BM's at the same time like any discussion at the pub or bbq others bring on some other thoughts in their heads, pretty normal human interaction.
No big deal, still hovering the subject but friends bringing up choices or check these out
Syndrome hope you keep us updated in this thread.
Get some test drives of either BM be curious of your experience.

[Swordie]

I’d test drive both the M3 F80 LCI and M340i G20 xDrive to see what you think. You could probably pick up a M340i with factory warranty second-hand for around same price range as the M3 F80.

I have been a pasanger in the new M3 Wagon. It was a very impressive car. It oozed heaps of power and grip.

[Franco Cozzo]

If you're going to go BMW then I vote 7 series, extra points awarded if you get it in that old man gold/'champagne' color

They depreciate like **** and all BMWs are expensive to maintain and fix anyway.

Not only is it the old man choice, that as a bonus costs a zillion dollars to maintain, you also get to cosplay as an Uber Black doing Melbourne CBD to Melbourne Airport runs.

Check out this fine specimen, it's the best color choice on the market (white) with a leather interior inspired by a baboons crapper

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...SSE-AD-7093886

Simply majestic, we're also about 8 years old and around 70,000km, so we're due for a five figure repair bill starting with a three.

Keeping in tone with the rest of the thread, maybe an AM General HMMWV

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...AG-AD-23631406

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

If you're going to go BMW then I vote 7 series, extra points awarded if you get it in that old man gold/'champagne' color

The official name is "Jewish Racing Gold".