Answers from the Road - 2016 BMW 340i xDrive Long-Term Road Test

Edmunds.com

Answers from the Road - 2016 BMW 340i xDrive Long-Term Road Test

The Edmunds long-term 2016 BMW 340i took a road trip to Portland and Seattle, and you asked some questions. Editor Sadlier's got your answers.

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roadburner

I sometimes drive several F30s on a daily basis and I haven't noticed the ride to be that bad. The best solution is to order the Track Handling Package, which not only gets you non-RFT Michelin PSS tires but Adaptive M Suspension as well. The included VSS and M Sport brakes are the icing on the cake.

nomercy346

I'm about to swap my ancient E46 for my dads F30 328i, at least for the meantime until I can decide on the right truck/jeep. Started driving it around over the last couple days and to be honest it's not that great. The only things I like are the power and that it is newer and has more modern features like bluetooth audio and stuff. Otherwise I would seriously prefer my high mileage, well maintained E46. The engine and exhaust note is disgusting, worse than a diesel. The steering feels more like an Xbox wheel. It's less vague with sport mode on but that makes the ride too harsh with the runflats. Further, the road noise in this thing is insane, lots of tire roar and suspension impact noise, the whole car feels tinny and light like you're riding in a Civic. Guess it would improve to some extent with non-runflats and more sound deadening. Also heard the sound deadening was improved in later model years 2013+?

nedmundo

Thanks for the excellent responses to my question and the others. I've driven a few E90's, and agree that steering was fantastic. I know electric assist will dampen feedback and on-center feel, but I'm still surprised BMW hasn't done a better job with it. I've driven a few Focus ST's, and their steering seems much better. Heck, even the steering in my 2010 TSX is better -- at least with the right tires.

autoline3

currently I drive BMW E90 and the steering feels fantastic, never drove a BMW with electric assist steering yet, but, test drove Tesla Mosel S which has electric assist steering and, in sport mode, it felt and worked excellent, the same as BMW's if not better. Josh, I'd like to know what think which steering feels better in your opinion BMW F30 or Tesla Model S.? thanks.

SadButTrue

@autoline3

We've been impressed with Tesla's execution re: vehicle dynamics, steering included. Here are the steering comments from our most recent Model S track test (it was a 2015 P85D): "Steering is friction-free, precise, responsive...appropriately weighted...and even provides some useful information." It's hard to compare without doing a back-to-back drive like you did, but Tesla's got it figured out, for sure.

-JS

wasabi911

nomercy346 said:

I'm about to swap my ancient E46 for my dads F30 328i, at least for the meantime until I can decide on the right truck/jeep. Started driving it around over the last couple days and to be honest it's not that great. The only things I like are the power and that it is newer and has more modern features like bluetooth audio and stuff. Otherwise I would seriously prefer my high mileage, well maintained E46. The engine and exhaust note is disgusting, worse than a diesel. The steering feels more like an Xbox wheel. It's less vague with sport mode on but that makes the ride too harsh with the runflats. Further, the road noise in this thing is insane, lots of tire roar and suspension impact noise, the whole car feels tinny and light like you're riding in a Civic. Guess it would improve to some extent with non-runflats and more sound deadening. Also heard the sound deadening was improved in later model years 2013+?

We have a 2014 328xi and the road noise is horrendous on certain roads. It's quite tiring on long road trips.