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      05-23-2019, 02:34 PM   #1
sanfordrich
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30i or M40i?

I can’t decide between the 30i or M40i. I assume the 30i handles better since it is lighter up front. Does one really need all the additional speed of the M40i? I don’t care about racing on a track. On the other hand, I understand the sport car sound is more fun with the M40i. What do owners of the 30i think about the sound it makes? For me, I will use it for recreation in the mountains of Colorado and for cross country trips. Decisions, decisions. Any opinions out there?
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      05-23-2019, 08:43 PM   #2
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Personally, I do really love the sound of the m40i, but I didn't really take the opportunity to see if the the 30 would have been "enough". That said, it never honestly occurred to me to get the 30. I spent the last few years in something that had decent "pep" and i didnt really want to give up that part. In hindsight though, I do wish that Id driven the 30 and I suspect that it would have enough fun cooked into it that it might have been enough. Ive thought about that several times over the last few weeks.

Depending on what you're coming from, I would drive the 30 a bunch of times to see if it does what you want it to do. If you cant shake the spectre of something else being faster or louder after driving it a few times, then you'll have your answer. The 40 is fun as hell though and i certainly dont regret getting it, but i do wish i had just started the process that perspective.
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      05-23-2019, 09:21 PM   #3
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Thank you for the insight. I plan on test driving both vehicles in a couple of days. The 30i has a lot of torque for a 4, so I'm looking forward to comparing the two. I'm actually a little apprehensive about the quickness of the M40i. Zero to sixty in 3.9 seems really fast. Is that anything to be concerned about? The quickest vehicle I've ever driven was my VW GTI. This is kind of an embarrassing question, but does one have to worry about accelerating so fast in the M40i that the car is difficult to control?
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      05-23-2019, 09:47 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sanfordrich View Post
Thank you for the insight. I plan on test driving both vehicles in a couple of days. The 30i has a lot of torque for a 4, so I'm looking forward to comparing the two. I'm actually a little apprehensive about the quickness of the M40i. Zero to sixty in 3.9 seems really fast. Is that anything to be concerned about? The quickest vehicle I've ever driven was my VW GTI. This is kind of an embarrassing question, but does one have to worry about accelerating so fast in the M40i that the car is difficult to control?
I wouldnt say its so much of a safety thing, you'll get used to it pretty quick and it would only really be a thought in sport+. You'll find yourself just adjusting how much gas pedal you give it. In s+ it can definitely be a little twitchy and it can certainly do a lot more than is legallly or socially acceptable, but theres also lots of opportunities to have fun with it. The overall quickness is what made me ponder whether or not i should have given the 30 a fair shake. While its super fun, im curious if (in the context of normal and even casual fun driving) the 30 would be just as fun when you push it harder... compared to the m40i that you wont have a lot of opportunities to push it as hard as itll go.
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      05-23-2019, 09:59 PM   #5
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I drove both the 30i and M40i. There is no comparison: the M40i has more torque, (incredibly) better sound and is way more fun to drive.
Do you need that extra power? No. But considering that inline 6 combustion engines will eventually go the way of the Dodo this is the time to own one.
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      05-23-2019, 10:19 PM   #6
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If the extra $8-$12k is pushing your budget a bit...and you don’t need/have to have the power from the 40...then the 30 would be a really fine cruiser. Looks, tech,etc. But if your unsure, which you do seem, definitely test drive them back to back. I don’t see that I would ever consider the 20 that’s available in Europe, even with a manual. But I’d test drive it first to know for sure...don’t think it has any weight savings vs the 30 though.

Sport+, full on throttle from start...be careful with any steering away from straight line in the 40...
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      05-24-2019, 02:04 AM   #7
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Driven both I would choose m40i. It feels more complete and closer to sport experience. It rewords the driver with the feel and sensation of speed, no matter how fast he/she is going. There's no real substitute for open top experience.

You don't really need the extra power for daily diving. Its more about the character of car and sound of inline 6. Even ordinary grocery shopping becomes interesting.

6 cylinders are dying, this may be last generation of roadster with 6 banger. Porsche already gave up on Boxster.

As for the quickness, nothing to worry about. You will adjust quickly.
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      05-24-2019, 09:30 AM   #8
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My son say's "More is more and more is better!"

Frank Lloyd Wright said "Less is more only when more is too much."

I'm not in the market to replace my M235i yet, but if I were, I'd certainly go M40 vs 30.

That said, I'd venture to say the sDrive 30 will probably outsell the M40i by at least 2:1 if not more.
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      05-24-2019, 07:56 PM   #9
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I took two long test drives of the 30i, one on a test track where I could play a little bit with it. Sound, acceleration, etc. is definitely 'enough' for a street car. But I wanted 'more' and went with the M40.
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      05-25-2019, 03:57 PM   #10
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The best news is you won't make a mistake. As all said, drive both and see what gets you going. I went with the 30 and I'm happy with that decision. I'm only 600 miles in and having plenty of fun. That said, it's a personal decision and all the advice in the world won't help other than go with your gut.
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      05-25-2019, 08:50 PM   #11
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One other thought: engine output is very close to the previous 35i, which was the 'top model' for a couple of years (until 35is came out).
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      05-26-2019, 05:15 PM   #12
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Test drove and still tough decision

I got a chance to test drive both the 30i and M40i. I am leaning toward the M40i. The M40i was a blast to drive and sounds great. It’s a tough decision since the 30i was also fun to drive and much less expensive. Thanks to everyone who provided their input.
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      05-27-2019, 09:11 AM   #13
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If leasing, and don't need the speed, get the 4cyl engine. If going to own for a long time, get the i6. I'm worried about the long term life of these over-rev'd 4's. BMW has been putting out great i6's for decades. The 4's are relatively new. Don't forget the i6 includes some things that are optional on the. 4.
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      05-29-2019, 06:09 PM   #14
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I would go for the M40i if I could stretch my budget but unfortunately I can't so I ordered the 20i Well, at least it's M-Sport LOL
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      05-29-2019, 11:06 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tmehanna View Post
I would go for the M40i if I could stretch my budget but unfortunately I can't so I ordered the 20i Well, at least it's M-Sport LOL
Engine is secondary, itll still feel like youre a 12 year old that stole a go cart and drove it home 🙂
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      05-30-2019, 10:11 AM   #16
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If after driving both.....it's still a toss-up in your mind considering both "need" and "want"; perhaps compare different insurance costs of both to see if that helps with the decision. I lean on any "facts" I can dig up when I get tempted by "wants"

Did the same thing when shopping for stereo speakers long ago...asked myself, does the smaller, less expensive pair sound good to me ...remembering I won't be listening (or driving in this context) to them "back to back" ? If yes, I know I'll be happy when I get them / it home without the bigger, "better sounding" pair right next to them and I'll feel better about the $ savings.

Just another way to evaluate the choices....good luck and congrats!
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      05-30-2019, 10:51 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TK421BMW View Post
If leasing, and don't need the speed, get the 4cyl engine. If going to own for a long time, get the i6. I'm worried about the long term life of these over-rev'd 4's. BMW has been putting out great i6's for decades. The 4's are relatively new. Don't forget the i6 includes some things that are optional on the. 4.
Actually BMW have been making I4 engines for 60 years and the specific outputs for the 30i and M40i (US version) are almost identical and so are their redlines. The I4 isn't any more "over-rev'd" than the I6
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      06-14-2019, 02:06 PM   #18
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Slightly off topic, but when BMW release sales numbers do they differentiate / break down the differences between the I4 and I6 Z4s? Or do they just lump them both together?
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      06-14-2019, 03:39 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by supra93 View Post
Slightly off topic, but when BMW release sales numbers do they differentiate / break down the differences between the I4 and I6 Z4s? Or do they just lump them both together?
Either way you're going to enjoy the Z4. Although the 30i will thrill most beyond their imagination the 40i will rock your socks off. Knowing that you can break out the power and announce your presence with authority in a 40i version just makes everything perfect. More is better when it comes to roadsters. Oh and don't worry about being able to control this car. It will protect you and teach you how to drive it. Just get out there and drive it like you stole it.
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      06-14-2019, 05:57 PM   #20
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strongly suggest more power. this car is to have fun and the added power and other attributes will give you that. and safety? I have found that higher power cars I have driven have always made me feel safer: I have powered my way out of bad spots with handling and HP and great brakes are one of the best safety devices invented (one exception is when I have had to break very hard on freeways im always checking my rear view mirror knowing folks behind cant stop as fast. but a car that is like a cat jumping and stopping from a breaking standpoint is truly one safety feature not to be missed. M40i will be super safe and most fun so if $ are not too much I would say that's the way to go!
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      06-14-2019, 07:23 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tedbay View Post
strongly suggest more power. this car is to have fun and the added power and other attributes will give you that. and safety? I have found that higher power cars I have driven have always made me feel safer: I have powered my way out of bad spots with handling and HP and great brakes are one of the best safety devices invented (one exception is when I have had to break very hard on freeways im always checking my rear view mirror knowing folks behind cant stop as fast. but a car that is like a cat jumping and stopping from a breaking standpoint is truly one safety feature not to be missed. M40i will be super safe and most fun so if $ are not too much I would say that's the way to go!
The M40i I ordered is now on the assembly line. I enjoyed test driving both but it was a definite rush driving the 6 cylinder. Looking forward to taking delivery in 4 to 6 weeks.
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      06-14-2019, 07:30 PM   #22
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First long road trip together with my wife ... yeah, more power is better. Frustrated that nothing is moving in the left lane? Pull the gear lever to the left and surge forward on the right lane. This car is happiest when driving around 90 mph. (I think. Not that I did.)

There was a black Ford Mustang GT for part of the journey and we cruised together for maybe 50 miles. He clearly knew the road much better than I did. I was too scared to drive some of the curves here in the hills aggressively. It was cool though!
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