Instructed specs are a big issue presently. Of training course, mates have often liked to advise on which wheels to go for with a new car and which solutions are a should have but now mags will notify you proposed extras and best specs, with even configurators encouraging which packing containers to tick. It is all in the title of resale, of class a manufacturer does not want you picking out a vehicle you are heading to give again to them in three yrs that they simply cannot change. And, well, a large amount of whatβs advised tends to be wise stuff (that frequently should be standard), so it is sensible to stick to the assistance.
But what comes about when a consumer goes wholly towards all the tips? We see it with supercars all the time, but much less so with regular autos when people today can not (or will not) deviate from the norm. So allow us current what may possibly be the least appealing (to the the greater part) F30 BMW 3 Series in the classifieds – which appears to be absolutely brilliant.
There wonβt have been lots of for whom a 330i or 330d of the prior era would not have been more than enough, blessed as they the two are with sufficient energy and torque for a smaller BMW saloon. But this is a 340i, the flagship six-cylinder design that arrived with the 2015 mid-lifetime update and boasted 326hp and 332lb ft. That meant -62mph in 5.2 seconds, and 155mph probable – a rapid car, then.
Very well, that was with the 8-speed vehicle that the start autos have been equipped with and the broad greater part of 340is would have been bought with. This one stored the 6-velocity manual, which will have been a bold determination when new now, a lot less than 5 several years just after its first registration, there is no these types of matter as a new, handbook 3 SeriesΒ – leave alone a person with 6 cylinders. And that definitely is just the commencing of an amazing specification, one that goes versus all typical knowledge.
Note the more compact 18-inch wheels and clear glass, for starters. The product leather is a novel preference, too, particularly with the flat pink paint. Also within it appears to be like like this 3 Series was specced with out the stereo update (as there are no A-pillar speakers), devoid of heated seats (the button is missing) and with the smallest doable screens. Below the driver’s dials sits an analogue MPG readout like the excellent outdated days, and even the iDrive screen has thick black borders which – truth be advised – we didnβt consider was doable on the flagship design. It is like all the funds the very first purchaser had out there was used on obtaining the most important engine attainable and not the fripperies, which is really amazing. Then bought their 3 Series in crimson with product, like it was a Ferrari.
Now the manual 340i is for sale, presented at BMW Salisbury with, it appears, just that a single operator from new. (The spec box at the bottom has β0β for former owners). Itβs protected 56,000 miles given that 2017 and looks nicely for it, wheels unkerbed and interior mostly unblemished. If you experienced to guess, itβs easy to photo 1 particular person doting on their 3 Collection and working with it consistently but not excessively. And most likely having fun with the novelty of a 300hp+ BMW with a guide gearbox and rear-wheel push.
Of training course, this will not be to all tastes. And even at half its new value, Β£19k isnβt the sort of cash to throw away on a curio. A great deal of autos have a good deal of the exact same possibilities because those are what is common with the the vast majority of potential buyers. Crimson has rarely seemed fantastic with all-red rear lights, and weβd argue the same is accurate listed here. But as the guide gearbox dies out, so its appeal raises to its advocates. As the antithesis of the standard sporting activities saloon observed in the Uk, we canβt enable but adore this 340i. Get the boot badge off and the ultimate Q-vehicle is yours.
SPECIFICATION | BMW 340i M Activity
Motor:Β 2,998cc straight-six turbo
Transmission:Β 6-pace handbook, rear-wheel push
Ability (hp):Β 326@5,500-6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 332@1,380-5,000rpm
CO2:Β 179g/km (NEDC)
MPG:Β 36.7
To start with registered:Β 2017
Recorded mileage:Β 56,000
Value new:Β Β£38,125
Yours for:Β Β£19,000