[tturedraider]

PC Delivery is amazing. Based on the things you listed that you are looking for I absolutely recommend the M340i. The first things you mention are fun to drive and the best engine possible. The M340i fits that bill better than any other competitor in its class. Most deficiencies that people perceived in the F3x generation have been rectified with the G2x. The B58 inline six is a phenomenal motor. Part of that is simply that it is an inline six motor. Inline sixes are inherently balanced and, therefore, smooth running. The ZF8 transmission is also amazing. Many manufacturers use it, but BMW seems to have really perfected their tuning/programming of it. Take your golf clubs and try them in the trunk.

I probably should also give a plug to the M Sport 330i. It has a great four banger and would probably have all the power you’ll need. Even if you are set on an M340i you should drive a 330i just to appreciate it for what it is.

The ///M3 will be more than you need. And it comes with BMW’s new oversized, atrocious grill.

BMW makes the best handling SUVs out there, but the fact is they’re still SUVs and have a truck-ish drive.

For many years I have said a primary difference between BMW owners and Mercedes owners is that BMW owners tend to be the kind of people who prefer to do things for themselves, whereas Mercedes owners tend to be the kind of people who prefer to have things done for them.

More than most any other brand, BMW owners tend to be more connected to their cars. It’s one of the reasons the BMW Car Club of America is the largest single marquee car club in the world. You should go ahead and join now so you’ll qualify for the $500/3 Series BMW CCA rebate when you purchase your car. If you join for one year you’ll have to wait an entire year to qualify. If you join for three years you’ll qualify for the rebate in only six months. Shameless plug, be sure to use my member number, 388003, as your referral and we’ll both be entered to win a one day ///M Driving School.

If you can’t tell I’m a little bit of a fanboy. The fact that BMW offers Performance Center Delivery is a pretty clear indicator of how they feel about driving and about their cars.

Best wishes on your decision.