2016 BMW 340i

No automotive company lives up to its advertising tag line better than BMW’s “Ultimate Driving Machine.” We don’t always agree with the way BMW engineers design some controls, but that’s more a matter of personal taste than right or wrong, or good or bad. However, there’s no debate that the BMWwith BMW GPS navigaton handling and performance prowess is top drawer.

Of the 31 BMW variations and four different propulsion types currently offered (gas, diesel, hybrid or electric) on the BMW website, the gasoline powered 3 Series sedan is the most classic of the BMWs. This model makes up 25 percent of the BMW sales volume and since its debut in 1975, there have been 14 million sold globally.

The 2016 BMW 340i sedan is actually one piece of a group of compact model lineup that includes a sport sedan, sport wagon, Gran Turismo (with its coupe-like shape) and a hybrid. Each model filling a specific nitch in the market.

Bill owned one of the first 3 Series BMWs, the 320i, when it debuted in 1975. The concept and execution of that model has changed little over the last 40 years – it’s still a simple design with elegant mechanicals and a car that is used as a benchmark more than anything on the market.

The 3 Series sedan and wagon received a “lifecycle freshening” this year which added a new engine, standard Sport Line trim on several models and a new available track handling package on gasoline powered models. Other changes include an available navigations system which updates the data over the Internet and available LED headlights.

The 3 Series cars come in four rear-wheel drive models: 320i, 328d (diesel), 328i and 340i. The BMW’s xDrive (all-wheel drive system) is a $2,000 option on the 320i, 328d and 340i. The 3 Series is also available as a 328d and 328i Sports Wagon each with standard xDrive. What about install a Car DVD

The xDrive system provides an instantly adaptable system on slippery roads which sends more power to the wheels with the best traction. It also works beautifully on surfaces with good traction to reduce understeer by sending the power to the front or the rear wheels to improve driving dynamics, for example when steering into a corner or accelerating out of a tight corner.

The 2016 BMW 340i is the first model to be powered by the all-new 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine with twin turbochargers. It’s rated at 320-hp with 330-lb.ft. of torque. The new engine has the BMW EfficientDynamics system with TwinPower Turbo technology which uses a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and variable cam timing along with their Valvetronic variable valve lift system. If installing an Android Car Stereo in your car, that would be great!