09 Nov Why I traded my 1300 Mile M340i for a CT4 V Blackwing
Let me start by saying, I love BMW’s. I think BMW’s are great. I have been lucky enough to own a 2018 340i M Sport, a 2022 x3 M40i and a 2024 M340i. So, why then did I go from an m340i (with 1200 miles) to a Cadillac CT4V Blackwing?
It was just such a fun, engaging car to be behind the wheel of.
My 2018 340i was one of the best cars I have ever owned or driven. That list that is 26 cars deep, and includes Porsches, Cadillacs, BMWs, Dodges, Chrysler, Pontiacs, and others, so I have some history to compare to. It was just such a fun, engaging car to be behind the wheel of.
I also very much enjoyed the x3 m40i. As far as an SUV goes, I’m not sure there are many that hit all the points – perfect size, really good gas mileage for an SUV, comfortable to be in, and when you wanted, tremendously fun to drive.
However, as my children grew and ended up in their own cars, I started to look for a little more. As I would take corners in the x3, I started to feel a bit of the body roll (which is natural in an SUV) and basically started thinking of my 340i. After all, it’s usually just me in the car, so I don’t need the SUV anymore, let’s go have even more fun. For the record, I’m not a track guy, I don’t take my cars to the track and rarely push them to the limits, but I do like to take a spirited drive every now and again. So, something that is a bit more planted, a little more nimble, fit the bill.
Initially, I was turned off from the new m340i, mostly because of the new shifter (a toggle switch?) and LCD screen set up. It took me months to finally decide to pull the trigger and order one. I literally went to the BMW dealership 4 or 5 times to just be in the new cars with the screens and just try to figure out if I could live with them.
But, I started to remember how I used to sit and stare at my 2018 340i; I really think that was the sweet spot for the 340’s. And I knew BMW was going to change the exterior design, and I am not a fan of the new 5 series design. There is a curve to a BMW, especially around the back windows that to me screams BMW, and I wanted to grab one before it changed. So, screens be damned, I was ordering one and I would figure out the interior issues, and I know things are just about getting used to them; I’d be okay.
As the BMW build and delivery was taking its usually long time out of Mexico, I happened to see a CT4V Blackwing on a lot and stopped in to have a look. I had a 2013 ATS that was neck and neck with the 340i as my favorite cars ever, and since it looked similar to the CT4, I was intrigued.
Because I research everything to death, I started researching the Blackwing. The more research I did on the Blackwing, the more I was starting to think that this might just be a car I need to try. I mean 472HP / 455 lb ft of torque, is an eye catcher. But, in the end, I decided to stick with the m340i order.
Why????? Gas mileage, interior space, and rear wheel drive (I live in Massachusetts). Also, while the m340i says it kicks out 382hp, we all know that BMW downgrades their engines and they produce way more than BMW says they do. So, I had decided that I will get the m340i and maybe get a CT4V Blackwing when they do a refresh of the interior in 2025 – it made sense to me.
Taking delivery of the m340i was a great experience as usual, and I felt that I had made the right choice. But one thing the BMW Genius said to me stuck out. As he was explaining iDrive 8, he said, “These cars are more computer now than car”. WAIT WHAT? Is that what I want? Look, I am all for advancement but is that I want? I like being able to DRIVE the car, I like the engagement of the car and the road! But, I figured he just meant the LCD screens, so I moved on, however it stuck with me.
The gear shifter, or toggle switch was something I wasn’t really fond of at first but as I had the car, I realized that was not really any issue. In fact, it actually did make getting to the wireless charger or getting to the cup holders much easier, so that wasn’t too bad! The only issue I had with it was that I would forget to hit the parking button before shutting the car off – not a huge deal because the car automatically goes into PARK when you turn the car off, but a bit of a “huh?” moment, or four or five (if I’m being honest). I used to like the fact that the START/STOP button is on the center console (it was different) but with the new toggle shifter and the position of the PARK button next to the STOP/START button, it grew to be a bit of an annoyance. Deal breaker? NOPE.
The LCD screen was a little bit different. That took a lot more getting used to. In some ways, it feels like they just plopped an LCD screen on a dashboard without much thought. I know that’s not true, but it kind of looks like it to me. Now, to be fair, the graphics and resolution are incredible on the screens, I can’t speak more highly of that.
But, I was never a fan of the new digital gauges, though. I understand the goal is to push the envelope, bring the future closer but what is wrong with rotary dials (or at least the option to configure those). I found the sharp edges and lines as a nuisance rather than exciting and new. It felt like I was driving a video game and maybe that’s what they want – younger, hipper customers who want to drive Mario Kart for real. I do not.
iDrive 8, oh where to start? Well, it was very responsive and easy to use from that perspective. You hit or swiped and it reacted instantly. But, I had iDrive 7 and I am not sure this really is an upgrade. Simply put, there was too much time needing to look at a screen. Even the simplest of tasks, required 2 to 3 clicks where one button push used to do it. This was time spent looking at a screen when you should be looking at the road. Again, all of which, I got used to over time, but none of it is necessary or in my opinion, the right way to go. I have heard iDrive 8.5 reduced some of the steps but it wasn’t available on a brand new car, even in the updates – something else that made no sense. This is not the reason I changed cars, but this was also not a reason to stay with BMW, in my opinion – it was just another thing that made the decision easier.
So, you know what you were getting into, you were learning to adjust, why change?
I can’t believe I am saying this, but it’s the driving experience. You see, the 2018 340i was an engaging, fun, nimble, spirited car to drive, regardless of drive mode. Even the x3 M40i was interesting to drive. As I did more and more research, I logged hundreds of hours on reviews, I saw that the m340i was every bit as fast 0-60 as the Blackwing. In fact at 3.7 according to Car and Driver for the m340i and 3.9 for the Blackwing AUTO. So, the car is just as fast, if not faster. Although top speed is a complete whitewash for the Blackwing at 189mph vs either 155 or 130, (based off packages) for the m340i. But, to be fair, I am pretty sure I wouldn’t have topped out the m340i at 155…130, maybe.
Don’t get me wrong, the BMW m340i is a fantastic car, built amazingly well. But, CHILL SXM????
Because of all those reasons, the BMW made more sense, so I went with the m340i – even though I was a bit worried about the screens. And, don’t get me wrong, the m340i is a very comfortable place to be. The interior is incredibly well done, very high end materials. The car is just a nice place to be. Sure, there are some areas that it seems like there is some cost cutting going on, like the steering wheel just looks cheaper than even the one in my x3 M40i. But as a general rule, the build quality of the interior is amazing, nothing to complain about. But, as I drove the car more and more, I realized that as comfortable a place to be as it is, it was missing something. The interior is very nice but felt a bit sterile. The driving experience, that feeling you get in the seat of your pants as you drive it, felt like there was no soul. I felt disconnected to the drive. I felt disconnected to the car. Look, it made for comfortable rides to work and back and was a pleasant place to be but there was no thrill, no excitement, no finding reasons to drive the car. Then it hit me, I was out one day and the Sirius XM Chill station was on. And it fit! It felt like the right station for the car, that was my moment. I don’t want a car that fits the CHILL Sirius Channel! I want a car that makes me want to put on Hair Nation or similar that says, “let’s have some fun” – even if we are going 30mph. I need a car that makes me smile, not one that makes me go…”eh”.
So, I went to see the CT4V Blackwing again, still worried about the size, gas mileage, RWD. But, it turns out that it’s not as small as I made it out to be inside (again I’m also not big at 5’6”). It’s not a big car by any means, but not claustrophobic at all. In fact, it fits, it just fits. The gas mileage isn’t amazing, but it’s also not a pickup truck MPG either. We’ll see how it is in winter; my RWD ATS was amazing with the right tires. Plus, the advances in technology since 1982, mean it’ll be better than those RWD cars immediately anyway. I may or may not have a helmet on the first few trips out in some snow, but I am confident it will be steady in the winter.
The m340i and BMW are amazing, great cars. BUT, I drove that CT4V Blackwing and…well, it felt like I needed to find another reason to drive it! The Blackwing just makes me smile when I get in it and sit down. While it is similar in direct line speed to the m340i (at least 0-60), it has a different feel to that power. In the BMW, it felt like ZOOM, in the Blackwing, it feels like BOOM! The steering feel, to me, and I’m not race driver, feels far more connected, far more communicative in the Blackwing even in TOURING mode. Both feel “fake” heavy in their feel but the Blackwing felt “better”.
In the BMW, it felt like ZOOM, in the Blackwing, it feels like BOOM!
While I think the B58 engine and its ZF transmission are just buttery smooth, I have always been a fan of the 3.6 GM engine. It really is bulletproof. While the 10 speed automatic in the Blackwing isn’t as buttery smooth, I kinda like that. I like a little “feel”. Again, these are things you wouldn’t notice as differences unless you are really paying attention. It’s not like the Blackwing klunks around, no far from it. But, I simply can’t say anything is smoother that the BMW engine and transmission marriage.
Oh yeah. I decided on the AUTO because it is a daily driver. I know many want the manual in the Blackwing because well, it’s a manual! But, I have an aggressive manual in my Corvette if I want to rip through the gears. Plus, I like the AUTO in the Blackwing because truthfully, I don’t like shifting in traffic and sometimes I don’t want to think about that – I know that’s opposite what I have been saying about liking to DRIVE the car but sometimes, eh. Plus, I let my kids drive my cars and they can’t adequately drive manuals yet and yes, I have no problem letting them drive my cars. I grew up with a ‘63 Stingray that was untouchable, and I decided that was not how I was going to do things with my kids.
But, the chassis, oh the chassis. This is where the Blackwing makes its living. I thought my BMWs handled well but the Blackwing simply instills confidence going into every corner. This car feels so much more planted to the road. This car feels like I can do more with it from a control perspective. This car’s handling reminds me of my C6 Corvette or (I am ready for the hate) my 944’s. Simply put, it feels like there is no corner, no windy road that it can’t handle – easily. There is one twisty series of corners in my town that in my Corvette, I just cant wait to fly though the gears and just smile through. The BMW handled that area well but the Blackwing makes me want to push a little harder each time, in my head, it’s saying to me…we got this! THAT is a feeling the m340 never gave me. I feel the same way about the Blackwing chassis as I do the B58 engine – just simply amazing. The Blackwing feels like when I start it up, it is hoping that I chose the winding road so it can show where it is best.
The looks of a car are subjective but there is something a bit more aggressive, more sinister in the look of the Blackwing, especially from the front. I’m not really sure why they took the day off when designing the rear of the car, but it feels like this refined aggressive “animal” from the front and the back is like, “well, that’s cool but…”. Although the exhaust tips look great.
I always loved the side view of my ATS and the Blackwing is no different. But, the 218 340i is the only other car that I would sit and stare at from the side and just think, “Wow”. The current m340 still has that side profile but I feel the rest of the car is a little too plain for what it is. Maybe some extra width in the back would’ve helped. I personally think the exhaust (which now looks like the x3 did) would’ve done better as tips vs the angular shape it currently is. That would’ve helped.
I just think the Blackwing looks more like what it is, a car that just wants to run and beat you to the next spot. Whereas, the m340 looks more like a sleeper with few cues to what the car is truly capable of. But, again looks are subjective.
Interior wise, the Blackwing more suits what I prefer. Look at all those buttons – real buttons, that are easy to use!
Many will talk about how the infotainment looks aged or unfitting to a car in this price range, and with an 8” screen, it can be considered small. BUT, the pictures do not do it justice. To me, it fits the car. I do not want a car that is almost “as much computer as it is car”. This car feels more like a cockpit, more driver focused. I don’t need to go through multiple steps to turn on a heated seat or change a temperature. Plus, while this is more driver oriented, the passenger can easily make changes. The m340 screens are also driver focused and the angle made it odd (not hard but odd) for the passenger to do anything on them.
Again, the BMW was a comfortable place to be, but the Blackwing is a place that makes me smile, and yet still very comfortable. Oh, and the audio system. BMW’s Harmon Kardon Surround System upgrade is good but it is missing something. With the window down, I had to put it up much louder than I prefer to hear it and even then, it was still missing something. The Blackwing’s AKG system seems to be a bit better so far, although I’ll have to check to see if CHILL sounds as good!
If you look at it with your head (like I did) the BMW might just win. It’s wonderfully built, better mileage, better space in the rear seat, it’s AWD vs RWD. It’s plenty fast (believe me). But, as I drove more and more, my heart started to take over and it always chose the Blackwing. It just “feels” different. It drives different. It feels like a great daily driver that has the ability unleash the caged animal and when it does, whoa…
For me, both are great cars. But when I listened to my heart, let my butt in the seat make the choice, I chose the Blackwing. It is the first car that I have had in a long time, that has me looking for reasons to drive it. I can’t remember this many trips to the grocery store! I can’t wait to forget more stuff!