BMW M340xi
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,185
Likes: 944
From: MA
Back in 2013 I purchased a 2012 BMW 3 Series wagon (last one with a straight six) that was a CPO with 5K miles.
After I had the car for a few days, I realized it was missing the tool kit and the cargo cover. (so much for their 196 point inspection)
The dealership had to order a new cargo cover because they couldn't find the original at a cost of $1,100 and also a new tool kit.
The sales guy had to drive two hours round trip to deliver them to me.
I lost all respect for CPO programs.
Having said that, that BMW was a great car and never had any problems.
A straight six in a 3 Series is awesome.
After I had the car for a few days, I realized it was missing the tool kit and the cargo cover. (so much for their 196 point inspection)
The dealership had to order a new cargo cover because they couldn't find the original at a cost of $1,100 and also a new tool kit.
The sales guy had to drive two hours round trip to deliver them to me.
I lost all respect for CPO programs.
Having said that, that BMW was a great car and never had any problems.
A straight six in a 3 Series is awesome.
There’s plenty of 540i certified and non certified. Anyone looked at that car will notice the defect in the headlamp lens. That was the first thing I noticed when I looked at.
Recently looking at 2022-2023 M550i. Lol. That goes against why I got rid of the 15MPG LS460 and wanting a more MPG friendly vehicle.
But the V8 though…and that IS500 looks so good. I’m all over the place. This is what happens when you really don’t need a car and just wanting more cars.
-2021+ LS500 preferably F sport and no air suspension. More of what I’m used to.
-2024+ BMW M340. Great DD with good MPG. A little small.
-2022+ BMW 540i. Great DD with good MPG.
-2022+ BMW M550i.
-2022+ Lexus IS500. Looks sweet. Probably the best looking car on this list. And would match up with my LC500. But also maybe too repetitive.
-2024+ Lexus ES300H. The ultimate DD with great MPG. I actually need to look at this.
Last edited by NickL; Feb 26, 2025 at 07:28 AM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 3,958
Likes: 409
A new 540i headlamp is about 3500$. The dealer said they’re not doing anything about it. I said okay, I’ll pass.
There’s plenty of 540i certified and non certified. Anyone looked at that car will notice the defect in the headlamp lens. That was the first thing I noticed when I looked at.
Recently looking at 2022-2023 M550i. Lol. That goes against why I got rid of the 15MPG LS460 and wanting a more MPG friendly vehicle.
But the V8 though…and that IS500 looks so good. I’m all over the place. This is what happens when you really don’t need a car and just wanting more cars.
-2021+ LS500 preferably F sport and no air suspension. More of what I’m used to.
-2024+ BMW M340. Great DD with good MPG. A little small.
-2022+ BMW 540i. Great DD with good MPG.
-2022+ BMW M550i.
-2022+ Lexus IS500. Looks sweet. Probably the best looking car on this list. And would match up with my LC500. But also maybe too repetitive.
-2024+ Lexus ES300H. The ultimate DD with great MPG. I actually need to look at this.
There’s plenty of 540i certified and non certified. Anyone looked at that car will notice the defect in the headlamp lens. That was the first thing I noticed when I looked at.
Recently looking at 2022-2023 M550i. Lol. That goes against why I got rid of the 15MPG LS460 and wanting a more MPG friendly vehicle.
But the V8 though…and that IS500 looks so good. I’m all over the place. This is what happens when you really don’t need a car and just wanting more cars.
-2021+ LS500 preferably F sport and no air suspension. More of what I’m used to.
-2024+ BMW M340. Great DD with good MPG. A little small.
-2022+ BMW 540i. Great DD with good MPG.
-2022+ BMW M550i.
-2022+ Lexus IS500. Looks sweet. Probably the best looking car on this list. And would match up with my LC500. But also maybe too repetitive.
-2024+ Lexus ES300H. The ultimate DD with great MPG. I actually need to look at this.
He also said the IS500 is a monster. Loves the way it looks and sounds.
LS500 he loves the looks of it, could use newer technology for the price point in which he understands why people will look at Mercedes S class, BMW 7 series and the Audi 7 and 8 series.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,403
Likes: 365
From: Las Vegas
It's BMW's plug-in electric brand. The i3 was their first EV. It actually has an engine that functions as a range extender(it runs to charge the batteries, but does not drive the wheels). The i8 deviated from this by being a regular plug-in hybrid. Later models like the i4 and i5 are actual EV's with no ICE.
CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9,388
Likes: 620
From: IL
The i3's engine was actually optional. Check the "range extender" box on the options list and you get that little 2-cylinder generator. Leave it unchecked and it's a pure EV.
In the used listings you'll often see the EVs just listed as "i3", while those with the range extender are "i3 REX"
In the used listings you'll often see the EVs just listed as "i3", while those with the range extender are "i3 REX"
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,281
Likes: 1,612
From: FL
It's BMW's plug-in electric brand. The i3 was their first EV. It actually has an engine that functions as a range extender(it runs to charge the batteries, but does not drive the wheels). The i8 deviated from this by being a regular plug-in hybrid. Later models like the i4 and i5 are actual EV's with no ICE.
Does it work well in practice?
I'm guessing the small engine can add some miles but how much I don't know before complete battery depletion.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,281
Likes: 1,612
From: FL
The i3's engine was actually optional. Check the "range extender" box on the options list and you get that little 2-cylinder generator. Leave it unchecked and it's a pure EV.
In the used listings you'll often see the EVs just listed as "i3", while those with the range extender are "i3 REX"
In the used listings you'll often see the EVs just listed as "i3", while those with the range extender are "i3 REX"
CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9,388
Likes: 620
From: IL
"idiot" i think. 
sounds like a thinly veiled jab at the 'worry' of ev range. you know some ev's have V2L (vehicle to load) meaning they can charge or power something else. while not fast, my ev could charge another ev, enough to get them moving a few miles at least.
Last edited by bitkahuna; Feb 26, 2025 at 03:09 PM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,281
Likes: 1,612
From: FL
There's no reading between the lines with me for anything veiled.
But I can see how it can look that way.
Back in the day, having a kicker motor on a boat is a lifesaver.
Engine failure or running out of gas, no problem.
It's a small engine so it won't be fast but I will get you to the dock. 🫸🫷
I like the idea of a kicker motor on an EV.
I'd like a kicker motor on my Ice too!
I like the idea of a kicker motor on an EV.
I'd like a kicker motor on my Ice too!
I'd like a kicker motor on my Ice too!
same thing ultimately is true on an ev - just don't run out of charge!
and both ice and ev's typically have at least some 'reserve', so you really have to be 'determined' to become unable to move.
Last edited by bitkahuna; Feb 26, 2025 at 03:15 PM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,403
Likes: 365
From: Las Vegas
The only real use of a kicker motor in an ICE vehicle would be for breakdowns....but that's just not worth the cost + weight + space. Breakdowns are uncommon enough that it's much more practical to just tow the car at that point.