BMW has updated their nomenclature again. The N54/N55 engine has been dropped from the 3 series and replaced with the B58 engine. It’s a rework of their single turbo, 3.0L formula with a water cooled intake charger. The magazines seem to indicate this is the first iteration of the car that exceeds the E90 in feel and performance. The track handling package, M adaptive suspension, and a retune of the electric steering have put the car back in balance.
I really loved my 2006 325i 6 speed, and on a recent weekend at the track I was riding in a 2008 335i sedan. I forgot how smooth as glass that motor is (untuned). You can barely tell it’s a turbo.
The bad news on this 340i is this weight is dead identical to an S4 now, at 3850 pounds with xDrive. I don’t recommend open diff on a car with this much torque. The price is about $53,000 with sensible options.