When planning a road trip through France, Belgium, and Germany, I needed a car that could handle a bit of everything—long highway stretches, twisty backroads, and, ultimately, the Nürburgring. My 2016 BMW F30 340i wasn’t an M3, but it didn’t need to be. With its balance of power, comfort, and performance, it turned out to be the perfect car for the job.
Six Cylinders and Rear Wheel Drive
The 340i’s inline six engine is an absolute gem. Producing 360 horsepower and a healthy amount of torque, it had all the power I needed for spirited driving without ever feeling over the top. Cruising at highway speeds was effortless, and overtaking slower traffic was never a concern. Plus, the engine delivers its power smoothly, which made the long stretches through the French countryside a pleasure rather than a chore.
Power and Refinement on the Autobahn
Once I hit the German Autobahn, the 340i really came into its own. This car is built for high speed cruising. At 120 mph, it felt planted and composed, with plenty of reserve power if I needed to go faster. I even managed to hit its Vmax of 160 mph on one stretch, and what impressed me most was how stable and composed the car remained at that speed. There was no drama, just smooth, relentless power delivery and confidence inspiring control. Even more surprising was that at Vmax, the car still had around 2,000 rpm left on the tachometer. It made me wonder just how much faster it could have gone if the electronic limiters were removed.
Handling Backroads with Ease
Before reaching the Nürburgring, I explored some of the smaller, twistier roads in the region. This is where the BMW’s balance became apparent. It’s not as hardcore as an M3, but the steering is precise, and the chassis communicates just enough to let you know what’s happening beneath you. The car felt agile yet stable, which made those winding roads both fun and safe to tackle.
I appreciated the fact that I didn’t have to compromise comfort for performance. The 340i could switch from being a relaxed cruiser to a capable backroad machine with just a slight adjustment in driving style. And with the 8-speed automatic transmission in sport mode, shifts were quick and responsive, adding to the overall driving experience.
Meeting a Fellow Enthusiast
While driving Back through Belgium, I met a guy with a red BMW M4 who noticed my 340i and came over to chat. He loved the fact that I had driven my car all the way to the Nürburgring and back, calling it the proper way to experience the track. After swapping a few stories about our laps and road trips, he handed me a Nürburgring sticker a literal badge of honor to place in the back window. It felt like a seal of approval from someone who truly understood what this trip meant.
Prepared for the Nürburgring
Arriving at the Nürburgring, I felt ready. While the 340i wasn’t specifically designed for track duty, it had all the right ingredients to handle a few laps around the legendary circuit. The car’s power was more than adequate, and the brakes inspired confidence, which is crucial on a track with as many high speed sections and hard braking zones as the ‘Ring.
I approached the lap with the same mindset I had for the road trip smooth, controlled, and with a margin for error. The 340i’s balance helped here. It never felt like it was trying to bite back. I focused on taking late apexes and didn’t rush corners that tightened up on themselves. The car’s predictable handling allowed me to build confidence quickly, and by the second half of the lap, I found myself enjoying the flow of the circuit.
Staying Calm Where It Mattered
There are certain sections of the Nürburgring where spectators gather, hoping to see something exciting or, in some unfortunate cases, a crash. I had seen enough YouTube videos of drivers overcooking it in these areas, so I made sure to stay cautious. I slowed down slightly in those sections, stuck to clean lines, and kept things under control. I wasn’t here to set a record; I was here to have fun and get back home in one piece.
A Perfect All-Rounder
What made the 340i perfect for this trip wasn’t just its power or handling—it was the complete package. The car was comfortable enough for long distances, refined enough for high speed cruising, and capable enough to enjoy on the twisty bits and the track. It didn’t beat me up on rough roads, yet it still provided enough feedback to make driving enjoyable.
Sure, an M3 would have been faster and more track focused, but it also would have been stiffer and less comfortable for the touring portion of the trip. The 340i struck the right balance. It gave me just enough of everything without going too far in any one direction.
Final Thoughts
Touring through Europe in the 2016 BMW F30 340i was an experience I won’t forget. It handled everything I threw at it with ease, from highways to backroads to the Nürburgring. It may not have the badge or reputation of an M car, but it proved that you don’t need a full blown sports car to have an incredible driving adventure.
I finished the trip with a new appreciation for what this car can do. It’s not the flashiest or the fastest, but it’s a car that delivers where it counts. Whether you’re touring across countries or tackling one of the world’s most demanding tracks, the BMW F30 340i is up for the challenge.
