At xBhp, we like our machines, but we like customising them just as much. I have been doing this sort of stuff for a while now because designing has been one of my many passions over the course of my life. Be it a design meant as a tribute or a design that conveys a message, there have been many machines in the xBhp Garage that have donned enviable liveries.
As such, here’s the latest avatar of xBhp’s prized possession, our first proper sports car- the BMW M340i. This is a car that looks understated but hides a monster under the hood. At the heart of it sits the legendary B58 engine, the same powerplant that powers icons like the Toyota Supra. It’s an engine designed not just for maximum performance but also for long-term reliability, something rare in today’s performance car world.
Of course, any engine, especially one this potent, demands the right care. That’s where Castrol EDGE with PowerBoost Technology comes into play. With up to 40% improved performance over industry standards, it ensures that the B58 keeps delivering the goods, whether you’re gunning it down an open highway or scoffing at the city traffic. And that is what this livery pays tribute to… the lifeblood of a machine!
Now, the question is why the BMW M340i, and when did my fascination with it start… You see, being a journalist has its perks; you often get to sample some of the most exciting machines out there. This car, though, is not a Press Car. This one is mine. Sitting proudly in the xBhp garage, it is the fruit of my pursuit of fantastic machines.
We’d like to have a special mention for BMC Air Filters since we are talking about the performance of our BMW M340i. We have had a lot of experience with BMC Air Filters, and in all instances, it has left us impressed. In line with their extensive experience in motorsports and other high-performance applications, BMC Air Filters offer the best protection from foreign elements, providing the engine with the cleanest air possible for cleaner combustion and hence, more power. Moreover, despite the meticulous filtration, BMC Air Filters do not choke the engine either, thanks to their high permeability. With the air being fed to the engine being clean and abundant, we expect nothing but fireworks from our BMW M340i xDrive!
My first proper rendezvous with the M340i happened at NATRAX, the high-speed test track in the heart of India. Imagine a smooth strip of tarmac where cars can nudge 330 km/h. The M340i topped out at around 285 km/h, but the point is… this drive sold me on the car. It may not scream “supercar” at first glance, but trust me, it has the performance to rival one. With nearly 400 horsepower and a 0–100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds, thanks to its xDrive system, the M340i is a proper sleeper.
So profound was the impact it left on me that I ended up selling my Mini Cooper and investing in this. And yes, I call it an investment because this isn’t a one-trick pony; it has space, practicality, and everyday usability that cars like the M2 or M4 can’t quite match. Over the past year and a half, I’ve driven this car across India and through it all, the M340i never skipped a beat.
Back to the engine, this B58 is also one of the most tunable motors of modern times. A simple Stage 1 ECU remap can unlock 450 hp, and with more serious work, figures north of 800 hp are achievable. But let’s be real: most owners, myself included, don’t want to void the warranty. So what can you do to personalise the experience without crossing that line?
Here’s what I did. A BMC air filter was my first step, better airflow, a few extra horses, and a throatier soundtrack, complete with those addictive pops and crackles. For those who want even more drama, BMW’s official M Performance exhaust is a warranty-safe option. It won’t transform performance, maybe 5 hp here, 5-10 kilos shaved there, but it amplifies the M340i’s playful side just enough.
Of course, the most important “performance mod” is something invisible but vital: engine oil. With a turbocharged straight-six, running the right oil makes all the difference. For me, that means Castrol EDGE Eurocar 0W-20, which I’ve trusted from racetracks to all-India rides and everything that comes in between. It’s engineered to cope with everything, from NATRAX speeds to stop-and-go city runs in searing heat. For SUV owners, Castrol EDGE SUV 0W-30 is an equally solid choice.
When the whole car is getting a special treatment, leaving the tyres out is not fair. We have been working with Tyre Decor for a long time to give the tyres of our machines, cars and motorcycles alike the customisation they deserve. As you can see here, their work involves meticulous attention to detail, the perfect fit, and the perfect message. After all, if the whole machine is your canvas, why leave the tyres out of it!
Visually, I’ve treated the M340i to a makeover as well. I believe if you have a dream car, it should look the part. This is actually the third iteration of my M340i in less than half a year, and for this one, I drew inspiration from a very special machine: the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage. Limited to just 50 units worldwide, this car channels BMW’s racing heritage in the purest form. Those three iconic stripes, blue, purple, and red, are what the M Division is all about… motorsport, performance, and passion!
My M340i may not have 560 horses like the CSL, but with its unique livery, it pays tribute to that spirit. And underneath all the branding, this car is genuinely brilliant. I’ve had the pleasure of driving the hardcore M4 CSL, a car limited to just 1,000 units, on the Stelvio Pass in Italy. While that was an unforgettable experience, coming back home to the M340i feels just as special. It may not be as rare or as extreme, but it’s a car you can truly live with every single day, without feeling short-changed when you want to push it.
To sum it all up, the BMW M340i blends performance, reliability, and usability in a manner very few cars do. It is thrilling on a racetrack and comfortable on a cross-country roadtrip. It is playful with its pops and crackles, and yet, it can carry tons of luggage. In my opinion, with the BMW M340i and the right engine oil like Castrol EDGE, you have got yourself not just a sleeper, but one of the smartest performance investments you can make today.
