Inside the build

Joe’s M340i – Is this the Ultimate All-Rounder

Joe's M340i – Is This the Ultimate All-Rounder? Jan 14, 2026 • By Adam Johnson • BMW Builds From daily driver to 630 BHP monster – Joe's 2021 BMW M340i proves you don't have to sacrifice comfort for performance. Discover how this build achieves the perfect balance between street manners and track-ready power. Meet Joe and his 2021 BMW M340i – a car that perfectly embodies the modern performance enthusiast's dream. What started life as BMW's already impressive 374 BHP all-rounder has evolved into something properly quick, now pushing out an incredible 630 BHP on ethanol. But here's the clever bit: it hasn't lost any of the qualities that make the M340i such a brilliant daily driver. This isn't a stripped-out track car that you'll regret driving to work. It's still comfortable, still refined, and still happy to soak up motorway miles in near-silence. But when you want it, there's now proper firepower on tap. We caught up with Joe to discuss his build journey, the modifications that made the biggest difference, and what's next for this incredible G20. Build Specifications 🚗 Vehicle 2021 BMW M340i xDrive B58 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 ⚡ Power Output 550 BHP (Pump Fuel) 630 BHP (E40 Ethanol) 🏁 Quarter Mile 10.59 seconds 60ft: 1.60s 🚀 0-60 MPH 2.91 seconds Supercar territory Real-World Performance Numbers on a dyno are one thing, but Joe's M340i backs them up at the track. With a 2.91-second 0-60 MPH time and 10.59-second quarter mile, this build is genuinely quick by any standard. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system is crucial here. It hooks up instantly, transferring all 630 BHP to the tarmac with minimal wheelspin. That 1.60-second 60-foot time proves how effectively the car launches – it's comparable to purpose-built drag cars. What makes these figures even more impressive is the car's versatility. Joe regularly competes at drag events, then drives home in comfort. It's this dual personality that defines the build. The Modifications That Made It Happen 📊 Tuning & Calibration All the hardware in the world means nothing without proper calibration. Joe's M340i has been expertly tuned by DarkHorse, one of the world's leading BMW tuners based in Ukraine, with installation and data-logging support from JWS Motorworks in Chesterfield. This combination ensures the car not only makes impressive power but does so safely and reliably. The dyno results speak for themselves – smooth power delivery across the rev range with no dangerous spikes or drops. Current Results: 550 BHP / 730nm on 99 octane pump fuel 630 BHP / 790nm on E40 ethanol 🔧 Engine & Forced Induction → DAW Hypercore Hybrid Turbo – The centerpiece of this build. The DAW Hypercore replaces the factory turbo with a hybrid unit that flows significantly more air while maintaining excellent response. This modification alone unlocks massive power gains on the B58 engine. → BM3 Flex Fuel Kit – Allows the engine to run on E40 ethanol, providing additional cooling and enabling higher boost levels for maximum power output. The car automatically adjusts mapping based on fuel ethanol content. → Funk Motorsport Turbo Blanket – Reduces under-bonnet temperatures and keeps the turbo's heat contained, improving performance and reliability during aggressive driving. 💨 Intake & Exhaust System → MST Performance Intake – High-flow intake system that feeds the turbo with maximum airflow, reducing restrictions and improving throttle response. → Osprey Charge Pipe – Upgraded charge pipe to handle increased boost pressure from the hybrid turbo setup, eliminating a common failure point on modified B58 engines. → Osprey 4.5" Decat Downpipe – Removes the restrictive catalytic converter and increases exhaust flow with a 4.5-inch diameter pipe, crucial for making power at this level. → OPF Delete – Removal of the Otto Particulate Filter further improves exhaust flow and sound, while reducing back pressure for better performance. In Joe's Own Words Favourite Modification? "I'd say the bigger turbo is my favourite, the torque is so much better, this turbo doesn't seem to stop pulling right through the rev range" What Makes This Car Special? "Believe it or not, Eco mode. I love how much of an all-rounder it is. I get great MPG, and with the valved exhaust it's mega quiet on my commute. Then when you want it, you've got over 600 horsepower ready to go. It's genuinely the best of both worlds." Most Expensive Modification? "Apart from having the ecu unlocked it has to be the turbo, especially once you factor in professional fitting and the supporting mods needed. But it's worth every penny – it's the single biggest transformation you can make to the B58 platform." What's Next? "I'm tempted by a carbon fibre boot lid – can't decide if I'm too old for it or if i should just go for it and think about the draggy times, if not this then it will probably be some form of weight saving." The Dream: G80 M3 Competition xDrive When asked about his all-time favourite car, Joe doesn't hesitate: the G80 M3 Competition xDrive. It's easy to see why – it's essentially the ultimate evolution of what he's built with his M340i. The same B58-derived S58 engine, but with more power from the factory, aggressive styling, and M Division's chassis tuning. Perhaps that's the next chapter in Joe's BMW journey. Why the M340i Makes Such a Great Platform The G20 M340i has quickly become one of the most popular platforms for tuning in the BMW community, and for good reason. The B58 engine is incredibly robust, capable of handling significantly more power than it makes from the factory. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system puts all that power down effectively, making it accessible and usable on the road. What sets Joe's build apart is the balance he's achieved. Many owners go straight for maximum power with bolt-ons and a tune, but Joe's taken a more methodical approach. The hybrid turbo was installed with all the supporting modifications needed to make the power safely and reliably. The flex fuel system gives him options – pump gas for daily driving, E40 for track days and spirited driving. The result is a car that genuinely does it all. During the week, it's a refined executive saloon that sips fuel and glides silently down the motorway. On the weekend, it's a sub-3-second to 60 MPH monster that runs low 10-second quarter miles. That's the real achievement here – not sacrificing one for the other. Build Credits & Support JWS Motorworks, Chesterfield Installation of all performance modifications, ongoing servicing, and data-logging support. Their expertise ensures every component is fitted correctly and the car runs reliably at these power levels. DarkHorse Tuning, Ukraine Remote tuning services and custom mapping for both pump fuel and E40 ethanol. Constant support and map refinements for race events and performance optimization. Recognized as one of the world's leading BMW tuning specialists. Want Your Car Featured? We're always looking for exceptional builds to feature in our Customer Car Spotlight series. Whether you've built a daily-driven monster like Joe's M340i, a track-focused weapon, or a show-stopping modified car, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a few photos and a short rundown of your build, including modifications, power figures, and what makes your car special. 📧 info@performancehq.co.uk Building Your Own M340i? Performance HQ stocks a comprehensive range of performance parts for the BMW G20 M340i and B58 engine platform. From intakes and exhausts to suspension upgrades and styling components, we've got everything you need to transform your daily driver into something truly special. Browse our BMW Performance Parts collection or get in touch with our team to discuss your build plans. We can help you choose the right modifications for your goals and budget.