autocar-logo
Delhi

I am planning to buy a BMW M340i for long-distance trips into wildlife reserves, as I have a strong interest in wildlife. I have two concerns, one is the E20 petrol. The M340i engine is a high-compression engine and needs high-octane fuel. With E20 petrol now available across the country, will this cause any issues for my engine? The other worry is the low tyre profile on bad roads, which may lead to punctures. Do give me your best advice.

Asked by: Gaurav Gupta
On E20 fuel, you don’t have to worry at all. In fact, you should be happy because the base octane rating for E20 fuel has jumped from 91 octane to a minimum of 95 octane or even higher. Hence, this suits the 11.0:1 compression ratio of the M340i’s B58 engine, and now, instead of hunting for high-octane fuel, you can use fuel anywhere, as you are now assured of 95 octane.
A bigger concern are the low profile tyres, which are staggered with 225/40 R19 in front and an even lower 255/35 R19 at the back. This could be a problem on bad roads, where the tyres could be vulnerable to impact damage.
One way to protect the tyres against punctures, but not guaranteed, is to pump up the tyre pressure by about 3-4PSI to make the sidewalls stiffer. This reduces the flex in the sidewalls and makes them more resistant to impact damage, but quite honestly, the BMW M340i is not a car we would take into the jungle!
BMW M340i

BMW M340i

Answered by
AI
Autocar India team17 Dec' 25

Latest questions

Asked by: Lalit abrol

I own a 2016 Hyundai Creta diesel and a 2025 Carens Clavis diesel. It is now time to replace the Creta. Please suggest a good 5-seater, excluding Hyundai and Kia. I want a petrol automatic with all the latest features. My budget is ₹15 lakhs.

Given your requirements, you should consider the Skoda Kylaq. It comes with a punch 115hp, 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine that's paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The Kylaq also comes feature-loaded with equipment such as a 10-inch touchscreen, a sunroof, ventilated and powered front seats, a wireless charger and much more.The Skoda SUV has also received a full, 5-star crash safety rating from Bharat NCAP. However, the Kylaq is a bit short on space in the rear for three adults, and it misses out on ADAS features. If you want a more spacious cabin and ADAS, consider the Mahindra XUV 3XO.
AI
Autocar India team
10 Feb' 26
Asked by: Siddhartha Soman Mookerjee

My usage is strictly within Kolkata city, with almost no highway travel. I am not worried about fuel economy, but want a sub-4-metre SUV that is reliable, easy to maintain (spares should be quickly available), and offers very good ride quality and features, especially a strong infotainment system.

Since you're after the best infotainment system in a sub-four-metre SUV, it has to be the new Hyundai Venue, whose Nvidia-based dual-screen system is the best in the segment by a long shot. What's more, the 8-speaker Bose sound system is an excellent companion for driving around town, and while the previous Venue had a firm suspension and choppy ride, things are far improved with the new version that's built on an all-new platform.Being a Hyundai car, service is no problem, with plenty of coverage and easily available parts. Since your usage is primarily around town, we recommend the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with the 7-speed DCT gearbox.Another alternative is the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, which is perhaps even easier on the maintenance side, but is not as spacious or comfortable as the Venue, and misses out on some features in comparison.
AI
Autocar India team
10 Feb' 26
Asked by: Firdaus Pavri

I currently own a Hyundai Venue and am looking to upgrade to something more spacious. I have an average usage of 12,000 km yearly. My budget is ₹20 to 25 lakhs. I like the MG Hector, Kia Seltos, Renault Duster, and Tata Sierra. My priorities are: panoramic sunroof, cabin and boot space, loads of features. Ride quality, power, and mileage are not very important. My daily city usage is around 22 kms, with highway trips 3-4 times a year.

A car that will meet most of your requirements is the Tata Sierra Turbo Petrol, which gets one of the longest wheelbases in the segment, translating to ample cabin space. It features a 450-liter boot (measured to the parcel tray) that is comparable for this segment class, while the 60:40 split-folding second row offers flexible luggage space.This Tata car is packed to the hilt with features, including a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, a three-screen setup, a 360-degree camera, 8-speaker JBL with surround sound and many more. The 1.5-litre Hyperion turbo petrol engine is refined with minimal turbo lag; its linear power delivery makes it much easier to drive in city traffic. It also delivers strong performance.In our preliminary testing, it clocked 0-100kph in just 10.09 seconds, making it one of the fastest mid-size SUVs available. Sierra also gets one of the best ride qualities and handling in the segment.
AI
Autocar India team
10 Feb' 26
Can't decide which car to buy?
Ask our experts and get answers to all your car related queries.