Yes, the 340I with some M options is a great car, way cheaper...

Yes, the 340I with some M options is a great car, way cheaper than the full on M3 and if you service them regularly they will go hard for years.

F80 LCI M3 sedans (especially if you can get the competition model) are one of the best all round cars on the market but the 340IM is the 2nd best I'd pick a 2018 F30 model, great car for the money at the moment...