New BMW 3 Series

[iGav]

I have to admit I was expecting something alittle more exciting, especially after the refinement in the 'Flame Surfacing' aesthetic of the 5 Series.

Looks a tad... ho-hum... boring, the snout ain't bad, but that rump looks 5 years old already! :eek: :p

Here's some spiel...

With all the secretive tape and plastic disguising removed, we can finally see how company design boss Chris Bangle's team has gone to work on the Mercedes C-Class rival. It's immediately clear the maker hasn't shied away from its current controversial styling theme - and this will make the 3 one of the most distinctive cars in its class.

In profile, the new model closely resembles the 5-Series, while the sharply sculpted headlights are similar to those of the smaller 1-Series and X3 off-roader. However, it's the rear where the newcomer sets itself apart from the rest of the range, with a neat bootlip spoiler and conservative tail-lamp clusters.

But our pictures run deeper than a glimpse at the bodywork, as we can show you inside, too! And if you thought the exterior echoed the 5-Series, take a look at the cabin - BMW has fitted a scaled-down version of the executive model's interior. Some buyers will be anxious at the sight of the controversial iDrive control system, while an engine start button, replacing the current car's key ignition, will also feature.

Based on a lengthened 1-Series platform, the next-generation 3-Series has a wheelbase which is 35mm longer than the current version's, while 17mm has been added to the track front and rear. This will contribute to improved chassis dynamics for the new 3-Series - which company bosses hope will keep keen drivers loyal to the BMW brand.

When the new model goes on sale in the UK next summer, the line-up will consist of 320i, 325i, 330i petrol versions and the 320d oil-burner. That means the fastest variant at launch will be the six-cylinder 330i, which will deliver 255bhp and sprint from 0-60mph in 7.0 seconds.

Diesel power is taking an increasing share of every market sector, and the 320d is tipped to account for a large proportion of 3-Series sales. The powerplant is likely to be reworked for the new model, and will use its 161bhp and 340Nm of torque to cover the 0-60mph dash in 8.2 seconds. The 3-Series line-up is expected to expand in the future, with the addition of a larger diesel and more high-performance variants, including a sizzling M3, due in 2007.

Thoughts??

[iGav]

And here's that rump... welcome to the 1990's! :eek: :p

[edesignuk]

Nice, I like it. It fits in well with the new design theme that will now run through out the range.

[Squire]

Nice, I like it. It fits in well with the new design theme that will now run through out the range.

Agreed. In fact, the 7-series, in my opinion, is the only one that doesn't look really cool. But I'm even starting to get used to them.

Squire

[saabmp3]

It looks like a grand am mixed with a saturn. I dunno, never been a huge fan (except for maybe the E46) of BMW's styling, I always like Audi or Saab much more (obviously saab :-p).

BEN

[iGav]

Agreed. In fact, the 7-series, in my opinion, is the only one that doesn't look really cool. But I'm even starting to get used to them.

Squire

I like the 7 Series... :) though that's getting a facelift at the moment. :rolleyes:

The front of the new 3 is okay, like a scaled down 5 but the further you move back the more bland it becomes, that rump just looks unresolved and half hearted.

I think the 5 Series remains the only BMW to really hit the spot though. :)

[edesignuk]

I think the 5 Series remains the only BMW to really hit the spot though. :)Let's wait an see what they make the new M3 look like ;) :D

[Squire]

I think the 5 Series remains the only BMW to really hit the spot though. :)

Both the 5- and 6-series models make me stare.

I have this fantasy about driving from Vancouver to Newfoundland in a 4-seater convertible with my wife and kids. The 6-series convertible usually pops up in this dream...until the reality demons throw a Toyota Solara into the picture. (A MINI or Beetle convertible might do the trick.)

Squire

[takao]

one word: YAWN
i guess after the 1 series everybody was expecting too much from the '3er'

[gwuMACaddict]

iGav is right-on... that thing is hideous. looks like a ford torus to me... yikes. bmw has really been putting out some fugly cars lately... :rolleyes:

[stevehaslip]

Let's wait an see what they make the new M3 look like ;) :D

sure the new 3 series looks a little bland for my liking but you're right the m3 will be awesome no matter what it looks like! When the released the first shots of the last m3 they had that gorgeous metalic finish. It was like a polished engineblock on wheels!!

[noel4r]

it looks similar to the previous models, but it looks nice to me. now, if they only lower the price about a few thousand dollars, i'd consider getting one.

[Vector]

I like the E46 body style better.

I don't mind the "Bangled" 5-series, but the "Bangled" trunks of the 3 and seven series cars od not look nearly as nice as the previous body styles. I think Bangle's designs are starting to make BMWs look like several cheap cars that i have seen (fords, and a few others). They are not nearly as identifiable as the previous designs were from far away.

I will be sticking with my E46 model.

[iGav]

Let's wait an see what they make the new M3 look like ;) :D

Still won't do anything to that rump... :eek: :p I remember when the current model was launched, and it already looked 'aged', I guess I was expecting something alittle dynamic after the 5 Series.

I do understand why they've played it safe, if the 3 Series goes radical and doesn't sell (like the 7 Series) then BMW are properly screwed!

I'm more intrigued to see what the A4 looks like after it receives it's Auto Union snout... now all they need to do is an RS4 version... :D

[iGav]

II think Bangle's designs are starting to make BMWs look like several cheap cars that i have seen (fords, and a few others). They are not nearly as identifiable as the previous designs were from far away..

Bangle didn't design the new 3... Adrian von Hooydonk did ;)

[stevehaslip]

Still won't do anything to that rump... :eek: :p I remember when the current model was launched, and it already looked 'aged', I guess I was expecting something alittle dynamic after the 5 Series.

I do understand why they've played it safe, if the 3 Series goes radical and doesn't sell (like the 7 Series) then BMW are properly screwed!

I'm more intrigued to see what the A4 looks like after it receives it's Auto Union snout... now all they need to do is an RS4 version... :D

:D :D YES PLEASE! I'd much rather have an RS4 over an M3 any day! :D

[bousozoku]

Nice Ford Mondeo. Have BMW lost their minds?

Will people buy their vehicles (I refrain from calling them cars or automobiles) when they are so generic? In the U.S.A., I think most of the new users simply buy them for the status of the name.

[WinterMute]

Looks like a Rover 75... :eek:

I can't stand any new BMW from the rear apart from the X5, I think they have a real problem with their rear styling.

I think BMW are being eclipsed by the likes of Alpha and Honda, and I'd take an RS6 over any M-series BMW.

...and whats with the 330 taking 7 secs to get to 60? My Toledo does it in less than 6, and it's only a 2.3 with one less cylinder, BMW always cripple the performance of any car without an M-badge on it.

(Yes Gav, I had AMD re-map the Tolly, 180bhp and an extra 35 ft/lb of torque)

[Vector]

Bangle didn't design the new 3... Adrian von Hooydonk did ;)

Thats even worse. That means that BMW has another designer with bad taste.

I love my 2002 3 series, but i would not buy one of these new ones simply because of the styling. I guess i'll have to start looking at other european manufacturers since BMW is so commited to changing their designs for the worse.

[Vector]

Nice Ford Mondeo. Have BMW lost their minds?

Will people buy their vehicles (I refrain from calling them cars or automobiles) when they are so generic? In the U.S.A., I think most of the new users simply buy them for the status of the name.

The new designs seem to be either hated or loved by those that i have talked to. One of my friends loves the new designs of the 5 and 7 series, but i cannot stand the funny looking trunks. I think BMW's designs are getting too plain, too common, but apparently BMW is satisfied with them and their design team.

Some people do just buy them for the name, but those are the people who don't use them to their full potential. I live in a hilly area and have alot of fun driving mine, but some people i know just buy 330s just to have a BMW and never even use the power.

[stevehaslip]

They say that a good design is both loved and hated. Not that I'd call that BMW good design!!!!!

[iGav]

BMW are being eclipsed by the likes of Alpha and Honda

The 3 just looks so banal, especially if it was unfortunate enough to be parked next to an Accord, with it's sharp Alfa-inspired lines. :D

That said, the Accord isn't perfect for a saloon car... close, but the interior is drab as a tweed jacket!! The Japanese can't do interiors... Honda should have ripped the Lamborghini Muira interior like Alfa did for the 147-GTA :D that would've finished it off perfectly! :D

[stevehaslip]

This may be off topic (but its still about cars) check out the Audi Nuvolari Concept car. cool isn't it?

[iGav]

:D :D YES PLEASE! I'd much rather have an RS4 over an M3 any day! :D

Have you ever driven Audi's R(Rocket)S(Ship)6 Avant?? :eek:

I do believe I reviewed it in the July issue of MacRumors last year! :D

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=31650&page=1&pp=25&highlight=RS6

[iGav]

This may be off topic (but its still about cars) check out the Audi Nuvolari Concept car. cool isn't it?

Tis a sweet looking car is that! :D

Here's the daddy though... Rosemeyer. :D

[stevehaslip]

na i've never driven one, my friend has. He met this guy at a pub whos a regular and he asked him if he wanted to drive his rs6. unfortunately he had had a few drinks and was over the limit. But a week or two later he got to drive it! i unfortunately missed out!!!! i want to ALOT though! :D

[G5orbust]

Im so glad I didnt wait for the new model... (I recently just bought a new 2004 330ci)

[Vector]

Im so glad I didnt wait for the new model... (I recently just bought a new 2004 330ci)

What color? What options did you get?

[HeWhoSpitsFire]

330ci, the 04 is hands down my favorite overall BMW. Granted it's no M3, but the bang for the buck is incredible. And this is coming from a guy who has drivin every BMW from '99 to now with the exception of the M cars.