The next 3.....

[MexicoCityM3]

Well, the time is almost upon us for the reveal of the next 3 series - coming on October 14th to all Internet car sites near you. Arguably BMW?s most iconic car and a car that BMW can?t afford to screw up given its impact on overall sales.

From the available spy shots it seems to me that the car will be very similar to the current 3 from the B-pillar back while incorporating the stubbier nose of the recent 7 and 5 series updates. Dimensions should grow a bit but I have high hopes that BMW will keep the weight in check this time. Why? Well, the 3 shares its platform with the redesigned 1 series that was recently launched. Weight on the 1 stayed unchanged even while the car grew slightly. I hope BMW can pull off the same with the 3.

The front will probably not be as radical as the 1 (I hope!) as BMW can?t afford that level of risk on it?s bread and butter car.

Keeping weight in check bodes well for dynamics, just keeping the dynamic competence of the E90 for the new car would keep the 3 at the top of the class, as the E90 has beat all comers in this regard for its 7 year lifespan.

The big changes for enthusiasts are the death of the N/A six inline (new turbo 4) and the very risky move of introducing electric power steering across the line which has ruined the 5 series steering feel according to most mags. Will BMW be able to keep the steering feel in the 3?

The turbo 4 worries me less, as reviews of cars that already equip it (X1, Z4, 528i) have been mostly positive. And the turbo 4 should feel pretty good in the sedan.

Thoughts? Do you care if BMW keeps the 3 as the class benchmark?

[sportyaccordy]

Def lost a bit of its edge/character on paper at least

And each iteration has continued the move from brilliant to competent, while the competition has gone from also ran to competent

The new C class has been getting a lot of love

G37 is due for an update

If there was ever a chance to take the crown this is it. They might have changed too much in the recipe. And then the triple turbo M.We will see

[cawimmer430]

According to BMW Blog the next 3er will also have a V6. Yes, a V6. Now 99% of "BMW fans" will get it right when they talk about the "V6" in their 325i or 335i.  



Spy Video: 2014 BMW M3 Sedan with V6 BiTurbo engine

First spy video of the new 2014 BMW M3 Sedan surfaces on the interwerbs. The new M3 Sedan will come to market along with the Coupe model, which according to our sources will carry the M4 moniker.

Another reliable source told BMWBLOG that the engine in the new M3 will be a 3.5 liter V6 BiTurbo engine.

We learned in the past that BMW M was testing different engines for the upcoming M3, one of them the long-time rumored inline-6 tri-turbo. While the inline-6 is a ?smoother? powerplant, it is larger in size since it needs to be leaned over for height reasons, hence why we believe the new V6 is the final choice for the M3 and M4.


Read more: http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/09/29/spy-video-2014-bmw-m3-sedan-with-v6-biturbo-engine/

[Atomic]

i think, after (only) a couple of blunders over the years, perhaps, we will not see much to complain about. i bet there will be a lot of new technology and only modest cosmetic changes to the exterior. the dash should be more functional than flashy. hopefully, as i hate countless small buttons and over-the-top ford sync-like antics. simple = better, IMO. mercedes-benz went to a standard panoramic roof for the '12 c-class sedan (at least from what i read this a.m.), so perhaps BMW will follow suit with an airier feeling interior and better use of natural air options. i like this move after riding in a new jeep overland and chrysler 300C with panorama sun/moonroofs. i think it is less likely for bimmer, as they tend to avoid most things trendy, for better or worse, depending on shopper/driver.

[Galaxy]

The next 3er will also feature an I3. Not from the start though.

[MexicoCityM3]

According to BMW Blog the next 3er will also have a V6. Yes, a V6. Now 99% of "BMW fans" will get it right when they talk about the "V6" in their 325i or 335i. 

If that happens, the V6 will be M3 exclusive so the 335i will stay with the turbo inline 6. 325i/328i will be turbo 4 bangers now.

[MexicoCityM3]

Def lost a bit of its edge/character on paper at least

And each iteration has continued the move from brilliant to competent, while the competition has gone from also ran to competent

The new C class has been getting a lot of love

G37 is due for an update

If there was ever a chance to take the crown this is it. They might have changed too much in the recipe. And then the triple turbo M.We will see

The C class gets love but still is always behind the 3 in all comparisons I have seen. However, the edge enjoyed by BMW is definitely smaller than it used to be.

[MexicoCityM3]

The next 3er will also feature an I3. Not from the start though.

I think the first eco 3 to appear will be an ActiveHybrid 3, most likely a year after the rest of the line and sharing the ActiveHybrid 5 powertrain (6 turbo + electric).

[MexicoCityM3]

i think, after (only) a couple of blunders over the years, perhaps, we will not see much to complain about. i bet there will be a lot of new technology and only modest cosmetic changes to the exterior. the dash should be more functional than flashy. hopefully, as i hate countless small buttons and over-the-top ford sync-like antics. simple = better, IMO. mercedes-benz went to a standard panoramic roof for the '12 c-class sedan (at least from what i read this a.m.), so perhaps BMW will follow suit with an airier feeling interior and better use of natural air options. i like this move after riding in a new jeep overland and chrysler 300C with panorama sun/moonroofs. i think it is less likely for bimmer, as they tend to avoid most things trendy, for better or worse, depending on shopper/driver.

I think the new 1 previews a lot of the interior of the new 3. We shall see soon.

[Colonel Cadillac]

I'm worried about the electric steering they're set to put in the 3-series (the steering system that wrecked the 5-series). We'll see if they screw it up.

[MexicoCityM3]

I'm worried about the electric steering they're set to put in the 3-series (the steering system that wrecked the 5-series). We'll see if they screw it up.

That?s my main worry, the turbo 4 I think will be ok.

[Cookie Monster]

Wait the M3's triple turbo six will be a V6??

[MexicoCityM3]

Wait the M3's triple turbo six will be a V6??

Latest rumors point to a regular bi-turbo V6 based on the M5?s V8. The tri-turbo rumor was linked to an inline 6 configuration. I guess only BMW knows at this point and even they may be trying out differente configurations.

[Colonel Cadillac]

The I6 is H&H in all, but are there really any drawbacks to a V6? Mine sounds incredible and I imagine BMW's will as well.

[MexicoCityM3]

The I6 is H&H in all, but are there really any drawbacks to a V6? Mine sounds incredible and I imagine BMW's will as well.

The inline 6 is naturally balanced and produces no vibrations that on a V6 need to be cancelled using balance shafts. Other than that the V6 is more compact, has better cooling and can be positioned a bit more rearward helping with weight distribution.

[CALL_911]

The I6 is H&H in all, but are there really any drawbacks to a V6? Mine sounds incredible and I imagine BMW's will as well.

Smooooooothness

[cawimmer430]

The reactions from readers on Edmunds to the new 528i with the 4-cylinder are quite negative.

"Oh my God, why am I paying $ 1,000,000 for a BMW with a 4-cylinder when I can buy a Honda Accord V6 for $ 12!?"

^Typical internet dumbass.^  


It's amazing how many people still think that 4-cylinders are SLOW, UNREFINED and NOT CAPABLE OF MOVING HEAVY CARS. A modern 4-cylinder engine is very refined. Advances in engine technology have seen to that being addressed. They might not as smooth a 6-cylinder, but they're pretty damn close. Besides, the new 4-cylinder turbo 528i destroys the former 6-cylinder 528i in performance and fuel economy. WHY ARE PEOPLE COMPLAINING?  

Get a 535i if you want a 6-cylinder. Oh wait, you can't afford it. That explains why you're driving a Geo Metro, living in moms basement and ranting on Edmunds about a $ 60,000 car with a 4-cylinder engine. Pathetic fools.

All over the world there are 4-cylinder engines in luxury cars. It has always been like that. BMW has a glorious history of using 4-cylinder engines which silly sexually insecure magazines like BMW and Driver, whoops, Car and Driver never mention for fear that their penis size may be questioned.

The first Porsches uses 4-cylinder engines as did many famous racing and luxury cars from brands like Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Mercedes etc.

[r0tor]

4 bangers suck, V6s suck... There are fundemental problems with their designs that requires tons of time and effort to try to cover up their sucking.

[Tave]

The reactions from readers on Edmunds to the new 528i with the 4-cylinder are quite negative.

"Oh my God, why am I paying $ 1,000,000 for a BMW with a 4-cylinder when I can buy a Honda Accord V6 for $ 12!?"

^Typical internet dumbass.^  


It's amazing how many people still think that 4-cylinders are SLOW, UNREFINED and NOT CAPABLE OF MOVING HEAVY CARS. A modern 4-cylinder engine is very refined. Advances in engine technology have seen to that being addressed. They might not as smooth a 6-cylinder, but they're pretty damn close. Besides, the new 4-cylinder turbo 528i destroys the former 6-cylinder 528i in performance and fuel economy. WHY ARE PEOPLE COMPLAINING?  

Get a 535i if you want a 6-cylinder. Oh wait, you can't afford it. That explains why you're driving a Geo Metro, living in moms basement and ranting on Edmunds about a $ 60,000 car with a 4-cylinder engine. Pathetic fools.

All over the world there are 4-cylinder engines in luxury cars. It has always been like that. BMW has a glorious history of using 4-cylinder engines which silly sexually insecure magazines like BMW and Driver, whoops, Car and Driver never mention for fear that their penis size may be questioned.

The first Porsches uses 4-cylinder engines as did many famous racing and luxury cars from brands like Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Mercedes etc.

You need to calm down before you give yourself an aneurism.

Those people know full well that 4-cylinders are perfectly adequate to move a car, hence why 9 out of 10 Accords in the US are sold with a 4-cylinder engine.

What those readers are objecting to is paying a large premium for what they perceive to be relatively little additional value.

[cawimmer430]

You need to calm down before you give yourself an aneurism.

Those people know full well that 4-cylinders are perfectly adequate to move a car, hence why 9 out of 10 Accords in the US are sold with a 4-cylinder engine.

What those readers are objecting to is paying a large premium for what they perceive to be relatively little additional value.

I wasn't high on anger when I typed that. 


People also need to realize that when you buy a BMW you're also paying for other features, some tangible, some intangible. You pay for the badge/name (brand prestige through H&H), quality, high safety standards, the dynamic handling etc.

If people are so concerned about value, they shouldn't be shopping for a luxury car in the first place. Luxury cars are generally poor value for money.

[sportyaccordy]

I'm worried about the electric steering they're set to put in the 3-series (the steering system that wrecked the 5-series). We'll see if they screw it up.

FWIW the 2nd gen MR2, S2K, and NSX all had EPS. So BMW botching it was all on them. I am doubtful that they will rectify it in the new 3.

My hope is in the 1. If they can cut its weight down it will be the pick of the line.

[sportyaccordy]

I wasn't high on anger when I typed that. 


People also need to realize that when you buy a BMW you're also paying for other features, some tangible, some intangible. You pay for the badge/name (brand prestige through H&H), quality, high safety standards, the dynamic handling etc.

If people are so concerned about value, they shouldn't be shopping for a luxury car in the first place. Luxury cars are generally poor value for money.

A stripper 1 or 3 is little to no more prestigious or dynamic than an equivalent Japanese car. And they're def no better equipped. H&H is bullshit. So with that out, the expensive options, the possibly dead steering feel and dynamics, what advantage or reasons will the 3 have over an IS or G37? Situation is critical. Regular 5 has already been written off for the new A6 and even the M56. 7 for the XJ & A6. They cannot afford to lose the 3.

[SVT666]

...the possibly dead steering feel...

Ford accomplished great steering feel in the Mustang with electric steering.

[Tave]

I wasn't high on anger when I typed that. 


People also need to realize that when you buy a BMW you're also paying for other features, some tangible, some intangible. You pay for the badge/name (brand prestige through H&H), quality, high safety standards, the dynamic handling etc.

If people are so concerned about value, they shouldn't be shopping for a luxury car in the first place. Luxury cars are generally poor value for money.

Exactly. Luxury cars are all about buying features you want but don't need. Why not give yourself a nice, powerful, silky smooth engine in addition to that dynamic handling and sumptuous interior? Why spend all that money to end up with something that is no more excessive than an Accord?

Now I'm exaggerating here for effect, because a BMW obviously is more luxurious than an Accord. However, you can't pretend the criticism about the engine options is baseless. You're talking about spending more money to get a super-duper suspension. Well, the people on Edmunds are talking about spending more money to get a super-duper engine. There's no reason to ridicule them for that, but you do it constantly.

[sportyaccordy]

Wim is like a computer program. When all else fails default to H&H?

[cawimmer430]

H&H is bullshit.

Really?

Why are people willing to pay so much money for a Rolex and a Seiko costs much less and does the same thing: tell time.

It's all in the name and image. HISTORY & HERITAGE.

[cawimmer430]

Exactly. Luxury cars are all about buying features you want but don't need. Why not give yourself a nice, powerful, silky smooth engine in addition to that dynamic handling and sumptuous interior? Why spend all that money to end up with something that is no more excessive than an Accord?

But some people just want to experience the luxury car through its features. What's under the hood isn't that important. I'd say the new turbo 4-cylinder has many advantages to it. More power, more responsive, better fuel economy and lower emissions. What's not to like? The fact that two cylinders are missing?

Those who are so conscious of what is under the hood can always opt for a 535i or 550i or the new M5. There is definitely a market for the 528i 4-cylinder in the US IMO.

Now I'm exaggerating here for effect, because a BMW obviously is more luxurious than an Accord. However, you can't pretend the criticism about the engine options is baseless. You're talking about spending more money to get a super-duper suspension. Well, the people on Edmunds are talking about spending more money to get a super-duper engine. There's no reason to ridicule them for that, but you do it constantly.

Problem is that most of the guys slamming the car would never buy one in the first place. They're not the target market.

I'd say luxury buyers in the US are far more sophisticated and many will note and want the advantages of the new 4-cylinder 528i compared to the 6-cylinder it replaces.

[Atomic]

The C class gets love but still is always behind the 3 in all comparisons I have seen. However, the edge enjoyed by BMW is definitely smaller than it used to be.

i would love to own a 'benz, but there is something about the c-class that does not turn me on. i cannot put my finger on it. i think it could be that M-B appears is trying to make the "baby benz" look too much like a larger mercedes, causing it to be stubby in comparison to the better proportioned e-class, s-class, etc.

[sportyaccordy]

Really?

Why are people willing to pay so much money for a Rolex and a Seiko costs much less and does the same thing: tell time.

Cause they're dumb and like to waste money?

No but seriously there is a huge difference in the level of craftsmanship etc between a Seiko and a Rolex. Not so much between a Bimmer and an Infiniti.

I would buy a 911 over a Cayman S/R any day of the week. But aside from looks/"cool factor" the Cayman is the better car by nearly any metric. Your personal preferences that happen to favor German cars don't make them objectively better.

[CJ]

Problem is that most of the guys slamming the car would never buy one in the first place. They're not the target market.

I'd say luxury buyers in the US are far more sophisticated and many will note and want the advantages of the new 4-cylinder 528i compared to the 6-cylinder it replaces.

LOLOLOLOL.  Most BMW drivers think their car has a V6.  I seriously doubt buyers of this car will care enough.