Monday 15th August 2011

New BMW 3-Series Caught Undisguised

Web leak reveals next year's 'F30' BMW 3-series

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These are the first undisguised images of the all-new 'F30' BMW 3-series, which is due to hit showrooms around the world next year.

These low-res images, leaked onto the web this weekend, show that, as ever with BMW's core saloon, Munich doesn't appear to be taking any chance with the styling, with evolution without the letter 'r' in front of it being the watchword for the car's new look.

As such the new car more or less maintains the essential proportions of its predecessor, while mixing in styling elements from both the new 5-series and the new 1-series.

Sure, it's conservative, but as Bangle-era BMWs often proved - if nothing's broken then there's no need to fix it. In short, the 3-series has been a multi-million car sales success over the past few decades - and BMW isn't about to rock the boat.

But while the visuals remain traditional, BMW is getting a bit radical under the skin. For the first time pretty much since the 3-series came about, there will be no naturally aspirated straight-six in the line-up.

In fact, the majority of the petrol-engined range will consist of turbocharged four-cylinder motors including the 2.0-litre 184hp 520i and 245hp 528i models, while six cylinders will only make an appearance in the (for now) range-topping 3.0-litre turbocharged 335i (and the M3, when it eventually makes an appearance).

A range of four- and six-cylinder diesels will also join the petrol 3-series models from launch.

[danyeates]

Not really styled is it? Just a smaller 5 series and just as dull looking.

[ZOLLAR]

I see a HUD on that, bloody love those things.
Drove an M6 when they first came out and it had a HUD felt like I was in the future

[stuckmojo]

I am not surprised that BMW are playing it safe with their best seller. I like it.

[E21_Ross]

No naturally aspirated straight 6? Sadly times we live in.

For the poster who said it looks like a smaller 5 series. Check the 3 series and 5 series from the 70s and see if you spot a big difference.

[Mermaid]

E21_Ross said:

No naturally aspirated straight 6? Sadly times we live in.

For the poster who said it looks like a smaller 5 series. Check the 3 series and 5 series from the 70s and see if you spot a big difference.

You could easily tell them apart, with these it will not be so easy.

[MarJay]

Why do you mention the 520 and 528i...? Surely you mean 320 and 328i?

[hornetrider]

E21_Ross said:

No naturally aspirated straight 6? Sadly times we live in.

I am stunned. Sad times indeed.

[Codswallop]

E21_Ross said:

No naturally aspirated straight 6? Sadly times we live in.

Indeed. I do find myself questioning the point of all this 'turbocharging is the future' nonesense, and can't help but feel it is introducing a greater level of built in obsolescence into new car designs. I seriously doubt if we will see many of the current crop of new cars reaching the same sorts of mileages as the previous generation cars have done, and this is simply due to the complexity, numerous inter dependant systems and sheer cost of replacing blown turbos, high pressure fuel systems etc.

Basically, I can see lots of these cars being uneconomically viable to keep going a lot sooner than less complex engines we had up until recently. Sure, you save a bit of fuel in the official tests, but if that car is scrapped due to repair costs earlier, you're not exactly going to help anyone but the new car industry.

[Bladedancer]

So is it '3' series then? Not '4' series like they were planning?

[Pablo Escobar]

No 6 cylinder? fk that. I'll just buy a 2nd hand 335 from the current range when I come to buy my Bimmer.

Why can't europe and thier emissions regulations just fk off?

[Nors]

They're getting better looking round the back end (than the dangle effect)but BMW's still have an awful front end. I know it's a matter of opinion and taste but I just don't like them!!

It is a shame about the deletion of the straight six, lovely engines, but emmisions, fuel consumption and weight is the most likely reason for going 4cyl Turbo. Smaller cc but retains power outputs. It's where most are going I guess.

Edited by Nors on Monday 15th August 10:44

[carlingofblack]

Agreed. I love BM sixes. Gutted.

[SSCooperS]

Very generic looking isn't it? Mind you, I didn't really expect anything else.

[Luca Brasi]

28i is a four pot now?

Still loving my E46 though

[thinfourth2]

God they might make a 4pot M3 and that would be terrible

[jon-]

Codswallop said:

Indeed. I do find myself questioning the point of all this 'turbocharging is the future' nonesense, and can't help but feel it is introducing a greater level of built in obsolescence into new car designs. I seriously doubt if we will see many of the current crop of new cars reaching the same sorts of mileages as the previous generation cars have done, and this is simply due to the complexity, numerous inter dependant systems and sheer cost of replacing blown turbos, high pressure fuel systems etc.

Basically, I can see lots of these cars being uneconomically viable to keep going a lot sooner than less complex engines we had up until recently. Sure, you save a bit of fuel in the official tests, but if that car is scrapped due to repair costs earlier, you're not exactly going to help anyone but the new car industry.

Perhaps that's the point. BMW stop making money once the car stops coming to them for servicing, which you have to assume very few of the high milers do.

New business plan:
1) Make a really complex car
2) Wait for it to break and cost ££££ to repair
3) Profit!

[Chr1sch]

I like it, the 3 series is a handsome car in my eyes, although the M-Sport versions always look far far better....

Agreed the lack of 6 cylinder lumps is a huge loss, in fact i am surprised if that remains true as they can use the 318/320d's to balance out the C02 etc...

Otherwise current 335's etc will surely be the last of the greats!

[Robmarriott]

Ok, so the loss of the nat-asp sixes is a shame in terms of aural pleasure, however, the turbo 4 bangers should make the wallet a bit happier.

I think it's good that they're copying the 5 series, that's a great looking car, I'm glad they haven't gone all 1 series on us.

[chrisx666]

Pablo Escobar said:

No 6 cylinder? fk that. I'll just buy a 2nd hand 335 from the current range when I come to buy my Bimmer.

Why can't europe and thier emissions regulations just fk off?

Article said:

while six cylinders will only make an appearance in the (for now) range-topping 3.0-litre turbocharged 335i

[Frimley111R]

Its odd how BMW and Audi are competing to make the dullest styled car range ever and yet Mercedes and Jaguar are doing the opposite.

To compete you surely need to stand out at the visual level to begin with?