New 3 series

[BravoMikeWhiskey]

Just waiting on a demo to be dropped off. Apparently it is being launched next Monday.

Stand by for pictures and a short review.

[BravoMikeWhiskey]

Firstly, who says "I know, let's make the doors open another 5 degrees" - but that's what they've done!

It seems to have a fantastic boot...

However, it's not a bad looking car!

The 18" wheels look small in the arches.

So much room in the boot, so little in the rear...

Interior is really nice, the steering wheel is a nice size and feels lovely to hold...

It's a load of extras, the i-drive, xenons, keyless start/entry.

I don't think I need to describe the engine as it's all you expect from a 320d, nice and smooth but a little bit gutless, same as the current 320d really. No doubt it will be fantastically efficient and will appeal to the company car driver or someone who does many miles.

18 months until they bring the coupe out and a short while until they bless us with a sporty looking model.

To sum up, love the interior, exterior is nice but the entire model range is starting to look very similar, especially at the front.

I'd save some cash and go for one one of the last E9x M-Sports. I think they look fantastic in coupe form and really fresh with the latest facelift and updated angel eyes in conjunction with the 19" sport alloys.

(Mod note: pics removed as requested)

Edited by ehasler on Tuesday 31st January 15:25

[Twin Turbo]

That's a lovely looking car.........but the red pinstripe on the dash is horrible (it's not 1986 anymore!!)

[Deva Link]

BravoMikeWhiskey said:

But I also have to ask, do they do this to the car in order to attract more attention? Or is it to hide the lines of the car? If it's the former then it works, but then why do they cover all the BMW badges up?

If it's the latter then why have they left the 320d on the boot? Dead giveaway for anyone who knows and therefore cares...

That seems so ridiculous that they must have done it on purpose to attract attention. It's even already on the BMW website.

[Not Ideal]

Big fan of the new 3 series.

Think all the red stitching in the cabin is a bit overkill..??

[mike325112]

Just being nosey - how did you get a trial of one before it has been launched?

[Edmundo2]

Hoping to get 320d as next compaany car. Saw one in the flesh for first time yesterday, ( Harrogate BMW ).
Black with red leather - looked great and very clever design makes it look like a bigger car. Looked pretty flash in a scaled down 5 series sort of way and the space in the back/boot looked great. 0-60 in circa 7.5secs and 60+mpg aint bad either. All write up's suggest it's a mile better than current facelifted audi/merc etc..

[TX1]

I personally think it looks better than the E90 which lets face it is no looker.
Saying that I still would not buy one for its looks.
Rather disappointed considering how pretty the e46 was and how good on the eye the current Audi's look.

[Twin Turbo]

As nice as the new interior is.........


It's not a patch on this..........which, along with the E39, is probably the nicest interior BMW has ever made.

Edited by ehasler on Tuesday 31st January 15:26

[Helicopter123]

The new three is a lovely looking machine. Difficult to see most car buyers needing anything else. 4wd version coming in summer.

Your richer man's Golf.

[Deva Link]

Helicopter123 said:

4wd version coming in summer.

What happened to the 4WD 5 Series we were supposed to be getting last year?

[aberdeeneuan]

Had a look round it tonight at my local dealer. Looks great in the flesh, the interior is a very nice place to be.

Driving a 320d next week, can't wait. Never thought I'd say that about a diesel...

[outnumbered]

The dash is a real mess. That sticky-uppy iDrive screen looks cheap, and I hope that ridiculous body-coloured stripe is optional.

[aberdeeneuan]

Had a look round it tonight at my local dealer. Looks great in the flesh, the interior is a very nice place to be.

Driving a 320d next week, can't wait. Never thought I'd say that about a diesel...

[LukeSi]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Yup, all the cars get iDrive now, but you have to pay extra for sat nav. Was the same with the 1 series courtesy car we had.

[breadvan]

LukeSi said:

Yup, all the cars get iDrive now, but you have to pay extra for sat nav. Was the same with the 1 series courtesy car we had.

You used to spend £2,000 to have a modified dash layout, iDrive controls and sat nav. So now all you get is just sat nav for your £2k?

[LukeSi]

breadvan said:

You used to spend £2,000 to have a modified dash layout, iDrive controls and sat nav. So now all you get is just sat nav for your £2k?

Pretty much,

I think if you go for the Nav option you also get an upgraded (more memory) version of it.

[Pingman]

The disguise stuff is so pointless, can only be a marketing gimmik. I'd of taken it off tbh :\

Boot space looks fantastic compared to my E46. however the interior doesn't appeal to me; The steering wheel in particular, looks like its from a Vauxhall Insignia :\

[Luca Brasi]

Twin Turbo said:

As nice as the new interior is.........



It's not a patch on this..........which, along with the E39, is probably the nicest interior BMW has ever made.

Yup, new dash looks too fussy. Thank god that red stuff is optional. E46 sport interiors still look very nice imo.

Edited by ehasler on Tuesday 31st January 15:26

[ism123]

I went to a dealer preview last night and had a good look round. Would agree on rear space comment.

This aside, I drove the car this afternoon - looks like the same one as in the pics but can't be sure. The ride was good and the steering and turn-in nice, but for me it wasn't the 'wow' I was looking for, but no doubt it will sell and sell.