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Motor Authority - blog Category: 3-Series

  • Spy Shots: 2013 BMW 3-Series

    Spy Shots: 2013 BMW 3-Series November 4th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, November 4th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 0 Comments

    Spy Shots: 2013 BMW 3-Series

    The current E90 BMW 3-Series has been on the market since 2005, so it's only fitting that details about the next-gen model are beginning to circulate. Most agree that the next model will feature styling lifted, at least in part, from the Concept CS, though also expect to see a healthy dose of the new corporate styling debuted on the latest 7-Series.

    These are the first spy shots of a prototype for the new car, revealing very similar proportions to the current model although the wheelbase is slightly longer. Also, the prototype is in a very early phase so finer design elements and even the overall body shape could easily change before the...

    The current E90 BMW 3-Series has been on the market since 2005, so it's only fitting that details about the next-gen model are beginning to circulate. Most agree that the next model will feature styling lifted, at least in part, from the Concept CS, though also expect to see a healthy dose of the new corporate styling debuted on the latest 7-Series. These are the first spy shots of a prototype for the new car, revealing very similar proportions to the current model although the wheelbase is slightly longer. Also, the prototype is in a very early phase so finer design elements and even the overall body shape could easily change before the new 3-Series’ final release date. Due in 2012, the new car will pay special attention to efficiency and it will achieve that goal through extensive use of BMW's EfficientDynamics technology. Low drag aerodynamics, smaller engines, and high-tech electronics will combine to make the next 3-Series a step above the current car. Aesthetically, designers will attempt to address criticisms of the current car's awkward styling and lack of interior space. The bonnet will likely sit much higher than on the current model to improve pedestrian safety, while the sides will be marked with a prominent character line and high beltline. Weight will be reduced thanks to the increased use of aluminum and other advanced materials in its construction. A huge change for the 2012 car could be the addition of three-cylinder engines to the lineup. Though these wouldn't likely be seen in the U.S. during the first half of the next 3-series model life, they could eventually make their way across the pond if fuel efficiency and emissions regulations continue to tighten past 2016. We do know that a four-cylinder model, with turbocharging, will be offered in the U.S. with the arrival of the new car. With a single turbo and 1.5-liters of displacement--effectively half of the current twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine--the future three-cylinder models, meanwhile, would be good for anywhere from 150-170 horsepower and 150-220 pound-feet of torque, with the gasoline models weighing in lower on the torque scale than the diesel models. Paired with an ultra-efficient 8-speed transmission and more efficient auxiliary systems such as heating and cooling, the next-gen 3-Series is expected to deliver some seriously impressive economy. One of the new advanced EfficientDynamics technologies to make its way into the next 3-Series will be a so-called 'air curtain'. Using a special series of ducts and vents, the system directs air in a manner such that it slips neatly over the wheels, which are normally an area of high turbulence, and therefore energy-sapping drag. In addition to making the car more efficient overall, BMW is looking to make the next 3-Series less expensive to build and therefore to buy as it aims for larger volumes. Whether that will mean compromises in terms of total feature set or simply a lower-end range of models to entice entry-level luxury buyers is not clear, but pushing the 3-Series so far down-market could step on the toes of the 1-Series range and any future city cars coming from the Project i initiative. Finally, as yet another measure to enhance efficiency while still delivering a BMW driving experience, expect to see the hybrid technology debuting on the X6 ActiveHybrid and ActiveHybrid 7 to eventually make its way to the 3-Series, albeit in somewhat reduced form. This technology will likely be especially targeted at U.S. buyers, since even by the car's mid-cycle revamp in 2016, there isn't likely to be widespread adoption of diesel-engined cars. Of course, all of these details are still speculative at this point, but it's clear that BMW is pushing its mainstream offerings in a more efficient direction while still trying to maintain their engaging, driver-focused character. It is a difficult balancing act, but one that enthusiasts will enjoy seeing played out over the years to come. Read More

  • Rendered: 2010 BMW 3-Series Coupe Facelift

    Rendered: 2010 BMW 3-Series Coupe Facelift October 22nd, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 22nd, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 5 Comments

    Rendered: 2010 BMW 3-Series Coupe Facelift

    Following in the footsteps of their Sedan sibling, the svelte 3-series Coupe and Convertible are also due for a mid-cycle facelift towards the end of the year or early next. Today we have a computer generated rendering for the updated Coupe, previewing the new two-door ahead of its expected unveiling at either December’s 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show or January’s 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

    Like the facelifted Sedan, which was launched late last year, changes to the Coupe and Convertible should incorporate sportier styling, reworked head and tail-lamps, and possibly a wider track.

    The interior will get a new look as well, with improved...

    Following in the footsteps of their Sedan sibling, the svelte 3-series Coupe and Convertible are also due for a mid-cycle facelift towards the end of the year or early next. Today we have a computer generated rendering for the updated Coupe, previewing the new two-door ahead of its expected unveiling at either December’s 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show or January’s 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Like the facelifted Sedan, which was launched late last year, changes to the Coupe and Convertible should incorporate sportier styling, reworked head and tail-lamps, and possibly a wider track. The interior will get a new look as well, with improved trim, a new center armrest and a second-generation iDrive system with four selector buttons for commonly used features such as the stereo. The iDrive system will also sport a new 8.8 inch LCD display and an optional 80 Gb hard drive music and navigation system. Mechanical updates introduced in the facelifted Sedan, which should also make their way into the two-door models include a brake energy regeneration system, an autonomous engine stop-start function, electro-mechanical power steering and tires with reduced rolling resistance. Read More

  • BMW Confirms Four-Cylinder 3-Series For U.S.

    BMW Confirms Four-Cylinder 3-Series For U.S. September 15th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, September 15th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 3 Comments

    BMW Confirms Four-Cylinder 3-Series For U.S.

    While the rest of the world can opt for fuel-efficient gasoline and diesel four-cylinder versions of the 3-Series, the entry-level model in the U.S. sports a six-cylinder powerplant. Given the current concerns about climate change and the increasing cost of fuel, officials at BMW are now planning to add a four-cylinder engine to its U.S. lineup.

    The move would almost certainly boost sales, since the European 320i, powered by a 167 horsepower gasoline four-cylinder is already one of the company's strongest-selling models. The engines planned for the U.S. will feature turbocharging technology, however.

    The information comes from BMW’s...

    While the rest of the world can opt for fuel-efficient gasoline and diesel four-cylinder versions of the 3-Series, the entry-level model in the U.S. sports a six-cylinder powerplant. Given the current concerns about climate change and the increasing cost of fuel, officials at BMW are now planning to add a four-cylinder engine to its U.S. lineup. The move would almost certainly boost sales, since the European 320i, powered by a 167 horsepower gasoline four-cylinder is already one of the company's strongest-selling models. The engines planned for the U.S. will feature turbocharging technology, however. The information comes from BMW’s U.S. chief Jim O'Donnell, who revealed at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show that the introduction of the powerplants, equipped with the automaker's next-generation twin turbochargers, “is the goal and we will do it.” The car will be available for sale in spring of 2012. If successful, BMW intends on adding four-cylinder engines to its X1 and X3 crossovers in the U.S. as well. O'Donnell explained that the move is part of the company’s goal to meet tough new fuel economy standards coming into the U.S. between now and 2016. In line with the new standards, automakers will have to boost the fuel economy of their fleets by 5% every year before a national standard of 35.5 mpg takes effect in 2016. Rival Mercedes-Benz has already decided to bring four-cylinder cars, including its new diesels, to the U.S. and Canada in 2010, proving even luxury and premium brands aren't entirely immune from the more mundane considerations of efficiency. [AutoNews, sub req'd] Read More

  • Spy shots: Facelifted BMW 3-series Coupe

    Spy shots: Facelifted BMW 3-series Coupe September 6th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, September 6th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 7 Comments

    Spy shots: Facelifted BMW 3-series Coupe

    Following in the footsteps of their Sedan sibling, the svelte 3-Series Coupe and Convertible are also due for a mid-cycle facelift towards. Today we have images of a prototype for the updated Coupe rolling around the streets of Munich ahead of its expected unveiling at this month’s Frankfurt auto show.

    Like the facelifted Sedan, which was launched late last year, changes to the Coupe should incorporate some sportier styling, reworked head and tail-lamps, and possibly a wider track.

    The interior will get a new look as well, with improved trim, a new center armrest and a second-generation iDrive system with four selector buttons for...

    Following in the footsteps of their Sedan sibling, the svelte 3-Series Coupe and Convertible are also due for a mid-cycle facelift towards. Today we have images of a prototype for the updated Coupe rolling around the streets of Munich ahead of its expected unveiling at this month’s Frankfurt auto show. Like the facelifted Sedan, which was launched late last year, changes to the Coupe should incorporate some sportier styling, reworked head and tail-lamps, and possibly a wider track. The interior will get a new look as well, with improved trim, a new center armrest and a second-generation iDrive system with four selector buttons for commonly used features such as the stereo. The iDrive system will also sport a new 8.8 inch LCD display and an optional 80 Gb hard drive music and navigation system. Mechanical updates introduced in the facelifted Sedan, which should also make their way into the new Coupe include a brake energy regeneration system, an auto stop-start function, electro-mechanical power steering and tires with reduced rolling resistance. Read More

  • Spy Shots: 2010 BMW 3-Series Convertible Facelift

    Spy Shots: 2010 BMW 3-Series Convertible Facelift August 29th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, August 29th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 1 Comment

    Spy Shots: 2010 BMW 3-Series Convertible Facelift

    Following in the footsteps of its Sedan sibling, the svelte 3-series Coupe and Convertible is also due for a mid-cycle facelift towards. Today we have images of a prototype for the updated Convertible rolling around the streets of Munich ahead of its expected unveiling at next month’s Frankfurt Auto Show.

    Like the facelifted Sedan, which was launched late last year, changes to the Convertible should incorporate some sportier styling, reworked head and tail-lamps, and possibly a wider track.

    The interior will get a new look as well, with improved trim, a new center armrest and a second-generation iDrive system with four selector buttons for...

    Following in the footsteps of its Sedan sibling, the svelte 3-series Coupe and Convertible is also due for a mid-cycle facelift towards. Today we have images of a prototype for the updated Convertible rolling around the streets of Munich ahead of its expected unveiling at next month’s Frankfurt Auto Show. Like the facelifted Sedan, which was launched late last year, changes to the Convertible should incorporate some sportier styling, reworked head and tail-lamps, and possibly a wider track. The interior will get a new look as well, with improved trim, a new center armrest and a second-generation iDrive system with four selector buttons for commonly used features such as the stereo. The iDrive system will also sport a new 8.8 inch LCD display and an optional 80 Gb hard drive music and navigation system. Mechanical updates introduced in the facelifted Sedan, which should also make their way into the new Convertible include a brake energy regeneration system, an auto stop-start function, electro-mechanical power steering and tires with reduced rolling resistance. Read More

  • Rendered: 2012 BMW 3-Series Convertible

    Rendered: 2012 BMW 3-Series Convertible August 28th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, August 28th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 3 Comments

    Rendered: 2012 BMW 3-Series Convertible

    The current E90 BMW 3-Series has been on the market since 2005, so it's only fitting that details about the next-gen model are beginning to circulate. Most agree that the next model will feature styling lifted, at least in part, from the Concept CS, though also expect to see a healthy dose of the new corporate styling debuted on the latest 7-Series.

    Due in 2012, the next BMW 3-Series will pay special attention to efficiency and it will achieve that goal through extensive use of the automaker’s EfficientDynamics technology. Low drag aerodynamics, smaller engines, and high-tech electronics will combine to make the next 3-Series a step above...

    The current E90 BMW 3-Series has been on the market since 2005, so it's only fitting that details about the next-gen model are beginning to circulate. Most agree that the next model will feature styling lifted, at least in part, from the Concept CS, though also expect to see a healthy dose of the new corporate styling debuted on the latest 7-Series. Due in 2012, the next BMW 3-Series will pay special attention to efficiency and it will achieve that goal through extensive use of the automaker’s EfficientDynamics technology. Low drag aerodynamics, smaller engines, and high-tech electronics will combine to make the next 3-Series a step above the current car. Aesthetically, designers will attempt to address criticisms of the current car's awkward styling and lack of interior space. The bonnet will likely sit much higher than on the current model to improve pedestrian safety, while the sides will be marked with a prominent character line and high beltline. Proportions will remain much the same as the current model but weight will be reduced thanks to the increased use of aluminum and other advanced materials in its construction. This computer generated rendering of the Cabrio variant provides a glimpse as to what the new model will likely look like. A huge change for the 2012 car could be the addition of three-cylinder engines to the lineup. Though these wouldn't likely be seen in the U.S. during the first half of the next 3-Series’ model life, they could eventually make their way across the pond if fuel efficiency and emissions regulations continue to tighten past 2016. With a single turbo and 1.5-liters of displacement - effectively half of the current twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine - the cars would be good for anywhere from 150 to 170 horsepower and between 150 and 220 pound-feet of torque, with the gasoline models weighing in lower on the torque scale than the diesel models. Paired with an ultra-efficient 8-speed transmission and more efficient auxiliary systems such as heating and cooling, the next-gen 3-Series is expected to deliver some seriously impressive economy. One of the new advanced EfficientDynamics technologies to make its way into the next 3-Series will be a so-called 'air curtain'. Using a special series of ducts and vents, the system directs air in a manner such that it slips neatly over the wheels, which are normally an area of high turbulence, and therefore energy-sapping drag. In addition to making the car more efficient overall, BMW is looking to make the next 3-Series less expensive to build and therefore to buy as it aims for larger volumes. Whether that will mean compromises in terms of total feature set or simply a lower-end range of models to entice entry-level luxury buyers is not clear, but pushing the 3-Series so far down-market could step on the toes of the 1-Series range and any future city cars coming from the Project i initiative. Finally, as yet another measure to enhance efficiency while still delivering a BMW driving experience, expect to see the hybrid technology debuting on the X6 and 7-series to eventually make its way to the 3-Series, albeit in somewhat reduced form. This technology will likely be especially targeted at U.S. buyers, since even by the car's mid-cycle revamp in 2016, there isn't likely to be widespread adoption of diesel-engined cars. Of course, all of these details are still speculative at this point, but it's clear that BMW is pushing its mainstream offerings in a more efficient direction while still trying to maintain their engaging, driver-focused character. It is a difficult balancing act, but one that enthusiasts will enjoy seeing played out over the years to come. Read More

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