Next Gen 3 Series Spy Shots (2012)

[Nismode]

Spy Shots: Next generation BMW 3 Series pops up swathed in swirlies (http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/bmw-3-series-spy-shots-2011-2012/)

Judging from these shots, it does not appear that the size of the new 3 will change much, although we can expect BMW to implement some weight reduction measures in order to help meet new fuel efficiency and emissions standards. The overall proportions look pretty similar to today's car, but the profile shot indicates a more upright grille stance similar to the new Z4 and 5 Series GT.

The next 3 is also expected to adopt some new powertrains including a new turbocharged and direct-injected three-cylinder engine. When the new 3 arrives here in the U.S., it will likely also mark the return of four-cylinder engines to the brand's U.S. l

Video -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGqybEL2FcA&feature=player_embedded

Pictures -

[bimmerfan08]

imagine if it came with those exact lights/signals... :rofl:

[low]

yuck. look at the way the rear panels reach over to the back bumper....gross.

[JJR4884]

i want to see that exact car if i decide to do shrooms one day

[SLVR JDM]

I don't have high hopes for the next generation.

[zikhkd]

I don't have high hopes for the next generation.

I do, it seems like they're stepping up. they screwed up on the e90 series when they first came out with it, but with the new tail lights they got in 08-09 and some mods it looks great. so next generation should be surprising

[VALMONT]

that is one phallic tow hitch... :eeps:

[Anub!s]

I will only buy it if it came with that exact paint scheme.

[FloridaE46]

doesnt looks aggressive at all
g35 sedanXjettaXscion tc

[motoracergabe]

i will only buy it if it came with that exact paint scheme.

+1

[Nismode]

I don't like the rear quarter window past the door in the C pillar. Reminds me of the Passat.

[russ330]

i want to see that exact car if i decide to do shrooms one day

:lmao:

[uhhhmeeer]

i want to see that exact car if i decide to do shrooms one day

:rofl:

[StupidGermans!]

imagine if it came with those exact lights/signals... :rofl:

:rofl:

yuck. look at the way the rear panels reach over to the back bumper....gross.

Look closer, they are cameo panels that are riveted on top of the real body panels.

E90post has a bunch of photos from different angles; you can see it better in these shots.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=318601

i want to see that exact car if i decide to do shrooms one day

:spit:

that is one phallic tow hitch... :eeps:

It's very excited to be photographed.

I will only buy it if it came with that exact paint scheme.

Who's that guy on here that does vinyl wraps???

I don't like the rear quarter window past the door in the C pillar. Reminds me of the Passat.

Look closer, that's simply a black line which extends that far back. i.e. cameo doing its job.

Same link as above, shows that area from a few different angles.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=318601

[M7MkII]

Need to see it with the real head/tail lights to call this one.

PS I normally don't like drops, bit that one needs it.

EDIT: The more I look at it, the less I dig that front bumper:eek:

[Penguin Koolaid]

BMW sucks. They're getting way too good at camouflaging their test vehicles :(

[Novare330]

and here i was dreading the release of the e90/e92 a few years back because i thought THEY looked horrible.... i think my eyes are about to explode

[///MACHINE]

These cars all suck, BMW should have just kept making the e46 forever. Every car sucks. Also every other chassis BMW produces and every other series also sucks. E46 for life!

[alex_lee88]

They do, its called the 1 series.. (well, down syndrome + e46 = 1 series)

[alex_lee88]

http://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=322432&d=1257358155

yes!! A towing package option is now avail! :eeps:

[makecopies]

That is a vw Jetta:b:

[Dan99]

how can you even tell what it's going to look like from those camouflage?

[JJR4884]

:lmao:

i've come to the conclusion that me making you laugh is negatively correlated to the likeliness of you banning me

i will retain my humor on a daily basis



yes!! A plowing package option is now avail! :eeps:

fixed :rofl:

[nightdagger]

After staring at it for 5 minutes I still have no idea what it's going to look like.

[Cowspoo]

the design aspect doesn't look like bmw quality, looks like a low-budget suzuki with nicely shaped bumpers

[AbesE46]

sits way higher then E46....mirrors are gay.....but lets wait n see. so far E46 has the title

[E46330iguy]

you guys have to rember that this proabbably isnt what the car will look like at all, those are probabbly all completely differnt body pannels although i dont like the look of it and the "return of the 4 cyls "

[bigjae1976]

I like the shape. I think BMW took a styling chance on the E60/E90/E65 and it kind of did Ok. I think the next gen is going to look MUCH better. I already like the new 7 series, looks great!

Wasn't it Van hooydonk (sp?) that created the designs for the current gen cars? The next round of models will be designed with more input from Bangle which look better. The real question is the following generation will be designed with Hooydonk in charge.

[xi_ter]

The shape under the swirlies is similar to the 2011 debut 5 series which is going to look like this:
http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2582757160104674737s600x600q85.jpg
The 2008 sedan facelift already takes some of the features. The front is noticeably dropped and the fender bulges give a wide stance. Looking forward to the unveiling.

[m3on20z]

Those calipers look huge! :drool:

[hudatder]

Looks like an over sized jetta to me IMO. Think I'm going to puke my guts out in a few minutes.:dennis:

[Lemonsqr]

They are getting pretty good with the car camo these days!!!

[wheelman322]

I'm seriously disappointed if that's it.

[Flatman]

kill it with fire.

[burntass]

:rofl:

i want to see that exact car if i decide to do shrooms one day

[SMUUUUUV]

they can keep that.. I'll take the Bimmer thats in the window reflection of the first pic...:pimpin:

[TheRusski]

Not surprised another sh*tty looking car from bmw

[syl3ntforce]

Who the F-uck designed this?......................i want to file a complaint :facepalm:

[s3th]

i can't tell if i like it.

[lvlikeWho]

that is nasty...

[justin0o]

sounds nice imo

[stussystatus]

is it me, or do i hear HKS SSQV Blow off valve O_O

[BMW_Stu]

:eek: 3 cyl!

[snowcatxx87]

I hope to god they keep fender indicators, not mirror indicators.

[Born Again]

These cars all suck, BMW should have just kept making the e46 forever. Every car sucks. Also every other chassis BMW produces and every other series also sucks. E46 for life!
wow time flies right?

it was just yesterday that the 'new' e90s came out

no wonder there are new kids on the forum everyday with e46's - they depreciated so much anyone with $10k can buy the POS

[Miko_10]

I'm speechless and not in a good way. The sedan design peaked at the e46.

[Miko_10]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=327151&stc=1&d=1258545803
i hope the next 3 series looks like this

[Sneaky]

wow time flies right?

it was just yesterday that the 'new' e90s came out

no wonder there are new kids on the forum everyday with e46's - they depreciated so much anyone with $10k can buy the POS

you post something like this in every thread. Tim should ban you already, you contribute nothing to the site.

[Sneaky]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=327151&stc=1&d=1258545803
i hope the next 3 series looks like this

that would be sick but its not gonna happen. Jon Sibal has nothing to do with BMW, he is also a regular poster on here.

[KtecR]

The e36 sedan and e46 sedan lived a good 7 years before getting replaced. If the F30 begins as a 2012 model that will mean the e90 sedan will have only lived 6 years. I know a year isn't much but maybe bmw is realizing how boring their new e90 3 series design was. That said, I was having high hopes for this new gen and have gotten slightly let down by what I'm seeing. I guess i'll be keeping the e46 and getting another brand down the road.

[Miko_10]

that would be sick but its not gonna happen. Jon Sibal has nothing to do with BMW, he is also a regular poster on here.thanks, I've never heard of him before, i just checked his site. that pic is actually his take on the next 5 series.

[zuckuss00]

I don't like the rear quarter window past the door in the C pillar. Reminds me of the Passat.

Passat! You nailed it!

[tim330i]

I found some interesting comparison images and details on BMWBlog -

Some observations based on the trace:

1. Shorter overhangs (Shorter than previous generation 3er)
2. Longer wheelbase (Estimate 1.5”+ longer than previous generation 3er)
3. Hofmeister Kink followed by near straight rear door cutline which nicely curved around rear wheel well
4. Forward pushing nose similar to E89 Z4 front end
5. Similar hood profile as E89 Z4
6. Minimal downward slope on rear quarter panel following the C-pillar

With longer wheelbase, F30 looks longer than previous generation 3er. It also provides more legroom both front and rear judging from the door cutline. Although there are still missing details such as body panel creases, headlight and taillight shape from this phase of spy shot, the overall profile and proportion looked rather impressive. I’d expect F30 profile and proportion to surpass our expection.

Side profile trace from the spy shot and comparison between F30, E90 and E46:

I've heard the F30 will have its public debut at the Paris Autoshow 2011, who wants meet up? :excited:

[SDKmann]

Based on the sketch it definitely looks like it needs to go on weight watchers...

[Comanche5]

You mean like a 5-series? That thing is HUGE.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=327151&stc=1&d=1258545803
i hope the next 3 series looks like this

[delmarco]

nice jonsibal

[tim330i]

Check out the latest spy shots of the F30 winter testing. To see the F30 in motion watch a spy vidoe courtisy of Auto Motor and Sport

http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/web-tv-1383887.html?sig=iLyROoafIOA-

[mikeyb74]

The F30 looks about the same size as a e39. To large to be an entry level sports sedan, coupe, and wagon in my book. I want to see what BMW does with the 1 series.