3-series redesign

vodc4 · 06-24-2002, 07:28 AM

when is the next 3-series redesign

some say 2005 and others say 2006
which one is correct?

do europe and north america have different launching dates?

OneBigTree · 06-24-2002, 07:47 AM

Well, traditionally, BMW keeps a model around for a fairly long time. The E36 lasted from 1991 (as a 1992 model) until 1999, or 8 years.

However, development times have been cut dramatically since the E36 was initially designed. CAD/CAM, digital fluid dynamics (models can be aero tested on a computer simulation instead of weeks in wind tunnles with physical models), computer crash testing... It use to take 5+ years for BMW to go from concept to production, now it takes about 3, and that is with BMW being VERY conservative.

So, perhaps they will intro a new 3 series sooner then usual...

Europe and North America typically have the same introduction. It makes very little sense to run production facilities churning out different chassis models for different countries. BMW's goal is to produce world ready cars out of the box. This cuts down on production headaches significantly. Some countries still purchase production kits and perform final assembly of the cars "in-country" though this is only about 3000 cars a year (worldwide).

06-24-2002, 07:28 AM	#1
vodc4 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: ca Posts: 417 My Ride: bmw 330Ci soon View My Garage	3-series redesign when is the next 3-series redesign some say 2005 and others say 2006 which one is correct? do europe and north america have different launching dates?

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06-24-2002, 07:47 AM	#2
OneBigTree Registered User Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: San Francisco/Portland (I like driving in rain) Posts: 95 My Ride: A BMW isn't a "Ride" View My Garage	Well, traditionally, BMW keeps a model around for a fairly long time. The E36 lasted from 1991 (as a 1992 model) until 1999, or 8 years. However, development times have been cut dramatically since the E36 was initially designed. CAD/CAM, digital fluid dynamics (models can be aero tested on a computer simulation instead of weeks in wind tunnles with physical models), computer crash testing... It use to take 5+ years for BMW to go from concept to production, now it takes about 3, and that is with BMW being VERY conservative. So, perhaps they will intro a new 3 series sooner then usual... Europe and North America typically have the same introduction. It makes very little sense to run production facilities churning out different chassis models for different countries. BMW's goal is to produce world ready cars out of the box. This cuts down on production headaches significantly. Some countries still purchase production kits and perform final assembly of the cars "in-country" though this is only about 3000 cars a year (worldwide).