2012 BMW 3 series

Could this be the next design for the best seller in the BMW family, the 3 series? The current E90 BMW 3-series has only been on the market since 2005 but details about the next-gen model are already circulating with most agreeing that the next model will feature styling lifted from the Concept CS.
Due in 2012, the next BMW 3-series will be the first of a family of BMW cars with a more recognizable face derived from the original styling of the Shanghai concept.

BMW 3 series

Now, this could be due to the general perception that BMW drivers have little in the way of road manners. It certainly can’t be down to the cars themselves, because with the possible exception of the Z4, they are all good looking and perform well. This is particularly true of the new 3 Series Coupe.

Despite the generalisation of opinion, the 3 Series Coupe has remained at the top of its premium coupe tree for many years and the company expects this to continue with prospective sales of the latest, third generation car to reach 13,000 units per year in the UK. Mainly, these will be snapped up by male, golf-playing, senior business people, according to BMW’s research. This survey also revealed that the top five reasons for choosing the coupe are: style, performance, handling and roadholding, comfort and reliability.



BMW 3 Series Reviews

The 3 Series is immensely important to BMW. It is their best selling model range in the UK and the highest selling model range in the compact executive sector of the UK’s new car market. However it faces the strongest ever competition from the all-new Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Unlike the 3 Series which has received re-styling and equipment upgrades, the Audi and Mercedes-Benz models are all-new, better equipped and larger than the versions they replace. The 3 Series remains the same size.

BMW 3 series

Pimped BMW 3-Series: Polish tuner mixes BMW E30 with E46 & E60!

Somehow this freaky little Bavarian bugger escaped our "bad-taste" radars till now. We’ve had our share of ugly ducklings but this one could easily win a prize for its unconventional –to say the least, appearance. Work of some polish guy, this pimped BMW 3-Series combines an E30 3-Series body with an E60 5-Series butt and an E46 3-Series front end. There’s no pics of the interior but I guess an i-Drive wouldn’t be out of the question… Via: Autoblog.nl

Technorati: BMW+3-Series, BMW+5-Series, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

BMW 3-Series Convertible Individual Style packs

First of all don’t confuse the Individual pack with the 3-Series Cabrio "M Sport" versions we posted exactly a month ago. What we have here is BMW’s original accessories program that includes aerodynamic packages, alloy rims, iPod compatible hi-fi’s, wind defectors, integrated mobile-phones and a whole pack of extra’s that can easily leave your bank-account as dry as a desert.

Since we don’t have the English press release on our hands yet we enclosed the German. As for the 3-Series Convertibles featured in the pics, they’re fitted with an aerodynamic kit, light alloys, a wind defector, a rear spoiler and white direction indicators. Don’t know about you but to be honest, I find the aerodynamic package with the rear boot spoiler kinda hideous. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the German press release & more pics

GERMAN PRESS RELEASE

Offen für individuellen Stil: Original BMW Zubehör für das neue BMW 3er Cabrio.

Die klassische, flache Linie eines Cabrios der BMW 3er Reihe und der damit verbundene unvergleichlich offene Charakter blieben gewahrt. Und doch ist das Fahrerlebnis im neuen BMW 3er Cabrio attraktiver denn je. Sportliche Eleganz und faszinierende Fahrdynamik erreichen ein ganz neues Niveau. Mit dem Original-Zubehör von BMW lässt sich nun auch die Individualität des offenen Viersitzers noch weiter steigern. Zur Markteinführung stehen für das neue BMW 3er Cabrio zusätzlich zu den ab Werk lieferbaren Sonderausstattungen zahlreiche attraktive Optionen zur Auswahl. Das Zubehör-Programm umfasst unter anderem hochwertige Leichtmetallfelgen, ein Aerodynamikpaket, Interieur-Designelemente und ein außergewöhnlich exklusiv gestaltetes Windschott. Darüber hinaus werden Entertainment-Komponenten der Spitzenklasse einschließlich Schnittstelle für den Apple iPod und integrierte Freisprecheinrichtungen für Mobiltelefone sowie speziell für das BMW 3er Cabrio entwickelte Gepäcktransportlösungen offeriert. Vertrieb und Nachrüstung der Optionen erfolgen über die BMW Niederlassungen und Vertragshändler.
Mit dem Aerodynamikpaket für das neue BMW 3er Cabrio wird die dynamisch-elegante Linienführung des offenen Zweitürers noch markanter in Szene gesetzt. Obendrein trägt das aus Frontschürze und Heckverkleidung bestehende Set zur Optimierung der Luftströmung bei. Die Komponenten des im Windkanal getesteten Aerodynamikpakets werden aus glasfaserverstärktem Polyurethan-Kunststoff (PUR) gefertigt. Ergänzend wird ein aus dem gleichen Material bestehender Heckspoiler angeboten, der zusätzlichen Abtrieb an der Hinterachse bewirkt.

Auch die als Zubehör verfügbaren Leichtmetallfelgen im Sternspeichen-, Radialspeichen- oder BMW M Kreuzspeichen-Design fördern die Fahrdynamik ebenso wie das sportliche Erscheinungsbild des Cabrios. Auf allen Felgen kommen ausschließlich Reifen mit Runflat-Technologie zum Einsatz.

Eine Vielzahl von Möglichkeiten, den persönlichen Stil zum Ausdruck zu bieten, findet sich bei den Zubehör-Optionen für das Interieur des neuen BMW 3er Cabrio. Glanzvolle Akzente setzen die beleuchteten Einstiegsleisten für Fahrer- und Beifahrertür. Die Beleuchtung wird mit einer Elektrolumineszenz-Folie erzeugt. Bei heller Umgebung ist der BMW Schriftzug in Chrom-Optik sichtbar.

Mit edlem Design und angenehmer Haptik beeindrucken der mit einer diamantschwarzen Spange versehene Schalt- beziehungsweise Automatikwählhebel sowie der im gleichen Design gestaltete Handbremshebel. Passend dazu wird auch eine Blende für das Sportlenkrad in Diamantschwarz angeboten.

Ein außergewöhnlich gestaltetes Windschott hält unerwünschte Luftverwirbelungen fern und bringt statt dessen ein Stück kreative Frische in den Innenraum des neuen BMW 3er Cabrio. Das Art-Windschott trägt ein von der im Windkanal optimierten Cabrio-Silhouette inspiriertes Motiv. Dieses Dekor entstand im Rahmen eines Wettbewerbs, der an mehr als 100 Design- und Kunsthochschulen in Deutschland ausgeschrieben wurde.

Zusätzliche Staumöglichkeiten im Innenraum erschließt die vollständig umklappbare Rückbanklehne, für die im Zubehör-Programm auch eine speziell zu diesem Zweck entwickelte Fondtasche erhältlich ist. Sie füllt den Raum hinter den Vordersitzen perfekt aus und ermöglicht es, Gepäckstücke im Fond sicher, rutschfest und außerdem vor Wasser geschützt zu verstauen. Alternativ dazu wird auch ein Kofferset angeboten. Es besteht aus zwei unterschiedlich großen, aus einer Stoff-Leder-Kombination gefertigten Koffern, die ebenfalls passgenau im Fond-Stauraum untergebracht werden können.
Zum Schutz des Fahrzeugs vor Witterungseinflüssen und Staub werden zwei unterschiedliche Car-Cover-Versionen offeriert. Die Schutzhüllen sind für den Einsatz im Freien beziehungsweise in geschlossenen Räumen konzipiert und perfekt auf die Konturen des Cabrios zugeschnitten.

Mit hochwertigen Audioanlagen lässt sich im neuen BMW 3er Cabrio HiFi-Klang der Spitzenklasse erzeugen. Um das musikalische Wunschprogramm auf besonders bequeme Art zu komplettieren, wird außerdem eine BMW Schnittstelle für Apple iPod Modelle angeboten. So können digital gespeicherte Musikdateien direkt ins Audiosystem des Cabrios eingespeist werden. Der iPod wird dabei vollständig in das Audiosystem integriert, seine Bedienung erfolgt über den iDrive Controller, das Multifunktionslenkrad oder die Radiosteuerung. Auch für die Integration eines Mobiltelefons kann auf höchst komfortable Weise gesorgt werden. Im Zubehör-Programm für das neue BMW 3er Cabrio finden sich Freisprecheinrichtungen einschließlich Halterungen und Ladefunktion für Telefone zahlreicher Hersteller

Technorati: BMW+3-Series+Convertible, Tuning, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

BMW unveils 3 Series Coupe and Convertible M Sport versions

About a month ago, we posted a few images of the new M pack for the E92 3 Series Coupe taken from the Brussels Motor Show in January. Now, thanks to BMW UK we have an official press release and a couple of high res pics featuring the E92 Cabriolet M Sport version. Surprisingly enough, BMW notes that the M Sport versions account for more than 3/4 of all 6cylinder- 3 Series Coupe and Convertible sales!

Apart from the M body styling kit, the M Sport pack includes a stiffer suspension set-up, 18’’ or 19’’ rims, sport seats, brushed aluminum interior trim, a pinched price tag etc. BMW also announced that the 1-Series Limited Sports Edition will be offered in the UK only as a 130i (265Hp 6cylinder 3.0-liter engine) in a limited run of 160 cars.-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to check out both press releases and extra pictures

PRESS RELEASE: M SPORT COMES TO THE 3 SERIES COUPE AND CONVERTIBLE
The BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible ranges both have a new flagship model. The M Sport specification level is now the most dynamic and sporting incarnation currently available for the recently launched Coupé and Convertible ranges.

Offered on all engine variants, M Sport cars come with a raft of additional equipment as standard compared to an SE model. An M Aerodynamic body styling package gives the cars a distinct, sporting look, while Sport suspension with a stiffer, and 15mm lower, set-up provides a more focussed ride. All models come with 18-inch M star-spoke light alloy wheels as standard with a differently styled 19-inch M Double-spoke light alloy wheel as an option. High-gloss Shadow line exterior finishes to the window surrounds is also a standard feature.

Inside, all M Sport models feature Sports seats upholstered in Blue Shadow cloth Alcantara, Individual anthracite headlining, M designation doorsill finishers and a short-shift M gearlever with a perforated leather gaiter and handbrake lever. A Brushed Aluminium interior trim and M leather steering wheel complete the package.

M Sport models are traditionally a popular choice for BMW buyers. On six-cylinder-engined 3 Series Coupé and Convertible models they account for more than three-quarters of all sales. The introduction of this latest generation of sports model is expected to maintain this ratio. M Sport model cars are only available in a choice of four metallic colours (Titanium Silver, Black Sapphire, Le Mans Blue, Sparkling Graphite) and two non-metallic colours (Alpine White, Crimson Red).

Prices start at £28,330 OTR for a 320i M Sport Coupé rising to £37,745 OTR for a 335d M Sport Coupé. The entry-level 320i M Sport Convertible costs £32,255 OTR while the range-topping 335i M Sport costs £40,250 OTR..

NEW BMW 130I M SPORT LIMITED EDITION
An exclusive new BMW 1 Series model comes to the range in Spring 2007. Based on the 265hp 130i, all 130i M Sport Limited Edition models will be built in Carbon Black metallic paint with a Lemon leather interior and come with 18-inch World Touring Car Championship-style light alloy wheels.

Other differences that set it apart from a standard 130i M Sport include Chrome Line exterior surrounds to the windows and a bespoke monikered start/stop button. This is in addition to the M Sport equipment level that includes Aluminium Glacier Silver interior trim, Individual anthracite headlining, M Sports steering wheel and M doorsill finishers to enhance the car. Sports seats, a short-shift M gearstick, Sports suspension and the M Aerodynamic exterior styling package complete the upgrade.

Only 160 BMW 130i M Sport Limited Edition cars will be available in the UK priced at £30,270 OTR. News of the new model comes as pricing for the rest of the BMW 1 Series 3-door range has been confirmed.

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BMW 3 Series Coupe M Sport Pack Revealed

In mid 2006 we posted an article featuring images from a scanned brochure that we then believed, was the M sport pack for the E92 BMW 3-Series Coupe. These pictures from the Brussels’ Motor Salon that opened yesterday prove however that the 3-Series Coupe shown on the brochure wasn’t equipped with the M Sport Package but with a “BMW Original Equipment” Sport Pack. Just to set things straight! Via: Autoblog.nl

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2007 BMW 3 Series Convertible Video

Following the official pictures and press release, BMW came out with a promo video of it's first ever coupe-cabrio model, the E92 3 Series Convertible. Fitted with a three-piece electronically operated retractable hard-top, the Convertible will be offered in five versions: 320i (170Hp), 325i (218Hp), 330i (272 Hp), 335i (306 Hp) & 330d (231 Hp).

Driving Shots

Interior Shots

Check out the official pics & specs here: 2007 BMW 3 Series Convertible

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2007 BMW 3 Series Convertible : BMW get's in the Coupe-Cabrio game

As we reported last week, BMW unveiled today it's 4th generation 3 Series Convertible which goes by the code name E93. For the first time, not only in the 3 Series history but also in BMW's, a bavarian Convertible model features a three-piece electronically operated retractable hard-top, or to make it simple, it's a Coupe-Cabrio.

While it's looks are quite good, one shouldn't forget that like all convertibles -even Coupe-Cabrios, the open top 3 Series is all about compromises. It may seem that it can do the same as it's Coupe counterpart but in reality, like all models of it's kind it has less space (boot & rear passengers), it's heavier and less rigid than a Coupe.

Sales: Due to be presented at the at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 7 January, 2007, the 3 Series Convertible will go on sale in Europe in March of the same year.

Roof Top: The roof can be stowed or raised in approximately 22 seconds and as it features a larger rear glass windscreen and side windows, visibility has improved by 38 per cent compared to the outgoing 3 Series Convertible.

With the roof up 350 litres of storage capacity beckons while with the roof down, the boot accommodates up to 210 litres of luggage. In another world first, the rear seat backrests of a 3 Series Convertible can also be folded flat to provide additional storage space.

As an option, a through loading system with transport bag can also be specified to allow for longer or bulkier items to be accommodated and it can still be used when the folding metal roof is lowered.

SunReflective Technology: The new BMW 3 Series Convertible can also be specified with the world's first Sun-Reflective Technology leather upholstery. Special pigments embedded into the leather help reflect infra-red radiation ensuring treated areas that are exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period can remain up to 20 degrees cooler compared to untreated leather.

Engine Range: In the beginning of it's career the 3 Series Convertible will be offered as a 325i (3.0 - 218 Hp) & 335i (3.0 bi-turbo - 306 Hp). Latter on BMW will add the 320i which gets an updated version of BMW's 4cylinder 2.0 that has an output of 170 Hp (from 150Hp), the 330i (3.0 - 272 Hp) and the 330d (3.0 diesel - 231 Hp).

Model	Power	Torque	0-62mph /100km/h	Top speed mph-km/h	Combined mpg -lt/100km
320i	170 Hp	210 Nm	9,2 sec	136 - 220	42,2 - 6,7
325i	218 Hp	270 Nm	7,6 sec	152 - 245	35,8 - 7,9
330i	272 Hp	320 Nm	6,7 sec	155 - 250	34,9 - 8,1
335i	306 Hp	400 Nm	5,8 sec	155 - 250	28,5 - 9,9
330d	231 Hp	500 Nm	7,1 sec	152 - 245	40,9 - 6,9

Technorati: BMW+3+Series+Convertible, coupe+cabrio, 320i, 325i, 335i, 330d, 330i, Convertible, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, pictures, images, press+release, North+American+International+Auto+Show, 2007, NAIAS, Detroit