[Jason]

This BMW F3 prototype test mule was spotted recently. What's interesting about this particular test mule compared to past spyshots is the camoflaged front-end (previous versions had the E90 sedan's front end). This indicates that the F3's eventual front-end design is most likely on this car under the camoflage. Look for the rest of the car to be camoflaged eventually as actual exterior F3 panels are added to the rest of the car.

[chuck92103]

What does F3 mean?

Looks like a 3 series wagon to me.

I know they are working on an X1. But the pics do not look like a crossover to me.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by chuck92103

What does F3 mean?

Looks like a 3 series wagon to me.

It's going to be a cross-over vehicle. It looks like a 3-series wagon because that's what you're seeing - an E91 3-series on heightened suspension. The front has been camoflaged because underneath it is something resembling what the V3's front will look like, but the rest of the car's shell is just a 3-series wagon for now. As I said in the first post, I'm sure as time goes on the rest of the body will be replaced with actual F3 external bodyparts and will be camoflaged.

[PIMP "E"]

thats just the e91 with the 09 face lift hidden.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by PIMP "E"

thats just the e91 with the 09 face lift hidden.

True, it's an E91 shell from the A-pillar to the end of the car, but the camoflaged front is definitely not a hidden 09 E90 sedan facelift (why would they bother facelifting a test mule for another model). I've got it on good sources that it's the F3's front end underneath.

[Imola.ZHP]

Originally Posted by PIMP "E"

thats just the e91 with the 09 face lift hidden.

I don't think so, its too tall, plus, why wouldn't the back be all taped up to hide the face-lifted rear?

Just like the supposed "next generation 1 series" pictures, which, to me, look exactly like the current 1er 5 door body atop some other suspension that is REALLY tall, this seems to be just a body put on a suspension/drivetrain for early testing purposes. I wonder what is under the hood

[e92leon]

Cool car for those that are soccer moms

[Laszlo]

Slowly losing faith... Oh, my. Didn't they learn anything from Mercedes attempt? The R-class? Eeek.

[sinnet112]

Seriously, is there any reason to even bother competing with the R-class?

[zetaxi165]

F3 = Fugly 3

[LACA335i]

Originally Posted by chuck92103

What does F3 mean?

Looks like a 3 series wagon to me.

I know they are working on an X1. But the pics do not look like a crossover to me.

They are running out number on the E. F is there new generation of model. It is starting with F01 ( 7 series)..

[slipknot]

it looks like a 3er touring to me , is this gonna be any different than a regular 3er , ok it looks higher , is this suppose to compete with Audi allroad n stuff? or maybe a better looking b class or r class from benz?

[GregA]

You guys don't have a clue, do you?.


OK, I'll help:


Look closer: it's just an E91 with X1 front - for some engine testings (cooling etc). Now you know what platform will be used for X1.

Same method was used for RR Silver Ghost - applying its nose on to the 7er mule.

:t-cheers:


PS: F5 is much larger, F3 development is not that far yet, F25 X3 has much wider track.

[Big Windy]

cool Jason...can't wait til more pics come out.

[mapezzul]

Originally Posted by GregA

You guys don't have a clue, do you?.


OK, I'll help:


Look closer: it's just an E91 with X1 front - for some engine testings (cooling etc). Now you know what platform will be used for X1.

Same method was used for RR Silver Ghost - applying its nose on to the 7er mule.

:t-cheers:


PS: F5 is much larger, F3 development is not that far yet, F25 X3 has much wider track.

X1 is based on the E91 yes true but we have already seen the body shape of the mules.... are the photos at the top of this thread old shots or is it just cheaper to test the engine systems in models already in production?

The X3 uber wagon shows that the track is much wider and this is definitely not that.

If you look through the center mesh, it is hiding some serious kidneys....

I also would have thought the X1 be further along in production by now since the body shell mules had completed winter testing; or was that an entirely different model?
The X3 is a ways off still (even thought the current one will bow out a year early).

GregA,
Thanks for the input!

[southlight]

Originally Posted by GregA

You guys don't have a clue, do you?.


OK, I'll help:


Look closer: it's just an E91 with X1 front - for some engine testings (cooling etc). Now you know what platform will be used for X1.

Same method was used for RR Silver Ghost - applying its nose on to the 7er mule.

:t-cheers:


PS: F5 is much larger, F3 development is not that far yet, F25 X3 has much wider track.

Thanks for the input!

BTW: Is this the place you're relocating to?



Best regards, south

[GregA]

Originally Posted by mapezzul

X1 is based on the E91 yes true but we have already seen the body shape of the mules.... are the photos at the top of this thread old shots or is it just cheaper to test the engine systems in models already in production?

I also would have thought the X1 be further along in production by now since the body shell mules had completed winter testing; or was that an entirely different model?

If only engine cooling has to be tested - why developing a whole prototype since such pre-production prototypes are very expensive if such tests can be run on cheaper mules of an existing model.

There are body shell X1 prototypes, testing the whole vehicle, and there are still some special testings going on - eg. under this 3er mule etc.

I guess they've experiences some cooling problems in the original body prototypes & decided to run additional cooling tests on cheaper yet sufficient 3er mules.

As I said: check the X1 spy pics & compare the nose with this one on the 3er: they are identical!

[mapezzul]

Originally Posted by GregA

If only engine cooling has to be tested - why developing a whole prototype since such pre-production prototypes are very expensive if such tests can be run on cheaper mules of an existing model.

There are body shell X1 prototypes, testing the whole vehicle, and there are still some special testings going on - eg. under this 3er mule etc.

I guess they've experiences some cooling problems in the original body prototypes & decided to run additional cooling tests on cheaper yet sufficient 3er mules.

As I said: check the X1 spy pics & compare the nose with this one on the 3er: they are identical!

Yes they are identical, I see those massive kidneys in both. I figured costs were the reason, but sometimes the photos are just old....

Still confused about the cooling issues unless this is a new engine. Because there should be a ton of air flow through those grills.

Rumors still floating about the N53 in the 3... so maybe it is or maybe it is a new motor all together?

[GregA]

Haven't you heard the news yet?

BMW decided to use I4 engines developed together with PSA also in BMW vehicles, not MINI only.




And the larger I4 are new, the smaller ones will get some upgrades.

[mapezzul]

Originally Posted by GregA

Haven't you heard the news yet?

BMW decided to use I4 engines developed together with PSA also in BMW vehicles, not MINI only.




And the larger I4 are new, the smaller ones will get some upgrades.

Haha, very funny Greg! I have know for quite some time about those PSA engines (and had to sit on it).
What I was told is that they would only be used in the Z and 1 initially. So are you telling me that the 3 and X1 will also be getting these? You know my email!

[slipknot]

this could be it
http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-con...Sportvan_v.jpg

[GregA]

Originally Posted by mapezzul

So are you telling me that the 3 and X1 will also be getting these?

In European markets - definitely.