[samchuang33]

Looks like BMW is going to push forward its schedual for the release of the new series in 2011 due to signicant reduction in volume of sales in the last year. I read in current Wheels or Motor mag that new 8 speed will be available in the new 3. There will be single turbo 6 producing 206kw and a twin turbo 6 producing 268kw from memory.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/10908052...details-emerge

Gee, only got my new car... Oh well...

[Zen]

Damn, that sketch is hot!

Rumours on caradvice.com.au claims that BMW will introduce 3 Cylinder engines. 320i with 3 cylinder engines + turbo will pump out similar kw from a e90 320d engine.

[John_01]

Its hard to believe they would really put a 3 cylinder engine in a BMW. They generally aren't smooth and well balanced engines. There seems to be mixed messages coming, that it was four cylinder, then 3, then 4, and now 3 again. Four cylinder turbos work well for every other manufacturer, why not BMW?

Persoanlly I don't care so much for the styling, but they need to do a better job than the current 5 series. I think BMW lost a LOT of sales because of that.

[mark325]

Not feeling the way BMW is trying to put bigger Kidneys onto all its cars. They seem to grow each model.

[MFKN3]

I hope not! I prefer the sound of 2012 better in terms of depreciation for current models and leases. Looks like they are abandoning their 7yr rule....

[MFKN3]

Originally Posted by mark325

Not feeling the way BMW is trying to put bigger Kidneys onto all its cars. They seem to grow each model.

Duh, it's to let that huge 3cyl of bavarian muscle breathe!!

[samchuang33]

Originally Posted by xsboost

I hope not! I prefer the sound of 2012 better in terms of depreciation for current models and leases. Looks like they are abandoning their 7yr rule....

Yea. I remember that some of the older models took sometimes took longer than 7 year before a major re-construction. I use to think that Jap cars release new models every 4-5 year and Euro car was mostly around 8 years with LCI model in between. Japanese cars tend to release newer model sooner hoping to beat the competitors with new technology and i guess that is what BMW is doing here. But then, audi and merc will probably follow so it benefit no one really. Especially ppl on our forum coz our car will look older sooner.

Dame IT!!!

[jpsum]

the model car looks just like the existing 5 series and looks nothing like the sketch.

[Sherweeeny]

Originally Posted by xsboost

Duh, it's to let that huge 3cyl of bavarian muscle breathe!!

LOL apparently they are adding another kidney grille too... one per cylinder.

[JamieA]

Love the sketch though, looks like a good progression to me, a bit of Z4 in the front.

[bmv_boy]

Hi guys,
My first post here.
A friend of mine who is a marketting manager in BMW has told me that the replacement 3 model won't be out until at least 2012. Also he said that all these sketches on the internet are "fakes". He won't tell me why, but he was adamant that these are definitely not pictures of the replacement 3.

Hope this info was helpful.

[samchuang33]

Originally Posted by bmv_boy

Hi guys,
My first post here.
A friend of mine who is a marketting manager in BMW has told me that the replacement 3 model won't be out until at least 2012. Also he said that all these sketches on the internet are "fakes". He won't tell me why, but he was adamant that these are definitely not pictures of the replacement 3.

Hope this info was helpful.

Really!!!? That good news for all of us here.

Unless u waiting to buy new model.

[SJ]

I read in one of the major auto rags this summer about BMW announcing they were accelerating the release of the new 3-series to 2011. I can't remember which rag, C&D, MT, somebody with some street cred, anyway. But of course, mags get "insider scoops" that turn out to be wrong, and BMW can change their mind. My guess is they would want to accelerate it if they could because of two things, anyway: one, word is out about the HPFPs, people (including me) are avoiding. Second, with the 2010 S4, Audi has beaten the 335i at the same price point (must be the first time ever!!). So they won't want to let that sit too long, I wouldn't think

[samchuang33]

Originally Posted by SJ

I read in one of the major auto rags this summer about BMW announcing they were accelerating the release of the new 3-series to 2011. I can't remember which rag, C&D, MT, somebody with some street cred, anyway. But of course, mags get "insider scoops" that turn out to be wrong, and BMW can change their mind. My guess is they would want to accelerate it if they could because of two things, anyway: one, word is out about the HPFPs, people (including me) are avoiding. Second, with the 2010 S4, Audi has beaten the 335i at the same price point (must be the first time ever!!). So they won't want to let that sit too long, I wouldn't think

Yea, saw that report on the S4 vs 335i in the magazine. Bit disppointed. From memory, i think the 335 lost on performance which is a 1st. S4 has bigger turbo charge V8 and 4 wheel drive. Too bad we cant get the xdrive version 3 series in australia. That would be a awesome coz it works like magic on my X5. It got me out of numerous nasty situations.

Looks like Audi has finally taken the lead for once.

[chappy]

Originally Posted by samchuang33

Yea, saw that report on the S4 vs 335i in the magazine. Bit disppointed. From memory, i think the 335 lost on performance which is a 1st. S4 has bigger turbo charge V8 and 4 wheel drive. Too bad we cant get the xdrive version 3 series in australia. That would be a awesome coz it works like magic on my X5. It got me out of numerous nasty situations.

Looks like Audi has finally taken the lead for once.

In this months wheels mag september issue 335 vs S4 road test yes it seems the new s4 is very quick for a 3lt supercharged V6
bmw has up the ante and up the horsepower to more than 340 bhp to beat this thing when will it stop so much power
Interesting reading.
Audi has the dct 7 speed bmw doesn't only in the coupe which they not tested.

[KingClifton]

Originally Posted by samchuang33

Too bad we cant get the xdrive version 3 series in australia.

Apparently it's because the 4WD layout is designed for LHD applications only, the transfer case interferes with RHD chassis layout. UK doesn't get xDrive either.

[John_01]

I really can't see the point an an AWD car. The extra equipment adds weight and reduces efficiency. Applying power to the front wheels will normally reduce the steering response causing understeer. I think it would completely change the steering feel in a BMW.

[KingClifton]

It's taken Audi about 30 years to finally kill of the natural understeer inherent in quattro...and even thats only because of clever electronics, not mechanical changes.

[mmmmQuattro]

Originally Posted by chappy

In this months wheels mag september issue 335 vs S4 road test yes it seems the new s4 is very quick for a 3lt supercharged V6
bmw has up the ante and up the horsepower to more than 340 bhp to beat this thing when will it stop so much power
Interesting reading.
Audi has the dct 7 speed bmw doesn't only in the coupe which they not tested.

I thought about getting the S5 convertible, rather than the 335, but in the end went for the 335 for the following reasons:

1. I thought that the S5 would be more of a M3 competitor, so it would cost more. - I wasn't able to get pricing info.
2. I just didn't like and still don't like the look of the convertible; it just seems too plain. Also, the dash was kind of boring.
3. My mate who loves Audis, reckons I am too one-eyed when it comes to BMW - probably right, as this is now my 4th BMW...

[John_01]

So when does your 335 convertible arrive?

[mmmmQuattro]

Originally Posted by John_01

So when does your 335 convertible arrive?

30 hours ago
My wife has just taken it out to show her friends, while I look after the kids...

[John_01]

Congratulations! I am looking forward to seeing the pics and a run-down of all the details.