New BMW 3-series design

[TheScientist]

This is the new BMW 3 series! Expected around summer 2005, available as 4 door saloon with proberly a choice of 4 engines. The 320i with 177 HP, a 325i with 231 HP, a 330i with 265 HP and a 320d with 163 HP. Somewhat later a 316i, 318i, and a 330d will follow. Other engines possible might be a 318d and a 325d. The exterior looks in line with the current BMW models, and so does the interior. As with the 1 series, iDrive will be an option and the car can be started by a push on the "start" button.

[kcap122]

The head lights look horrendous, as does the back end. In fact, i don't like the outside of this car from any angle. the 2004 3-series were some of the best looking non-exotics imo, i dont know why they only kept the design for 5 years

[Jas_M]

Originally Posted by kcap122

The head lights look horrendous, as does the back end. In fact, i don't like the outside of this car from any angle. the 2004 3-series were some of the best looking non-exotics imo, i dont know why they only kept the design for 5 years

Most manufacturers produce a particular body style for about 5 or 6 years, and then introduce the next generation of that particular model. It's how they keep their lineup fresh, and people interested in their cars. Otherwise you end up with a car that looks dated.
I have to admit, i was expecting the worst for the new 3-series, but for the most part i like what i see. I dig the headlights and the basic body style. I'm very happy that BMW managed didn't mangle the rear-end as badly as they did on the 7, 6, and 5 series. The trunk on those models looks terrible, but on the pics here they nailed it. Maybe when those lines are due for mid-generation updates they'll adopt the style of the 3- series trunk. It can only help.
That being said, the direct view of the rear isn't all that hot on first glance, but i have a feeling it will grow on me. The front looks nice and tight (dig those headlights, and the scowl of the front-end) as does the side-view. But the one thing i definitely don't like is the crease that runs just below the door handles, from the front fender to the rear. It just looks too big. Not sure if it's mostly shadow or just the angle the pics were shot at, but i don't like it. Overall, i'd say the design is a winner, and i look forward to seeing what the coupe will look like. I'll take mine without IDrive, please.

[bimmerman333]

hate it hate it hate it! is that a japanese design.

[lamehonda]

I was planning on the 330i being my next car. Not if they are going to make it look like that piece of crap z4

[CaTasHtRoPhE 67]

its diffrent it does look like a jap car but i like it

[ThatRoundHeadedKid]

It is ok. However I do not like the design of the rear lights.

[bimmerman333]

this 3 series better produce at least 250 hp. or more to compencate for its ever so ugly styling? i cant believe how ugly this design is. makes me want to puke! even the front end frowns, because it knows how ugly it is.

[ehalusic]

the car just doesnt look "mean" anymore. I have to agree the current (e46) 3 series is probably the best looking car around. you will see me in the "pre-owned" section at the bimmer garage.

[bimmerman333]

Originally Posted by ehalusic

the car just doesnt look "mean" anymore. I have to agree the current (e46) 3 series is probably the best looking car around. you will see me in the "pre-owned" section at the bimmer garage.

you mean the e36 is the best looking car around, but to each their own, the new style is just not worthy of bearing the bmw logo.

[Tom Crippen]

I always considered to be on the cutting edge, seems like the cars today are just catching the design styles of my 92 325i I was hoping for better than a chopped up not integrated tail end which looks like an afterthought, but as sweet as my 92 is I can't imagine how awesome a new one would be! I'd have to have it awhile before I decide,,
accepting donations!! =)
crip

[finally_retired]

When BM first displayed Bangal's new 745i, I did think "good god, what the hell is that!", I cant deny that, but the car did grow on me rather rapidly. The very same thing happened to me with the 5 series, and the Z4... They are hideous, untill you get used to them. Now i find them quite attractive. The only exeption was the 6 series, I saw that and fell in love...

What I find, is that the pictures of the car make it look very dramatic, but I test drove a new 1 series the other day (just for fun) and when I layed eyes on the car, it seemed so much less dramatic that the pics show it to be. And in the traffic, OK, u notice it, but I like that in a car.

At the moment, I dont like the 3 series, but i'm sure it will grow on me, just like all the others.

My only criticism, is that models such as the 316i and the 318i/d will not have the chunky wheels and all the kit on them, which will probably make them look cheap and nasty, but isn't this always the problem with prestigue marques...

[bimmerman333]

this morning i flushed down the toilet what looked to be a new 3 series

[finally_retired]

Well thank you bimmerman333 for adding such a useful, and diligent comment to what was otherwise a civilised exchange of oppinion.

Opps, looks like you've been banned for somthing else anyway...

[mason_RsX]

Not a fan of that...just simply not a fan...I liked the 7 and 6 series..the 5 series grew on me...mabe the 3 will to but I friggin doubt it...Thanks Mr. Bangle