2003 3Series Coupe Facelift?

[ultimatedriver7]

for the confusion guys. I didn't really take into consideration that this forum serves all countries. Yes I believe it is an available option in other countries but never will be offered on the 3 series in the US. However, I have heard it will become an option on the next generation (E60) 540i six speed. Also, you should predict it on the list of options with the new X5 4.6s and on the next generation Z3 line. Due to the sporting nature of the 6 series in years past, its also a possibility for that line.

Damn, life's a trade off...


UltimateDriver7
'01 330Ci
soon to be '02 M3

[F20C]

Originally posted by ultimatedriver7
Hey ya'll:

As a sidenote, the SMG will never be offered in the standard 3 series for marketing reasons (If you want it you have to cough up the dough for an M3)

Thanks

Of course BMW is not offering SMG2 (Sequential M Gearbox II) to 3 Series. It's offering what's call a SSG (Sequential Sports Gearbox) to regular 3 Series.

[Bel7ail]

Do you have a picture of how the SSG is??

[F20C]

SSG is like SMG2 where it's pedal shifter located right behind the steering wheel. The only difference is it's performance is not as extreme as SMG2.

[F20C]

See the red mark behind the steering wheel? That's the pedal shifter.

[jinushaun]

This is from the UK 2002 3 series. (Copyright (c) 2001 BMW Car Magazine).

[gang$tarr]

where's the leather?!?

that bmw is all cloth :apuke:
lol, what is that? looks modded

[F20C]

Originally posted by gang$tarr
where's the leather?!?

that bmw is all cloth :apuke:
lol, what is that? looks modded

That's CSL.

[jinushaun]

I saw the new 2002 3 series in real life recently, and I must admit, it isn't that bad (see previous post). But if I had to choose, I'd still take the old style because it looks sportier and more agressive.

In the November issue of CAR, it seems I'm not the only one who thinks BMW is heading in the wrong direction, design-wise. Damn that head designer, Chris Bangle! BMW's future designs are just horrible if the new 7 series, Z9 and X coupe are any indication.

[ultimatedriver7]

The new 3 doesn't look bad when you have the sport package...In fact I think i like it more than the design of my 2001 330 coupe. The front is very clean looking and has a very defined sportiness without being gaudy. As far as making it sporty without being M3-sporty, I think BMW was on the right track. BUT on the 3 series without the sport backage I think the front end is weak to say the least.

[jinushaun]

Originally posted by ultimatedriver7
The new 3 doesn't look bad when you have the sport package...In fact I think i like it more than the design of my 2001 330 coupe. The front is very clean looking and has a very defined sportiness without being gaudy. As far as making it sporty without being M3-sporty, I think BMW was on the right track. BUT on the 3 series without the sport backage I think the front end is weak to say the least.

I must not be familiar with the sports package... how does the sports package make the front better?!?

[ultimatedriver7]

Jinushaun:

The sport package on 2002 3 series consists of the following:

1) M-wheels and tires (same as last year, 17 inchers)
2) firmer suspension settings
3) different side moldings ( look closely, the ones on the sport package equipped cars have a taper that goes toward the rear of the car whereas non sport package cars have moldings that taper in the center only)
4) different front bumper that reminds me of the way the M5 looks in the front (there are two seperate black trim pieces as opposed to one, there is a more aggressive appearance up front, different aux lights, etc.) looks good!
5) different rear bumper (ditto above)
6) M steering wheel (same as last year)
7) sports seats

heres a link where you can see a lot of the changes:
http://www.bmwstore.com/new_vehicles...cles/11065.jpg

ultimatedriver7
'01 330Ci step prem sport xenon rearshade cdchanger nav system cold clim pkg (all options besides rear backup)
soon to be '02 M3 loaded w/ SMG II everything except metallic paint and rear backup

[oscar]

Ultimate driver: man, you are absolutely right about the front bumper on the sport package as opposed to the non-sport. It looks 100% better. But how do you know that the photo you linked is in fact the appearance of the 02 3 series sedan sport, for US market? I hope that it is because that is the vehicle that I have on order! Thanks.

[jinushaun]

Originally posted by oscar
Ultimate driver: man, you are absolutely right about the front bumper on the sport package as opposed to the non-sport. It looks 100% better.

I must concur, the front does look better. Do you have a link with an image of the modified boot?

Originally posted by oscar
But how do you know that the photo you linked is in fact the appearance of the 02 3 series sedan sport, for US market? I hope that it is because that is the vehicle that I have on order! Thanks.

If you go to the root directory, you'll see it's the site for a Cincinnati, Ohio BMW dealer. The page that has that image is: http://www.bmwstore.com/new_vehicles...phtml?uid=1127

It's a silver automatic 2002 330i with sport package, premium package, heated seats, and bi-xenon light. It's an actual car on their lot.

[F20C]

Originally posted by oscar
Ultimate driver: man, you are absolutely right about the front bumper on the sport package as opposed to the non-sport. It looks 100% better. But how do you know that the photo you linked is in fact the appearance of the 02 3 series sedan sport, for US market? I hope that it is because that is the vehicle that I have on order! Thanks.

You can tell because of couple things. The headlight lines is now oval shaped instead of circle shaped. The foglamp is intergrated into the bumper.