New BMW 3-series design

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.
http://www.bmwinfo.com/0022.jpg
http://www.bmwinfo.com/0024.jpg
http://www.bmwinfo.com/0018.jpg
http://www.bmwinfo.com/0016.jpg
http://www.bmwinfo.com/0014.jpg

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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...

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

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...

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

finally_retired, I am glad that you are finally retired because if you weren't, you would still be a wart on the ass of progress in the workforce. Maybe you should go back to school now that you have the time and learn to spell and use words correctly. Bimmerman 333's comment was diligent. His statement that the feces he left floating in a toilet resembled the looks of the new 3-series was well thought out and showed careful planning. You also misspelled civilised, oppinion, opps, and somthing. The correct spellings are civilized, opinion, oops, and something. By the way, the new 3-series does look like s#@!, and I only responded hastily because I think finally_retired is an asshole.

Well you can put my spelling mistakes down to dyslexia. It has however not prevented me from doing exactly what I wanted to do. I employed a workforce of 480 people, and consistently increased the turnover of my business by a minimum of 8% in all but 2 years of the 44 years that I was there. I left the business turning over a 5 year running average of 16.5 million GBP. Not a bad achievement for an "ass wart".
With all the extra time I have got (because, of course, you would know what I do with all of my time) I think I'll go and aimlessly insult somebody as well as copying my posts into a word document and spell checking them so as not to offend somebody a pathetic as you.

Just a point that I'd like to make in addition to that. Is it purely coincidental that you and "bimmerman 333" both joined AF within days of each other, and both drive 1993 BMW 325's?

I don’t mind people saying that the 3 series looks dreadful, it’s an opinion. But there ways of putting it without being so vulgar. I for one don't really want to know what goes on in Bimmerman's bathroom. If he feels it necessary to inspect his FAECES (not feces, hypocrite!) and liken it to a car, then so be it. He should tell a doctor though. Not me.

it is feces, not faces or whatever you put. i would never have put you in a management position with 480 people under you, oh and were you talking about the gross domestic product output of your company, or the gross bulls#@! product. what is GBP, GDP? by the way, i have no clue who bimmerman 333 is.

i forgot that i should explain that the context i used feces was not plural, notice the word "the" in front of feces.

GBP = Great British Pounds. You know, Stirling. The "£". That little thing. And I used a copy of the concise Oxford English Dictionary. So unless its another word butchered by the USA's take on the English language, them I'm correct.

And It’s also pretty evident that you wouldn't put me in charge of a company and its 480 employees, as you drive a '93 BMW 3 series. WOW! May be if you'd put me in charge, (although I suspect you weren’t on the planet when I took to the helm of my business) you may be driving something a little better, faster and newer.

Now I've had quite enough of littering this thread with petty insults. This is supposed to be about the new 3 series.

Mason_RSX, You got to admit, that even though its not to all tastes, Bangal has got some serious balls to produce a design like that...

you're right, i also have a 2002 M Roadster, Cessna 421 aircraft that I fly myself, and as for sticking to the subject of BMW cars, I don;t like the design of any of the new BMW's and just happen to like my '93 enough to hang on to it as an every day driver because it is a great car and runs as good as it did the day I got it. This is a 3-Series forum, and you are right I know nothing about Great Britain except that we kicked their ass twice.

Now I've had quite enough of littering this thread with petty insults. This is supposed to be about the new 3 series.


Congratulations on the Cessna. I am however much more partial to BA's First class.

I wasn't as naive to think that all Americans bring up wars that happened years ago whenever they are faced with a loosing battle. I thought that sort of behaviour was just restricted to your childish style of politics.

You my friend have just made me think otherwise. You really can't see past the end of your noses. Now as I have already said once, (and I don’t particularly like repeating myself) can we please resume with the intended topic?

Ok, ok! As hilarious as it may be, watching the razor sharp toungue of a brit oblitorate poor little Colin, finally retired is right. We should get on with it.

I for one can't stand the new 3 series. nor the 7!!! The 5 and the Z4 r quite sexy, but I'm reconin that they r gonna loose out on a shed loada sales with this new version.

PS. I'm an Americam, and don't worry, I speak for many of us when I say I think that this presidential battle stinks, and I also don't talk out my ass about somethin that went on b4 i was born like some folk will.

Alkins: so how are you modifying you 91 civic?
Sperduti: Well im putting in my intake, headers, performance catalytic converter, performance exhaust, and a full body kit
Alkins: So that'll put you at what? 125 horsepower

Alkins, man you r so funny. I thought the same thing.

I don't like it at all. At first I thought it was a ford taurus.

I've got the same general complaints as everyone else with this car, don't like the front lights much, really dont like the rear lights, this car's styling is inferior to the E46 and the E36. Then again I think I said exactly the same thing about the E60, and thats grown on me. So I wouldn't be supprised if the same happened with this car. Its not that bad, but its no E46 (my favorite road car that isnt a 911 or over $100,000). I like the engines. BMW seems to always pull more power out of thier engines without increasing displacement or sc/tc-ing, and no company seems to do it as well as they do. As long as it drives like the previous 3-Series, I will respect this car.

My questions are what the curb weight is, and what happened to all the controls on the steering wheel in the 1st interior picture.

I think the whole thing about the multi function steering wheel, goes back to that classic BMW philosophy of "you cant have it unless you pay through the nose for it!"

This is where the major concern lies. If you look at the 545, and 645, you can see that some effort has been put into them to make them look a bit special. But on the lower spec cars such as the 630 and 520, that don't come with the option of larger alloys and sport packs, then they start to look a little half-baked.

Now you’ve got to admit it, the 3 series has always been the worst for that. Plastic wheel trims and black bumper inserts should be a no go on an exec car like this.

Not attractive. it reminds me of the car that is also a boat X:(

Ha. I like that. Do you mean the Gibbs Aquada?

unfortunately the back looks like oldsmobile alero.

the front end has grown on me tho, this picture is not an acurate representation of what the front looks like in real life.

Guys, try and keep it on topic please, thanks.


I think I remember reading in BMW magazine, that Bangle was minimized in position, and a new designer has been leading the designs, or has assumed higher authoirty in the position of designer of BMW. If I may remember, it was I think a Russian who has designed the 6-series, and parts of teh 5 and 7 series, or partnered up with Bangle. SOmething of that nature. Or Bangle was head of design, but the actual desings came from another guy.

Like any other new mod, it has to grow on you. I personally like the interior. The rear end reminds me of a Ford Focus!!!! Time will tell. The bottom line... it's still a BMW!

Guys, try and keep it on topic please, thanks.


I think I remember reading in BMW magazine, that Bangle was minimized in position, and a new designer has been leading the designs, or has assumed higher authoirty in the position of designer of BMW. If I may remember, it was I think a Russian who has designed the 6-series, and parts of teh 5 and 7 series, or partnered up with Bangle. SOmething of that nature. Or Bangle was head of design, but the actual desings came from another guy.

Chris Bangle was had a position to the effect of "head of design", giving him the final say on the design of the 7,5, and 6. None of those cars was designed by one individual, it usually involves a team. Bangle was credited with the designs because he was the head of the design division of BMW. Bangle was in fact promoted from his previous position to i'm not sure what. The new head of design worked for Bangle and has been quoted as saying that he supported and agreed with Bangle's "controversial" styling.

bmws are suppose to be "boxy", they looked good like that, nothing is wrong with it.

Every car manufacturer seems to think that they can update their look by rounding their edges off.. it looks like shit.

bmws are suppose to be "boxy", they looked good like that, nothing is wrong with it.

Every car manufacturer seems to think that they can update their look by rounding their edges off.. it looks like shit.
i agree 100%.

bmws are suppose to be "boxy", they looked good like that, nothing is wrong with it.

Every car manufacturer seems to think that they can update their look by rounding their edges off.. it looks like shit.


I think the '06 M5 looks 10x better than it does now. Especially with the front gril,,, mm sexy. BMW's only look boxy because their styling-update cycle is 7 years or so, so they always look a bit more boxy than other stuff at the moment.

Since we're talking about styling, here's the before and after comparison with BMWs styling.

BMW 3-Series:
http://img72.exs.cx/img72/8310/330xi.jpg
http://www.bmwinfo.com/0014.jpg
http://www.bmwinfo.com/0018.jpg
http://www.bmwinfo.com/pictures/00566.jpg

BMW 5-Series:
http://img22.exs.cx/img22/8814/0060.jpg
http://img42.exs.cx/img42/7906/16360.jpg
http://img13.exs.cx/img13/7140/super5403.jpg
http://img86.exs.cx/img86/7889/16600.jpg

BMW 5-Series Touring:
http://img80.exs.cx/img80/8756/0294.jpg
http://www.bmwinfo.com/1822.jpg
http://img71.exs.cx/img71/3980/0296.jpg
http://www.bmwinfo.com/1830.jpg

BMW 6-Series: Just plaine beautiful. Not much really to compare.

BMW 7-Series:
http://img85.exs.cx/img85/3927/MyBMW.jpg
http://img80.exs.cx/img80/622/BMW3.jpg
http://img24.exs.cx/img24/3838/142192_3_full.jpg
http://www.bmwinfo.com/pictures/00596.jpg

My verdicts: The new 3-Series really isn't that appealing to me, but I'm sure the style will grow on me like the other cars. The 5-Series: I still like the old style, however I do like the new style, but those headlights aren't that great looking. The 6 and 7-Series were the ones I just fell in love with. Althought, I still like the 2000-2001 BMW 740i Sport. The E39 7-Series is nothing to me without the Sport Pack.

This is what I've said all along. I think I'm going to leave it and see how much it grows on me.

As I found this weekend with the UK launch of the 1 series, th cars look a lot less dramatic in the metal as they do on the photo's...

It is for this reason that I will reserve judgment untill I see and drive the real thing.

BTW dude, I love your car collection. You should get a Maybach :p

I did not like the E-46 when it first came out and now have owned two. The second being a 2004 M3. I live in germany so going fast is awesome. This body style and its contours are on all the new cars and I don't think they look that bad. I can't wait to get behind the wheel of an M3 V8 with 400 plus horsepower. Lets give her some time till we slam her.

BTW dude, I love your car collection. You should get a Maybach :p
Attended that Launch of it, on the QE2... and it has to be said, the car is more luxurious than the ship it was sitting on!

Problem is, I like to drive, not to be driven. Besides, I'd have to sell a lot of shares, or one of my villas to buy one... Dont want to do that really. Haha

Attended that Launch of it, on the QE2... and it has to be said, the car is more luxurious than the ship it was sitting on!

Problem is, I like to drive, not to be driven. Besides, I'd have to sell a lot of shares, or one of my villas to buy one... Dont want to do that really. Haha
Not to mention, it'll send you broke, the depreciation is horrendous!



I like the new 3 series,the back lights need a change, they look like one of those Euro-hatches that get Sedan rumps glued on for the Spanish and Turkish markets.....

They do seem to echo the headlights on the front of the new X3, which I really don't like at all. Somehow, they don't suit the rest of the car.

Wow, the current 3-series is one of the most attractive and classic shapes on the road. The next design looks bloated and plain ugly. I dream of buying a new M3 someday, but it looks like its going to have to be used and from the current generation. No new BMW (besides the current 3-series) excites me in terms of styling. 3-series fans, buy em while they still look good!

Even the 3-series headlights are not as attractive as those from the beginning of the model cycle. Thankfully, Bangle spared the M3.

New Info official release on BMW USA's website.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Vehicles/futurevehicles/new3/

More Pictures:
http://www.bmwinfo.com/0022.jpg
http://www.bmwinfo.com/0182.jpg
http://www.bmwinfo.com/0158.jpg
http://www.bmwinfo.com/0016.jpg

I think i've figured it out...Chris Bangle is being payed by Mercades to not only steal BMW engineering ideas (hence the new SLK's excellant handling) but to also sabotage BMW's previous record of perfection. I will admit though I am in love with the new M5, but I heard Bangle's team was told to keep their hands off by the M division. Go figure Bangle leaves something alone and it turns out brilliant.

i have see the new bmw 3 (backstage in the showroom in my city BOLOGNA ITALY)

very very very nice car

i buy the touring E91 next year

ciao gianluca

[email protected]


I have also the price list (Euro)

I like it ! !

Why do I think Acura when I see these photos???

And a poorly copied Acura at that!!!!.

If this is the styling design trend, I'll spend, less and get the Acura RL, TL or TSX.

When German and Japanese cars look alike, it's time for American cars.

(Help me lord, please!!!)

Quite honestly??? This years model took away the looks/stance of the previous E46 models.Can you say Mazda???? Why would BMWAG make/change a model that competes and similar looking to the Japanese models.You dont see the Japanese models trying to look like any European BMW let alone the E46.IMHO?? I love the ( Let Say ) previous E46 wayyyyyyy better.It's all European to me looks and stance.The E46 is the best if not what the 3 Series is all ABOUT!

Cheers !!

Drove 2 days 323 loaner car when mine 325XI was at shop.

What about 2006?
Exterior look semi japs, but many peps like it. Mostly not BMW owners!!!
Interior 100% jap. Hate it. May be package was not so hi-end. No sport seats, not climat control, no HK sound. But this is not excuse for windows buttons location, Corolla-shining gauge display, XM like chip looking radio controls and cruise conrol lever, which I every second time turn instead turn signal switch....
Ride was OK, little softer if not mention railway crossing. Thats probably run-flats... Auto tranny is good. May be first auto tranny not make me nervous. Just dont zip in the traffic as with manual. My 325 with 5 sp. as you can guess.

Honestly, if I buy 2006 BMW after Honda or other jap, I'll probably will put 5 star on this car! And will recommend for my girlfriend. :2cents:

You guys should see da interior, looks like it came from mars or outer space, Im a bmw enthusiast but they went wrong this time

heard that a new 3 series to be released in 09/04 straight away i looked at the pics of one AND i went out and bought one.
E46 that is.what does that say:?