BMW is fairly consistent with their 7 year cycle and this forms the basis for economic planning of the factory re-tooling and parts logistics. They have to be responsive to other company models (esp. the C class) and designs simply fatigue over the years. The last thing they want is a 3 series owner changing to another brand because they don't want to buy essentially the same car. The LCI refresh is a staple means to significantly update a car (and is far more substantial than the MY tweaks that are often no more than re-juggling of options). My point though is that the first MY is for early adopters. I doubt BMW will pull a 330i -> 335i type switch again but there will be a price premium on the first batch of buyers.
BTW, dealer information is probably the least reliable in terms of new product information. I've always found these web sites to be more accurate (there are a number of insiders on the board but they are careful in their information flow...).
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