[-=Hot|Ice=-]

We’ve just heard from a reliable source that the next generation coupe based on the newly revealed 3 Series will retain the 3 Series name. According to this source, the F32 coupe which has begun more formal testing will be offered in several forms including a 340i as a way to further differentiate the coupe from the sedan.

The source added, that the next generation convertible based on the 3 Series F33, will use the “4 Series” name, a Gran Coupe version is also planned and will be in the 4 Series equation as well.

The 4 Series will be a significant departure from both the coupe and sedan 3 Series models not only in exterior design, but offering larger engine choices and differentiated interiors. WHile this source has been reliable in the past we are still marking this as a rumor as we have no further corroboration on this information at this time. The launch of the new 3 Series based coupe is about 12-18 months out still so there is plenty of time to sort through all the info making its way out of Munich.

http://www.bimmerfile.com/2011/10/25...and+Podcast%29

[Red Bread]

Wow, not again. We went through this crap with the E90/E92 and they killed it at the last moment, I guess they're at least ahead of that schedule this time. Doesn't make it a lick of difference to me, they can call it the Rutabaga 6000 for all I care.

I assume the 340i is just a 335i with more power, like the 640i and 740i? This inflating the displacement name game is just as silly as changing the first number. When will they hit the reset and restore the displacement for the last two numbers? If all of the engines are turbocharged, can we just call the F30 what it is, a 320i and a 330i?

[cstavaru]

Let's hope the GranCoupe will not look like the 5-series GT which was a fiasco. It it will be Merc CLS-like it would be great.

[advantage20]

So the Coupé will have a different front end than the sedan but would still be named 3 Series, while the Cabrio and GranCoupe will logically get the same front end as the Coupé but will be named 4 Series? No way...

Either the whole derivatives from the 3 Series (that is - Coupé, Cabrio, GranCoupé) get slotted in a new 4 Series range, either all of these stick to the old 3 Series range, which is impossible since there would be a confusion between the 3 Series sedan and its 4 door coupé version which needs a different range number. So the 4 door GranCoupé should logically get the 4 number, and so will its 2 door version which is no other than the 2 door Coupé. All this will be consistent with the 6 Series range (6 Series 2 door Coupé + 6 Series GC 4 door GranCoupé with same styling).

So this 'reliable source' is saying bullshit without a single doubt.

PS: besides, the Coupé and the Cabrio will share the same body (well except the roof) so how could the M Coupé be named M3 while the Cabrio (same car, just no roof) is named M4? Nonsense.

[Roth517]

Originally Posted by advantage20

So the Coupé will have a different front end than the sedan but would still be named 3 Series, while the Cabrio and GranCoupe will logically get the same front end as the Coupé but will be named 4 Series? No way...

Either the whole derivatives from the 3 Series (that is - Coupé, Cabrio, GranCoupé) get slotted in a new 4 Series range, either all of these stick to the old 3 Series range, which is impossible since there would be a confusion between the 3 Series sedan and its 4 door coupé version which needs a different range number. So the 4 door GranCoupé should logically get the 4 number, and so will its 2 door version which is no other than the 2 door Coupé. All this will be consistent with the 6 Series range (6 Series 2 door Coupé + 6 Series GC 4 door GranCoupé with same styling).

So this 'reliable source' is saying bullshit without a single doubt.

PS: besides, the Coupé and the Cabrio will share the same body (well except the roof) so how could the M Coupé be named M3 while the Cabrio (same car, just no roof) is named M4? Nonsense.

+1. I call bullshit. Aside from the things you've mentioned, the quite reliable Scott26 has already said the 4er is a done deal. And it would make sense, making the sedans odd numbers and coupes even numbers. I frankly don't care what it's called, so long as it gets here SOON.

[SCOTT26]

I have not heard anything to suggest otherwise.

Since the 1er Coupe and Cabrio moves to the 2er. They need the 4er for continuity with the 2er and 6er.

[richb811]

Personally, I think it should remain a 3 coupe.

4 series... it rings hollow to me. No heritage, no history...

[Ramos]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Wow, not again. We went through this crap with the E90/E92 and they killed it at the last moment, I guess they're at least ahead of that schedule this time. Doesn't make it a lick of difference to me, they can call it the Rutabaga 6000 for all I care.

I assume the 340i is just a 335i with more power, like the 640i and 740i? This inflating the displacement name game is just as silly as changing the first number. When will they hit the reset and restore the displacement for the last two numbers? If all of the engines are turbocharged, can we just call the F30 what it is, a 320i and a 330i?

No because there is already a 320i in Europe based on a NA 4 liter motor.
What you are saying makes perfect sense when they turbo charge every engine including the small ones sold in Europe (make them even smaller with turbos)

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Ramos

No because there is already a 320i in Europe based on a NA 4 liter motor.
What you are saying makes perfect sense when they turbo charge every engine including the small ones sold in Europe (make them even smaller with turbos)

I thought that I'd read that all BMW engines would be turbocharged, globally by 2013?

[kv12]

I am pretty sure both the coupe and convertable was destined to be called the 4 Series since 2008. Unless they decide to change it back last minute.

EDIT: Or it is possible they will keep the 3-Series name in some countries and only change it to 4 series for North American Markets.

[Wolf]

I vote triple C as a 4 series!