[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Jason

When will it hit the States? In our interview from the 2012 NYIAS, we learned that the F31 will be available in the European market before it launches into North America. Only BMW knows how long the gap will be, but we don't expect it to be any longer than a few months. The F31 will launch to the European market in the Fall/Winter, so that will likely put the North American release at sometime during the first half of 2013.

That seems like a good possiblity, Jason.

However, do we know for certain that the F31 won't be available in Europe almost immediately after its debut in Leipzig, starting in July along with the MY2013 F30 (which will add MSport and xDrive as we know already) and many other MY2013 BMW models? If that were to happen, then perhaps it could come to the US in September or October 2012.

Just a thought.

Edit: I will point out too that the E91 is known to end production in June. Will they allow a gap in touring production in Germany where, IIRC, a majority of 3 series sold are this body style? I suppose they could just stock up for a couple months like they did with the 2011 E90 prior to F30 production.

[ATX78703]

I do hope we can get this in 335i guise and without xdrive. I still would prob take the f20 m135i over it however. there's something about compact and hatch that goes so well together.

I feel as the car gets more luxurious, a cross-over or proper sedan makes more sense.

[James T. Kirk]

These station wagons are really for the eye of the beholder, BUT a very important offering for the U.S. market.
I'd never get one, but I know a lot of other people will. Glad it's coming.
.

[StealYourFace]

Make mine that color, with a stick and not an xi.

I need to make substantially more money.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by StealYourFace

Make mine that color, with a stick and not an xi.

Concur, exactly what I'd like. I actually have no desire for an N55 version.

[reprod]

If you gave me a F31 M-Sport 335 I would be all over it. I would add tints and some coil-overs for a modest drop and improvements in the handling department and then I would call it quits. Family car that I can still toss around on weekends.

[richb811]

Giggidy Giggidy!!!

[Raikkonen]

Originally Posted by Terpinator

To: BMW NA, Marketing and Product Development
From: The North American Car Enthusiast Dad

Please, please, bring this over in 335i xDrive trim. I know you love to offer the wagons in NA with only the lowest spec engine, but there are quite a few of us who would love a wagon in top spec. You would have the sport wagon market all to yourself, as all the other manufacturers have also given up on it. Family men (and women) who like to drive don't want a high-riding crossover, we want the sleeper speed wagon. And while we have your attention, please import the 550i xDrive Touring as well. I will buy that one tomorrow. Also, please kill the 550i GT. It is the epitome of "so close, and yet so far." That thing is hideous and not what we want.

OMG that's hilarious...and soooo true. I would order a RWD M-Sport 335 w. a 6spd. TODAY if I could.

[Micleg]

Originally Posted by Dan Parker

Ugly just got a wee bit longer...
This, an opinion.

Wide angle lens used for the photo, always makes it look bad from the side.

[Blake P]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

You either get wagons, or you don't. To those of us who "get" them, there is no explanation needed.

Amen. The handling of a sport sedan + the utility of an SUV = win/win! Plus, they're somewhat exclusive since so many SUV loving Americans don't "get it". There's nothing cooler than a nicely modded sport wagon, IMHO.

[juice13]

I'm excited and surprised that the X1 is coming over in RWD and AWD format.

BUT...

I wonder if this will effect whether the F31 will come in RWD. I would think people would cross-shop the X1 and the F31. Wonder if they would price the F31 out of that market but saddling on AWD and some limited pricey packages (as they did with the last 5 series touring: 535xi).

But with all the overlap in BMW's lineup who knows. X4 anyone?

[Red Bread]

Funny thing for me is that if the F31 is not available in s-Drive, I will buy something else. I will not buy an x-Drive car, or an X1/X3/X4/X anything. Sorry, but SUV's are just not something that interests me at all.

[turb0mik3]

Time to make an M-wagon...

[StealYourFace]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Funny thing for me is that if the F31 is not available in s-Drive, I will buy something else. I will not buy an x-Drive car, or an X1/X3/X4/X anything. Sorry, but SUV's are just not something that interests me at all.

Agreed. And unlike you, I live in a town known for snowy winters, yet an xi is totally not needed as long as you have a decent set of snow tires. But in the US, people find it totally rational to buy an all wheel drive car with all seasons and get comprimised performance and use more fuel.

For people who live in hilly areas that get a lot of snow, I certainly do understand the appeal of an xi though.

(I'm sorry, I know its been voiced before, but I can't stand the "x drive" or "s drive" nomenclature. xi and i are enough!)

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Funny thing for me is that if the F31 is not available in s-Drive, I will buy something else. I will not buy an x-Drive car, or an X1/X3/X4/X anything. Sorry, but SUV's are just not something that interests me at all.

I will humbly suggest that an X1 s28i could be more fun than other 28i offerings and for less appreciably less coin.

Edit: That said, I don't think there's any chance at all the that the F31 will not be offered with RWD in the US now that they've gone out of their way to give us an X1 with RWD. I expect the F31 to be offered in both RWD and AWD, 6MT or 8AT, with the N20 but no N55.

[Booster]

Do. F***ing. Want.

[stefan]

Going to be a tough decision between this and an X1 for my second vehicle.

Fingers crossed for an F31 with xdrive, 6mt, and N55...

[uter]

I'll chime in that I definitely want a RWD F31. I live in the desert and I don't want the weight and fuel penalty of AWD.

[Fugly M3]

Originally Posted by uter

I'll chime in that I definitely want a RWD F31. I live in the desert and I don't want the weight and fuel penalty of AWD.

yea that's where I'm at. I live in the concrete desert of LA and don't need it. Give me a RWD option with manual, diesel and sport pack that actually lowers the car and I'm good to go!

[LuisBoston]

Originally Posted by WULFFZA

But if you are already safety testing the body, and already offer the engine, what is the obstacle to offering different combinations? We know an F30 wagon is coming to the US and there was a recent quote by a BMW NA exec that a diesel 3 series will continue to be offered, though the exact engine is yet to be finalized. So, why not offer that diesel and 35i engine in everything you make- X1, X3, 3 series wagon, 5 series. Even if certain models are not that profitable, its not like you are struggling in the finances, each month as been better than the last. BMW is making money, give something back to your loyal family.

This is my understanding: Every iteration needs to go through EPA testing, from my understanding. So F31 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, all would require separate EPA testing, which I've heard runs about $1M each. With such a small market, it's hard to justify. Now, they could sell 335i F31s at a loss, to keep their fan base happy, but BMW doesn't seem all that interested lately...

I did ask the BMW staff at the NYIAS to bring the X1 manual to the US. She said it could happen. So anything's possible.

[Alpine F31]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

You either get wagons, or you don't. To those of us who "get" them, there is no explanation needed.

Exactly right.

[FrankiE90]

sic!