2012 3-series (F30) Winter Testing Spy Photos

Jason · 12-16-2010, 09:09 PM

BIMMERPOST NEWS

39
COMMENTS

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The next generation F30 3-series sedan is currently undergoing winter testing in northern Sweden. It wears the same heavy camouflage as the previous sightings, so these photos are best for determining proportions, size, and stance. Thus far, the F30 test mules spied have all had great proportions and stance. The F30 will be slightly larger and have a longer wheelbase than the current E90 sedan but features shorter overhangs to maintain sporty and squat proportions. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]Consistent with current BMW design language, the F30 will have wider and lower kidney grilles and the front fascia will be more upright than the E90 design. [See HERE for a great preliminary illustrated comparison of the F30 and E90]

Engine options will include a full range of turbo and naturally aspirated 6-cylinder motors, 4-cylinder motors, and possibly even a new 3-cylinder motor. The F30 335i will again be powered by a turbo 6 cylinder motor.

According to our BMW longterm roadmap (http://www.bimmerpost.com/future-bmw), the F30 3-series sedan will make its world public debut at the 2012 Geneva Autoshow in March of 2012. The F32 coupe will be unveiled a year later in 2013.

You can follow our complete F30/F32 coverage at: http://www.bimmerpost.com/3-series/f30/

* And no, those are not the real tailights or in any way a representation of the real tailight shape or form! Nor are the reflector strips on the side view mirrors headed for production.

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Comparison of size/shape/profile from a tracing based on spy photos:

USC2000 · 12-16-2010, 10:49 PM

I hope we get to see some of the camo come off soon.

SamS · 12-16-2010, 11:19 PM

Very good.

I'm still liking the proportions, and the upright nose looks nice as well. Not as "soft" as the E90. See pic 5/7.

Alchem · 12-16-2010, 11:39 PM

Gosh I can't believe its time for another 3er again. I feel like it was just yesterday that e90 was out!!

Touring · 12-17-2010, 02:38 AM

Natural aspirated six? According to German magazines it will only be turbo-sixes. I hope you are right!

Tee212 · 12-17-2010, 02:54 AM

yay...its about that time again

ron_jeremy · 12-17-2010, 04:09 AM

Would love to see some pics of the interiour of the new 3.

kinan_sleiman2006 · 12-17-2010, 05:10 AM

Where are the front led lights!!!!

carl_d · 12-17-2010, 06:00 AM

Looks like the overall wheel/tyre size has increased. Wheels/tyres look taller Anyone else see ths also?

cgpublic · 12-17-2010, 07:59 AM

Muscular.

double_j · 12-17-2010, 08:44 AM

Not bad but looks a bit like an A4.

voltron1011 · 12-17-2010, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alchem

Gosh I can't believe its time for another 3er again. I feel like it was just yesterday that e90 was out!!

DITTO!!!

Diver · 12-17-2010, 12:03 PM

I bet the new model is just bigger by enough to slide into the next larger footprint class for US fuel economy standards. Also, I think the non turbo 6 will only be around for a short time, until replaced with a turbo 4, because of EPA rules. The 335 will probably get the 8 speed auto, now in the larger cars.

lawgone · 12-17-2010, 12:42 PM

I'm not feeling it. Maybe it will grow on me with time but the proportions look too much like the 7 series and thereby much less sporty. Plus, if those proportions hold true, the bulbous hood and trunk line would most likely have a negative impact on handling (higher CG) and a definite impact on rearward visibility. In general it looks very conservative and almost Volvo-like.

3s-a-charm · 12-17-2010, 01:21 PM

Shark Fin is gaining weight...

remmib · 12-17-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron_jeremy

Would love to see some pics of the interiour of the new 3.

Indeed, I wonder if they'll go the F10 route or if they comes out with something all new.

Spool · 12-17-2010, 02:02 PM

man those little swirly things sure does fuck with ur eyes...looks like a Jetta to me right now

adamm3k · 12-17-2010, 09:43 PM

georgere · 12-17-2010, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamm3k

i hope not. b/c it looks like some korean car

brentseay · 12-18-2010, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamm3k

I'm not seeing how this car warrants a new type. This, to me, is clearly an E90 with maybe a SLIGHT body kit. The E36-->E46 transition is obvious. This definition repeats with the E46--> E90.

Please note: The new M3 render

is EXACTLY the difference in styling that I would say justifies a new type. NOT the base models, however.

Brent

EuroCarsOnline · 12-18-2010, 03:15 AM

It's that time again.
+1

Saintor · 12-18-2010, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USC2000

I hope we get to see some of the camo come off soon.

Like this one?

12-16-2010, 09:09 PM	#1
Jason Administrator 43805 Rep 21,327 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	2012 3-series (F30) Winter Testing Spy Photos BIMMERPOST NEWS 2012 3-series (F30) Winter Testing Spy Photos 39 COMMENTS Tweet The next generation F30 3-series sedan is currently undergoing winter testing in northern Sweden. It wears the same heavy camouflage as the previous sightings, so these photos are best for determining proportions, size, and stance. Thus far, the F30 test mules spied have all had great proportions and stance. The F30 will be slightly larger and have a longer wheelbase than the current E90 sedan but features shorter overhangs to maintain sporty and squat proportions. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]Consistent with current BMW design language, the F30 will have wider and lower kidney grilles and the front fascia will be more upright than the E90 design. [See HERE* for a great preliminary illustrated comparison of the F30 and E90] Engine options will include a full range of turbo and naturally aspirated 6-cylinder motors, 4-cylinder motors, and possibly even a new 3-cylinder motor. The F30 335i will again be powered by a turbo 6 cylinder motor. According to our BMW longterm roadmap (http://www.bimmerpost.com/future-bmw), the F30 3-series sedan will make its world public debut at the 2012 Geneva Autoshow in March of 2012. The F32 coupe will be unveiled a year later in 2013. You can follow our complete F30/F32 coverage at:* http://www.bimmerpost.com/3-series/f30/ * And no, those are not the real tailights or in any way a representation of the real tailight shape or form! Nor are the reflector strips on the side view mirrors headed for production. Comparison of size/shape/profile from a tracing based on spy photos: __________________ Check on the Latest BMW News Become a fan of Bimmerpost Facebook Follow us on Bimmerpost Twitter Subscribe to Bimmerpost Youtube Channel
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12-16-2010, 10:49 PM	#2
USC2000 Lieutenant Colonel 127 Rep 1,603 Posts Drives: F30 328i M Sport Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: El Paso, TX iTrader: (10)	I hope we get to see some of the camo come off soon. __________________ 2014 Alpine White 328i M Sport \| M Performance Exhaust \| M Performance Front Splitter \| M Performance Carbon Fiber Spoiler \| M Performance Grills \| M Performance Pedals[/SIZE] ______________________
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12-16-2010, 11:19 PM	#3
SamS Banned 874 Rep 6,248 Posts Drives: Tesla M3 Perf + '18 X3 M40i Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	Very good. I'm still liking the proportions, and the upright nose looks nice as well. Not as "soft" as the E90. See pic 5/7.
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12-16-2010, 11:39 PM	#4
Alchem Lieutenant 49 Rep 420 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Gosh I can't believe its time for another 3er again. I feel like it was just yesterday that e90 was out!!
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12-17-2010, 02:38 AM	#5
Touring Major 185 Rep 1,008 Posts Drives: i3,E21,M2,E23, Skoda Kodiaq Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Oslo, Norway iTrader: (0)	Natural aspirated six? According to German magazines it will only be turbo-sixes. I hope you are right!
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12-17-2010, 02:54 AM	#6
Tee212 Banned 81 Rep 4,541 Posts Drives: yes Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Riverside iTrader: (9) Garage List 2010 335 [8.00]	yay...its about that time again
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12-17-2010, 04:09 AM	#7
ron_jeremy Captain 511 Rep 986 Posts Drives: 13' F25 X3 20d & 16' i3 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	Would love to see some pics of the interiour of the new 3.
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12-17-2010, 05:10 AM	#8
kinan_sleiman2006 Lieutenant 90 Rep 569 Posts Drives: BMW X3 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Syria-Tartous-Banias-po box299 iTrader: (0)	Where are the front led lights!!!!
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12-17-2010, 06:00 AM	#9
carl_d General 42 Rep 683 Posts Drives: E90 335i M-Sport N55 6SP Nov10 Join Date: May 2005 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Looks like the overall wheel/tyre size has increased. Wheels/tyres look taller Anyone else see ths also? __________________ 2010 E90 335i M-Sport, 2005 E90 325i M-Sport, 2003 E60 520i, 2002 E46 330i Sport II, 2000 E46 325i Sport I, 1999 E46 318i, 1998 E46 323i SE, 1996 E36 323i SE, 1996 E34 518i, 1995 E36 320iA, 1994 E36 316i
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12-17-2010, 07:59 AM	#10
cgpublic Lieutenant 22 Rep 508 Posts Drives: 2015 A3 2.0T Quattro Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Brooklyn to Bronxville iTrader: (0)	Muscular. __________________ Present: 2015 Audi A3 2.0T Quattro \| Scuba Blue \| Sport Past: 2011 E90 335 xDrive (March Build) \| Deep Sea Blue \| Saddle Brown \| Brushed Aluminum Packages & Options: Premium \| Sport \| Cold Weather \| BMW Apps, iDrive & iPod Past: 2008 E90 328xi \| Montego Blue \| Dakota Black \| Brushed Aluminum Packages & Options: Premium \| Sport \| Xenon \| CA \| Heated Seats \| iPod
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12-17-2010, 08:44 AM	#11
double_j First Lieutenant 86 Rep 331 Posts Drives: 2008 JB/B E90 M3 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Northeast USA iTrader: (0)	Not bad but looks a bit like an A4.
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12-17-2010, 12:03 PM	#13
Diver Brigadier General 506 Rep 3,445 Posts Drives: Black '12 135i - Sold Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	I bet the new model is just bigger by enough to slide into the next larger footprint class for US fuel economy standards. Also, I think the non turbo 6 will only be around for a short time, until replaced with a turbo 4, because of EPA rules. The 335 will probably get the 8 speed auto, now in the larger cars.
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12-17-2010, 12:42 PM	#14
lawgone Lieutenant 66 Rep 543 Posts Drives: 2014 335i M Sport Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cincinnati, OH iTrader: (0)	I'm not feeling it. Maybe it will grow on me with time but the proportions look too much like the 7 series and thereby much less sporty. Plus, if those proportions hold true, the bulbous hood and trunk line would most likely have a negative impact on handling (higher CG) and a definite impact on rearward visibility. In general it looks very conservative and almost Volvo-like.
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12-17-2010, 01:21 PM	#15
3s-a-charm Major 138 Rep 1,328 Posts Drives: 2017 Tesla Model X Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Calgary, Canada iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 BMW X5 [0.00]	Shark Fin is gaining weight... __________________ 17 Tesla Model X 90D (I've been converted!) PAST: 14 Tesla Model S P85D, 16 X1, 13 X5 M-sport, 04 M3 Cab, 08 E92 M3, 08 535xiT, 07 X5 4.8i, 06 E90 325i, 87 E30 325i, 85 E30 318i
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12-17-2010, 02:02 PM	#17
Spool ****** 594 Rep 6,169 Posts Drives: A few Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (24)	man those little swirly things sure does fuck with ur eyes...looks like a Jetta to me right now __________________ MKIV 6spd 1000hp Club
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12-17-2010, 09:43 PM	#18
adamm3k Private First Class 52 Rep 133 Posts Drives: e92 AW M3 Join Date: May 2009 Location: TX iTrader: (0)
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12-18-2010, 03:15 AM	#21
EuroCarsOnline 23 Rep 253 Posts Drives: BMW Individual M3 Sedan Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Northwest BMW iTrader: (0)	It's that time again. +1 __________________ Ultimate Buying Power BMWDavid@me.com www.bmweco.com 202-262-2900 Call Joy for Vehicle Status 443-883-6925
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