2013 F30 3-Series Body Profile/Proportion Illustrated vs E90 / E46

Mii · 12-22-2009, 04:07 PM

There were mixed opinions on latest F30 spy shot in terms of size, style and proportion due to cladding and camouflage tapes. As curious as any BMW enthusiast, I traced through the spy shot and wanted to analyze the next 3er’s profile and proportion compare to E46 and E90. To my surprise, F30 profile and proportion looked quite sleek and balanced from the initial phase of spy shot. Based on the recently announced F10 5-Series, we may infer some of the design language that might be incorporated in the upcoming F30.

Some observations based on the trace:

1. Shorter overhangs (Shorter than previous generation 3er)
2. Longer wheelbase (Estimate 1.5”+ longer than previous generation 3er)
3. Hofmeister kink followed by near straight rear door cutline which nicely curved around rear wheel well
4. Forward pushing nose similar to E89 Z4 front end
5. Similar hood profile as E89 Z4
6. Minimal downward slope on rear quarter panel following the C-pillar

With longer wheelbase, F30 looks longer than previous generation 3er. It also provides more legroom both front and rear judging from the door cutline. Although there are still missing details such as body panel creases, headlight and taillight shape from this phase of spy shot, the overall profile and proportion looked rather impressive. I’d expect F30 profile and proportion to surpass our expectation.

Side profile trace from the spy shot and comparison between F30, E90 and E46:

Update:
Here is another trace based on a better angle straight-on side view from one of the F30 video. The first spy shot had partial skewed from camera perspective. Instead of tracing camo lights, I applied design cues from F01 and F10. The final design is yet to be seen.

Based on tire diameter scaling on side view profile of the video shot.

Estimate dimension of F30: (+/- 0.6% (0.006) margin of error)

Height: 55.8"
Length: 178.7"
Wheelbase: 110.2"

Zirenz2006 · 12-22-2009, 04:09 PM

Nice job!

Jason · 12-22-2009, 04:35 PM

Wow, great work and comparison! Can't wait to see how accurate your line trace model is compared to what's underneath the camo.

I especially like the clearly shorter overhangs.

Zirenz2006 · 12-22-2009, 05:47 PM

It looks like there is another body crease running through the middle of the doors.

Bimmerforlife · 12-22-2009, 09:40 PM

Wow, when you put it like that, pretty interesting. Good job w/ the illustrations, especially like the last comparo, which outlines the rear doors in comparo.

Thanks for taking time to upload.

bluespeed117 · 12-22-2009, 11:45 PM

looks like the front end wont be pointy like that. Gotta remember that the front end has some body camo on it. Judging by this photo, i can say that this "F30" is actually an "E90" with body camo on it. The lines are almost identical and most of the proportions are the same. The sketch would have to be to scale in order to compare it to previous models of the 3 series
We are gonna have to wait for more revealing photos before making any statements.

Good effort though

JamieA · 12-23-2009, 06:24 AM

Great tracing, it is starting to bring the F30 to life in my mind... I had done this exercise in my head when looking at the spy shots, but thank you for making it real.

noro · 12-23-2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zirenz2006

It looks like there is another body crease running through the middle of the doors.

nope, that's an intentional decoy. If you look at the 3/4 photos that side is flat.

Nice job on the graphic. It appears that we might be lucky and the size of the car may stay the same. I really do like seeing those wheels pushed out further to the corners.

deshields · 12-23-2009, 07:12 PM

Wow very nice job indeed. Hats off to you for the triple A effort. That new hood design (sculpted and wavy) will change this whole segment once again as the A4/3-Series/C=class still use fairly conservative designs for this segment

(ps T-minus 3 days before bmwblog rips this story off without giving credit to this site

zenderm3 · 12-23-2009, 07:21 PM

Nice work. Definitely looks interesting!

Bimmer Nerd · 12-23-2009, 07:34 PM

Great work with the illustrations, looks really good

bavarian19 · 12-23-2009, 07:59 PM

nice layout!

mtechnik3 · 12-23-2009, 08:05 PM

Great work. Thank you for posting and sharing, Mii!

SpencerM3 · 12-23-2009, 10:00 PM

Looks good

GreenPlease · 12-23-2009, 10:18 PM

Seems to be the trend in this class. The A4 got a longer wheelbase when it went from the B7 to the B8 platform.

GnokGnik · 12-23-2009, 11:19 PM

Very good rendering!! Makes the new 3er easier to imagine.

Still prefer the E9x....imo best looking BMW ever...I am biased though

Bimmerboy888 · 12-24-2009, 12:21 AM

Cool

RevC · 12-24-2009, 01:47 AM

very nice rendering/compilation, h.e think the new 3 series is ugly!

kinan_sleiman2006 · 12-24-2009, 06:02 AM

Useful analyizing..Thanks

tony-tone · 12-24-2009, 06:36 AM

Awesome work!

Pierre · 12-24-2009, 07:42 AM

Nice work! Interesting front end-profile...

BMWI6 · 12-24-2009, 08:27 AM

Wow!!! Looks very nice, much more like the e46. I love the look of this car.

12-22-2009, 04:07 PM	#1
Mii Lieutenant 399 Rep 487 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: US iTrader: (0)	2013 F30 3-Series Body Profile/Proportion Illustrated vs E90 / E46 There were mixed opinions on latest F30 spy shot in terms of size, style and proportion due to cladding and camouflage tapes. As curious as any BMW enthusiast, I traced through the spy shot and wanted to analyze the next 3er’s profile and proportion compare to E46 and E90. To my surprise, F30 profile and proportion looked quite sleek and balanced from the initial phase of spy shot. Based on the recently announced F10 5-Series, we may infer some of the design language that might be incorporated in the upcoming F30. Some observations based on the trace: 1. Shorter overhangs (Shorter than previous generation 3er) 2. Longer wheelbase (Estimate 1.5”+ longer than previous generation 3er) 3. Hofmeister kink followed by near straight rear door cutline which nicely curved around rear wheel well 4. Forward pushing nose similar to E89 Z4 front end 5. Similar hood profile as E89 Z4 6. Minimal downward slope on rear quarter panel following the C-pillar With longer wheelbase, F30 looks longer than previous generation 3er. It also provides more legroom both front and rear judging from the door cutline. Although there are still missing details such as body panel creases, headlight and taillight shape from this phase of spy shot, the overall profile and proportion looked rather impressive. I’d expect F30 profile and proportion to surpass our expectation. Side profile trace from the spy shot and comparison between F30, E90 and E46: Update: Here is another trace based on a better angle straight-on side view from one of the F30 video. The first spy shot had partial skewed from camera perspective. Instead of tracing camo lights, I applied design cues from F01 and F10. The final design is yet to be seen. Based on tire diameter scaling on side view profile of the video shot. Estimate dimension of F30: (+/- 0.6% (0.006) margin of error) Height: 55.8" Length: 178.7" Wheelbase: 110.2" Attached Images Last edited by Mii; 12-24-2009 at 09:58 PM..
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12-22-2009, 04:09 PM	#2
Zirenz2006 Brigadier General 1785 Rep 4,694 Posts Drives: G87 M2 Zandvoort Blue Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: US - NE iTrader: (0)	Nice job! __________________ Current: 2024 ///M2 Zandvoort Blue Past: 2021 ///M3 Competition IOMG \| 2018 X3 ///M40i \| 2012 *328i* \| 2009 *335i* \| 2007 *335i Coupe* \| 2005 *545i* \| 2001 *325i*
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12-22-2009, 04:35 PM	#3
Jason Administrator 44337 Rep 21,334 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Wow, great work and comparison! Can't wait to see how accurate your line trace model is compared to what's underneath the camo. I especially like the clearly shorter overhangs. __________________ 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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12-22-2009, 05:47 PM	#4
Zirenz2006 Brigadier General 1785 Rep 4,694 Posts Drives: G87 M2 Zandvoort Blue Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: US - NE iTrader: (0)	It looks like there is another body crease running through the middle of the doors. __________________ Current: 2024 ///M2 Zandvoort Blue Past: 2021 ///M3 Competition IOMG \| 2018 X3 ///M40i \| 2012 *328i* \| 2009 *335i* \| 2007 *335i Coupe* \| 2005 *545i* \| 2001 *325i*
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12-22-2009, 09:40 PM	#5
Bimmerforlife Major 422 Rep 1,317 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Wow, when you put it like that, pretty interesting. Good job w/ the illustrations, especially like the last comparo, which outlines the rear doors in comparo. Thanks for taking time to upload.
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12-22-2009, 11:45 PM	#6
bluespeed117 Lieutenant Colonel 125 Rep 1,528 Posts Drives: e90 328i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: so-cal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 e90 328i [0.00]	looks like the front end wont be pointy like that. Gotta remember that the front end has some body camo on it. Judging by this photo, i can say that this "F30" is actually an "E90" with body camo on it. The lines are almost identical and most of the proportions are the same. The sketch would have to be to scale in order to compare it to previous models of the 3 series We are gonna have to wait for more revealing photos before making any statements. Good effort though __________________ Muffler Delete/ Tien S-tech Springs / De-badged /BBS LM Reps 19"/ Nexen tires/DTM M5 Front bumper/ Injen Intake/Blacklines/M-tech Rear/Custom Muffler Tips.... More mods to come
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12-23-2009, 06:24 AM	#7
JamieA Colonel 93 Rep 2,168 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Adelaide, Australia iTrader: (0)	Great tracing, it is starting to bring the F30 to life in my mind... I had done this exercise in my head when looking at the spy shots, but thank you for making it real. __________________ '05 E90 325i \| '06 E90 325i \| '08 E90 325i LCI \| '13 F30 328i M-Sport \| '14 F10 535d M-Sport Current: '19 G01 X3 M40i
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12-23-2009, 07:12 PM	#9
deshields Private First Class 10 Rep 122 Posts Drives: 2009M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Modesto iTrader: (0)	Wow very nice job indeed. Hats off to you for the triple A effort. That new hood design (sculpted and wavy) will change this whole segment once again as the A4/3-Series/C=class still use fairly conservative designs for this segment (ps T-minus 3 days before bmwblog rips this story off without giving credit to this site __________________
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12-23-2009, 07:21 PM	#10
zenderm3 Lieutenant Colonel 100 Rep 1,996 Posts Drives: E36 M3 DY/2010 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Brisbane iTrader: (0)	Nice work. Definitely looks interesting! __________________ ________________ My ///M is in my garage .... and it is a beast! 2010 E92 M3 Space Grey \| Fully Loaded 1996 E36 M3 Dakar Yellow - SOLD 2004 Honda Accord Euro - SOLD
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12-23-2009, 07:34 PM	#11
Bimmer Nerd Major General 528 Rep 7,783 Posts Drives: 6MT F80 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Santa Monica, CA iTrader: (12)	Great work with the illustrations, looks really good
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12-23-2009, 07:59 PM	#12
bavarian19 General 558 Rep 18,849 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (23)	nice layout!
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12-23-2009, 08:05 PM	#13
mtechnik3 Colonel 425 Rep 2,475 Posts Drives: 2020 M2C Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: WA iTrader: (23)	Great work. Thank you for posting and sharing, Mii! __________________ 2020 /// M2 Competition Past: 2016 435i ZHP Edition \| 2013 335i \| 2011 135i \| 2008 328i \| 2006 325i
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12-23-2009, 10:00 PM	#14
SpencerM3 Sauce 79 Rep 2,023 Posts Drives: 2009 SSII E90 M3 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	Looks good __________________ 2009 E90 M3 \| Silverstone II \| Black Novillo \| HRE P40's \| Akrapovic Exhaust \| Eibach Pro Kit \| Jet Black Kidney Grilles \| SSII Side Reflectors \| SSII Side Gills \| LUX H8 Angel Eyes \| Macht Schnell Filter \| Tecnocraft Envy Charge Pipe "M3 drivers have no friends." - Jeremy Clarkson
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12-23-2009, 10:18 PM	#15
GreenPlease Lieutenant Colonel 149 Rep 1,629 Posts Drives: BMW 335i e92 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Orlando Florida iTrader: (2)	Seems to be the trend in this class. The A4 got a longer wheelbase when it went from the B7 to the B8 platform. __________________ Cars>Women
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12-23-2009, 11:19 PM	#16
GnokGnik Captain 18 Rep 936 Posts Drives: E92 335i, 997 C2S Join Date: May 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Very good rendering!! Makes the new 3er easier to imagine. Still prefer the E9x....imo best looking BMW ever...I am biased though
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12-24-2009, 12:21 AM	#17
Bimmerboy888 Lieutenant 9 Rep 462 Posts Drives: E92 M3 DCT Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: OC iTrader: (0)	Cool
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12-24-2009, 01:47 AM	#18
RevC Lieutenant General 179 Rep 11,768 Posts Drives: a couple fast toys Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Voorhees+cherry hill,NJ iTrader: (26)	very nice rendering/compilation, h.e think the new 3 series is ugly! __________________ -Rev SGM e92 335xi\|Helix\|AFE\|AWE\|PROCEDE\|SYNAPSE\|ER\|OSS\|BMW PERFORMANCE\|P3\|always growing..
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12-24-2009, 06:02 AM	#19
kinan_sleiman2006 Lieutenant 90 Rep 569 Posts Drives: BMW X3 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Syria-Tartous-Banias-po box299 iTrader: (0)	Useful analyizing..Thanks
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12-24-2009, 06:36 AM	#20
tony-tone First Lieutenant 13 Rep 301 Posts Drives: '09 335i Coupe Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Awesome work! __________________ 2009 335i Coupe Black Sapphire/Saddle Brown/Gray Poplar Prem. Package + Sport Package + Navi + goodies! Visit www.nureuro.com for the best prices & service! Message me if you need anything!
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12-24-2009, 07:42 AM	#21
Pierre New Member 0 Rep 16 Posts Drives: None Yet Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Zwevegem iTrader: (0)	Nice work! Interesting front end-profile...
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12-24-2009, 08:27 AM	#22
BMWI6 Major 105 Rep 1,337 Posts Drives: 335is Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miami, Fl iTrader: (2)	Wow!!! Looks very nice, much more like the e46. I love the look of this car. __________________ If everything seems under control, then you aren't going fast enough"
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