Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, BMW
Spy Shots: Early BMW 3-Series mule spotted testing
Global Motors just posted some spy pics of what is believed to be a next-generation BMW 3-Series mule. The taped up rear and chunky fender flares distinguish it from a stock 3. If you're scratching your head thinking we just got a new 3-Series from the Bavarians, you're right. The E90 debuted in 2006 and just received a freshening for '09, so we don't expect anything to come of this project until 2011 at the earliest (which goes some way toward explaining why there's no new production bodywork in evidence). Click over to Global Motors for more visuals of the mule in all its fender-flared glory. Thanks for the tip, Andrus!
[Source: Global Motors]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Flashpoint 6:05PM (1/09/2009)
A NEW ONE?
I'm just getting used to the current one. It seems like an excellent, ground-breaking car. And now they got a NEW ONE?
Reply
Eddie 7:05PM (1/09/2009)
A leader in the segment like the 3 series can't stand still, you must always innovate and update to stay ahead of the competition.
YouFaceTheTick 12:59AM (1/10/2009)
I did ED on a 2006 e90. I hated it and got rid of it within 1 year. Too big, too heavy, too buttoned-down. My e46 ZHP was louder, rougher, lighter, faster, handled better and fit like a tailored glove. The e90 to me is a Buick with BMW badging.
They better fix all they did wrong with the e9x models - weight, size, run flat tires, too-quiet engine note, soft suspension. The car is a bore at 150 mph. That's when you know you bought the wrong car...
Cam 6:15PM (1/09/2009)
To clarify, the E90 sedan debuted as an '06 model in the Spring of 2005.
Reply
ugly 6:26PM (1/09/2009)
those fender flares are ugly. Maybe with a lift and some 33's it might work.
Reply
Mr. Luke 7:27PM (1/09/2009)
Good I don't like the the current 3 series sedans. The coupes are great and the 135 is sweetness, but the sedans are awkward looking.
Reply
bob 8:22PM (1/09/2009)
Looks like a cross between a last-gen Jett and last-gen Acura TL. Bleh.
Reply
Chris G. 10:32PM (1/09/2009)
Oh great. It looks like it's getting bigger...
Reply
Kaveh 10:55PM (1/09/2009)
Looks like something with serious power under it, or maybe there testing a new 4 wheel drive system, it has snow tires on it.
Reply
Chase 11:19AM (1/10/2009)
Ug, the wheelbase is longer and the track is wider. Bigger is not better BMW.
On a side note, there needs to be an automated disclaimer on mule spyshots saying "This is an engineering test mule, idiots. Its 'styling' is a carved up version of the current model, and has nothing to do with the next version."
Reply
hoov23 12:37PM (1/10/2009)
It's not a new BMW, it's the next big import from China. They just used the 3-series for inspiration.
Reply
montoym 6:37PM (1/10/2009)
So, I guess for the next 2-3yrs we should be hearing daily complaints about how this car is not available for sale yet when we've clearly seen the development mules running around for all these years.
If people expect the new Camaro to be available right after they first see it, then why should this new 3-series be any different?
Granted, I will put GM at fault a bit for actually opening up a bit to the public and allowing us to see what they are working on(Camaro, Volt, Beat etc.). The alternative being that they become more secretive and do more to hide their intentions like many other automakers do.
Nonetheless, the end result is the same, it will still take them years to bring a new car to market, you'll just either know more about it along the way or less. Right now, GM seems to be allowing the public to know more.
Reply
Denim 9:30PM (1/15/2009)
Wow. The term 'facelift' is one we use when a car reaches the halfway point in it's lifespan. The 'new' BMW 3 series isn't 'new', they just jazzed it up a bit.
Reply