Autoblog

Spy Shots: Next generation BMW 3 Series pops up swathed in swirlies

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:39:00 EST

2012 BMW 3-series prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

This morning we get our first "clear" look at the next generation BMW 3 Series as one of our intrepid spy photographers captured one sitting on a trailer somewhere in Germany. The newest version of BMW's mainstream model is expected to debut sometime in 2011 as 2012 model. Judging from these shots, it does not appear that the size of the new 3 will change much, although we can expect BMW to implement some weight reduction measures in order to help meet new fuel efficiency and emissions standards. The overall proportions look pretty similar to today's car, but the profile shot indicates a more upright grille stance similar to the new Z4 and 5 Series GT.

The next 3 is also expected to adopt some new powertrains including a new turbocharged and direct-injected three-cylinder engine. When the new 3 arrives here in the U.S., it will likely also mark the return of four-cylinder engines to the brand's U.S. lineup, to which we say, bring on the fuel savings. Thanks to Annie and Andrus for the tips!

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 3 Series

[Photos: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Next generation BMW 3 Series pops up swathed in swirlies originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible get mild rhinoplasty

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, BMW, Luxury

The 3 Series coupe and convertible have had a little surgery done and been caught post-op. The actual changes aren't monumental, but up front appear to have quite an effect on the looks. We'll wait to see the uncovered version without the tape over the headlights before final judgments are issued, but from the three-quarter view the increased sweep, the changes to the kidney grille, and the drawn headlights makes the front look a little -- forgive us for saying -- vintage Grand Am.

In back the car gets revised taillights and a bumper massage. Inside expect slightly upgraded ergonomics and iDrive. The sedan and touring are rumored to get this look as well, and should appear next year.

[Source: Carscoop]

Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible get mild rhinoplasty originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW to release 3 Series hatch similar to 5 Series GT

Dan Roth — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, BMW, Rumormill

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Wagons are apparently so outre that we're now seeing mish-mash vehicles like crossovers hiding the truth that, at their core, they're just wagons. BMW is no stranger to this - witness the recent 5 Series GT. Looking to build on the Grand Turismo variants of its wares, BMW is reportedly developing a 3 Series GT, expected to launch for 2011. The details haven't changed since the last time we posted about this vehicle, but BMW is nodding its corporate head that ja, there will be such a car.

The 335 Grand Turismo will bridge the gap between the 3 and 5 Series cars, a narrow one at that. The tailgate should be a two-position affair, like the 5er, and it's possible that four- and five-place configurations may be offered. If it happens, diesel and gasoline engines are expected, though any M3 version is probably not going to happen. Why this might be any more successful against such competition as the Audi A4 Avant than would a traditional 3 Series wagon is a mystery, but maybe BMW has struck on the magic formula that makes ungainly cars a hot commodity.

Gallery: First Drive: BMW 535i Gran Turismo

[Source: Channel 4]

REPORT: BMW to release 3 Series hatch similar to 5 Series GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW sues dead suspected fashion model killer

Michael Harley — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, BMW, Celebrities, Canada

And you thought the story couldn't get more bizarre. Well, it turns out Ryan Jenkins, the now-deceased Canadian Realtor-turned-reality-TV-contestant-turned-accused-murderer may have allegedly tossed more than Jasmine Fiore in the dumpster. According to BMW, Jenkins hadn't made a payment on his leased 3 Series since March, and his account is now seriously past due.

BMW is going after Ryan Jenkins for about $11,553 (US dollars) in outstanding payments on his '07 BMW 335xi sedan (his monthly lease payments were $844, proving he was about as successful in automobile purchasing negotiations as he was with relationships). While the vehicle in question has been returned to the automaker and since sold, the outstanding amount (plus interest) still needs to be collected. Regardless of BMW's next move, the line of creditors to this train wreck's estate is likely very long.

[Source: Yahoo News Canada, photo by Gary Lester]

REPORT: BMW sues dead suspected fashion model killer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW recalling 2008MY 1- and 3-Series; plus 2009MY X5 and X6 models over safety concerns

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

BMW 135i Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

A potential fault with the side airbags fitted to 2008 BMW 1- and 3-Series cars has lead to a recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Apparently, possible fitment of the wrong crimp connector can cause the airbag not to properly deploy.

In a separate recall, 2009 model year BMW X5 and X6 crossovers are also being called back to dealers, as they may have been fitted with rear brake discs that don't meet specifications. In extreme cases, the flaw could cause the rear disc to break, which would obviously then hurt the vehicle's ability to stop.

Unusually, the number of vehicles possibly covered under the actions has not been released, and BMW has not yet released the protocol for either repair. In any case, you can contact the company or NHTSA for more information. Complete information can be found in the NHTSA notices after the jump.

Gallery: BMW 135i Official Shots

[Source: NHTSA -- 1-Series / 3-Series, X5 / X6]

Continue reading BMW recalling 2008MY 1- and 3-Series; plus 2009MY X5 and X6 models over safety concerns

BMW recalling 2008MY 1- and 3-Series; plus 2009MY X5 and X6 models over safety concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW 335i Gran Turismo dialed in for 2011

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, BMW

According to a report by InsideLine, BMW is set to expand its wagonesque line-up by one in 2011 with the introduction of the 335i Gran Turismo. The 3 series-based crossover takes its inspiration from the 2011 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, with a sloping X6-like hatch that will feature the same two-stage tailgate on the 5 series GT, allowing owners to open either the small trunk or complete hatch.

IL's sources say that two-, four- and five-seat configurations will be available, along with a range of diesel and gasoline engines, including at least one petrol-powered turbo version. If the 3 series GT comes to fruition, that would bring BMW's entry-level line-up to five models - coupe, convertible, sedan, wagon and five-door - and provide another competitor to the Audi A4 Avant and Q3, but could cannibalize X1 and X3 sales in the process.

[Source: InsideLine]

REPORT: BMW 335i Gran Turismo dialed in for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW dropping a cylinder for next-gen 1- and 3-Series

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 11 May 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Green, Technology, Hatchback, BMW

The next 1- and 3-Series cars from BMW, as well as the Z2 roadster, are rumored to be getting a new range of turbocharged three- and four-cylinder gasoline engines as part of BMW's push to cut emissions and fuel consumption. Of the five powerplants reportedly in development, three are 1.35-liter three-cylinder motors developing between 163 hp and 241 hp, with the two 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engines putting out 273 hp and 321 hp, respectively. Sky Motoring says that the four-pots will be reserved for "more upmarket models."

While a 3-Series with a 3-cylinder engine has a certain poetry, it does give one pause. If Sky Motoring's numbers are correct, however, the top end 1.35-liter motor would put out 11 more horsepower than the current 3.0-liter in the 328i. That's a lot of power for such little displacement, and with brand perception issues in the U.S., who knows if we would even get the engines - after all, we don't get any of Mercedes' CGI mills. From where we sit, though, the smaller, lighter engine with its commensurately fewer moving parts could also help bring the sticker price of the 1-Series down - one of the major factors that has prevented it from gaining traction in stateside showrooms.

In any case, the new BMW engines are said to be at least two years away, so we look forward to getting more clarifying information in the meantime. Hat tip to Owen!

[Source: Sky Motoring]

REPORT: BMW dropping a cylinder for next-gen 1- and 3-Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 3-Series facelift

Dan Roth — Sat, 31 May 2008 10:07:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, BMW

For those fond of delving deep into E90 minutiae, these are the best shots yet showing off the subtle changes coming to the BMW 3-series. For the rest of us, the tweaks are largely inconsequential. World Car Fans has unearthed some of the clearest shots yet, and the change that most people will notice are the taillamps, which look to get a slightly different shape. It even appears that the cutlines between the taillamp pieces on the trunklid won't line up with the rest of the cluster mounted in the quarter panel - asymmetry. The mirrors look to gain large repeaters for the blinkers, possibly just a camouflage ruse, and minor updates likely go on inside and underhood, too. Also likely to be quite noticeable once the wraps come off is a reshaped front fascia, which appears to place foglamps next to the license plate. Overall, a mild refreshing until a new 3-series can be whipped up. In the meantime, the new 7 will set the template for BMWs to come.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: BMW 3-Series facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 May 2008 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adventures in copyright infringement: Lifan 3-series

Dan Roth — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, China, Etc., Mini

Clubman: potentially described as cute. Lifan 3 Series: Not cute. Not even ugly to the point of being endearing. Enough of the MINI's cues make it through in the Lifan that you can just picture them laying a huge sheet of onion skin over the Clubman and coming up with this. It's close in a lot of ways, but misshapen in others. A weird front overbite is the result of small wheels and a longer overhang than the MINI, and the C/D pillars appear thick - just a big blind spot where the Clubman has visibility. Underhood might be an actual legitimate link to the MINI. Lifan has invested in the Tritec four cylinder that powered the R50 first generation of revived MINIs. Ingress and egress in the Lifan is aided by four conventionally hinged doors, versus the Mini's clamshell treatment, but it ends up being reminiscent of a LeCar, but not as cool. Lifan could always outsource design to the rest of the world if this is the best they can do. We're sure they've got the engineering bit down, but the world doesn't need a MINI that reminds us of those cheap, anonymous knock off matchbox cars with no bottom.

[Source: Carscoop, Photos: China Car Times]

Gallery: Lifan 320

Adventures in copyright infringement: Lifan 3-series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 BMW 7-series

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:04:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, BMW

Although the BMW 7-series has undergone some mild styling tweaks over the past few years, it seems that more is on the way, all in an effort to tighten the reigns of the mangled Bangled versions that caused drivers to bleed from their eyes.

Although some hope that the Concept CS will influence future 7s, the 2009 model will be more of an evolution, likely drawing cues from the redesigned 3-series. But the real changes are likely to come from underneath.

A longer wheelbase, partnered with a wider track, will be utilized to keep with BMW's handling ethos, while new engine choices, including a hybrid and twin-turbo V8 diesel will provide motivation. A new ZF eight-speed gearbox is almost certain, along with a revised iDrive system and several new safety features.

Look out for the refresh in 2009, with a full redesign sometime next decade.

[Source: Autogepot via Motor Authority]

Spy Shots: 2009 BMW 7-series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Regenerative braking coming to BMW 3-series in October

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 08:53:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Green, BMW

We already know that BMW isn't interested in making any hybrid gas/electric vehicles unless they can find a way to make the system more efficient than their most efficient diesels (click here for more from AutoblogGreen). But, that does not mean that some of the technology pioneered in hybrid vehicles can't find a place in the BMW model range.

Take for instance regenerative braking. While your standard hybrid is capable of recapturing energy normally wasted in braking with their electric motor(s), the same technology can be used in a more mainstream application by aiding the alternator in energy production. The BMW 5-Series and 1-Series have already used this type of system with good effect, so it comes as no surprise that BMW would implement it in their best-selling 3 Series as well.

The system is capable of coupling and decoupling the alternator from the engine, which has the dual benefits of slowing down the vehicle when engaged and freeing up more engine power for the wheels when disconnected. It's nice to see that performance and fuel-economy can cohabitate under the same hood.

Trickle-down tech: Non-hybrid BMW 5 Series to feature regenerative braking

[Source: Motor Authority]

Regenerative braking coming to BMW 3-series in October originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2007 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More Details on BMW M3 Powerplant

Chris Shunk — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, BMW

click above image to view 47 high-res images of the M3's new 4.0L V8

We were able to get our first glimpse of the new M3 (or at least the M3 "Concept") earlier this month at the Geneva Motor Show, and boy did we like what we saw. The new BMW super coupe looks fast standing still, and with a rumored 420 hp on tap, the M3 is bound to give the Audi RS4 and C-Class AMG a run for their money.

BMW has just released all the details you could ever want to know about its newest V8, and the power numbers look to take the M3 to the next level. The 4.0L engine is derived from the potent 5.0L V10 in the M5 and M6. The aluminum and composite engine weighs only 445 lbs, 33 lbs less than the base 3-Series' inline-six. And to fully-realize all 420 hp from the V8, which features Double Vanos valve technology, you can rev the motor to an RX-8-like 8,300 rpm. The M3 will also carry 295 ft-lbs of torque, 85% of which is available at 2,000 rpm.

We don't know if these impressive power numbers are enough to keep up with the brute-force of the C-Class AMG, but we've reserved a couple spots in the Autoblog garage in the event we get the opportunity to find out.

Check out the complete press release after the jump, as well as the gallery of 47 high-resolution images. The gallery includes shots of the M3 Concept, the 4.0L V8 and many of its individual components, as well as the engine being tested by engineers.

[Source: BMW]

Gallery: 2008 BMW M3 4.0L V8

Continue reading More Details on BMW M3 Powerplant

More Details on BMW M3 Powerplant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW to start building sportvans

Dan Roth — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Minivan/Van, BMW

Could this portend the impending doom of the SUV as family car? BMW will be adding sportvans to their lineup beginning with the F5 in 2009. The basis for the F5 will be provided by the X5. Following on the heels of the F5 will be a van based on the 3-series called, quite naturally, the F3. Underneath the five-door five-placers will likely be found several power options, as well as available all-wheel drive with rear-wheel drive standard. The rhetoric is that large diameter wheels will be avoided, as they mainly detract from ride quality, add unsprung weight, and don't help handling as much as you'd think. The picture seems to run contrary to that statement, as the wheels fill the openings, but perhaps the graphic artist just got a little crazy.

[Source: Motor Trend via Topspeed]

Continue reading BMW to start building sportvans

BMW to start building sportvans originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Feb 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: E92 BMW 3-Series coupe

Stuart Waterman — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Paris Motor Show, BMW

These photos of an unmasked E92 coupe appeared over the weekend on E90post.com, courtesy of an alert BMW fan at an air cargo terminal.

The photo car appears to be a 335, and should be powered by BMW's new turbocharged six (note the cannon-sized exhaust pipes and the extra ventilation in the front fascia). The official debut of the new coupe is said to be set for the Paris Motor Show. More pics after the jump...

Thanks for the tip, Paul and Will!

[Source: E90post.com]

Continue reading Spy Shots: E92 BMW 3-Series coupe

Spy Shots: E92 BMW 3-Series coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Apr 2006 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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