Dackelone brings back his coverage of the 2011 Essen Motor Show, the European equivalent of the SEMA show. Aftermarket tuned automobiles are the main course at this event.
However, this year’s show saw BMW attend for the first time ever. BMW trotted out its latest Performance Parts lineup and accessories. On hand were the M Performance Parts M3 and X6M, as well as Performance Parts F20 1-series, E93 3-series, and X5.
Autospies shares their very comprehensive and excellent video review of the F30 328i, powered by the N20 4 cylinder 2.0L turbo engine. In their experience, they feel that the 3 series once again delivers a knockout punch to its competitors from Audi, MB, and Lexus.
Especially impressive in the video is a look at how quickly the new 8 speed automatic transmission shifts.
Still have trouble visualizing or deciphering the exterior differences between the F30 standard, modern, luxury, sport, and M-sport lines/packages? These animated images are an easy way to compare and decipher between the different lines available.
The front and rear images cycle through the different trims and wheel sets that come with each different line and the F30 M-sport package.
Alpina, the BMW tuning specialists, has released and revealed the 2012 Alpina BMW B3 GT3 E92 at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. This model will be a special production run limited to just 99 units.
The B3 GT3′s B3 S Bi-turbo motor is good for 408hp and 398 lb-ft torque. It’s paired with an Akrapovic titanium rear silencer. All this propels the B3 GT3 from 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds.
EVO Magazine posts their preliminary first drive review of the F30 and has nothing but praise for the newest 3 series sedan, giving it a nearly perfect score.
Reactions to the F32 coupe spy photos and videos we’ve posted so far have included some complaints that the F32 looks too long or has lost its sporty proportions. We beg to differ.
We revisited the earliest E92 coupe test prototype photos from back at the end of 2005 and we’ve posted below a comparison of the F32 coupe at this early stage camouflage compared to the E92 coupe during its early stages of testing.
Scrutinizing the photos, it’s easy to see how a camouflaged coupe appears overly … CONTINUED
BMW of North America has announced a modest inflationary price increase effective January 1, 2012. The Destination and Handling fee for all models will be increased to $895 on that date as well. This increase is less than one percent and applies to the models listed in the table below. In these tough economic times a careful balance was attained between the competitive situation, inflationary conditions, and market realities.
We’ve now posted all the information that you will need to configure and order your 2012 3 Series Sedan (F30)!
Inside you will find the full 2012 F30 3 series sedan pricelist, including all MSRP for base price, options pricing, and package prices. Happy configurating and ordering!
We have now posted up the complete 2012 BMW F30 3 series sedan order guide. It features full details of all standard equipment, features, options, and packages, as well as how the 2012 3 series sedan can or cannot be configured with each of these.
Check out the full scans (and PDF version) inside. Happy ordering!
12.5 million – that’s all you need to know about the importance of the 3 series to BMW. Since the introduction of the first generation 3 series in 1982, BMW has sold 12.5 million units. That means every third BMW sold in 2010 was a 3 series. Unsurprisingly then, whenever a new 3 series launches, BMW knows they have to get it right. And we’re not talking about E89 Z4 right but about right in the sense of perfect.
BMW invited us over to Barcelona, Spain, to … CONTINUED
We recently asked our members to submit any questions relating to the F30 you may still have. We had the chance to get some answers for you from BMW during our F30 test drive in Barcelona last week, and here they are below.
If your question hasn’t made it to the list it’s probably because we don’t have an answer (yet).
Will the U.S. receive any diesel models?
There’s no official yet word on this. BMW feels that the Active Hybrid 3 attracts different buyers than a diesel … CONTINUED
Top Gear online takes their first drive of the F30 3 series, and like the other reviews they are impressed. So much so that they proclaim that “It’s the best car in its class. Still.”
For weeks we’ve been hearing that the F33 4 Series convertible (or 3-series convertible, as BMW has not yet officially confirmed a badge change) had recently begun public testing. And now we can now share with you the spy photos from its first ever sighting!
As clearly seen, the F33 4 series will retain its folding hardtop. The car is still heavily masked and it appears that it may feature a bit of a false trunk or heavy camouflage on the trunk lid, making it look more … CONTINUED
Missed the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas? No worries, Johnny Lin provides us with a mega gallery of BMW models at the event (along with some other fine looking German vehicles). Hope you got the bandwidth to keep up =)
The lovely M Sport Package for the all-new F30 3 series sedan made another appearance at the International Media Launch of the 2012 3 series sedan in Barcelona, from where we’ve just returned.
The M Sport Package will be available worldwide as of July 2012 production. This is the soonest that an M Sport package has been made available after a new BMW model launch. As BMW board member Harald Krüger explained to us, the advanced release date is to convince existing E90 M Sport customers to … CONTINUED
We’re at the LA Auto Show, where BMWNA has announced the U.S. base price for the 2012 328i and 335i sedans, as follows:
2012 328i – $35,775
2012 335i – $43,275
Compare this to the outgoing 2011 E90 sedan:
2011 328i – $34,600
2011 335i – $42,050
The base price increase over the 2011 models are just $1,175 and $1,225, which are very reasonable considering the increased standard equipment and features that the F30 3 series receive. And while option/package pricing has not yet been released, you can … CONTINUED
What Car? give the new 2012 BMW 3 series a full five stars, saying that it shows just how dominant the current 3 Series is that the only car the new model has to beat is its predecessor – and that it does. In short, if you’re in the market for a compact executive, this is the one to go for. It’s a “Perfect Replacement” for the E90 as they call it.
Autoexpress rates the new 3 a full five stars. In sum, they feel that the F30 improves upon the E90 in virtually every area. “The best just got better,” as they said.
