Here’s a good look at the current F30 3 series against the preceding two generation 3 series – the E90 and E46 sedans. Here’s the tale of the tape:

F30 vs E90 sedan physical specs, F30 is:

3.66 in (93 mm) longer body
1.45 in (37mm) wider track [front]
1.85 in (47 mm) wider track [rear]
0.31 in (8 mm) taller
1.96 in (50 mm) longer wheelbase
0.59 in (15 mm) more legroom for rear passengers
0.31 inches (8mm) more headroom

F30 vs E46 sedan physical specs, F30 is:

6.5 in longer body
2.8 in wider
0.6 in taller

The 2012 328i (F30) takes on the Audi A4, Infiniti G25, Mercedes C250, and Volvo S60 in this latest sports sedan compare by Car and Driver.

Does the F30 retain its spot at the top of the sports sedan food chain? See the review inside.

BMW NA’s Juergen Urban, Product Manager for the 1 Series and X1, and Oliver Ganser, Product Manager for the 3 Series were gracious enough to sit down with us at the 2012 NYIAS to field some questions on their respective products specialties. Here’s what we can report back with.

2013 BMW X1 (US)

What are the MPG figures for the three X1 models?
Because it’s model year 2013 we don’t have the official MPG values yet, but you can expect them to be top of the line, especially with the 28i.

What are the curb weight of the three models?
The sDrive28i is 3,500 pounds, xDrive28i is 3,700 pounds and xDrive35i is 3,900 pounds.

Are there any suspension differences between the 28i and 35i model?
No differences. The only suspension … CONTINUED

On display at the BMW section of the 2012 NYIAS is the 2013 328i xDrive (AWD) in its first public showing.

The F30 3 series xDrive models will begin production with the 2013 model year which begins in July, for September delivery.

World premiere – the new BMW 3 Series sedan in the long wheelbase version.

Developed at BMW head office in Germany, it will be rolling off the production line in the new Shenyang production plant and celebrating its world premiere at Auto China 2012 in Beijing – the new BMW 3 Series sedan in the long wheelbase version.

With its wheelbase extended by 11 cm, a conspicuously elegant design, and the best rear seat travel comfort among the competition, this new model fulfils precisely the expectations of Chinese automobile customers. They can choose from the BMW 335Li, the BMW 328Li, or the BMW 320Li, each fitted with a powerful and efficient engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology. Also presented at Auto China will be the new BMW 3 … CONTINUED

We’re sad to report what is likely the first F30 3 series totaled (at least on BIMMERPOST). Only this one isn’t due to driving error or accident as is usually the case. This loss is a casualty of the natural elements – a freak hail storm.

The body damage may look bad, but what’s worse is that the engine somehow managed to suffer water damage as well.

Here’s hoping that this member picks up a replacement F30 quickly.

We’ve spied the upcoming 3 series F31 touring again, but this time we get a look at it against the outgoing 3 series E91 touring model. As one can see, the two share similar rooflines and tailgate shapes. However, the F31′s tailgate appears more sculpted, extending out to a more pronounced trunk lip than the E91. The F31′s roof spoiler is also flatter than the E91 roof spoiler, giving the F31 roofline a sleeker shape near the C pillar.

The F31′s side character line is also deeper and longer, extending all the way into the tail lights, unlike the E91′s which ends before reaching the side of the tail lights.

Reviewed together with the F31 rear design patent CGIs (images below), little is left to the imagination as … CONTINUED

Rosenthal Automotive has shot and produced some very enjoyable BMW reviews and it continues with this 2012 335i (F30) review.

Be sure to watch in extra high quality “4K”

At the Malaysian launch of the new F30 3 Series, BMW showcased a 328i partially adorned in some M Performance Parts.

As we can see, not all F30 M Performance Parts are featured here, with the exterior aero kit parts missing (M Sport bumpers, carbon fiber front splitters, carbon fiber mirrors, sideskirts, trunk spoiler, and rear diffuser).

Featured however are the the M Performance gloss black grilles, M Performance racing stripes, 20″ Style 405M M Performance wheels, M Performance brakes in orange (4 piston front, 2 piston rear, and which also come in yellow and red) with 370mm brake discs.

The interior features the full array of M Performance Parts for the F30, with ‘rough’ carbon fiber finish trim on the center console, door handles, and wrapped shift knob, … CONTINUED