A great set of real life comparison photos between the F30 and F10, by Paul Tan.

Although the general styling of the newest 3 series and 5 series is now more consistent and shares more styling cues than the previous generation E90 and E60, there are still significant differences (in particular the front end) between the two designs as these photos highlight.

Here’s the tale of the tape for the F30 and F10:

F30
Height - 56.3 in
Length - 182.5 in
Width - 71.3 in
Wheelbase - 110.6 in

F10
Height - 57.6 in
Length - 192.8 in
Width - 73.2 in
Wheelbase - 116.8

The 2013 BMW 3 Series Touring (F31) had its online reveal 3 weeks ago and has just had its world premiere today at the 2012 AMI show.

Vital stats:

Compared to E91 3 Series Touring:
1.46 in (37mm) wider front track
1.85 in (48mm) wider rear track
3.66 in (97mm) longer
1.96 in (50mm) longer wheelbase
10% more cargo volume (with rear seats up and folded) - 495 liters of cargo room
Range of models available at launch: 328i, 330d, 320d (model range for US not yet announced as of 5/12/12)
Available in Modern Line, Luxury … CONTINUED

We’re here at the AMI (Auto Mobile International) 2012 show which kicked off today for the press and BMW had on display the F30 3 series featuring the full set of BMW M Performance parts. The BMW M Performance parts for the F30 3 series are designed to work with and bolt on to M Sport Package exterior parts. Photos and coverage by moderator Dackleone.

What you see in the photos inside include:

20 Inch M Performance Wheels: 20” forged alloy wheel set (style 405M) - forged and reduces weight by 1 kg (2.4 lbs.) per wheel when compared to a similar size wheel
M Performance Brakes: Brembo big-brake kit with painted calipers (in yellow, orange, or red). 4-piston aluminum fixed … CONTINUED

In the latest episode of Head 2 Head (by Motor Trend), Jonny Lieberman compares the BMW 328i with its N20 240hp 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine versus the Mercedes C250, also powered by a turbo 4 cylinder (1.8L turbocharged I-4 with 201 hp).

Which car redefines the segment according to Lieberman? View the video inside to find out.

Last week we posted the 2013 3 Series Sedan (F30) Pricing and Ordering guides. For those wondering exactly what equipment and options changed between the 2012 and 2013 model year, here is a comprehensive list.

In the latest set of Euro NCAP results, the BMW 3 Series has received Euro NCAP’s maximum five star rating. The BMW 3 Series in particular achieved a commendable 78% in pedestrian protection, a good result for a compact executive car with no active bonnet.

The F30 3 series scored 95% in adult occupant protection, 84% in child occupant protection and 86% in safety assist technology.

Full results, photos, and videos of the crash tests are inside.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety today named the all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan a “Top Safety Pick”, continuing the company’s long-standing commitment to offering class-leading safety with each new model. In order to earn “Top Safety Pick”, a car must receive a rating of “good”, the Institute’s highest rating, in all of four tests – 40 mph frontal offset impact, side impact, rear impact protection/head restraint and rollover protection – and must be equipped an electronic stability control system like BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control.

“The new 3 Series is a testament to BMW’s long tradition of passenger safety as well as to the men and women who engineer and build them,” noted Tom Baloga – Vice-President, Engineering (US) for BMW. “While we remain committed to … CONTINUED

One of the more exciting items from the full BMW M Performance Parts catalog for the F30 3 series are the M Performance Brakes. These are Brembo 4-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the front axle and 2-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the rear axle. They come in red, yellow, or orange and feature the M logo on the calipers.

The internally-vented lightweight sports rotors measure 370 x 30 mm (diameter x thickness) on the front axle and 345 x 24 mm on the rear axle. Unlike the M Sport brake discs, the M Performance brake discs are cross drilled for better grip and grooved to reduce water film build up. The BMW M Performance sports brake system is only approved in combination with at least 18″ aluminum … CONTINUED

Here are the official ordering and pricing guides for the 2013 3 Series Sedan (F30) [download PDFs below]. The pricing listed in the guide is effective July 1, 2012.

The 2013 328i sedan sees an increase of $1600 and the 2013 335i sedan will cost $400 more than the 2012 models. The new models will include the 328i and 335i xDrive models. The 328i xDrive starts at $38,500 and the 335i xDrive is priced at $44,800.

Production of the 2013 3 Series will begin in July.

Much more information inside.