This should settle once and for all the debate on whether the US spec F30 models have the ungainly front license plate mounting base molded to the front bumper from the factory, or whether it’s a separate part and therefore, removable. Many photos of US spec F30 3 series proved to be inconclusive in providing an answer. So we went Sherlock Holmes on the matter.

The front license plate base is indeed a separate part. The US license plate base shows up as part # 51 11 7 293 034.

For those curious, the European plate base is part # 51 13 7 279 708.

Those who were holding their breath over possibly having to export a European spec bumper in order to get rid of the unattractive license … CONTINUED

The F33 4 series convertible prototype continues testing and we bring you another set of photos from the second spotting. 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 extended or larger than the actual design underneath. This is the reason for the odd-looking gap and space in the transition area to the rear lights.

Aside from the roofline, the trunk, and the roof-to-trunk transition, the F33 appears to share similar lines and size with the F32 coupe (prototype pics pictured below for comparison). As always, with prototypes at this early stage of … CONTINUED

Have a look at the designing process of the new BMW 3 Series (F30) together with the designers. They explain the ideas behind the car-design. Karim Habib (head of exterior design at BMW), Christopher Weil (exterior designer), and Christian Bauer (interior designer) explain the process of bringing the F30 3 series to life.

From 2D sketch, to 3D clay mockup and computer modelling, see how the F30 3 series goes from idea to product.

EVO UK magazine’s January issue features their full review of the F30 2012 328i and 320d. Improved refinement and first-rate handling grace the review’s headline.

EVO rates the 328i a 4.5 stars and gives the 320d 4 stars (out of 5). The 328i is called an impressive machine which manages to pull off the difficult trick of improving refinement and ride quality without diluting the dynamic entertainment.

For our Canadian readers and members, here is the Canadian F30 3 Series ordering guide. F30 ordering in Canada has started and F30 Canadian pricing will be released “on time for the official Canadian launch of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan at the Montreal Autoshow in mid-January 2012.”

Compared to the US model, the 335i comes standard with Sport Line and 328i is standard with Luxury Line.

Check out the full order guide and product bulletin inside.

We bring you the best live video look yet at the BMW F32 4-series/3-series in motion. The video shows the F32 from various angles settings around several locations throughout Munich.

Despite the heavy camouflage you can see a very sleek and sporty design. As usual for BMW coupes, there are frameless windows and a B-pillar for structural rigidity.

We expect the F32 to get the same engines as the F30 3 series sedan - the N20 4-cylinder turbo engine in the 28i and the N55 6-cylinder turbo in the 35i. As the F32 is supposed to take on a more upmarket image than the F30, perhaps BMW will offer a higher output for the 35i. Just speculation for now however.

Another uncertainty at this point is the … CONTINUED

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 lengthy and bulky, especially with respect to the front and rear fascias, which still have heavy and cumbersome camouflage.

Keeping in mind how attractive the E92 coupe turned out in production form, we wouldn’t bet against BMW with respect to the … CONTINUED

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!

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 extended or larger than the actual design underneath. This is the reason for the odd-looking gap and space in the transition area to the rear lights.

Aside from the roofline, the trunk, and the roof-to-trunk transition, the F33 appears to share … CONTINUED