Here is the first BMW F30 3 series TV commercial released. With BMW as the official vehicle sponsor of this summer’s London Olympics, the ad’s message is that the world’s class athletes’ performance, balance, agility, and control are shared by the all new F30 3 series.
As the full German F30 catalogue has been published, we can now share more details of the much-anticipated F30 M Sport Package.
First off, the M Sport Package is supposed to be available from July 2012 on (worldwide). That’s in line with our previous estimate as production of the model year 2012 F30 will end in June 2012 and model year 2013 beginning in July 2012.
EXTERIOR:
The M Sport Package comprises of unique front bumpers with enlarged bumper intakes, more sculpted rocker panels, and a unique rear bumper with a rear diffusor in dark shadow metallic. It also features shadow line door trim and the same front grilles as the Sport line (8 high-gloss slats). For European markets, the M Sport pack is also mated to the … CONTINUED
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
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.
Resident photochopper Harold Wood imagines the BMW F30 Alpina D3 Bi Turbo sedan. The current B3 S Bi-Turbo yields 294kW (400hp) at 6000rpm with a maximum torque of 540Nm (397lbs-ft) at 4500rpm.
Here it is, the first of many F30 3-series vs. competitor shootouts we’re sure to see in the coming months. As the reigning king of sports sedans, the 3-series has a reputation to uphold and automotive publications will be most interested in seeing if the new 3 series sedan can fend off its competitors.
If this first comparison review is any indication, the answer will be an emphatic YES. The F30 trounces the Mercedes Benz C Class in this first shootout comparison. Autocar was not shy in its effusive praise of the F30, saying that it is the remarkable, standout car in its field, and by several lengths over the C-class.
Read on inside….
The 2012 3 series sedan (F30) is slightly larger than the outgoing E90 3 series (3.66 in longer, 1.45-1.85 in wider), while at the same time being lighter. But just a few physical dimensions don’t tell the whole story or show exactly how the bodywork has changed.
This excellent F30 vs E90 animation shows precisely and visually how the exterior evolves in all aspects, as well as the interior layout.
Here are some even more looks at the F30 M-sport model, inside and out, including the best interior photos yet, courtesy of Autospies. There is also a walk around and interior video of the F30 M-sport, with commentary by a BMW representative.
