You typically don’t see manufacturers testing vehicles in Manhattan, but a BIMMERPOST member spotted the new F30 testing in the big apple. The vehicle does seem to be wearing California license plates, suggesting a long road trip as part of the evaluation phase.

We bring you a realistic look at the upcoming 2012 3-series F30 sedan’s rear view, revealed by reference to real life spy photos and using our talented artists’ skills. What’s revealed is a not-revolutionary, yet stately and handsome rear.

The F30 3 series will feature rear tail lights in the classic L-shape, lit by LED light bars. The trunk will feature a very slight integrated bill, toned down from the E90 3-series’ more aggressive trunk bill. All F30 3-series have been spotted with the same rear lower bumper trim as seen in this render.

From this rear 3/4 view, the side double character lines are again evident and provide a smooth transition for one’s eyes from the rear lights all the way into the front fender and hood.

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BMW F30 3-series continues testing and a black test mule was recently photographed. This prototype wears the same camouflage level as the recently spotted F30 sedans, but its black paint set against the camouflage tape shows off the car’s lines better than a lighter color.

Squared off LED halos adorn the front headlights on this particular model, and overall the front headlights look to have a stylish and aggressive shape, as on the F10 5-series. Low and wide kidney grilles sit at the front at a sleek and sloping hood.

The F30′s side double character lines are again evident in the looks of the car from the sides. These double lines should give the F30 a distinctive look among current model BMWs, as it’s a styling element not … CONTINUED

We’re able to share that the F30 3-series sedan will begin production in November 2011, shortly after the E90 3-series stops production. The F30 2012 Model Year will run until June 2012, upon which point it will switch to the 2013 Model Year.

As the schedule shows, the F30 3-series will come as 328i and 335i models. The 328i will most certainly be powered by the ‘N20′ turbo 4-cylinder inline engine (as found in the Z4 28i, details) and the 335i by a turbo 6-cylinder inline motor. Output will be in the ballpark of 245hp and 306hp, respectively.

Production will continue at BMW’s Munich and Regensburg plants. The South African produced F30 328i (denoted by “SA”) begins later, in February 2012.

F30 sales are expected to begin in … CONTINUED

Here is our latest sighting of a F30 335i sedan in alpine white, including some new interior looks. We analyze the interior and exterior. See inside for analysis.

We bring you what we believe are the most realistic F30 3-series sedan renders yet, based directly off the latest and most revealing F30 spy photos. The F30 sedan adopts BMW’s current design language, with a sleeker sloping hood with more upright and widened kidney grilles placed below the hood line. The entire front fascia is more front leaning and shark-like. The F30 features double side character lines, as seen in the render. The side view mirrors will feature turn signals, like the just revealed F20 1-series hatchback. A close exam of recent spy photos also reveal double hood lines, as seen in the renders. The headlights are aggressively shaped, and the xenon headlights should feature squared-off LED angel eyes.

Size-wise, the F30 runs on a … CONTINUED

It’s usually the strange looking camouflaged prototype cars which get the attention in public, but that may not be the case here where one of our members in a Ferrari 458 caught an F30 3-series sedan prototype out testing in the canyons of Malibu, California.

According to a new report from Autobild, BMW is considering reordering the nomenclature of their model lineup for consistency. If this happens, all sedan, wagons, and GT’s will get odd numbers. All coupes, convertibles and Gran Coupe’s get even numbers.

In other words, the successors of the E92 3-series coupe would become the 4-series coupe (F32), the E93 3-series convertible a 4-series convertible (F33). BMW had similar plans for the current generation E92 and E93 3-series but got cold feet for several reasons. Now the successful introduction of Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is reportedly making BMW reconsider the introduction of a 4-series again, says Autobild. If this pans out, this may be the next generation 3-series and 4-series models lineup. See inside. BMW 2 series … CONTINUED

We bring you the most revealing F30 3-series FEP (final evaluation phase) test car video yet — 2 minutes of spy footage. The video reveals the following things: Fixed piston calipers, Possible lightweight calipers being tested, LED turn signal indicators, Regular bulb brake lights, Appears to be undergoing sound check/testing. Enjoy the video inside.