[Mark]

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F30 3-series (MY2012) continues winter testing [VIDEO] (12/14/09)

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The upcoming 3-series replacement (chassis code: F30) is likely to debut in 2011 as a 2012 model. Now that the winter months are upon Europe, the car is undergoing cold climate testing, and has been spied on video at a local gas station.

Not much is known about the car as of yet, as the car is under heavy body cladding covered with BMWs classic psychedelic camouflage. Current thinking is that the forthcoming 3-series will continue to use styling cues from the BMW CS concept car. Many of those same styling cues have so far been translated to the latest iteration of the BMW Z4, 7-Series and 5-Series.

What is known is that this new 3-Series will ride on a shared chassis with the next generation 1-Series (and other future BMWs such as the X3). The chasis is initially stamped in the proper size and then body components are added to the car in a modular fashion depending on which series is being produced.

What we can tell so far from this video is that the general proportions will maintain the 3-series' famed athletic proportions with short overhangs. What appears to be new is a raised hood-line relative to the body, which is to suggest that the low slung look of the recently unveiled 5-series will be translated to the 3-series as well. We also expect there to be more aggressive and sculpted fenders and side-skirts.

Engine and drivetrain options are not set yet, but likely would continue with the current line-up with naturally aspirated and turbo engines, follow-up by a gradual phase in of newer engines during the lifecycle of the car. Many speculate an ActiveHybrid version is in the works as well. Regardless of which engines make the cut, expect EfficientDynamics to play strongly in the marketing campaign associated with this car. Although it is far to premature to talk about the M3, most pundits agree that the V8 will be gone and replaced with a turbo charged 6-cylinder engine.

The car will continue to be rear wheel driven with an xDrive all-wheel drive version.

Inside, technology improvements should follow a filter down of many technologies already seen in more expensive BMWs such as HUDs, etc..

Keep your eyes peeled in 2010-2011!

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[noro]

looks like not only they are conducting winter testing but also testing how fat people will fit on the backseat, looks like the doof in the red coat did very well back there...

[Mii]

Great proportion/profile with E46 3/4 rear perspective. Near straight line rear door edge is back! Loved the combination of E46 proportion with E89 style front end. Nice traction control upon take off.

[jopa489]

Again with the throaty exhaust note too, I like that.

[jpsum]

what's with all those cars with big lights on the roof?

[mapezzul]

Originally Posted by MarkE90M3

The upcoming 3-series replacement (chassis code: F30) is likely to debut in 2011 as a 2012 model.

F30 will be a 2013 released in 2012. 7 year life cycles- E90 introduced in 2005 as a 2006.

[Mark]

Originally Posted by mapezzul

F30 will be a 2013 released in 2012. 7 year life cycles- E90 introduced in 2005 as a 2006.

Rumors circulating right now are that this car has been pushed to the head of the line, thats why its so far along in development compared to the F20 and X3. I was also confused by BMW breaking the 7 year timeline.. . But it seems that since the F30 and F20 (1-series) will now share a platform, it does make some sense.

[Steve325xi]

Originally Posted by mapezzul

F30 will be a 2013 released in 2012. 7 year life cycles- E90 introduced in 2005 as a 2006.

Are you just saying this or you know for sure? Rumor is the E90 will only get a six-year production run.

[TWSnow]

Those rims are sickkkk!!!!

[epiphone3]

Originally Posted by mapezzul

F30 will be a 2013 released in 2012. 7 year life cycles- E90 introduced in 2005 as a 2006.

I believe this is incorrect. I am pretty sure the E90 was introduced in first half of 2005 and had a short 2005 model run until september when 2006 MY started.

[Bimmerforlife]

You see in America, had this been a test mule at a gas station, the person taking the video would have had a friend go up to the occupants asking questions, hey what is the real deal?

What an opportunity and yet we have silence!! lol

[Nick.CBR]

Originally Posted by noro

looks like not only they are conducting winter testing but also testing how fat people will fit on the backseat, looks like the doof in the red coat did very well back there...

American market testing "yep, the American still fits in the back."

Nick

[Bimmerforlife]

Originally Posted by Nick.CBR

American market testing "yep, the American still fits in the back."

Nick

Yeah all we were missing is the guy holding a McDonalds french fry container as he gets out of back seat.

[bdardashti]

Originally Posted by Bimmerforlife

Yeah all we were missing is the guy holding a McDonalds french fry container as he gets out of back seat.

Don't forget four different sizes of drinks in different cup holders in the car to make sure all sizes, including the 2-liter extra jumbo size fit!

[samuraisaiyo]

Wow very good

[PaulTheHero]

Nice vid. I dont know where it was shot but i think sweden or something. Looking at those other cars with those huge lamps on their roofs.

Im hoping they will hold the 7 year cycle plan.

[Bimmerboy888]

Great video! The exhaust sounds pretty good too!

[bmwaddict]

With all that noise I can still hear the exhaust...seems like I'm about to be in love with that car!!!

[Poppin Fresh]

Originally Posted by noro

looks like not only they are conducting winter testing but also testing how fat people will fit on the backseat, looks like the doof in the red coat did very well back there...

I think it was to give the car a little more traction in the rear.

[NoSurrender]

Originally Posted by Steve325xi

Are you just saying this or you know for sure? Rumor is the E90 will only get a six-year production run.

Definitely not 7 years. BMW is a corporation. And like every corporation, their main objective is to make as much money as possible.
Considering over 50% of BMW's revenues come from the 3 series line, I'd expect it to only have a 6 year run, if not less.

[Jimmern]

Production cycles does not change over night. SOC E90 December 2004, SOP March 2005. SOC F30 December 2011, SOP March 2012. Seven years to the date..

[BCA]

Originally Posted by epiphone3

I believe this is incorrect. I am pretty sure the E90 was introduced in first half of 2005 and had a short 2005 model run until september when 2006 MY started.

First MY of E90 was 2006. It was launched in spring 2005 though, so the first model year was a very long production run. I got my 2006 model in March 2006, which was nearly a year into production (it was a 1/06 production car).