[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

First Real Life BMW F30 vs. E90 3 Series Comparison View

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Despite the myriad of F30 3 series sedan test mule spy photos we've posted thus far, there has yet to be a direct F30 versus E90 3 series spotting, until now. Although it's only one view for now, it gives us the best idea yet of how the new 2012 3 series F30 sedan will compare to the outgoing E90 3 series with respect to size, proportions, rear styling, and stance. Thanks to F30post member CSL-Fanatik.

Based on shape, the F30 appears more evolutionary than revolutionary a design, unlike the current F10 5 series which threw the E60 design language out the window in favor of a wholly new design.

The F30 and E90 seem similar, which should assuage the fears of 3 series fans who cringe at the potential of a much larger 3 series. The F30 3 series is believed to be just a tad bit larger with slightly longer wheelbase. Any extra length should be offset however, by the F30's very short overhangs and wheels pushed out to the corners - which maintain the car's squat and athletic stance.

Proportions remain attractive, with the F30 receiving what may be a slightly higher looking greenhouse/cockpit (which may simply be due to a lowered door line), and a sleeker C-pillar-to-trunk transition compared to the E90.

For reference and comparison of the F30's proportions compared to past 3-series sedans (E90 and E46), we've reposted below some proportion comparison images first illustrated when some of the earliest F30 prototypes were spied.

Signs are pointing to a F30 reveal late October/early November at a London and/or Munich venue. The F30 will make its world public debut at the 2012 Geneva show next March and go on sale in Europe shortly thereafter. The F30 US public debut will be at the 2012 New York auto show (April) and will be available for the US market beginning Spring 2012.

It may even make a cameo at the Frankfurt IAA next week, albeit in disguised/covered form.

Follow our full F30 coverage at http://www.bimmerpost.com/3-series/f30/

Proportions Illutrated: F30 vs. E90 vs. E46 sedan

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[Diver]

Not hugely different. It will probably have a nice bump up in interior room and may even weigh a tad less. As for the 328, this is where BMW is betting the farm with the N20 motor. It should get impressive fuel economy with the 8-speed auto.

[nyc4runnin]

it better have a decent looking navi interior. not liking the popup navi screen ...

[IancoleTX]

Thank goodness they're not taking beltline cues from American cars.. I drove a '12 Mustang GT the other day and felt like I was sitting in a bathtub.

[MazdaFan]

Wow so similar, based on Autocar it is on a modified version of the current platform, so changes are not huge. This comprison kinda confirms this.

[Justin Spelman]

Originally Posted by MazdaFan

Wow so similar, based on Autocar it is on a modified version of the current platform, so changes are not huge. This comprison kinda confirms this.

Uh what.. F30 is on a whole new platform.

[Malbolge]

chunkier and bigger overall wheels on F30.
the drawing of F30 is done based on wrong perspective, so won't look anywhere near to that in real life (just like the E90 drawing doesn't resemble real thing in full)

[red-sauerkraut]

The proportions are what really makes this car.

Nice going BMW...

[shanecarmaster1]

I like how the car is wider. You get a handling improvement and it doesn't look so "wimpy" from behind.

[MazdaFan]

Originally Posted by Justin Spelman

Uh what.. F30 is on a whole new platform.

I am not sure, Autocar probably knows better than me and you, they say it is modified current platform.

[numba1guju]

Originally Posted by research

chunkier and bigger overall wheels on F30.
the drawing of F30 is done based on wrong perspective, so won't look anywhere near to that in real life (just like the E90 drawing doesn't resemble real thing in full)

yeah i was gonna comment the same on the drawing...lines arent consistent with real pics...like the beefier f30

[Justin Spelman]

The drawings were based on heavy camouflaged f30 so lines of course aren't fully accurate. The point of them here was just to show proportions and overhang size I think. Anyway the f30 look great IMO.

[M ETT]

I really like the evolutionary design of the F30. Can't wait to see this baby in real life. The wider stance and larger wheels are great improvements.

[DaveL]

The 2 auto's look exactly alike...Maybe those are 2 e90's?? If that's the exterior difference then i suggest keeping your present e90. I was expecting much much more.

[Justin Spelman]

Originally Posted by DaveL

The 2 auto's look exactly alike...Maybe those are 2 e90's?? If that's the exterior difference then i suggest keeping your present e90. I was expecting much much more.

Hope this is a joke. One look at the side character lines and you can tell its different cars. Front will be the biggest difference of the new 3 series anyway.

[JunkStory]

the two window lines are almost identical. I wouldn't be surprised if the window trims have the same part numbers and are interchangeable.

[JunkStory]

Originally Posted by shanecarmaster1

I like how the car is wider. You get a handling improvement

There's more to the formual than just car width... i.e. the 5 series does not handle better than the 3 series, and the 7 series does not handle better than the 5 series.

[Diver]

Originally Posted by IancoleTX

Thank goodness they're not taking beltline cues from American cars.. I drove a '12 Mustang GT the other day and felt like I was sitting in a bathtub.

Was there water sloshing around?

[宝马.e90]

It doesn't have to look sporty. I wouldn't mind having an executive-looking car (taking style cues from the F10) as long as they keep or further enhance the driving dynamics we love on the 3-Series. (Besides, who doesn't love the look of the F10?)

[Pentium]

can't wait to see it on action!

[RL530xit]

Looking good! Lower, wider, sleeker!!!

[georgere]

i dont know; the f30 does to improve where e90 was missing (just a bit missing), but some of the lines seem to be less interesting/sporty vs e90. I'll see when it comes out but as I get older and wider all around, I think I might get f10 as it is much more sportier looking vs f30 so far (IMHO).