NEW 3 Series coupe Spy pics.

[a6m5]

Anyway, you're bashing Bangle, yes, but also complimenting him -- the E46 was Bangle, too.

I did not know that. I had to google 'E46' to see which one it was, but that one might be my favorite 3-Series.

 

[niky]

I agree, the headlights are pretty much the only thing holding the car back...but they manage to do such a thorough job of ruining the whole thing!

Anyway, you're bashing Bangle, yes, but also complimenting him -- the E46 was Bangle, too.

And so was the Z3 and Z3 M-Coupe... I still haven't forgiven him for that one.

Actually, a lot of the supposedly "Bangled-up" designs were done by his successor, who, oddly, only gets the credit for sanitizing the new 3-series and de-"Bangle-izing" it.

After further viewing, I'm beginning to like this one. The rear haunch may be a bit heavy, but it'll likely look better with the (likely) optional 19's. Oddly, the hardtop looks much nicer than the fixed roof coupe, merely because the pillars are nice and slim (lots of glass!) They should've kept that roofline across the board, but I don't think that would've gone well with the safety engineers.

It does look much better in black, and from some angles, the rear roofline is pretty sexy.

Like the E46, not many people may be sold on the design at first, but I don't doubt it may be a future classic.

 

[Driftster]

These bimmers don't make me want to yell out M-Power anymore for no apparent reason...

 

[YSSMAN]

The "offical" pics do the car much more justice than the origionals, and I have to say that they arent bad looking. Of course, looks are relative, so take it as you like...

As for the engine lineup, why make any choises any different than what is allready available in the sedan? I could care less about turbochargers and diesels (maybe, depends on US regulations post-2007) as long as I get a sily-smooth 3.0L I6 with a six-speed manual.

BTW: Why use the new turbo engie rated a 333HP when they allready have the M-Spec version that pumps out the same power? I'd much rather go with proven power than something new that is more likely to have problems.

 

[///M-Spec]

As for the engine lineup, why make any choises any different than what is allready available in the sedan? I could care less about turbochargers and diesels (maybe, depends on US regulations post-2007) as long as I get a sily-smooth 3.0L I6 with a six-speed manual.

Because BMW is on the low end of the horsepower curve in the price range right now. In 2006, 255hp is simply not going to cut it in the $40,000 class. Not when Lexus is packing 305hp and Infiniti is packing 290hp. 0-60 times may be on par with the heavier competitors, but if you look at 1/4 mile trap speeds, the 330i is way down compared to the Japanese.

This new coupe is going to ringing up in the mid $40,000 range at the register. That's not only 10 grand more than it's direct competition: the G35 Coupe, it's also in Corvette territory.

Speaking of the Corvette, the Z4 3.0i is 145 horses down there, and costs the same $45k after you pile on the options.

Also consider this: a 530i rings in around $50,000 well equipped. For the roughly the same dough, I could have a base V8 Infiniti M45 that would suck the 530i's headlights right out.

BMW needs to have a six cylinder power option that makes 300ish horses. It would make three model ranges (3, 5 and Z4) far, far more viable. And they need to do it without raising prices much.

BTW: Why use the new turbo engie rated a 333HP when they allready have the M-Spec version that pumps out the same power? I'd much rather go with proven power than something new that is more likely to have problems.

The S54 motor in the M3 costs twice as much to produce as a "regular" NG6 motor, making it cost prohibitive. Besides, from a marketing standpoint, it would be a disaster; an M engine in a non-M product would send current M owners into a tizzy.

The turbo is a quick fix to the horsepower problem. I'd MUCH rather have a bored and stroked version of the current motor like the internet rumor mill suggested. But a many say there's no room between the cylinders to expand and a longer block would create packaging problems in the 3er and 1er.


M

 

[///M-Spec]

http://www.bm3w.co.uk

..has posted this spy pic of a 335i coupe with no masking.

Notes:

-Twin tailpipes. Only one pipe emitting vapor; suggesting a dual stage exhaust system that closes one side under low throttle loads, like current cars. This means there is no true dual exaust system, like the E46 M3.
-"C" designation has been dropped.

My opinion: tail lights looking good. Car generally looks good from this angle.


M

 

[Poverty]

http://www.bm3w.co.uk

..has posted this spy pic of a 335i coupe with no masking.

Notes:

-Twin tailpipes. Only one pipe emitting vapor; suggesting a dual stage exhaust system that closes one side under low throttle loads, like current cars. This means there is no true dual exaust system, like the E46 M3.
-"C" designation has been dropped.

My opinion: tail lights looking good. Car generally looks good from this angle.


M

OMG omg omg.

Im starting to question my loyalty to audi.

 

[Wolfe]

Oh my god! They did such a good job with the tail -- how did they $%&# the front up so badly?

Hmm...I wonder if the front bodywork and headlights for the E90 sedan can be swapped onto the coupe...

 

[niky]

@Poverty: welcome to the dark side...

@Wolfe: One would suppose so... hmmm....

@the pix: ohhhh... yeah... who needs an M?

 

[Onikaze]

First, the 325i and 330i both use a 3.0 Liter engine, just one is detuned.

Second, M Engines are expensive, you pay more for it, and they aren't for the every day driver, they are meant to be wrung out now and then. A Turbo, Twin Turbo especially will provide good power, without requiring silly revs all the time, and will sell.

I hope to god they make it 335ti though.

As for the tail shot there, I want to stroke it...sexfully.

 

[///M-Spec]

First, the 325i and 330i both use a 3.0 Liter engine, just one is detuned.

Correct, but only in the US market. Possibly Canada as well, but I'm not sure. The 330i has a 3 stage variable intake. The 325i uses a simple single stage system.

In other markets (ie, the rest of the world), the 325i does actually displace ~2.5 liters (2,497 cc) and comes with the trick intake like the 330i.


M

 

[Pupik]

It looks like a '90s Ford Thunderbird, panel beaten with a crowbar.

Some sedan designs just weren't meant to be coupes.

 

[Keef]

It's got a bubble butt, makes it look like a straight-line car, not a handler. I don't like it, but it'll probably grow on me.

 

[Onikaze]

Eh, Im sure the bubble butt is there for trunk room and weight distribution.

Does make me wonder though, haven't any of you ever seen a 2002? A 3.0 CSL? An E28 5 Series? An old Shark 6? Those were all rather funny looking cars, but they grew on you, I'm gladder than hell BMW got away from the "same sausage, three lengths" of the E46 era cars.

 

[Poverty]

Man I dont want no turBo bimmers. That ruins them for me. I liked them NA.

 

[Wolfe]

I've always liked that picture with the five 3er's lined up. It makes it easier to see how the car has evolved, and BMW's "small change, big change, small change, big change" strategy with the 3er's styling.

But the E90 coupe's headlights have to change....

 

[Onikaze]

Those Coupe headlights are still disguised.

There is tape on the lenses still.

 

[vtec_guy]

Now that I like, it still has nothing on the E46 when it comes to looks, but with a V8 this time round at least itll have something to compensate for the styling.

 

[Poverty]

 

[YSSMAN]

The car looks silly with the tail-lamps taped up, but otherwise it looks pretty good now that weve seen it at different angles.

 

[Wolfe]

I'm crossing my fingers that the headlights will look like this, rather than the pics on the front page...

 

[Poverty]

BMW officially announces new N54 Turbo Engine

BMW today released new details on its much-rumored N54 Bi-Turbo Engine. The motor is expected to appear in the 2007 BMW 335i and 2007 BMW 335ci (coupe). The engine has an output of 306 horsepower and maximum torque of 295 lbs.-ft (400 Nm). BMW said it has already tested a 3-Series sedan with the engine, and achieved a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds. BMW said the engine is relatively lightweight — about 70kg less than its 4.0-liter V8 engine. According to the automaker, the 3.0-liter engine has little or no turbo lag, thanks to two small turbos instead of one large one. Maximum torque is achieved between 1500 and 5800 rpm. What we know so far: BMW will show its new E92 3-Series coupe at the Geneva Motor Show along with this new engine. What's no entirely clear is whether this engine will make it to North America. Recent rumors suggested this turbo engine would be exclusive to Europe, and a different naturally-aspirated powerplant would drive the 335 in North America.

 

[Omnis]

God damn that thing has a long ass. What a POS.

 

[YSSMAN]

I kind doubt if the turbo will make it 'Stateside. Most Americans arent too keen on some forced induction models, as reliability comes into question, as well as durability. If they did a bore/stroke job on the 3.0L, I'm all for it... Or if they decided to cram the current M3's 3.3L I6 under the hood, I'd be fine with that as well...

Either way, I'm excited to see the coupe comming, but I'm not the biggest fan of going about it with turbo power.

 

[Onikaze]

I'd dig a 335ti myself, but hey.

Oh, didn't I say that the headlights were still disguised?

 

[TwinTurboJay]

I love the new styling...it seems people who like the coupe version are in short supply, but I think its an ubber sweet ride !

 

[///M-Spec]

Photo courtesy: AutoBild.de
http://www.autobild.de/aktuell/meldungen/artikel.php?artikel_id=10867

99% sure it's the real thing. Not a photochop.

My 2 cents: Front end is fine. Nothing special, but not weird or ugly like I was worried it might be. I have concerns about the visual bulk of the rear quarter. The car looks big back there, even though the unmasked shot of the rear itself looks way hot.

I had the same concerns over the visual bulk of the E46 coupe when I first saw it and now it looks right to me, so maybe the E92 will do the same.

I've very eager to see this car at Geneva, since it's pretty likely it will be my next BMW.


M

 

[Poverty]

The early E46 coupes looked crap to when they first came out. Some different front bumper ie more agressive will make a world of difference to this car along with the alloys. I think it will be a hit.

 

[Poverty]

 

[///M-Spec]

^

Please resize the pic. Way too big. Thanks.

That's one of the better shots of that test car. Ultramarine Blue is the name of that color. I'm thinking it would look pretty sharp with a charcoal grey interior.


M