# 2012 3 series, in the works **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Automotive\ **Created:** [July 5, 2007, 7:27am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888 "2007-07-05T07:27:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![93dx\_hatch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/9/90ced4/32.png) [@93dx\_hatch](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/93dx_hatch)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2007, 7:27am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888/1 "2007-07-05T07:27:45Z")
![http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/BMW/odds/2007/BMW_3_v_small.jpg](http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/BMW/odds/2007/BMW_3_v_small.jpg) ![http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/BMW/odds/2007/BMW_3_h.jpg](http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/BMW/odds/2007/BMW_3_h.jpg) ![http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/BMW/odds/2007/BMW_3_v.jpg](http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/BMW/odds/2007/BMW_3_v.jpg) The current E90 BMW 3-series has only been on the market since 2005 but details about the next-gen model are already circulating with most agreeing that the next model will feature styling lifted from the Concept CS. Due in 2012, the next BMW 3-series will be the first of a family of BMW cars with a more recognizable face derived from the original styling of the Shanghai concept. With the new 3-series, designers will attempt to address criticisms of the current car’s awkward styling and lack of interior space. These renderings, compiled using information from sources close to the project show that the new car will have a pronounced kidney-grille with the air-intakes positioned on either side of the bumper just below the headlights. The bonnet will sit much higher than on the current model to improve pedestrian safety, while the sides will be marked with a prominent character line and high beltline. Proportions will remain much the same as the current model but weight will be reduced thanks to the increased use of aluminum in its construction. New options for the 2012 3-series will include hybrid variants as well as the latest version of BMW’s Efficient Dynamics. The X-Drive AWD system is likely to gain favour thanks to a redesign of the system to reduce weight, which will only increase fuel consumption by 0.5L per 100km over RWD models. Other features that may make it to production include night-vision devices, a heads-up display and radar safety systems. ---
**Author:** ![MPD47](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mpd47/32/7383_2.png) [@MPD47](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/MPD47)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2007, 7:50am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888/2 "2007-07-05T07:50:24Z")
Interesting, everything I’ve heard claims the Concept CS is the basis for the next 5 or 7. ---
**Author:** ![MOBOOST4U](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f4b2a3/32.png) [@MOBOOST4U](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/MOBOOST4U)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2007, 6:20am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888/3 "2007-07-06T06:20:08Z")
I fuggin hate how they always throw twentfo inch rims on concepts I rember one lincon a few years back at the buffalo auto show that had like 28"s or something. . . sooo fugly ---
**Author:** ![auttiquattro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/53a042/32.png) [@auttiquattro](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/auttiquattro)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2007, 6:34am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888/4 "2007-07-06T06:34:04Z")
I like the back better than the new style, but the front just keeps getting uglier. ---
**Author:** ![walter](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/walter/32/7202_2.png) [@walter](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/walter)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2007, 8:17am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888/5 "2007-07-06T08:17:54Z")
That looks like more of a 5 or 7 series than a 3 series in terms of proportions. ---
**Author:** ![Onyx\_Z32](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/onyx_z32/32/7581_2.png) [@Onyx\_Z32](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Onyx_Z32)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2012, 12:45pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888/6 "2012-01-09T12:45:10Z")
![http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/images/12/2012/01/2938f0717ed82bb752286499cb4b0d26.jpg](http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/images/12/2012/01/2938f0717ed82bb752286499cb4b0d26.jpg) ![http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/images/12/2012/01/94e5b5b671023fa64c0fdd85bd6d1e94.jpg](http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/images/12/2012/01/94e5b5b671023fa64c0fdd85bd6d1e94.jpg) ![http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/images/12/2012/01/bf78881719bba6241834382a0fff9d15.jpg](http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/images/12/2012/01/bf78881719bba6241834382a0fff9d15.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![jeffthespasm](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jeffthespasm/32/3153_2.png) [@jeffthespasm](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/jeffthespasm)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2012, 12:48pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888/7 "2012-01-09T12:48:46Z")
Backend looks like a cross between a CC and a new Buick. Meh. ---
**Author:** ![Paulo](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/paulo/32/7328_2.png) [@Paulo](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Paulo)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2012, 1:19pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888/8 "2012-01-09T13:19:01Z")
This is sexy. :tup: > [@Onyx Z32](#): > This is not. :tdown: > [@93dx--hatch"](#): > ---
**Author:** ![Willybeen](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/willybeen/32/7351_2.png) [@Willybeen](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Willybeen)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2012, 1:40pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888/9 "2012-01-09T13:40:47Z")
as of these pictures thus far, i like my e92 better. ---
**Author:** ![MrSmith](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mrsmith/32/5254_2.png) [@MrSmith](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/MrSmith)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2012, 7:45pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888/10 "2012-01-09T19:45:35Z")
You crazy F30 is new hotness I am gonna Euro delivery one of these bad boys in two years. :tup: ---
**Author:** ![evane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6bbea6/32.png) [@evane](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/evane)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2012, 10:13pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888/11 "2012-01-09T22:13:59Z")
[http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/AllBMWs/FutureVehicles/3Sedan/3SeriesSedanImageGallery.aspx](http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/AllBMWs/FutureVehicles/3Sedan/3SeriesSedanImageGallery.aspx) ---
**Author:** ![boardjnky4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@boardjnky4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/boardjnky4)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2012, 6:32am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888/12 "2012-01-10T06:32:44Z")
Looks like a nice step up to me! ---
**Author:** ![EvoMR](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/evomr/32/7186_2.png) [@EvoMR](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/EvoMR)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2012, 6:50am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888/13 "2012-01-10T06:50:50Z")
Looks decent. I’m done with BMW for a bit though. ---
**Author:** ![Onyx\_Z32](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/onyx_z32/32/7581_2.png) [@Onyx\_Z32](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Onyx_Z32)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2012, 6:52am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888/14 "2012-02-14T06:52:54Z")
An interesting bit about the car: [http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2012/02/suspension-walkaround-2012-bmw-328i.html](http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2012/02/suspension-walkaround-2012-bmw-328i.html) ![http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/assets/bmw_sweep_anim.gif](http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/assets/bmw_sweep_anim.gif) ---
**Author:** ![Carnut](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/carnut/32/7590_2.png) [@Carnut](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Carnut)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2012, 7:50am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888/15 "2012-02-14T07:50:53Z")
Yes, it now steers in both left and right directions. BMW has announced it will not pursue participation in NASCAR 😛 Seriously though, the front steering design reminds me of Audis. Bring on the creeks, squeaks and rattles. They were doing so well for so long and now they want to get away from simplicity. Meh, they are the engineers, not me. ---
**Author:** ![fairgentleman\_Z](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fairgentleman_z/32/7263_2.png) [@fairgentleman\_Z](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/fairgentleman_Z)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2012, 8:37am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888/16 "2012-02-14T08:37:42Z")
The “typical” McPherson single lower control arm has positive (bad) camber gain through out suspension travel. This looks like it will get some negative camber with more steering input for the direction of turn (outside wheel). But the range of caster from the lowest link is silly (I can’t mentally visualize the performance benefit, maybe lower steering moment for ease of drivability?) ---
**Author:** ![theblue](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/theblue/32/5074_2.png) [@theblue](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/theblue)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2012, 8:56am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888/17 "2012-02-14T08:56:12Z")
yeah, that front suspension looks awesome and should really help the front bite under hard cornering. ---
**Author:** ![Xander](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/xander/32/7597_2.png) [@Xander](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Xander)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2012, 1:21pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888/18 "2012-02-14T13:21:53Z")
I like the new 3 series. Love the look, and new features, etc. However the N55 doesn’t seem anywhere near as mod friendly as the N54, so I’ll stick with what I have instead of taking a huge step backward in power. My E90 has almost 75K on it and is still rock solid. Also the steering has great feedback, and awesome turn in without the twitchy feel at highway speeds (like the EVO 8/9). X… ---
**Author:** ![Paulo](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/paulo/32/7328_2.png) [@Paulo](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Paulo)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2012, 1:28pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/2012-3-series-in-the-works/31888/19 "2012-02-14T13:28:41Z")
> [@Xander](#): > > My E90 has almost 75K on it and is still rock solid. > X… Good to hear. You can see how people start dumping these off as soon as they go out of warranty at 50k, but I’m thinking they should stay reliable well over 100k. I know mine will be seeing those numbers at some point.