49 Votes

If YOU Were Designing The Next BMW 3-Series, How Would You IMPROVE It?

Agent001 submitted on 6/1/2009 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 11:41:05 PM

61 user comments | Category: Spy News | Source: www.autospies.com

Tag Link: 2012 BMW 3-Series

It's hard to believe but we're only about 2 years away from the introduction of the next generation BMW 3-Series.

And after so many years of winning 'best of' awards, it will sure be hard to top the current car.

Especially, the breakthrough twin turbo 335 motor.

But somehow as past history shows, BMW has been able to always push the envelope on the quintessential sports sedan/coupe/convertible.

So we thought it would be a fun exercise to have YOU spec out the next generation car.

Of course, we know from our spy reports it will grow a little larger, have CS concept design queues, white corona rings/angel eyes and will have features like a heads up display for the first time.

Tell us what the ULTIMATE 3-Series should have.

Power, performance times, options, color choices (maybe a Matte finish option?), etc.

AutoSpies.com has just made YOU the product manager for this future classic.

So what will your car offer us and how will it differ and beat the coming competition?

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If YOU Were Designing The Next BMW 3-Series, How Would You IMPROVE It?

About the Author

FWD Torque Steer. Absolute proof the Devil exists.
— Agent001 (View Profile)

User Comments

Fast, practical, and comfortable, but most importantly, lots of power!!!
And I'm really digging the new, bulky designs from the rendering artists + a bit more sleekness.

The Ultimate 3 = better C and IS from the competitors, which = better pricing in the 3-series for the features provided :D
— WorldofLuxury (View Profile)

Posted on 6/1/2009 11:56:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

We want details...not subjective comments.

Tell us the specs YOU would put in it.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 12:16:21 AM | | Votes: 1

I would want a larger color option some matte finishes would be diffrent
I would give it a more agressive suspension
also BMW should look into the Deep Dish wheel design hint..hint..M3,M5,M6
I would also dont want the b-pillar so all ide windows are able to rol down not just the front.
give more custom options with the stitching and leather choices to give a more unique feel
— B7FAN (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 7:38:02 AM | | Votes: 2

The BMW 3 is so much like the RX350. The design was is so likable, so known, and so perfect, if you will, that you really can't make super changes to it. the RX, for example, was a very nice looking car, as is the BMW, but did you see what Lexus did to that thing? I really hope Bimmer does do the same.

Now, to answer the question, I would give the 3 a huge style makeover, not something to crazy, because the most radical designs seem to look dated quickly. So stay on the safe side, use a Z4 as a car to base the design off of. The Z4 is the freshest product from BMW. Notice the widening of the grill. Why not continue that new theme with the following vehicles after it. The design should be original, but not insane.

Interior, same thing. Do something new, but not get to futuristic.
Engine, BMW doesn't need to much in the way of engine. However, BMW could work on safety. Maybe get some Volvo like safety ideas.
— pacotacolol (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 3:56:38 PM | | Votes: 0

a few typos. oops.

The BMW 3 is so much like the RX350. The design is so likable, so known, and so perfect, if you will, that you really can't make super changes to it. the RX, for example, was a very nice looking car, as is the BMW, but did you see what Lexus did to that thing? I really hope Bimmer does not do the same.

Now, to answer the question, I would give the 3 a huge style makeover, not something to crazy, because the most radical designs seem to look dated quickly. So stay on the safe side, use a Z4 as a car to base the design off of. The Z4 is the freshest product from BMW. Notice the widening of the grill. Why not continue that new theme with the following vehicles after it. The design should be original, but not insane.

Interior, same thing. Do something new, but not get to futuristic.
Engine, BMW doesn't need to much in the way of engine. However, BMW could work on safety. Maybe get some Volvo like safety ideas.
— pacotacolol (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 3:57:32 PM | | Votes: 0

Make a Car and Driver magazine edition which would include all weather seat covers and floor mats for collecting journalist drool. :)

In all seriousness, I would like the new 3 to go nuts with the interior and make something super futuristic. Plus, if they could ditch the amber lighting for once, I for one would appreciate it.
— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 6/1/2009 11:58:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Make it less boring and less difficult to maintain. Specially that China will be the next major auto market. Servicing complicated vehicles in China will be a nightmare since not all cities or counties have the service capabilities.
— wins555 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 12:15:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

Ya, its so difficult to maintain... The maintenance is free!!!
— 2ndbimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 11:12:43 AM | | Votes: 3

It should have a straight 5.
— Jordanski (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 12:19:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -9

i would make it not look like that for starters
— JMB1013 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 12:59:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I'd like an factory Matte finish paint option and a BETTER than Audi interior.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 1:02:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I would keep the traditional BMW styling with Audi like headlights also i would add the powertrain of the CTS-V with some sort of cylinder deativation to save fuel.
— 1UAW (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 1:06:37 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

It's hard to think what I could possibly want to change on the 335i Coupe because the thing is so damn gorgeous. If I could change one thing, I would stretch the wheelbase an inch or so and smooth out the lines. Make the front end a tad more aggressive, and slap some 19"s on there.

On the sedan, I would pull and Audi and translate as much as the coupe as I could in the sedan form. I personally don't care much for the 335i Sedan, but it is better looking than the C-Class.
— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 1:35:44 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

1. Limited Slip Differential
2. Limited Slip Differential
3. Limited Slip Differential
4. Cruise Control Stalk back on the Right-hand side of the Steering wheel
5. Window Lift Switches in center console
6. Tilt Center Console back towards driver (E30 & E36 Style)
7. Sunroof instead of moonroof (allow sunroof delete)
8. Spare Tire vs. Runflats
9. Keep Acceleration Performance at today's levels.
10. Improve MPG
11. M3-esque Torque vectoring
12. DCT
13. Take a few pages out of Audi's interior designs

That's about it. Love the styling and driving dynamics.
— AE86 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 2:17:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 11

+1 brother!
— Brembo (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 9:15:24 AM | | Votes: 3

On my 335i sedan, I average 24.5 MPG and I drive like an A-hole. What kind of MPG's are you looking for with this kind of performance?
— 2ndbimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 11:18:43 AM | | Votes: 1

6. E46 had that too, and yes they should bring it back.
7. Dunno whats wrong with the sunroof/moonroof it has now - seems fine to me.

and I would add...

14. BRING BACK PERFORMANCE PACK
— henbmw (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 11:52:19 AM | | Votes: 1

My $0.02 on what you said:

1-3. Agree, though more on that below.
4. really? With your left hand on the wheel the cruise control stalk is now in the perfect location to just reach your fingers out and pull to activate. One motion, no need to look or take your hand off the wheel -- it's exactly where I want it, I wouldn't move it at all.
5. I don't mind either way.
6. Agree, though the 3-Series still does this, just less so than before. The 5-Series is the only one that doesn't, and since the new 5-Series interior is based on the 7-Series that will be rectified shortly.
7. I could care less about a moonroof, but considering how much not having one ruins the resale value of the car, that "delete" option better save you some serious coin. Since you know it won't, I'd rather have a moonroof.
8. Pass, I'd rather have runflats as long as the car/suspension was designed from the start to use them. Extra trunk space = good. Not having to worry about losing control with a flat = good. Never getting stuck on the side of the road changing a tire in the rain or waiting for roadside assistance = good. I've had five BMW's since 2002, two with runflats and three without, and I've had no issues with any of them.
9. Agree.
10. Agree.
11. I'll do you one better -- how about putting DPC from the X6 into ALL models? DPC is compatible with xDrive and rear wheel drive, and spreading it out over all the models would cut down on the cost. Plus, it negates the need for #1 (LSD). If you haven't driven an X6, it's ridiculous how well that thing handles and how DPC is able to rotate the car as needed. Putting that onto, say, a 335i or 335xi would be fantastic.
12. Agree.
13. Agree, though I don't think Audi's interiors are as great as some people make them out to be. The last couple of interiors BMW has come out with are stellar (new 7-Series, new Z4, upcoming new 5-Series). Right now it's Benz who needs to step up their game on interiors, I'd like to see BMW step up their game on their exteriors (which is where Benz shines).

My own add-ons:
1) Make the sport suspension part of the sport package on all-wheel drive cars. It's available on the X3, X5, and X6, but not a 3-Series or 5-Series... why exactly? Makes no sense. Just because someone gets all-wheel drive doesn't mean they don't want sporty. If Audi can offer an A4 S-line Quattro, BMW can offer a sport suspension equipped xDrive car. And again, DPC DPC DPC...
2) Stop spending zillions of dollars trying to create market niches that will barely increase sales and go back to focusing on making your VOLUME cars the best. Make the new 3-Series so overwhelmingingly better than everything else in the entry level luxury sport sedan class that the only reason someone would buy something else is that while they really, really wanted the 3-Series, they can't afford it. Focus on making the 3-Series an aspirational, desire based purchase again.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 3:22:49 PM | | Votes: 1

JRobUSC,
Are you left handed? I am curious about the cc stalk placement.

I need the moonroof delete for headroom.

Great comments though.

Nice to see so many requests for LSD. Usually when I bring it up, people make random statements like, "then it would be too close to an M3" Well excuse me if I paid $50k+ for the best performance coupe on the market (Aside from the M3) and don't care to do one wheel burnouts like I am in high school.

Cheers...
— AE86 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/3/2009 11:19:53 PM | | Votes: 1

As a 335 owner:
1) Bring the M3 EDC (electronic damping control) on the 3
2) Bring the DCT to the sedan and not just coupe.
3) Update the instrument cluster--the S5 interior is a lot nicer. I like the new 5/7 instrument cluster--want something of that quality.
4) Make it lighter...

— rumnyc (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 2:55:23 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Its fine the way it is aesthetically, a work of art. Talk about pushing the Envelope, BMW should do something slick such as: build the World's first mass produced Turbo Hybrid with this thing.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 3:17:17 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

suspension. on the skidpad, on edmunds, the 335i only scored a 88gs while the Z received a whole .10 more.

and, of course, the damn stupid interior
— KZ258 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 3:34:46 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Alfas?? Cars that work the way a real car should work, but only temporarily??? LMAO!!! That sounds like the car of a Heroin user to me.

Hyundai may not have the Alfa (Passionate) styling down, but they sure have the idea of making a car that works the way a real car should work, but unlike the Alfa it works everyday. Oh, there I go sounding like my typical fan boy self. However, even Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear says that about Hyundais now. This is a guy who only 7 Years ago referred to the Hyundai Accent Diesel, as the Hyundai Accident.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 3:38:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Disregard that comment, wrong article.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 3:40:51 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I disregard all of your comments :-)
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 1:32:11 PM | | Votes: 2

More options for non-metallic paint

More comfortable but not loosing its sporty suspension.( that's probably too hard... maybe keep improving the run flats..)

Metter interior design, the current material and refinement is good... but the design made everything look cheap. so maybe take reference from the new 5 and 7 series. or even the z4's interior is very nice.

No bigger than current model! i know every new generation is gaining size, but i think BMW will loose his sportiness pretty soon if 3 series keep getting bigger...

Bigger wheels. the current M3 has an optional 19inch. the new RS5 i think has 20inch rims. maybe BMW should upgrade their rim sizes.

In terms of look... ... its pretty subjective. so, no comment.
— dayday (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 7:56:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Honestly I think BMW has done well with the 3 series. I like some of the above comments (deep dish wheels would be a great design trend to get going again).

Overall I think the car needs to be more 'snug'. I feel, and this may not be true, that the 3 has been a little bloated in design. This was primarily demonstrated in the change from the E36 models to the next generation. The current generation fixes some of that but with the introduction of the 1 series we get to see what the chassis is really capable of.

As far as powertrain, I would make the options inline only. While the V8 M3 is a great car, I wonder how great a TT I6 could be with all the bells and whistles. Also not designing the car for a V8 could save some weight across all models by lowering the cowl height and a significant mass savings on the front end. A TTI4 would make an excellent base motor, as evidenced by Audi's prodigious usage of the 2.0T. Also the parts sharing would be quite extensive between a TTI4 and a TTI6. A midlevel high strung N/A I6 would allow those who prefer something a little more rev happy to have a good option. The top motor should of course include the TTI6 from the 335i and a 335D diesel would be a great addition to any fleet, while a 4 cylinder version would make for a mileage champ.

The chassis tuning and refinement should continue in the BMW tradition, nothing more needs to be said. Although if a rear mounted transmission could be done without to much hassle balance could improve significantly, see Aston Martin and Corvette.

The transmission options should always include traditional manual units on a 3 series but a DSG/DCT makes for an excellent alternative to an automatic transmission in the Ultimate driving machine.
— 91z4me (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 8:07:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Simple: Put a dipstick in it so I can check my oil; put a full size spare tire in it so I can continue when I have a flat while driving in the west and 300 miles from a place to acquire a new runflat tire; put decent tires on the car (no noisy, harsh riding, expensive, unavailable runflats). Then I will buy one. Until these changes are made - no more BMWs for me - I'll have to keep my 3er and 5er with dipstick, spare, and without runflats. Or maybe an Audi or VW or Mercedes is in my future.
— abqhudson (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 8:53:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

you must hate what the future has in store for you! The runflats have improved tremendously! I had a 2006 330i and the runflats were bad. On my 2008, there is a night an day different of wear on the tires and noise. The improvements are huge!
Why are you so upset about a dipstick? who cares! Like you know what to do after you check it...
AND I know people who have driven 300 miles on a gash in their run flat tires and didnt notice. So, my guess is you dont know how to drive.
— 2ndbimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 11:01:18 AM | | Votes: -1

...lighter, lighter, lighter by 400lbs.
...twin turbo 4 pot,350-400HP, 300+ ft.lbs.
...limited slip dif
...quad pipes with straight thru switch
...18" front tires, 19" rears
...clean mean lean look in flat earth color tones

— PUGPROUD (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 8:54:26 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

All of this comes from the owner of e92 335i. Great car.

1. Mechanical Limited Slip Differntial
2. Solid shock mounts ala e9X M3 as opposed to the rubber mounts on 335i
3. Koni FSDs from the factory
4. 7 speed DCT and 6 speed manual tranny options
5. Door mounted side airbags so I can put in a lightweight sparco seat without compromising my safety.
6. Make it LIGHTER!
6.1. Use a small lightweight battery instead of your AGM -50lbs
6.2. Use CFRP for the hood and trunk -30lbs
6.3. Make a sunroof optional. No sunroof -50lbs
6.4. Instead of a true dual exhaust, use a single large diamter pipe branching to dual or quad tips. -30lbs
6.5. Use thermal coatings on the inside of the cylinder head, exhaust mains, etc. to improve heat rejection and then downsize the cooling system. -30lbs
6.6. Use ABS plastic for the fenders -50lbs
6.7. Ditch RFTs and include a tire repair kit ala M3 -50lbs
That's a conservative 290 lbs.
7. Offer matte black, silver, and grey as color options :)

— GreenPlease (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 10:57:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I'm also down for exclusively inline engines. As another poster said, this shoul allow BMW to design the car to be lighter from the ground up. A turbo I4, single turbo I6 (already planned, released, named n55), and twin SEQUENTIAL turbo I6 would make a nice roundup with the top engine producing ~400hp, 400lb/ft. Really don't need any more power than that IMO. What is more important is how the power is delivered which the n54 did (does) so well.
— GreenPlease (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 11:03:22 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

PEOPLE!
They do have 19's available for the 3er.
They do have an aggressive bodykit from factory (M Sport package)
The car isnt the same from 2000, do your research...

I would make the red leather available for the sedan.
The cluster I would style like the new 7 series.
The dual climate zone functions would be like the new 7er as well.
Xenon foglights.
Keep the M sport package coming.
Bring back Imola Red
Allow paint colors from other models on orders.
Sport automatic transmission (650 sport transmission style)
On the 328, the current 17" wheels with all season tires should be standard and not the current 16" wheels.
The cd player should display the current play time of the song.

Other than that, I truely love my 335i sedan. It is the best vehicle I have ever owned and it is why I am on my 3rd 3 series. I have driven every vehicle in its class and over time, nothing can compete with it. Go drive an Audi, MB, Infiniti or Lexus at 75,000 miles and then tell me how those Christmas lights in the interior are holding up and how much of the plastic rattles.
Yes, you may not like the 3 series interior. Over time, you appreciate it because it isnt so loud and obnoxious. Simple elegant design. Its german, WYSIWYG.
— 2ndbimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 11:12:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

- Make it lighter (about 100-200 lbs)
- Make it more comfortable (no run flat tires!!!)
- 335i (Monoturbo; 306 hp); 340i (Twinturbo; 360 hp); M3 (Twinturbo; 480 hp); 330d (Monoturbo 245 hp); 335d (Twinturbo; 299hp); 340d (Tripleturbo; 350 hp)
- better interior quality (no creaking, sizzling noise)
- 8-speed automatic from ZF
- 10.2 inch navigation screen; improved visualization of maps/buildings
- Improved instrument cluster (colored displays; oil temperature)
- Improved speed for internet connection: UMTS/HSDPA
- Internet radio
— tom43 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 11:48:01 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

As long as it has MF YELLOW TURN SIGNALS, then I'm good. I swear to god I am not going to be able to buy ANY car in the next couple years b/c they're ALL going red. Bastards.
— Hantra (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 11:53:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Word +1. I want clears with amber lights.
— AE86 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/4/2009 12:05:10 AM | | Votes: 1

Available turbo 4, more power in the N/A I6, more power in the turbo 6, adjustable camber, REAL freakin' cupholders, more interior storage space, a radio display that can be read with polarized sunglasses, get rid of the ridiculous temp adjustment knob between the vents, and non-runflat tires.
— Redwood (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 11:56:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I would ask Toyota how to make a car reliable and add the electronics that actually work right, than ask Porsche how to get rid of BMW understeer, than ask the Italians to design it to make it less Duck uggly, Get Ford to design the cup holders and seats for Americans instead of 16 year old sissy boys. Then Put a REAL GOD DAMNED FULL SIZED SPARE TIRE IN THE CAR WITH THE SAME WHEEL THE CAR COMES WITH!!!!!! WHAT A CONCEPT!! I hate German cars ... I hate them I hate it when there is no spare tire aaaaaaaaaaaaaaag
— pennfootball (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 12:53:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

make it lighter
make regular tires optional
improve instant engine response on take off , normal and turbo.
give me analog instruments not idiot lights ,water&oil temp.
oil press. volts.
more fuel capacity.

— silberpfile (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 12:57:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

A limited slip differential would be nice too but that would make the car too good. Also BMW's use really thin chintzy brake rotors that can't be resurfaced ever. I would also get rid of those chintzy peace of crap wheels that are cast aluminum and make stronger lighter forged wheels standard! My old 330Ci convertible bent 5 rims. Also use steal suspension and get rid of the aluminum! Raise YES I SAID IT A$$ WIPES RAISE THE CAR 1-2 inches for more GROUND clearance! Compensate with Bilstein dampers with external oil reservoirs and Eibach Springs! This will beef it up enough for American roads with pot holes. They are so cheep and you pay more.....get Less with every model change. Make the Harmon Kardon Stereo Standard... Kill the plastic/vinyl seats make leather Standard. BMW's Paint is awefull and not very good either, use the Infinti and Mercedes self healing clear coat NANO paint to make it 5X scratch resistant. This will give you a car that will last a lot longer!
— pennfootball (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 1:02:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Here is an idea use a polished Stainless STEAL Bumper with built in hydrolic shocks that can withstand a 5MPH crash like they did in the lowly 1980's! OMG what a concept...A car made of mettle instead of plastic! Use a real Chrome or Stainless Steal Grill! Why do all the cars use Cheep plastic? Well they are in the business of selling parts for higher margin's than cars so they like it when they break down! Oh yea that BMW maintenance plan is built in the price, so you are paying for it and getting less product! YAY!!!
— pennfootball (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 1:09:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

penn football? I assume from the posts that you're a fan of the program, not an alumni.

I'm not really sure where to begin with everything you just said. Raise the car for ground clearance? What? Yeah, that wouldn't hurt the handling at all. And use "steel" suspension components instead of aluminum? Why yes, let's make the cars heavier. Good idea. And yes, I am sure car companies would sell many many new cars with big stainless "steel" bumpers like they had back in the 80's. Because that's the era car buyers are nostalgic for, everyone wants their 1980's cars back. By the way, that "cheap" plastic they use today costs more than the "steel" they used to use.

Were you kidding?
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 3:33:47 PM | | Votes: 1

Das Auto KAPUT!! Jawohl!!
Du
Du HAst
Du Hast Mich!

BMW's new ad campaign to be real!
— pennfootball (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 1:13:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

AWD convertible: I can't afforf to pay $60k for a car, then buy a beater for the winter with Boston's expensive insurance policies!
— StarSearch (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 3:36:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Don't care about the looks, just make it so it don't break down :)

BMW = BreakMyWallet
— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 3:45:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

pennfootball is clearly out of touch with what a BMW is supposed to be. Usually I don't attack other people but the idea of moving to steel suspension components, raising the height, and adding a steel front bumper are some of the worst ideas I've ever heard. Seriously.

If ground clearance is an issue just reduce the front/rear overhangs.

So far the most popular items I've seen:

1. mechanical LSD
2. Less weight.

I'd like to add that the 8 speed ZF would be a phenominal gearbox and I'd totally be down for it. Also, I like the idea of the navigation screen merging into the instrument cluster and having the option of different visual configurations for the cluster. Very cool look.
— GreenPlease (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 3:55:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I don't care what they do, but please, please, please - do NOT put those huge ugly air ducts on the front air dam!
— thstone (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 4:34:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

1. LSD
2. Real Spare
3. Dipstick
4. No Runflats!!
5. DCT
— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 9:16:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Nicer interior, even better fuel economy, lighter (while keeping 50/50), and don't screw up the exterior (look).
— GetInSitDownShutUp (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 10:20:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Its fine the way it is aesthetically, a work of art. Talk about pushing the Envelope, BMW should do something slick such as: build the World's first mass produced Turbo Hybrid with this thing.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 6/2/2009 10:35:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

What would I like to see? An entirely different design: simpler, tighter and less Jane-Jetson-ish.
— 204E60 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/3/2009 1:34:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

1) I think a little width would go a long way in terms of interior comfort
2) More paint, interior leather and wood choices (leather should be standard, BTW as should comfort access - this is a "luxury vehicle", isn't it?)
3) Same interior design philosophy as the new 5 & 7, pleeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaase!
4) Exterior design in line with the new Z4, 5 & 7 (flat, wide front W/large grill), extensive use of dramatic lighting
5) Keep the new M Sport package

I am confident that the new 3 will benefit from the trickle down effect from all of the goodness and technology that has been rolled out with the new 7 and the (to be released) new 5, it should be the perfect mix of engineering, size & driving satisfaction that all other manufacturers will continue to benchmark and follow.
— TampaCarNut (View Profile)

Posted on 6/3/2009 8:37:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

All you haters havn't owned many BMW's and had to deal with 4 bent control arms and lack of clearing anything and 5 bent rims!! My 2008 subaru WRX can drive CIRCLES around my old E46 2001 BMW 330Ci Convertible for 2/3 the price. It goes 0-60 in 5.6 seconds!!! It was only 30 grand with nav and premium packages. It handles better, with my lowly steal control arms and weighs 3147 pounds vers my old BMW's 3700 pounds. Gee you "all knowing fools have no clue. Older race cars used steal and Porsche uses Stainless steal controll arms in the Carrera GT you idiots! Gee yea that 500,000 dollar exotic handels so "poor." It's not just the material nimrods it is the design of the car as a whole!
— pennfootball (View Profile)

Posted on 6/3/2009 11:52:22 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

You can have a steal part that is stronger then aluminum and almost weigh the same because it uses less material. Aluminum needs 2x the amount of material and only weighs 1/3 less on average!
— pennfootball (View Profile)

Posted on 6/3/2009 11:54:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Therefore one aluminum part to make it the same strength as a steal part you need to use two times as much aluminum than you would steal. Benefits are only 1/3 less overall weight. This is mild steal, if you use a higher grade carbon steal you can cut the discrepancy further and almost match aluminum. Why do you think Porsche makes VERY light weight STEAL bodied cars!
— pennfootball (View Profile)

Posted on 6/3/2009 11:58:17 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Ever see an aluminum knife or sword? ummm...No! Don't think so! Gee why would that be haters? You know everything so you tell me.
— pennfootball (View Profile)

Posted on 6/3/2009 11:59:50 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Class of 2003 IVY LEAGUE Football Champs! Yes I was on the team and yes I graduated.
— pennfootball (View Profile)

Posted on 6/3/2009 12:00:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

A quote from BMW "We looking perfection in the eye and perfection blinked". Therefore the BMW 3 Series does NOT need to be improved. For those who disagree then why is everyone building around BMW to compete, which makes BMW #1.
— yoyo123 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/4/2009 12:37:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

That and the Titanic was "unsinkable."
— pennfootball (View Profile)

Posted on 6/4/2009 10:23:09 AM | | Votes: 1

reduced weight. offer 330i engine in the states. rear mounted transaxle.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/7/2009 3:53:57 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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