The New 3 Series: In Depth (UK Market)

Michael Jul 11th, 2008 Link

nothing about the E90 M3 it seems

Big Windy Jul 11th, 2008 Link

When are we going to know about the M vehicles???

Michael Jul 11th, 2008 Link

the M3 sedan should see the same cosmetic changes in the rear. All 3s will get the new iDrive.

Big Windy Jul 11th, 2008 Link

I cannot possibly think of one logical reason besides production constraints as to why the 3 series would receive the updates (i-drive, etc) and the M3 counterparts would not. This would deal a seriuos blow to M3 sales, as the margin between the 335i and M3 is already close enough and I know I’d definitely take the cheaper 335i with the new tech over the more expensive M3. I can’t stand how they don’t mention it at all!

Big Windy Jul 11th, 2008 Link

So, Michael, all 3’s includes the M3? Because obviously I know that it is a 3, but why isn’t it even mentioned. I don’t think that M is mentioned at all anywhere in the pdf.

Eli Jul 11th, 2008 Link

is this information, along with the info that all 3’s are getting the idrive for the US market (North America)??

Allen Jul 11th, 2008 Link

So according to the pdf file…the 328 will no longer be available. Now it will be 335i, 330i, 325i 300hp, 272hp, 218 respectively in gasoline engines. Most likely BMWNA will only offer two of those engines, it would be nice if they offered all 3.

bsd107 Jul 11th, 2008 Link

When will US pricing be available so that orders can be placed for MY09 sedans?

John Jul 11th, 2008 Link

I did not see they mentioned about the 328i in the Press Release. Though, I see 330i. So does this mean that they are replacing 328i with 330i?

Thanks

Michael Jul 11th, 2008 Link

This is the UK press release. BMWNA has not released any info at this time.

The US will keep the 328 and 335 and the 335 diesel will be added.

That has been confirmed.

in867 Jul 11th, 2008 Link

The pdf does not mention that BMW ConnectedDrive is limited to specific countries. Does this mean we will see full access to the internet in US vehicles too? That would be monumental.

Robert Jul 11th, 2008 Link

One thing that confuses me - they are sort of vague about the new iDrive in ALL 3 models. Since the entire document seems to be about the “Touring and Saloon” it could be interpreted as only in those face-lifted models. If the screen is a different size, I could see that being the case, you’d have to “facelift” the dash to fit it and that would cost money to do on the Coupe/Convertible separately. So that worries me.

Also, they SPECIFICALLY state that the Saloon/Touring incorporate new “ConnectedDrive” functionality. You could take that as another indicator that only those models get the new iDrive, or that for some reason, only those models get specific FEATURES within the iDrive upgrade, which strikes me as odd.

Very confused now, but EXCITED about the DCT arriving in the Coupe/Convertible! That’s big news, previously only “confirmed” in Australia.

Michael Jul 11th, 2008 Link

Robert thanks for your comments! In a previous post we were able to obtain a BMWUK document that verified the launch in the 1&3 series…
new iDrive confirmed

Antonio Jul 11th, 2008 Link

Seems a really cool car. I am sorry that instead of having the 330d we are having the 335d (I’ll take any diesel from BWM anyway) has manual transmission, aceleration very close to 335d, better MPG.

Antonio

Robert Jul 12th, 2008 Link

Thanks Michael - so any idea why they seemed to designate certain of the new “Connected Drive” features specifically for the Sedan/Wagon? Just curious. I have a ED slot for an 09 Convertible so very happy to get both iDrive AND DCT on my new ride, so appreciate the good news. You knew before my dealer (assuming it is true for US as well).

James Aug 18th, 2008 Link

It may be asking too much, but what a day it will be when we have a range of diesel options to choose from in the US. Personally, I’m looking forward to a mid-2009 ED of a 3 series convertible, and am still holding out hope that the Paris auto show unveils a diesel. Any thoughts on this, positive or negative? Is there any added benefit to ED, specifically with respect to a custom diesel version for the convertible? (i.e. if diesel is cleared for delivery in all 50 states, can they customize it at the plant?) I’ll save my questions on the Alpina D3 convertible for another day…

Michael Aug 19th, 2008 Link

James:
We have a section here dedicated to ED and may help answer some of your questions. ED cars are no different from US spec cars so if it is not available in the US it is not available for ED. The only diesels the US will be seeing are the 335d sedan and X535d, no need for Paris as they have already been revealed in great detail.
Advanced Diesels

European Delivery