In addition to some photos from the inbox, our friends over at BimmerPost have also scooped some photos of the next generation X3 wearing some pasties out in the snow. From the looks of this machine BMW has gone sporty this go around; and it is a good thing since the competition has expanded and greatly improved.
As many may know by now, this new generation of X3 will move production to the good old US of A from it’s current birth place at the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria. The South Carolina plant expansion must be complete before they can start rolling off the line and it is anyones’ guess at the moment when that will be. Note the slope to the roof now that some of the cladding has been removed. Enjoy!
As we have indicated in the past BMW will be introducing several models at the Paris show. The new 7, the redesigned 3, and concept form of the X1. BMW will also be showing off some of their future hybrids; the X6 and 7 series specifically. The increased push for efficiency has begun and expect this to be an additional selling point for all BMW models.
If you have the chance to look over this 70 page guide to the show it is worth the time as it has a lot of great info in it, though much is not geared to our market. It details the new models (again) and explains changes to the other model lines; new X3 versions, diesels being offered in the One series convertibles for the EU, and other mobility technologies. Much of it has been summarized here before but it puts it all in one place in a downloadable format.
Worth noting is that on page 48 it states the new iDrive will be introduced this autumn in the 5 and 6 series cars but once again we are reminded this is for the EU so the states may not see this until later.
You will not see the X1 mentioned but all indications are it will be there!
First, we would like to thank all of our readers for all of the comments, feedback and information that you have provided. We will continue to try to meet your needs and answer your questions as best we can.
Over the next several weeks and months BMW will be introducing a wide variety of new or refreshed cars and technology. Today we thought we would take some time to sketch a rough timeline of these and what they entail while also linking you to our original stories. Much of this information is geared towards those in the US, so things may vary a bit for those reading in other markets.
BMWNA has finally released MSRP pricing for the 2009 model year!! We have not had a chance to look it over in detail but looks like we expected…. stay tuned for more analysis but for now enjoy the PDF!
There was an update to this list, but it was a retraction of the X5 xDrive30i requiring the Premium Audio package until further notice…. that was a quick further notice!
Not major news by any account but the name change of the X3 3.0si has been officially confirmed. As we mentioned here several months back BMW will be readjusting their naming schemes due upcoming regulations. So following the same rules as the X6 in naming the X3 will follow as is the X5 xDrive35.
This still leaves us wondering what the new name of the upcoming “Z” will be if there is more than one engine version.Is it possible that if a 4 cylinder engine is an option it would be the Z4 and if it is a 6 it would be the Z6? We will let you know as soon as we hear!
Update
No sooner was this written it was brought to our attention that BMW has already given us a clue to the possible naming game of the next Z4, sDrive.
We thought it would be nice on a Tuesday, which just happens to be the day after Cinco De Mayo to give you some news that may help your headache (or make it worse). That is if you partook in the festivities a bit too hard.
For all you SAV lovers out there we give you the test mule of the next X3. Yes it is an X3 in underpinnings and drive train but looks like an E91 with some serious fender flares. This is a drive train mule. It is still in the early stages of testing, the actual prototype sheet metal will begin its testing mid summer.
We have just received some breaking news courtesy from an internal BMW memo that confirms our original speculation. The names of the models in the X6 lineup were not created because of some marketing plan. The xDrive50i and xDrive35i may have some competition in the amount of (nomenclature related) weight added to the rear of BMW models in the not so distant future.
Here’s an excerpt from the internal BMW memo:
Due to upcoming U.S. regulations in effect for Model Year 2009, we are changing some of our naming protocol. The new naming protocol will affect all products that currently have an engine displacement designation within the name—X3, X5, X6, Z4 and Z4 Coupe.
With that quote one can only imagine what other names we will see! What do you think they will name the Z?
BimmerFile is dedicated to bringing you the most interesting news, links and reviews related to the BMW brand and it's vehicles.
We believe in the old school BMW ownership experience. We believe in garage nights with a six pack and some friends. We believe in 2002s, in E30 M3s and E34 540s with the 6 speed. We believe in progress in both design and engineering but we haven't lost sight of what made the brand and its products great all those years ago. And yes, we believe in the manual transmission.
We long for the days of the wave and for the days of roll-up windows. Yet we love the gadgets on the inside and the xenons on the outside.
In short, we can't get enough of BMWs. This is BimmerFile.
Sections: E83 X3, F25 X3, Spy photos Feb 6th, 2009 No Comments 
