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After a tip from a very crafty forum user and BF reader who had claimed to have uncovered 4 Series production info, we started to do some digging ourselves. Here ‘s what we uncovered.

Indeed it is possible to find the last seven digits of prototypes (yes those cars with the swirls running around the arctic and Germany) and see their exact build data. And yes this includes US spec models. You can even see the internal BMW order code for that wonderful camouflage wrap – 9AC. We won ‘t go into details about the process but it ‘s all there down to the specific options that each test car is equipped with.

Based on everything we ‘ve learned, here ‘s what the US market will see when the 4 Series are introduced later this summer. In addition to the general details around the car (type of engine etc) you can also see the exact color of the test mules in this configuration:

435i manual
a-435i_man

435i auto
a_435i_auto

435i xDrive manual
a-435i_man_x

435i xDrive auto
a-435i_auto_x

428i manual
a-428i_man

428i auto
a-428i_auto

428i xDrive auto
a-428i_auto_x

A couple things to note. For starters the 300 hp N55 will be carried over in the new F32 range. We had heard from sources that BMW would use this opportunity to debut a new inline six engine. However that likely will be saved for another vehicle released in the next 18 months. And yes that engine will certainly make it ‘s way to the F32 and all other BMW models. Secondly the manual transmission remains across the line-up with the exception of the 428i xDrive – not exactly the enthusiasts choice so no loss there.

Looking deeper at the options for these cars we see no real surprises yet. For instance if BMW is planning on offering LED headlights (as they are with the 2014 MINI for example) there ‘s no signs of it in these cars. (Update – we can now confirm they are in other examples not listed).

Yet that doesn ‘t make this any less exciting. In fact this helps to whet our appetites just a bit more.