[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by cbertels

I know, right? I've had my F80 tuned to cut the power in half to bring the 0-60 time back to its roots. I also had the top speed limited to a more realistic figure.

Aka the 320i with M3 appearance package.

[dallas06m3]

Looks like it will be a nice looking car, but I'm ready for something new.

[IB M]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

That's something I would honestly miss - my 981 had an e-brake and it was really strange...it was nice to have the true E brake once I got my F80.

E-parking brake would be a fail on a 3 series BMW. Say it isn't so......

I drove an Audi A4 for a week a few years back and that was the cheesiest thing I've ever seen on a "sporting oriented" car. Of course the A4 was FWD so it had serious additional problems.

[clubsport]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Using the way back machine, my dad's FD RX7 was much more fun to drive than the MkIV Supras I've driven.

I completely agree. I had a '93 R1. It was tight inside for me. Still one of my favorite cars owned. And it didn't need 64 separate lights in the front like the Supra.

[GOLFFRR]

dang how time flies, I feel like I was just looking at the test mules for the F series..crazy

[wdeerfield]

Originally Posted by fijigabe0

Not sure if anybody caught it from the photos, but bye-bye emergency brake lever. Looks like the car comes with an e-parking brake.

and if those are the sport seats, they lost adjustable thigh support.

[domino_z]

can they not better integrate that radar cruise though sheesh

[stefan]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

What, you don't remember all those awd, automatic M cars?

Maybe like.. Dual white on black gauges? A functional driver centric interior? Defined hofmeister kink?

[Advevo]

I think the 3 series is rather a small car

They should make it larger and bigger and call it a 5 series oh no we already got those.

The sweet spot 3 series was the E46. After that the 3 series has become a cruise ship.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by IB M

E-parking brake would be a fail on a 3 series BMW. Say it isn't so......

I drove an Audi A4 for a week a few years back and that was the cheesiest thing I've ever seen on a "sporting oriented" car. Of course the A4 was FWD so it had serious additional problems.

Changes are definitely on the way it appears...I mean, look at the size of that thing! It's barge-like.

The really interesting piece of the puzzle will be whether or not the 2er stays RWD - I really like my F80, but I can't imagine having anything bigger...

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by ORIGIN M.

It has eDrive on it.

Not only can you hear it, but the plugin door is as clear as day.

I'd say we are going to have a 400 hp car from the new M340i or potentially the M350i.

The M340i will remain an ICE-only offering just like other *40i vehicles, and indeed any vehicle with an "i" suffix. More than likely, it will be powered by the new 355hp B58 as recently debuted in the G01 X3 M40i. This would represent an appreciable jump (10%) from the 322hp B58 in the current 340i/440i, skipping over the 335hp version as found in the M140i, M240i, and 540i.

Theoretically, there could be a "340e" PHEV model as well, though this is completely speculative (we know there will be another 330e model, however). Current "40e" offerings (the X5 and 7 Series) have about 320hp, but future versions of this drivetrain could certainly allow for more.

It remains to be seen when and how BMW intends to slot performance PHEV models into the series lineups. The time seems right for "M40e" offerings in the 3/4 range of products, "M50e" (I6 PHEV) in the 5/6 range of products, and "M60e" (V8 PHEV) in the 7/8 range of products. However, currently the way they are marketing them is a bit at odds with one another - a vehicle is either iPerformance or M Performance, but not both. I suspect all of this will need to be addressed soon. PHEV is clearly poised to experience explosive growth and dominate in the coming decade.

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

The M340i will remain an ICE-only offering just like other *40i vehicles, and indeed any vehicle with an "i" suffix. More than likely, it will be powered by the new 355hp B58 as recently debuted in the G01 X3 M40i. This would represent an appreciable jump (10%) from the 322hp B58 in the current 340i/440i, skipping over the 335hp version as found in the M140i, M240i, and 540i.

Theoretically, there could be a "340e" PHEV model as well, though this is completely speculative (we know there will be another 330e model, however). Current "40e" offerings (the X5 and 7 Series) have about 320hp, but future versions of this drivetrain could certainly allow for more.

It remains to be seen when and how BMW intends to slot performance PHEV models into the series lineups. The time seems right for "M40e" offerings in the 3/4 range of products, "M50e" (I6 PHEV) in the 5/6 range of products, and "M60e" (V8 PHEV) in the 7/8 range of products. However, currently the way they are marketing them is a bit at odds with one another - a vehicle is either iPerformance or M Performance, but not both. I suspect all of this will need to be addressed soon. PHEV is clearly poised to experience explosive growth and dominate in the coming decade.

IDK... Clearly BMW is testing it you can here it scream big time and that is no 4 banger.

Also BMW better crank up the power because the C43 is here to play and it is no slouch and their interiors (seats=wow) are gorgeous by comparison. Mercedes will continue to crank up the heat, so BMW has no choice but to do the same.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by ORIGIN M.

IDK... Clearly BMW is testing it you can here it scream big time and that is no 4 banger.

Quite possible. No doubt BMW is testing lots of ICE+electric combinations right now.

Now, if only spy videos were a reliable way to predict upcoming product configurations and specifications. You may not have been around here a few years ago with all the drama where people swore that they had 100% positively identified the F80 M3 with a V6 based on the sounds emitted from test cars. Similarly, there are videos of what has been identified by many as an F10 I6 PHEV that never made it to production.

Also BMW better crank up the power because the C43 is here to play and it is no slouch and their interiors (seats=wow) are gorgeous by comparison. Mercedes will continue to crank up the heat, so BMW has no choice but to do the same.

The new X3 M40i looks like it will be more than capable enough to handle the GLC43, and similarly we can expect the M340i with similar specs will be ready to take on the C43.

It's true Mercedes has plenty more to come though. They have a 396hp version of the M276 V6 in the E43 that they could theoretically pass down to the C43. Furthermore, they have the new M256 I6 coming with built in hybrid assist and slated to make anywhere from ~410hp and up.

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

It's true Mercedes has plenty more to come though. They have a 396hp version of the M276 V6 in the E43 that they could theoretically pass down to the C43. Furthermore, they have the new M256 I6 coming with built in hybrid assist and slated to make anywhere from ~410hp and up.

That M256 I6 is no joke.

[DeeKay]

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

dang how time flies, I feel like I was just looking at the test mules for the F series..crazy

Still remember driving to Vegas through the Nevada desert and passing a F30 mule with the camo all over it. Was during the summer of 2011 so it was one of the last ones but felt pretty special - especially because I just picked up my third F30 last week (One 12 month lease, one 2012 after that and a 2013 now with loads of equipment)

I LOVE the F30 so this has something to live up to

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by domino_z

can they not better integrate that radar cruise though sheesh

As ugly as it is ... FUNCTION over FORM.

It doesn't need to be smaller.. just don't order a car with it.

[jeebus]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

More than likely, it will be powered by the new 355hp B58 as recently debuted in the G01 X3 M40i. This would represent an appreciable jump (10%) from the 322hp B58 in the current 340i/440i, skipping over the 335hp version as found in the M140i, M240i, and 540i.

Are these various model B58s REALLY making different power levels? Or do you suppose it's just marketing since even the 320hp variant dynos prove it to be more like 370hp.

So they release the first ones with "320hp" and keep bumping it up over the next few years/models, but really it had the 370hp that they end up with, all along....

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by jeebus

Are these various model B58s REALLY making different power levels? Or do you suppose it's just marketing since even the 320hp variant dynos prove it to be more like 370hp.

So they release the first ones with "320hp" and keep bumping it up over the next few years/models, but really it had the 370hp that they end up with, all along....

Mercedes used to be so conservative.

Now it looks like BMWs the conservative one.

[mashimarho]

Interesting!!

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by jeebus

Are these various model B58s REALLY making different power levels? Or do you suppose it's just marketing since even the 320hp variant dynos prove it to be more like 370hp.

We're definitely not going to veer off topic into that very worn out debate.

What I would say is that the next generation car needs to be able to show something in the real world for its advertised ~10% power increase (assuming that comes to pass as I've speculated). If they say it has 355hp vs. the outgoing car's 322hp, but it can't perform like it does (even after factoring any weight gain that might occur - which by the way is likely to be minimal or nothing with a small chance it could even decrease), then they'll have a real problem. Since they no doubt have excellent foresight, they surely will not let this situation occur.

Oh, but you may say - then the 355hp B58 must actually have over 400hp. Well, again, we are definitely - in no uncertain terms - not going to debate that here. We are going to stay on topic. So if you do find yourself wanting to make that assertion, please do it in a different thread in the appropriate forum (and put on your flame-suit, I might add as friendly advice).

[clbmw]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

We're definitely not going to veer off topic into that very worn out debate.

What I would say is that the next generation car needs to be able to show something in the real world for its advertised ~10% power increase (assuming that comes to pass as I've speculated). If they say it has 355hp vs. the outgoing car's 322hp, but it can't perform like it does (even after factoring any weight gain that might occur - which by the way is likely to be minimal or nothing with a small chance it could even decrease), then they'll have a real problem. Since they no doubt have excellent foresight, they surely will not let this situation occur.

Oh, but you may say - then the 355hp B58 must actually have over 400hp. Well, again, we are definitely - in no uncertain terms - not going to debate that here. We are going to stay on topic. So if you do find yourself wanting to make that assertion, please do it in a different thread in the appropriate forum (and put on your flame-suit, I might add as friendly advice).

Whatever the output of the sub-M3 top of the range model, if they bring in hybridisation I hope to God they don't pair it with the 4 banger. By the time I started to get interested in the Active Hybrid 3 they replaced it with the 330e which just doesn't appeal to me I'm afraid. Also no hybrid tourer model to date, why?

[ron_jeremy]

Surely the next generation 3 series will do pretty much as Volvo does from 2019. Mild hybrid and PHEV only, not "just" ICE drivetrain. Bosch have these solutions from next year i belive. Also the EV will be more efficient from 2019, about 5-10%.