[praxis218]

Like the ambient lighting strips being gimped intentionally (doesn't run under the HVAC controls like X5 or 5-series), they also skimped on the iDrive screen. That black bezel is HUGE compared to the X5's.

It's not like LCD panels are expensive anymore. Throw us a bone here BMW

Also I hope the virtual cockpit LCD is at least 90hz for refresh.

[mcc3456]

Promising performance. Probably enough for most existing M Car owners, but sometimes still having the top dog is fun, even if most folks never explore the car's true limits.

[hans007]

i hate that grill. and i hate cerium gray as a color. And then they added more cerium gray to the area where the fog lamps are.

its like they only want to sell a few of these and up sell people to an m3. honestly at this point i'd believe that, the 330i is plenty fast for most people and if i you really want the enthusiast car, they have the m3 which will have AWD optional (which was the one thing the f30 340i had going for it)

[frosty2k]

Doesn't look like there is room for a stick shift in the same spot as the auto box selector lever. Does this give credence to the death of the manual on the M3?

[Miko M]

Originally Posted by frosty2k

Doesn't look like there is room for a stick shift in the same spot as the auto box selector lever.

https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1465969

[jlin101]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

So....following is the best option?

I would say that they should try harder, but that’s just me.

I’ve owned three 3ers, including the F80, and this doesn’t inspire me to get another one. The grill and tailpipes are right out of Mercedes’ playbook...

I am just stating the fact that the majority of consumers seem to favor the big-grill look (undeniably there are some REALLY awful iterations such as Lexus and Acura), no different than over-sized wheel/tire combination with little performance benefit. Doubt BMW, or any other manufacturer for that matter, is going to buck the trend. I remember when people decried the Bangle butt, yet BMW sold tons of them. Looking at the current design language, some people even say they miss the Bangle days.

[jlin101]

Originally Posted by praxis218

Like the ambient lighting strips being gimped intentionally (doesn't run under the HVAC controls like X5 or 5-series), they also skimped on the iDrive screen. That black bezel is HUGE compared to the X5's.

It's not like LCD panels are expensive anymore. Throw us a bone here BMW

Also I hope the virtual cockpit LCD is at least 90hz for refresh.

That part of the "bezel" is partially blocked by the fat steering wheel.

[Blubaron79]

Originally Posted by kdbryce

I am really just not digging those kidneys. Nor the matte grey pieces. They should really have an "extended shadow line" option like on the M850i to have it all blacked out.

Don't worry. It will be an option.

[RPM1123]

Originally Posted by jlin101

the tips are flared but directly connected to the pipes, just like in X3 M340i or Z4 M40i, and have no contact with the bumper whatsoever. In fact, there is heat shield around the the tips to keep them from melting the bumper.

They are not. See 1:40 in this video.

It's not as egregiously fake as what Mercedes and Audi are doing in some cases, but still not a good look for the sport model IMO.

[Bimmer North]

The easiest part to design should be the grill. Yet from the Z4 to this, it is not an evolution. This is a transformation to an over - design.

[upsidedownfunnel]

The 320d with M Performance parts looks better than this car (minus the M Performance side decals). I like the satin metal grille and finishes, but the design of the grille is just ugly.

[cwulffy]

Monstrosity

[GFK007]

No way anyone can make the argument that this thing is visually exciting.

F30 M Sport is arguably a better looking car...

[Malloy]

The rear calipers are disappointing.

[praxis218]

Originally Posted by jlin101

That part of the "bezel" is partially blocked by the fat steering wheel.

What about on the X5?

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by fravel

Yup...looks like I'm sticking with my E90 for another cycle.

Lol idk how many more cycles my '09 can take. The USB connectivity for my media has died and I didn't get the nav pkg so there's no backup camera. Throw in expensive maintenance and it's hard to justify holding onto it.

[Rupes]

Thanks for the laser warning sticker. Are we to believe the laser only causes eye damage when you're right on top of it? Because I'm pretty sure I won't be able to read the tiny print as the car speeds past me at 50 MPH with its lights on.

Maybe others have super human vision though.

[m981addicts]

Close up pic of grille made my skin crawl! Brought back bad memories from my childhood when I first learned to remove scales from a large fish. Eek!
Gutting the fish was more pleasant.

[jlin101]

Originally Posted by RPM1123

They are not. See 1:40 in this video.

It's not as egregiously fake as what Mercedes and Audi are doing in some cases, but still not a good look for the sport model IMO.

I stand corrected. Looks like the new M850's are done similarly (with 2 pipes in each housing), while Z4 M40's are physically connected. Strange.

[jlin101]

Originally Posted by Rupes

Thanks for the laser warning sticker. Are we to believe the laser only causes eye damage when you're right on top of it? Because I'm pretty sure I won't be able to read the tiny print as the car speeds past me at 50 MPH with its lights on.

Maybe others have super human vision though.

As I recall, the laser lights only work above 37 mph--are we to believe that people are going to stare straight into them at close range while the car is moving at highway speed?! They are at higher risk of being killed than getting blinded!

[Fedorov]

Looks like a 5-series. And the kidneys look like shit, they lost their way with that design.

Impressive performance numbers. Looks good inside.
I like the 3 series. Will skip this generation in hope of better exterior design in the next.

[FernandoBMW]

Originally Posted by Fedorov

Looks like a 5-series. And the kidneys look like shit, they lost their way with that design.

Impressive performance numbers. Looks good inside.
I like the 3 series. Will skip this generation in hope of better exterior design in the next.

Don't worry, usually BMW does an LCI so maybe with negative feedback about the grills they'll fix it just like the e90.