Saw the new 3-series in the metal today...

[Sir_GT]

BMW launch at Cooper BMW (in the UK)... all bias aside, it really is a good looking car. The 5-series comparison is really an exaggeration... it does look bigger than the old 3, but it doesn't look huge, just more muscular... in fact, it makes the old 3 series, and the C-class, and the A4 for that matter, all look a bit dainty - frail even.

It really is a nice car. The roofline is probably the best bit design wise... the way it slopes down the back is almost coupe like, but you don't lose any head room or leg room. I should know, I'm 6'3" and I sat very comfortably in the back, my knees were a few inches away from the front seats, whereas in the C-class, I would be adopting a spread eagle stance.

Boot space is pretty good. It looks small from the outset because of the relatively small-looking bootlid, but when you peek inside, you realize that you can fit two people in there, and still have room to spare. (I'm serious, provided they aren't fully outstretched of course)

Most disappointing bit was probably the centre armrest console... not much for storage space, and the front cup holder was rather awkward. I didn't like it at all. I would rather have the setup in the SLK (pop out and fold out) to be honest.

Personally, compared to the rest of BMW's range, this one is easily the best looking car they've got, aside from the 6-series, which is critcal since the competitors in it's class don't really have handsome cars. The C-class looks like a bit tweed-ish, and the A4 is just... well... it's ugly. Like how the S-type Jag is ugly. Great from the side profile, handsome from the back, but when you see the face... you just end up thinking "Damn. Who beat that with the ugly stick? The Undertaker?"

The new 3-series on the other hand looks very angry, very aggressive. Sort of a "get out of my way little man" look. It is very true that pictures don't do this car justice. It just looks sleeker in the metal, more muscular, and has a very squat, powerful stance. It's going to sell like mad, believe me (people there were already placing orders).

All in all, it was a good night. Good wine, good food, and the waitresses were very attractive. :D Oh, and the staff were fantastic as well. Definitely the kind of people you would want to buy cars from. :)

[ZfrkS62]

i seem to stand corrected, some of you may see it in person before i get to drive it :lol: All of us in the shop (including the Merc guys) are getting kind of excited for it's release. One of our guys just came back from training in Atlanta and there was an E90 there still in full camo :D There is also a McLaren F1 in the showroom but the jackass forgot his damn camera :? anyway, anyone in Atlanta, go hunt down the BMW showrooms, one of them has the F1, not sure which one :D

[schnell318]

Good to hear that, I´m sure it will sell really well and once again be the class leader :D :D

[ARMAN]

Actually I realise that I saw one month ago hear near the biggest BMW dealer with german licence plate driving by. I was in little a hurry, so didnt look at is very well :? Front looks excelent, back... well gotta get used to it.

[Anonymous]

Still did not see it yet. When is the US launch or when will US dealers have them? I can't say I am looking forward to it since I still think it does not look good, but I like to be wrong in this case.

I hope the sales hold up for this car like the previous E30, E36, and E46. This 3 will definitely make it or break it (to an extend) for BMW.

[ZfrkS62]

Still did not see it yet. When is the US launch or when will US dealers have them? I can't say I am looking forward to it since I still think it does not look good, but I like to be wrong in this case.

I hope the sales hold up for this car like the previous E30, E36, and E46. This 3 will definitely make it or break it (to an extend) for BMW.

My dealer is set to recieve first shippment in late april/early may. should be about the same for the rest of the country.

Actually FOX, if you want to take a trip south, you can try tracking down the west coast vehicle distribution center in Oxnard to see if they have any there. Not sure if they would leve them outside though, but its worth a try :wink: and take pics! :D

[Sir_GT]

Still did not see it yet. When is the US launch or when will US dealers have them? I can't say I am looking forward to it since I still think it does not look good, but I like to be wrong in this case.

I hope the sales hold up for this car like the previous E30, E36, and E46. This 3 will definitely make it or break it (to an extend) for BMW.

It isn't very photogenic for some reason... like the Z4. The whole appearance seems much more attractive in the flesh, why? I have no idea. Must be the flame surfacing thing... I don't think it translates well to pictures.

Think of it this way... you know how you sometimes tell your mates that there was this really attractive girl in a party, and you took a snapshot and show her to them and they say "she'll alright" in that -she's not that great- tone, but when they actually see her in the flesh, their eyes bulge out and they go "yeah brov, she IS fuckin' hot isn't she?"

...that's how it is with the new 3. :)

[abbor]

Here in Norway it has been around for about 2-3 weeks now, and I've seen it some times now.. :D

Me and some friends of mine asked if we could test-drive it, but: "It is a long "waiting list" to test drive it.." But the test-drive car stood outside right there and then.. :?

I bet they don't want a bunch of 18 year olds test-driving the new 320d.. :x

[ferrarif1fan89]

Here in Norway it has been around for about 2-3 weeks now, and I've seen it some times now.. :D

Me and some friends of mine asked if we could test-drive it, but: "It is a long "waiting list" to test drive it.." But the test-drive car stood outside right there and then.. :?

I bet they don't want a bunch of 18 year olds test-driving the new 320d.. :x

you lucky/unlucky bastard..... :wink:

[Just_me]

I saw the car 3 weeks ago and today I checked the car more closely. Im impressed. Long live the king

http://www.bmw.co.uk/apm/about_bmw/news/index/0,4624,1104___hom-1%2Bco-149421600,00.html

[bmwdakias]

About 20 days ago i was in Greece for a week and i saw at least 10-15 different e90 3 series,all of them had german license plates and i assume there were for promotion purposes (test drive cars for the magazines).The looks of the car dont need any geting used to it as it is very cohesive and it is true that almost everyone got used to the new design philosophy of BMW.It looks and drives according to a lot of reliable car magazines great so BMW has another clear winner.I read an article on the e90 i believe it was on CAR magazine February 2005 and the guy who tested it was complaining for the conservative design of the car, i am really geting a bit frustrated with the response of the media to the design orientation of BMW. They either judge them as being controversial and for the first time after a long time someone judges a BMW for being conservative,whats the matter? it is as if its in fashion to judge the looks of a BMW.

[Sir_GT]

About 20 days ago i was in Greece for a week and i saw at least 10-15 different e90 3 series,all of them had german license plates and i assume there were for promotion purposes (test drive cars for the magazines).The looks of the car dont need any geting used to it as it is very cohesive and it is true that almost everyone got used to the new design philosophy of BMW.It looks and drives according to a lot of reliable car magazines great so BMW has another clear winner.I read an article on the e90 i believe it was on CAR magazine February 2005 and the guy who tested it was complaining for the conservative design of the car, i am really geting a bit frustrated with the response of the media to the design orientation of BMW. They either judge them as being controversial and for the first time after a long time someone judges a BMW for being conservative,whats the matter? it is as if its in fashion to judge the looks of a BMW.

The problem is that you have a majority of car "reviewers" who are in their early to late thirties (some even in their forties such as Clarkson and Metcalfe), and grew up with designs which were desirable during their time, but are a far cry from the modern styles being produced today.

They claim (or would like to believe) that they are aesthetic critics, but they simply aren't. Most of them can't even dress properly, so there isn't any reason why any of us should listen to what they believe is "attractive" anyway.

[Anonymous]

About 20 days ago i was in Greece for a week and i saw at least 10-15 different e90 3 series,all of them had german license plates and i assume there were for promotion purposes (test drive cars for the magazines).The looks of the car dont need any geting used to it as it is very cohesive and it is true that almost everyone got used to the new design philosophy of BMW.It looks and drives according to a lot of reliable car magazines great so BMW has another clear winner.I read an article on the e90 i believe it was on CAR magazine February 2005 and the guy who tested it was complaining for the conservative design of the car, i am really geting a bit frustrated with the response of the media to the design orientation of BMW. They either judge them as being controversial and for the first time after a long time someone judges a BMW for being conservative,whats the matter? it is as if its in fashion to judge the looks of a BMW.

Exactly. . . it goes back to the simple love/hate relationship. Either they like it or they don't. If they like the original designs then I guess the new 3 is conservative. If they don't then I guess it is okay.



My dealer is set to recieve first shippment in late april/early may. should be about the same for the rest of the country.

Actually FOX, if you want to take a trip south, you can try tracking down the west coast vehicle distribution center in Oxnard to see if they have any there. Not sure if they would leve them outside though, but its worth a try :wink: and take pics! :D

Hmmm. . . road trip. Hahah, I only wish if I had the time or money!!


It isn't very photogenic for some reason... like the Z4. The whole appearance seems much more attractive in the flesh, why? I have no idea. Must be the flame surfacing thing... I don't think it translates well to pictures.

Think of it this way... you know how you sometimes tell your mates that there was this really attractive girl in a party, and you took a snapshot and show her to them and they say "she'll alright" in that -she's not that great- tone, but when they actually see her in the flesh, their eyes bulge out and they go "yeah brov, she IS fuckin' hot isn't she?"

...that's how it is with the new 3. :)

Good analogy. I see your point.

Actually the Z4 is the only new BMW that I really like and would actually purchase. The others I would not mind owning but would never buy. You know what though the 6 has really started to grow on me since its introduction last year.

I always thought that Flaming Surface works well on a small car a la Z4, but does not really translate well into a large car like the 7.

We'll see about this 3. Definitely looking forward to it. :).