BMW [barely] Refreshes 3-Series
Ever go to get a haircut, ask for just a trim, and the cutter truly just barely cuts your hair? That's what happened on the 3-Series refresh. The front fascia is slightly revised. But for the most part, we're looking at the same ol' 3-Series we know and mostly love. Or strongly like. The biggest changes for the American version are: (1) a 335i wagon will now be available; (2) BMW is rolling out their dual clutch automatic transmission from the M3 as an option on the 335i coupe and convertible models only (guess on a $2500 price premium over the stick) and (3) the 335d, as in turbodiesel, is coming to America. From that oil burning engine you can pay 5.19 for diesel fuel, but also enjoy 425 lb ft of torque starting at only 1750 rpm and 265 horses. For now, the 335d will be only available configured as a RWD sedan for us North Americans, but the engine is set to land in the AWD BMW X5 as well. To be 50-state compliant, the engine uses the AdBlue urea injection system co-developed with Mercedes and VW. Expect the updated cars to be '09 models shipping early fall.
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Not sure if I'm the only one that likes the upcoming 7-series but when you add that to the refreshed (and de-Bangled) front of this 3-series, maybe there's hope in upcoming designs! From asking friends and family and reading other opinions on blogs, it looks like the 3-series coupe's styling has caught on, so I'll throw that into the mix. Any info about the next-gen Z4? For whatever reason, I've always liked that design while I guess others thought it was an eyesore on wheels! We'll leave the eyesore on wheels award in the corner of the current 5-series. De-Bangle that now!!!
And while we're at it, I'd like the see the current Honda Accord De-Bangled, too. The resemblance between the Accord and the 5er is neither subtle nor flattering.
I've been waiting for a 335i wagon in the USA. But I seriously doubt it's ever coming here. “There are no plans to offer our 300hp twin-turbo I-6 engine in the 3 Series Sport Wagon for the USA.” That's according to a recent email from BMWNA to TTAC's own contributer, Jonny Lieberman. Same thing is being said at Bimmerfile which is usually 99.9% correct.
Finally they changed the grill back to the way it should have been all along. Now only the poor 6 series has to suffer a bit longer with that stupid horizontal chrome above the grill. Now if they could only make it drive like my e46 I may buy a new one.