Beginning production almost 40 years ago, the E21-generation 3 Series arrived in Europe by 1975 as a replacement for BMW’s venerable 2002. The first 3 Series shared a few design cues with its predecessor, including the single round headlights and slender two-piece grille. Later in the E21’s production run, the model would adopt the familiar dual-round headlight look, which remains one of BMW’s trademarks today. Six years after the E21’s introduction, BMW produced its 1 millionth 3 Series. By 1982, the E30-generation model arrived. Though this generation is now famous for serving as the basis for the first high-performance M3 model, BMW also notes the E30 evolved the 3 Series’ styling with rounder (though still boxy) lines, and marks the introduction of the wider, flatter dual-kidney grille. The E30 was also the first 3 Series to be offered with a diesel in Europe.
With the E36 generation in 1990, the 3 Series received a more streamlined profile, and enclosed its dual-round headlights in a glass (or plastic on U.S. models) housing. The E36 M3 got a high-revving inline-six engine, while non-M models grew the 3 Series’ body style range to include sedan, coupe, convertible, wagon, and hatchback versions. The E46 evolved the model’s styling, as well as its performance and tech features when it was introduced in Europe in 1998. That generation is also notable for producing the first all-wheel-drive 3 Series.
Things begin to look more modern with the arrival of the fifth-generation 3 Series, the E90, in 2005. With a rounder design, and more powerful engine options across the range, the E90 brought the 3 Series up to date for the mid-2000s. That brings us to the present day, and the 2012 BMW 3 Series. Though the new model has just arrived, it already appears it may become another benchmark.
Check out the video below to learn about the full history of the 3 Series.
We would like to thank Motor Trend for the content of this article.
We have recently been run over online by some new spy shots of the 2014 BMW M3 as it goes through cold weather testing. Ever since the new BMW 3-Series was introduced in the fall of last year there has been a low rumbling about the new M3. Rumors have been circling for months and were confirmed by insiders yesterday at Car and Driver magazine that the somewhat thirsty 4.0-liter V8.
2014 BMW M3 Sedan - Front
There will be little opposition to the statement that the outgoing M3 model was the best of the breed so far and it has left some big shoes to fill. The fire breathing high revving 4.0-liter V8 was dialed up an amazing 415hp and all of those horses could be routed through BMW technologically advanced dual cutch gear box or the tried and true 6-speed manual. The car could be purchased with carbon ceramic brakes and the steering and suspension provided the driver with the ultimate driving feel and feedback.
Car and Driver Magazine is reporting that the next M3 version will not come to market for another two years which makes sense as the 3-series just goes on sale here in Canada this month. I will include a coupe that may end up wearing an M4 badge and would also feature a convertible model that would showcase a retractable hard top. We expect liberal use of carbon-fiber components both to underscore the M3′s racing pretensions and BMW’s claim to technological leadership. Carbon fiber also will help to bring down the new 3-series’ slight weight gain.
2014 BMW M3 Sedan - Front 3/4
BMW as a brand is pushing for more fuel efficient cars and the next gen M3 will not escape that objective. Resulting in the 2014 car being rumors to either received a tri-turbo inline six or a twin-turbo V6. Either engine option will be expected to output between 450hp and 500hp that will only power the rear wheels via 6-speed manual of a 7-sped dual-clutch.
2014 BMW M3 Sedan - Side
The next M3 will compete head-on with upcoming models like the Audi RS4 and the Cadillac ATS-V, as well as the Lexus IS F and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. Can the M3/M4 retain its crown of as the king of the Luxury muscle cars? Time will tell but if you look at BMW track record with the previous M#’s as well as how the cars bigger brother the M5 turned out, they could have another winner on their hands.
We always seem to enjoy these behind the scenes videos as it allows us to know what point of view the designers were coming from when the car was nothing but a drawing on a piece of paper. After watching the video you begin to understand why such a luxury car cost so much as the attention to detail is second to none. As one thing that BMW makes perfectly clear in this 3-Series information video is that they truly have though through every little design feature of the car.
The 2012 BMW 3-Series will be sold in three highly customizable trim levels – Sport, Modern and Luxury. Whichever Bimmer trim level you decide to select be careful not to tick too many of the option boxes as the price can rise significantly if you do. We are hoping to test out the new inline 4-cylinder engine as we have read reports that the 240 horsepower perfectly suit the base models.
BMW USA has decided that the best way to inform you about all of the new features of the new 2012 BMW 3-Series is to bore you to death. If there is one thing that BMW make perfectly clear in this 3-Series information video is that they truly have though through every little feature of the car.
The 2012 BMW 3-Series will be sold in three highly customizable trim levels – Sport, Modern and Luxury. Whichever Bimmer trim level you decide to select be careful not to tick too many of the option boxes as the price can rise significantly if you do.
The new 6th generation BMW 3-Series was release last Friday to the Public and it was met with positive reviews. The new car will be larger and lighter then the outgoing model, and curiously it will only feature turbocharged engines.
The entry level model will inherit the 328i badge and will feature an all new 2.0-liter 4 cylinder 245 horse power 258 lb-ft or torque with a predicted 0-100 km per hour time of 5.9 seconds. The older brother of the line up the 335i will get the same turbo inline 6 cylinders as the outgoing model that makes 305 horse power and 295 lb-ft of torque while doing the 0-100 km/h time in 5.5 seconds range.
If you are a fanboy of the inline 6 then you should look into scooping up one of the first generation 335i’s as we know that the M3 will receive a turbo V6 and would think that the more fuel efficient V6 will one day replace the I-6 as the models top engine.
The new F30 BMW 3-Series will be in show rooms this upcoming February and we can’t wait.
Last month we got to see the official pictures of the upcoming midsized salon from Cadillac. The new Cadillac ATS stripped off its camouflage for car and driver magazine back in the last week of August. You wouldn’t have read about it here on Car Rolodex as the pictures were only all shot from the side and didn’t generate any excitement or even buzz.
Well this week Cadillac has raised the bar on the ATS and has released a video to create some buzz for the cars Facebook advertising campaign. In it we see the 2013 Cadillac ATS ripping around the famous Nurburgring as it under goes track testing. We’re not sure about the brown/beige interior however the rest of the car has intrigued us.
There was no secret 10 years ago with the release of the CTS that Cadillac was placing a well timed shot across the bow of all German and Japanese luxury brand that they were back and serious about redefining what American luxury was. When the CTS launched nearly a decade ago, Cadillac pitched it as a rival to the BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Audi A4. However it was always to large in comparison to those cars.
Cadillac is re-addressed this issue by growing the 3rd generation CTS, and therefore Caddy will be repositioning it as a direct competitor to the BMW 5-series, Audi A6, and Mercedes-Benz E-class.
Now that we have given your Caddies corporate strategy we can let you know that the ATS is the new entry level American Luxury model with a hint of Japanese reliability and German performance. Much like it’s older brother the ATS will be a rear wheel drive platform and is expected to offer both 4 and 6 cylinder engine choices. We would expect that both the I4 and the V6’s will offer forced injection technology. Judging the direction that parent Company GM is currently heading they will be turbocharged and not supercharged.
The car forum rumor mills are predicting a 4-wheel drive version to be an option and they are demanding that the ATS-V take some inspiration from the next gen M3 and use a twin-turbocharged V-6 that is outputting at least 380 hp.
Check out the Nurburgring video first and if you are looking for more rumor mill info watch the second video from Cadillac on how they are designing the current ATS.
The Lexus line up of years past has been catering towards the luxury market by offering vehicles that are quite, soft riding marshmallows that offer Japanese reliability. Unfortunately in the enthusiasts car world when the word Lexus is mentioned we think more about falling asleep then sleeper cars. I can’t understand why anyone would buy one of the Lexus models that are currently offered in Canada. As there isn’t one car in their current line-up that is clearly better than any of the competing German car company rivals.
Lets break the line up down for a second so that you can see what I’m talking about. If we start at the top you have the LFA, the most expensive super car that came to market last year. A car that took 9 years to design and produce and in that time the market place had changed so much that it was almost out of date at its launch party. It is powered by a high revving V10 when everyone else is downsizing too few cylinders’ The entire industry has made a conscious effort to go with smaller displacement volumes and making up the difference through forced induction like turbos or superchargers. Don’t even get me started on it not having a duel clutch gear box. So why would you buy one when there are so many other great cars in show rooms now that are way cheaper? Can anyone say Nissan GT-R at 400,000 dollars on the cheap.
The Lexus’ flagship sedan is the LS and I defy you to tell me why it is better than the Hyundai Equus. Sure the LS can park it’s self, but the last time I checked that was the job of the driver so do we really need that feature. The Equus comes in at 20,000 dollars less and when sitting in the back seat I challenge anyone to say that the ride and surroundings are not as nice as the LS.
“Oh ya well at least the LS comes in a hybrid model”, some people will say. Now come on people hybrids are smoke and mirrors. Do you know how long it takes for you to re-coupe the inflated price tag on a hybrid model through fuel price savings? The average is 5 years, and no one knows how long the battery packs will last and when they break no one can tell you how much they will cost to replace. I know my laptop battery is pretty much toast after 2.5 to 3 years and cost 1/5th of the cost of the laptop to replace. It’s a lithium ion battery which last time I checked was the same technology. LS Fail!
You have the current IS, which isn’t as good as an Audi A4 or a BMW 3-Series. The current GS isn’t as good as an A6 or 5-Series or even an E-Type. The ES is a really nothing but a Camry in nicer clothing. The EX looks the same as it did when it was launched back in 1998. I don’t wear the same clothing styles and I did back in 98 so why would I want to drive something that looked like a car from 1998?
This leaves with the Toyota Trucks that Lexus re-brands as LX and GX. I’ll let you guys try to figure out the difference between those two trucks as I’m too afraid that it will put me to sleep. We can talk about the hard top convertibles that they have however I’d rather not since I’ve only ever seen a hand full on the road.
As we finish off the line-up we come full circle with two more gimmicky hybrids that once again are drastically over priced for the contents of the packages. The HS is a corolla sized car that isn’t as practical and starts out in Canada at 41,000 dollars. I could get two Chevy Cruze Eco models for that price and sleep easy knowing that I’d get better highway fuel economy and only lose 1.6 L/100 km in the city. The same performance comparison can be had for the CT and an equally priced Audi A3 TDI.
As you can tell I’m not inspired by the current Lexus Line-up which they may not mind as they are catering to my well over the hill parents and Grandparents. However all of that may be about to change, as it looks like there may be something for us early thirty year old at the Lexus dealership.
Last week the new 2013 Lexus GS 350 was announced after weeks of teaser images and videos. The styling isn’t too bad as it has some nice aggressive Cadillac CTS inspired lines on it. Lexus is also touting its performance however a test drive will need to be had in order to confirm that rumour.
Check out the press launch video below. We have also cut and pasted the press release information below so that you can dive into the raw facts yourself to see if this is a car that can rival the 5-series, E-types and A6’s of the world. Speaking on behalf of my generation I certainly hope so as right now Lexus is as exciting to me as my Grandfathers Rice and Shine
Below is the New 2013 Lexus GS 350 press clippings, taken from the Lexus of Europe webpage:
With a bold new exterior design, the fourth generation Lexus GS completely redefines the performance sedan. A powerful change, the all-new GS features the new Lexus brand signature spindle grille.
In profile, the car’s muscular stance contrasts its lean waistline and long streamlined cabin, to give it an unmistakable presence and exceptional roominess. With class-leading aerodynamics, the new design fuses distinctive style with engineering functionality.
The new GS 350 is powered by an advanced 3.5-litre, V6 petrol engine with Variable Valve Timing – intelligent (VVT-i) technology. Uniquely in this segment, it features both direct and sequential injection, for rapid, yet efficient, power delivery.
Developing over 300 DIN hp, the GS 350 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under six seconds. An impressive 375 Nm of torque ensures strong mid-range acceleration, with 80 to 120 km/h taking just 4.4 seconds. Yet at the same time, fuel economy has been improved. The six-speed, sequential shift automatic transmission is specified with paddle shift controls for rapid gear changes. The GS 350 will be available with All-Wheel Drive or rear-wheel drive.
With significantly enhanced front and rear suspension technology and greater body rigidity, the new GS is dynamic and engaging to drive. It is a car that conveys a tangible sense of driver confidence, with a chassis that inspires and rewards driver input with crisp and precise handling.
Lexus Dynamic Handling features active 4-wheel steering for outstanding directional stability and accurate cornering with enhanced grip. And with the drive mode selector, you can customize the experience. Modes range from ECO for environmentally focused driving to Sport S+ for exhilarating performance.
The new GS will be available with a raft of state-of-the-art technologies. Infra-red night vision, the world’s first 12.3″ split-widescreen display and Driver Monitoring System with closed eye detection are just a few of the highlights.
Full-LED ambient lighting is specified in the interior, while bi-LED headlights are available for the first time on a Lexus. Intelligent, energy-saving electronic climate control directs air-flow only to those seats that are occupied. Additionally world-first Nano-e technology generates ions in the cabin air to help purify it.
I have never seen a production video quite like this one, as the viewer rides along inside the cars frame as it works its way down the production line at the Munich Plant. You literally start your journey as a single piece of metal as it moves to the stamping area and on to assembly, paint, and final inspection. The video then finishes with a short road test to ensure that everything is in working order.
I love the pre-paint section of the plant where we get to ride along as the car is dunked in the pre-paint cleaning solutions. It does make me wonder how long the entire process takes from start to finish as there is no indication in the video. However long it does take in real life I am appreciative of the fact that the video’s director compressed it into 4 minutes.
Finally the camouflage has been dropped from the new BMW 1-series hatchback and it is a definite improvement over the outgoing model. Don’t start holding your breath quite yet as there has been no official word if it will be coming to North America and since the 1st generation didn’t ship to this side of the pond, I have my doubts. Not to mention that the current Sedan versions of the 1-Series are already on sale here as 2012 models.
From the front it is the classic BMW redesign with more vertical Kinney grills and great looking daytime running lights. A 1.6-liter inline 4 will be the base gas engine which can be dialed up to 134hp or 168hp with Europe also getting a 2.0-liter diesel with the same two tiered performance numbers, 114hp and 181hp. The big news would be that the 1-series will ship with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an engine start/stop system to help with fuel consumption numbers. Could we have our first 60mpg Bimmer? Bring on the test drives and let’s find out.
No mention if they have improved rear seat leg room and trunk space which were major draw backs of the outgoing model. From the video the trunk looks bigger and the back seat still looks tight but we will have to see the official numbers to determine if that truly is the case. They also did not mention how much it would cost to gain entry to the Exclusive BMW club. Let’s hope it is better value than the old one series otherwise we will have to continue to recommend going with the biblically good 3-series.
The 2012 BMW 1-series will go on sale in Europe in September and may the following year make it to our shores.
Here are the high points that have been rumored to be coming to the 2012 BMW 3-Series:
A turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine will replace the current 3.0 liter straight 6. An a new Turbo straight 6-cylinder engine will be added to the top 335i model. BMW has also promised new tech features, mostly likely Red tooth and Mind control iPod connectivity.
Judging from the spy shots below the styling will be more of a 2012 Honda Civic refresh then a 2012 Hyundai Elantra and we would be okay with that as the current 3-Series is still a handsome looking car. When we learn more about the new 2012 F30 3-Series we will post it here. Until then enjoy the latest round of soy shots below.
