The 3

Words: Charlie Austin

Upon first look at the new 2012 BMW 3 Series F30 sedan, it seems to have been decked out by the EPA and punched in the nose by the 5 Series whose butt it stole from. Literally the only thing that sets it apart from BMW's current model range is the headlights kissing the grill, and even that is a controversial subject at first look. However, it is amazing what such a simple change can do, take out that strip of headlight and the F30 becomes a timid coward. Spec-wise, the smallest in the model range has gotten longer, wider, and taller. We just can't wrap our heads around why manufacturers feel as if their cars have to be stretched in all directions with each model year, compared to the classic E30, the F30 is over a half-a-foot longer and wider. Now it may seem as if all has gone wrong in Deutschland, but how important are these nit-picking criticisms people so easily jump to?

With Car & Driver staff buying the BMW 3 Series more than any other car and the 3 Series being the most successful BMW in history, the F30 is truly an important event for the car world and a momentous event for BMW and it goes without saying, BMW probably could have released an exact copy of the E36, E46, or E90 and the BMW cult would give praise. The BMW 3 series has been known for bearing the quintessence of engineering and driver to car communication powerful enough to inform you which tread of the tire passed over a tiny pebble in the road. So what really is new? Has BMW done it again?

Even though the F30 BMW has gained a couple of inches in all directions, it has remarkably managed to drop weight, the incoming 335i is an astonishing 55 pounds lighter than the outgoing one. One thing we hate to see, however, is the straight-sixes being replaced by EPA-friendly turbo fours. Luckily, however, two less cylinders and a turbo seem to cancel out; the new 328i will come in with 14 extra horses, not quite a Scuderia, but quite a jump up to 242 hp. The new 3 Series will come in 3 different lines, "Sport", "Modern", and "Luxury". The differences between the three can be summed up in chrome and matte accents, key fob colors, and interior finishes. All in all, the new F30 BMW is not a drastic change from the E9X, but it begs the question, why change something that is already great? And when you take into account the increases in hp and the weight shedding, the familiar taillights seem to fade away. Another great 3 Series?, we think so.