yianni64

The replacment isnt that far away. My question is will the 4-Series coupe still share its look with the 3-Series sedan? And yes, i know they dont share any body panles blah blah, but they still lookt he same.

DakarM

The replacement wont be released until 2006. That's 4 years from now. So I don't think the 3-series will have the name change until then.

AcuraFanatic

Kind of dumb to change the 3-series moniker, given the success. Are they trying to pull a Japanese luxury automarker?

yianni64

2006? Does the 3-Series have a 7 year cycle? I dont think itll stay competitive if it stays the same til 06.

DakarM

it's typical. the E36 was first introduced in 1992 and the last year for it was 1999. in the later part of 1999 is when the E46 3-series was introduced. 6~7 year model cycle is typical of BMW.

DakarM

New baby BMW for just £15,000 on sale in the UK from Mid 2005.

The new 1-Series should measure in at 4150mm in length & 1700mm wide, 100mm shorter than the current 3-Series Compact.

The two box design with it's engine mounted longitudinally needs a longer bonnet that it's rivals with transverse arrangement.

Thin framed doors give the new 1-Series a "Coupe" like appearance.

Production versions of the 1-Series will flaunt the sharp-edged look similar to the concept CS1 shown at the Geneva Motor show earlier this year.

Up to 5 different variations are planned, 3-door hatchback, a 5-door hatchback & a 2-door coupe.

UK Sales will now be delayed to mid-2005.

A four seater Cabrio & 5-door touring with higher roof, will get approval providing the main stream models are a success.

Engines will start with the 1.6, 1.8 & 2.0 litre petrol & will use BMW's Valvetronic system, later the Direct-Injection system form the V12 760iL may be used.

Two versions of BMW's 2.0 Litre common-rail turbodiesel engines will be alloy blocks with the latest Bosch injection technology.

M2 engine is believed to be a 2.2 or 2.4 Litre with electro-hydraulic valve actuation that allows it to rev to 9000Rpm & should produce 240Bhp. Costing approx £25,000 at today's prices.

The baby BMW is to built at the Regensburg factory.


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9000rpm! gish I hope they don't blow up like S54 engines

sounds like BMW really wants to out rev Honda.

That 2.2L 4 cylinder is the rumored engine for the Z5.

yianni64

Well, if it is 2.2L and 240hp, Honda doesnt have to worry about loosing their more hp/liter title to BMW. But if that BMW makes 265+hp, then Honda would have their work cut out for them. And dont forget about the K24 that's supposed to be in the TSX, 250hp, and im sure with quite a bit of low end torque for a 4 banger.

Anyways, my point is, Honda is still king of the 4cyl, and whatever BMW does, Honda will come back and beat em. BMW does make the sweetest of 6-cylinders though.....