2012 BMW 3-Series caught during a photo shoot

2012 BMW 3-Series spy photo - 15.8.2011 / BMWFAQ.com

Inching closer to production

A member of BMWFAQ has caught the 2012 BMW 3-Series undisguised during a photo shoot.

The pictures are low resolution, but you can see the car's styling is heavily influenced by the 5-Series. Additionally, the model is expected to be 2 inches (5.1 cm) longer than the current car which should result in improved rear seat legroom.

Engine options will likely include a turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol with 184 PS (135 kW / 181 hp) and 245 PS (180 kW / 241 hp). There should also be a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with approximately 320 PS (315 hp (235 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. A hybrid variant will also join the lineup with a turbocharged 3.0-liter petrol and a 54 PS (40 kW / 54 hp) electric motor.

On the diesel side, we can expect a 2.0-liter unit with outputs of 143 PS (105 kW / 141 hp) and 184 PS (135 kW / 181 hp).

Thanks for the tip Pablo!

Source: BMWFAQ

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som3aa

WDf is wrong with bmw? The 7-series is identical to the 5-series which is now identical to the 3-series??? what happened to creativity ?!!!

-1

August 15, 2011 12:44 pm

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3 replies

Murcielago2006

Couldn't agree more, I actually now have a hard time telling if it's a 5 or 7 Series when I see one drive by. It's about to get even worse!

-1

August 15, 2011 12:48 pm

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shaahinmt

sad but true.

August 15, 2011 4:38 pm

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buruchaga

BMW E39 and E46 looked identical and this shouldn't be any news. These little low res images does no justice to what we should expect.

August 16, 2011 12:33 am

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94geo

Wow, looks great the front looks nothing like the 5 or 7. The lights, and shape of the grill are completely different. The rear lights appear to resemble the 5, but that is a good thing because they look good. Overall it has a much sportier look than the 5 with the shorter trunk and flared wheel arches. Well done.

August 15, 2011 12:54 pm

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911gt2

The front?s combination of smooth surfaces and sharp lines looks amazing!

August 15, 2011 12:58 pm

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s4quattro

Audi please take notes. This looks very nice, it looks similar to the five, but not identical like all of Audis models.

August 15, 2011 1:01 pm

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1 reply

Ratt

YES!

August 15, 2011 1:52 pm

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N20_Purge

The rear and the overall shape looks very nice. Can't see the front very well, but those look like 1 series headlights.

August 15, 2011 1:14 pm

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1 reply

PawL

I hoped i was the only one who noticed that...beacause i hate the new 1-series headlights...

October 12, 2011 12:36 am

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JoshBenz

The 3 series is for the person on a budget. Who is looking for luxury and class. For instance the young man who just started success in his career. And as his success continues and he gets married he will buy the 5 series. Then eventully buy the 7. You kinda grow up in it

August 15, 2011 1:20 pm

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1 reply

juventus7977

i believe what u said to be true but that is just half the story as i see it . don't forget that cars also resemble the different characters of their driversfor example BMW is more focused on performance driving so ppl who r more drive oriented tend to buy BMW's. Mercedes focused more on elegance and presence on the road , hence the age average of Mercedes is much higher. to conclude , i see the 3 series and the 7 series r two very different cars :)

August 15, 2011 1:31 pm

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eddie

I started with a 6, then a 7 and now a 3. I did the two day BMW M course in Spartenburg, SC and the 3 is like a go cart compared to the rest.

August 15, 2011 4:35 pm

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douleny

i guess we gonna have to wait for the coupe then!

August 15, 2011 8:45 pm

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e36mmm

I understand that the new f30 will look more like the current 5 series but it's not as ridicilously same looking as the audi's. The car shouldn't be judged on 3 little photos. I think it will have a very good stance when you see it in the metal. 3, 5 and the 7 are always distinguished. This new 3er will be no different.

August 15, 2011 8:48 pm

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douleny

the sad thing is here: we dont need 20 professional photos to admire the new 3 series,,,,it should strike us immediatly,,,we should've fallen in love with it just by looking at three bad quality photos...which sadly...we didnt!!

August 15, 2011 8:57 pm

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afterace2

it will sell like hot cakes no doubt about it!

August 15, 2011 10:05 pm

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peterjames7

Ive seen some more of these pics n the headlights definately look 1 series style and the rear lights look more 6 series than 5 a lot more sporty im resrving judgement for full pics as im not a big fan of the sad eyes of the 1 series. Im a big fan of the look of the revised c class and the audis do all look the same just different lengths

August 16, 2011 2:25 am

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