3 Series [First drives] 2008 BMW 3 Series (facelifted saloon)

[Merc1]

Entering its 33rd year of production, the BMW 3 Series and its numerous variants have found about 12 million homes to date. It's undoubtedly the company's bread and butter model and one that is relevant to most of our readers too. Some of you may be a little disappointed with the first images of the updated model, as its styling is only subtly different to the outgoing car, but if you know anything about the Bavarian car maker you should know that its process of gentle evolution works.

In the Metal

In isolation, the new car doesn't stand out on the road as anything particularly new, though BMW's designers have been busy tweaking the styling in a bid for a sportier, wider and longer appearance. The rear track has been widened by up to 24mm, with smaller increases at the front also adding to the car's stance. A more aggressive front bumper and sculpted bonnet complement the new headlights, which feature the use of LED technology for a distinctive appearance. The overall effect is somewhere between the previous generation's SE and M Sport models in terms of aggressiveness and the theme is continued in profile with more defined 'character lines' and new side mirrors. You'll notice the rear lights before any of that though, as they take influence from the fan-shaped design of the current 5 Series Saloon. LEDs also feature and the light has a very distinctive graphic at night.

If you think the exterior changes are subtle, you'll need someone to point out what's new about the new 3 Series' interior, especially if your car doesn't have the swanky new iDrive system on board. Some of the trim materials have been upgraded and much of the switchgear is now chrome-trimmed for an added feeling of quality, while detail changes such as new instrument needles and chromed kickplates ensure that the 3 Series maintains its upmarket feel in a market segment full of talented alternatives.


The Car Enthusiast | Reviews | BMW 3 Series road test


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[SKY]

Re: The Car Enthusiast - First Drive: 2008 BMW 3 Series (First drive - facelifted sal

EnI was right.

When you see pics of this car, particulary the side profile, you realise that it has nothing to do with the latest and newest BMW models. The porportions, the glasshouse, the entire front, and the way the tail lights wrap around the side profile tell us the next 3er is not going to be any similar to this one.

On the good side i must say this is one of those great BMW FL, like E65 FL was. An initially ugly and boring model with a few touches here and there that make it look far better, this is wahat E90 FL is, IMO.