The BMW F30 is the sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series range. Body styles: F30 (sedan), F31 (wagon/,touring), F34 (fastback/gran turismo), and F35 (long-wheelbase). For this generation, coupé/convertible models were spun off to create the new BMW 4 Series.
Predecessor: BMW E90. Successors: G20 3 Series, and G26 4 Series Gran Coupé (F34). Production: 2011–2018.
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I share the sentiments completely.
BMW designers have some great ideas, but when it comes to execution in production form, the idea is not implemented as it should have been. It started with E65.
I've been told that usually they have to compromise a lot - since design engineers are limited with existing engineering solutions / parts that are shared among series. And even more by the project's budget. Sometimes the complex design ideas are just to costly to implement (since the budget is limited). And then you get the bad compromises.
Are the BMW budget guys too stingy then the ones @ rivals? Are BMW design engineers not good enough, and eg . Audi has better ones? Are the BMW design ideas just too complex for the current industry? Is there a lack of communication between the design, engineering & finance? Is the whole product development project not managed well? Have BMW become too design-driven company so design department is pushing their agenda too much - even when told the execution in production form won't be perfect?
What's the difference here between BMW & eg. Audi? Why eg. Audi can manage such issue better? IMO the guys in Munich wonder as well ...
IMO all above-mentioned potential reasons are actually the real cause. The combination of them. I guess they are not as compatible & well-traind as an orchestra / team. Individual parts are excellence, but still not working perfectly together.
I'm sure the clay model of a new BMW car looks fantastic ... but then, when real production parts have to be implemented the imperfections start to show.
I would like to see BMW guys to find better solutions - which will lead to better production executions. Either picking less complex designs, either spending a bit more for better-fitting parts, either push design engineers to work harder etc.
Yes, this generation is better executed than the last one. But still not reaching the Audi level. I'm that's the secret of Audi "keep it simple / not going complex" designs: they can be implemented better & more perfect in production form.
I also miss that instant expensive & upscale look BMWs once had. The "perceived visual quality" factor is somehow missing sometimes - when compared to direct rivals. Yet as said: this generation is far better then the previous one. And I'm sure the next generation will be perfect. But how far the rivals can still stretch & keep the distance / advantage?
Nice to see an insightful and sobering write-up from you on the criticism-tip toward BMW (anything can be prone to criticism).
As for the next C, I think that the new 3 will be either the best or worst thing that happened to it (I guess it goes without saying, but taking away the aspect that this is the dominating and legendary 3-Series, and just basing it off of design). IMO BMW's left the door wide open for M-B to design a revolutionary C-Class that gets the ultimate popping-smoke effect, while exposing the 3's very reminiscent familiarity (aside from the revolutionary and insanely modern front). However, that is also M-B's worst enemy right now. M-B's trying to Design revolutionary/popping-smoke designs so desperately, it's becoming their worst enemy. I have a feeling that the next C will be so opposite from the 3's approach, i.e abandoning all previous blood-line, and showing no confidence in the 3-Box/Sedan lineage, that it may grab massive attention initially, due to the inevitable frills and "ooh" factor, but maybe once that wears off, the 3 will be able to outshine it in a silent-killer fashion.
I'll bet that it will be a more extreme example of the 5 VS E-Class right now. I.e, understated VS relatively/slightly more overstated, or conservative VS frills and fussy, or Smooth and simple VS messy. Only thing is, it seems like BMW wanted to go more extreme with this 3, but they put all the extreme attention toward only the front. It doesn't give it as simple/clean a look as the 5, but naturally maybe that's 'cause this segment needs something a little more playful/fussy.
Tumbo
RPM Ruler
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Amen. I dont recall two models looking so much alike... Even the A8 vs A4 differ more then this. Its absolutely crazy.
Look at page 26 of the german price list:
http://www.bmw.de/de/de/newvehicles/_shared/pdf/pricelist/3_LI_F30_pricelist.pdf?_blank
It is not included in the section options, but rather under accessories
@K-A, I don't think I have ever disagreed with someone's opinion more then I do with yours here, what are you on?
I get the similarity in side profile which is to be expected as the overall dimensions though increased have kept pretty much is proportions with the E90 but how is it disjointed looking. And how on earth do you see elements of Japanese design in its interior when no one else does?
I reckon this along with the Z4 are the two best looking BMWs.
I get the similarity in side profile which is to be expected as the overall dimensions though increased have kept pretty much is proportions with the E90 but how is it disjointed looking. And how on earth do you see elements of Japanese design in its interior when no one else does?
I reckon this along with the Z4 are the two best looking BMWs.
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Couldn't disagree with you more. So far I've been called a girl and a druggy by Bimmer fanboys for dissecting (quite well, I might ad) a fairly ho-hum offering (via pictures).
Nice.
The hood area and A-Pillars back look like they're from two different cars. The front part = a new, practically futuristic, ultra modern, super pinched/contrived/raked look, while the sides = extremely similar look and proportions to the E90. This is the very definition of disjointed. In fact, I've never seen a BMW with a front end so ill-fit to the rest of the car. Now, on the COUPE, I can see this front end working.
Like I said about the A6: In the frontal 3/4 view of the car, I feel that the front end dates the sides, makes them look rather stodgy and "old" in comparison. The straight up side profile is by far the best IMO, as you just get to focus on the great proportions and carefully evolved and refined shape.
As for the interior: A- I wasn't the first one here to use the term "Japanese", and I use that term loosely, i.e the interior looks rather playful, plastic-ful, and "colorful" compared to BMW's other cars right now, and compared to the previous 3-Series. And B- I wouldn't say that it's an upset for a 3-Series, as I think that it's mostly appropriate, however I think a little more elegance could be befitting.
Have you ever read me review a car? I usually pretty critical, relax.
Nice.
The hood area and A-Pillars back look like they're from two different cars. The front part = a new, practically futuristic, ultra modern, super pinched/contrived/raked look, while the sides = extremely similar look and proportions to the E90. This is the very definition of disjointed. In fact, I've never seen a BMW with a front end so ill-fit to the rest of the car. Now, on the COUPE, I can see this front end working.
Like I said about the A6: In the frontal 3/4 view of the car, I feel that the front end dates the sides, makes them look rather stodgy and "old" in comparison. The straight up side profile is by far the best IMO, as you just get to focus on the great proportions and carefully evolved and refined shape.
As for the interior: A- I wasn't the first one here to use the term "Japanese", and I use that term loosely, i.e the interior looks rather playful, plastic-ful, and "colorful" compared to BMW's other cars right now, and compared to the previous 3-Series. And B- I wouldn't say that it's an upset for a 3-Series, as I think that it's mostly appropriate, however I think a little more elegance could be befitting.
Have you ever read me review a car? I usually pretty critical, relax.
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SKY
Silver Arrow Expert
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- Name
- Alberto
When you K-A say the side looks old, we have to think for a moment. BMW continue to design their side profiles with a single line (this F30 has teo, but quite subtle) and upwards or orizontal. MB is trying to innovate, but they draw akward lines, one upwards and the other downwards... What do you want?.
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- Name
- Martin
I effing love this thing like I haven't loved a Beemer in a long time. I think it's terrific for what it is - an up-to-date, trendy, fresh, sharp, interesting yet at the same time wholesome, good ol' fashioned 3er. Contrived oxymorons dispensed with, this car is everything it needs to be in my opinion. The frontal aspect is quite adventurous and perhaps the only criticism that can be levelled at the F30 is that the rear of the car doesn't quite follow suit.
Proportions are just spot on; the silhouette a classic example of "if it aint broke..." and the interior is stylish and engaging for anyone looking for that little extra visual interest. After all, it's inside that one spends most of the time in the company of one's wheels and BMW hasn't disappointed in this regard in some time now. A massive step up inside from the plain, minimalism of the E90.
The pick of the bunch in terms of sensibility - the 320d with the ZF 8-speeder auto. My choice, based on no sensibility whatsoever but rather on dynamics and driver appeal - it's the 328i with a stick. Can't wait to drive one. It might just be my first Beemer, I like it that much.
Proportions are just spot on; the silhouette a classic example of "if it aint broke..." and the interior is stylish and engaging for anyone looking for that little extra visual interest. After all, it's inside that one spends most of the time in the company of one's wheels and BMW hasn't disappointed in this regard in some time now. A massive step up inside from the plain, minimalism of the E90.
The pick of the bunch in terms of sensibility - the 320d with the ZF 8-speeder auto. My choice, based on no sensibility whatsoever but rather on dynamics and driver appeal - it's the 328i with a stick. Can't wait to drive one. It might just be my first Beemer, I like it that much.
deity
Highway Hunter
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I know it's completely pointless to say, but I disagree. I do agree they are quite similar at first sight, but there are distinct differences. I'll show you in a couple of weeks when we all are familiar with the design. Or sooner, when some website puts up proper side-by-side pics.
Not related to this, but it's fairly easy to tell there are some here bitching just for the sake of it
hoffmeister_fan
Kraftwagen König
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so after digesting the design some more, I gotta say I am still liking it. Initially, I wasn't that keen on the M-pack version, but real-life pics have convinced me that's the one to have.
There are 3 points of criticism from me...
1) the rear door panel is pure bean-counter mentality. For a premium car, there ought to be more leather and less plastic. No excuses for that, really. Otherwise the interior is very nice and allayed my concerns of being too visually similar to the 1er.
2) the pinching of the headlights to the 3-D grille is a nice, novel approach for BMW, but, in my mind, it could have been executed better. I think they ought to widened the grille by 0.5-1 inch and then pinched it less dramatically. Not exactly a deal-breaker for me, but something of what could have been.
3) Even though I've said it has 6-series influence on the rear 5-series light, it still doesn't offer that much visual distinction from the 5-series. In relation to Audis, the A8 is more distinctive than the A4, whereas the 3er and 5er are too similar. I'm sure there could been a way to maintain familial ties as well as provide enough distinction amongst each car line.
There are 3 points of criticism from me...
1) the rear door panel is pure bean-counter mentality. For a premium car, there ought to be more leather and less plastic. No excuses for that, really. Otherwise the interior is very nice and allayed my concerns of being too visually similar to the 1er.
2) the pinching of the headlights to the 3-D grille is a nice, novel approach for BMW, but, in my mind, it could have been executed better. I think they ought to widened the grille by 0.5-1 inch and then pinched it less dramatically. Not exactly a deal-breaker for me, but something of what could have been.
3) Even though I've said it has 6-series influence on the rear 5-series light, it still doesn't offer that much visual distinction from the 5-series. In relation to Audis, the A8 is more distinctive than the A4, whereas the 3er and 5er are too similar. I'm sure there could been a way to maintain familial ties as well as provide enough distinction amongst each car line.
Michael
Torque Titan
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Okay, I really hate to do this, but I think the overall design is starting to settle in and convince me that it is actually great. Granted, I never had strong criticisms about it, I just had reservations about a few areas on the car. I think the interior has to grow and/or totally change for me to love it. However, the front and side profile is really starting to look great.
bmwownage
Kraftkurve King
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A pity that there will be no M version of this 4 door version, but hey, with the 4 door looking this sporty and aggressive, i just cannot imagine how the coupe will look.. usually the coupe can only look even more sportier/aggressive than the 4 door so i cannot wait!
looking at it more, while the rear is probably the most "normal" and expected bit, the front end is pretty amazing. It is really "the transition" from the current designs to the i8/VED like nose designs... at some angles it looks like a smaller 5series but at others, its front is obviously telling you that BMW is heading towards a new direction (unless this is a one-off). Forget the F20 though, i still can't understand what on earth happened with it.
looking at it more, while the rear is probably the most "normal" and expected bit, the front end is pretty amazing. It is really "the transition" from the current designs to the i8/VED like nose designs... at some angles it looks like a smaller 5series but at others, its front is obviously telling you that BMW is heading towards a new direction (unless this is a one-off). Forget the F20 though, i still can't understand what on earth happened with it.
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BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, abbreviated as BMW is a German multinational
manufacturer of luxury vehicles and motorcycles headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
The company was founded in 1916 as a manufacturer of aircraft engines, which it produced
from 1917 to 1918 and again from 1933 to 1945.
Official website: BMW (Global), BMW (USA)
Official website: BMW (Global), BMW (USA)
