What To Expect From The 2013 BMW 3-Series

ConsumerGuide reports:

The 2013 BMW 3-Series should reprise most current-model features, starting with standard front-side airbags and, convertibles excepted, head-protecting tubular side airbags covering both seating rows. Convertibles should retain head/torso front airbags, plus rollover bars designed to deploy from the rear headrests if sensors detect an impending tip. They should also continue with a power-fold hardtop instead of a fabric roof. Returning option lists should again include a luxury-focused Premium Package, a driver-oriented Sport Package with upgraded suspension and unique trim, a navigation system with BMW's iDrive infotainment controller (doubtless revised once more for easier use), steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps, keyless entry and starting, music-player plug-in, and the BMW Assist service with wireless cell-phone link.

In all, the 2013 BMW 3-Series seems to be another of those tricky redesigns that has to be "the same yet different," much like the E90 versus the prior E46 generation. And you really can't blame BMW for being cautious with a line that accounts for over 40 percent of its yearly sales and which still defines the brand in most people's minds. Besides, why risk losing sales when the market is already so tough? All of which suggests that if you like today's 3-Series, you should like the F30 at least as much. You can bet BMW is counting on it....

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LexSucks - 3/16/2010 11:37:32 PM

+3 Boost

DSG, Limited-Slip, and Google Maps Nav would be nice.

KZ258 - 3/17/2010 10:21:37 AM

+2 Boost

definitely limited slip.

rxh8me9000 - 3/17/2010 2:05:42 AM

+3 Boost

This article is just beating around the bush. I could have said any of this. I would hope BMW would have all the safety features from the current car in the new car plus more.Obviously the car is going to have a premium and sport package.What about real spy news like NEW things that will be in the new car.Not bashing Autospies because im here everyday,but this article is lame.

JB007 - 3/17/2010 10:02:04 AM

-3 Boost

Could you have drawn the puicture too?

100octane - 3/17/2010 6:26:29 AM

+4 Boost

"Hire Toyota engineer to redo all BMW electronics so they are reliable"

hahaha, nice one

Whelan - 3/17/2010 9:05:34 AM

+5 Boost

Am I really seeing an article speculating a 2013 BMW?!?!? C'mon seriously? First off, all the safety features mentioned (i.e. front side airbags) are going to be a STANDARD for ALL U.S. model cars regardless of manufacturer as of 2012.

Secondly, if you haven't heard Ford is coming out with a NEW Focus. How about you do some ACTUAL SPY WORK and get me some information on the car. What are the mpg specs? what are the packages going to be offered? What are the performance models going to look like? I'm sure the brainiac with FLIR images of the 1 series with fender flares can come up with something. Geez, they try so hard to NOT talk about other models that matter.

PlanB - 3/17/2010 11:26:50 AM

+1 Boost

The outline makes it seem it'll resemble a smaller 5.

no1listensanyway - 3/17/2010 2:15:35 PM

0 Boost

I will not touch that car, until they get rid of those rub flats. I know alot of people are with me on that.

Runflats are awful, make the ride jittery and ruff, and they break open at the sign of pothole.

BMW is going to mess with their Camry. Keep the formula the same, just refine and refine.

pepito66 - 3/17/2010 3:22:08 PM

+1 Boost

Competitions is hard so I think BMW put the best on every aspect in the 3 series. This is a very important model for this brand is vital and is a winner for 20 years top 10 best. We just wait for the best.

thstone - 3/18/2010 3:52:15 PM

+1 Boost

With the 5-series growing towards a 7, I expect the new 3er to be about a size 4 when its all said and done. This way the existing 1-series can grow a bit to be be nearly the same as today's 3. So, instead of a 1-3-5-7, what we'll have is a 2.5, 4, 5.8, and 7. Notice the nearly even spacing?

lewishamiltonpimp - 3/18/2010 8:49:29 PM

+1 Boost

Wow, pretty lame article. Must be a slow day at Spies HQ.

I currently own a 335i and it is my second E90 and 4th 3 series.

Here's my list.

The current 3 litre lump needs to be taken out to at least 3.2. While 300HP is a lot, it is less than competitors like the G37 and Audi S4. There's no substitute for displacement.

Have a 250HP 328i, a 300HP 330i and a 350HP 335i

Make an LSD part of the Sports pkg or M pkg.

The new iDrive is great - I'd like to see satellite imagary - I heard it is coming.

Put the ashtray back.

Get rid of active steering.

Better base audio system.

Heated rear seats (option) at least in the Sedan.

I probably have more but I need a beer!

as1860 - 4/2/2010 5:30:05 PM

+1 Boost

I agree with nolistenanyway. The run-flats on my BMW 328xi are just plain AWFUL. The run-flats ruin the pleasure of driving a BMW - the tires have no road "feel" and do not flex at all over bumps - which means that your fillings get loose in city driving. Also, what are you supposed to do if you get a flat when you are in a rural area? BMW does not give you a spare tire. The run-flats can only go 50 miles without air - which means that you are very likely to be stranded somewhere if you get a flat. The whole concept is bogus. For this reason, I am looking at other makes for my next car. The arrogance of BMW of coupling these horrible tires onto an otherwise brilliant vehicle is mind boggling. They have lost me.