HEAD-To-HEAD: BMW's E90 3-Series Side-By-Side With BMW's All-New F30 3-Series - Who's MORE Handsome?

Before we start, I'll lead off with full disclosure: I really disliked the E9x series of BMW products from a styling perspective.

Now that the all-new F30 3-Series is on its way though I can get over it, finally. Or am I speaking too soon? Well, thanks to our friends at F30post, we can all fully take in the updated 3-Series over the current-generation product.

Personally, I wasn't exactly bowled over with the F30s new look. But it looks pretty spiffy when it's side-by-side with the E90 that seems to be one of the most staid designs ever. At least the F30 has some stride in its step and a bit of charisma with its 3-Dimensional grille and sleeker appearance from the rear.

Is it me or does the E90 appear extremely dated?

Here's the funny thing though: When I look at the E46 BMW's, I lust for that product -- the 330i "ZHP" and M3, specifically. Granted, I am bias having driven a 2003 330Ci for a couple of years.

Enough about me though, what do you think about the side-by-side comparison of the E90 and F30?

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Steve - 2/26/2012 4:27:40 PM

+1 Boost

I've seen both in the flesh, and I'm not warm to either car's styling. I know they're great cars. I have 2 BMWs myself. I'm just not crazy about their recent designs.

Agent00R - 2/26/2012 5:10:17 PM

-4 Boost

@Steve

Well, at least we agree on something.

bmwcs - 2/26/2012 7:20:04 PM

+3 Boost

Love the F30, its a big step forward..

85bmw745i - 2/27/2012 10:17:42 PM

0 Boost

I like how the kidney grill on the F30 is retro how you can see the sides instead of being flush. thats why it looks weird to some how it cuts into the headlights, but if you look at the grils of the E30, E28 and other older BMW's you can see how it protrudes, and I thing they were trying to make reference to the old protruding grills by making the edges exposed like that by the headlights.

FromThePassengerSeat - 2/26/2012 7:30:45 PM

0 Boost

I prefer the old design for one reason: from the rear, it's distinguishable from a 5-series.

enthusiastx11 - 2/27/2012 12:21:22 PM

+3 Boost

you can tell the difference clear as day between a camry and an ES, but you don't know which of these is which? love your hypocrisy. go away.

leftcoast - 2/27/2012 1:12:19 AM

+2 Boost

E46, hands down.

pmrmd - 2/27/2012 8:08:22 AM

0 Boost

Am I the only one who doesn't like the new grille/headlight design of the new 3? Cover that lateral kidney wall and separate the headlight please.

FromThePassengerSeat - 2/27/2012 11:02:45 AM

+2 Boost

The exposed grille edge is a cool detail!

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 2/27/2012 9:23:23 AM

+2 Boost

Why would you do a "side by side" picture comparison using a "PRE FACELIFT" model and a "Brand New" one ?

enthusiastx11 - 2/27/2012 12:22:46 PM

+2 Boost

new one is cleaner and a little less distinctive vs. other bmws. but i do find the overall design of the F30 to be more cohesive...especially the rear.

t_bone - 2/27/2012 4:13:29 PM

0 Boost

Slight edge to the F30, but the E46 still is a better looking car.

I'm waiting for a new designer to come around and re-envision the traditional BMW look with pure round lights, ala e30. I think some very compelling design concepts could come out of that.

jcarys - 3/2/2012 1:22:37 PM

+1 Boost

I agree with you, I still the E46 is the best looking of the three.

But I would definitely take the new car over the outgoing one. Still waiting to see what the coupe look like before I purchase my next car.