DRIVEN: Next-Gen 3-Series - More Fun Than A Barrel Full Of Giulias?

Yes, we’ve bagged a drive in the next BMW 3 Series before it’s been properly unveiled to the public - that’s due in October. The camouflage isn’t really fooling anyone, though; it’s fairly obvious this is a new BMW saloon car. You could be forgiven for mistaking it for a 5 Series, because as with every generation before it, the 3 Series has grown a bit, being wider and longer than the car it replaces.
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Truthy - 8/17/2018 12:07:16 PM

+2 Boost

"We’re driving 330i models, with optional M Sports Suspension – dropping the ride height by 10mm – Variable Sport Steering and an electronically controlled M Sport limited slip differential.."
Yes, you have to pick the expensive option packages again to get a proper driver's car. They are engineering this top spec for the car magazines and what most people drive is closer to an Accord.

MDarringer - 8/17/2018 7:33:32 PM

+1 Boost

The Camryification of the 3 Series is pretty intense. I'm with Truthy.

valhallakey - 8/19/2018 2:19:35 AM

+1 Boost

I certainly hope they get the base model right too. The article makes is sound like the engineers are getting their way again, maybe they will fix the trunk hinges while they are at it.

carloslassiter - 8/19/2018 8:35:43 PM

0 Boost

What in God's name are you talking about with these trunk hinge comments? I own one of these and I have spent a grand total of no f'ing time at all looking at my trunk hinges.

MDarringer - 8/19/2018 10:29:57 PM

+2 Boost

Well maybe you should.

valhallakey - 8/20/2018 2:02:26 AM

+2 Boost

I like good engineering, and I like to see it in every aspect of any car I own. Take a look at the hinges of the trunk of an e39 BMW and then look at the hinges on the new ones....

valhallakey - 8/20/2018 2:08:34 AM

+2 Boost

I guess being an engineer makes me a little OTT on things like that. Most people probably don't give a crap thus we have the universal cheap arse hinges everywhere. I also don't like sports sedans that are engineered with the motor hanging out over the front axle... well lots of stuff I could go on about related to engineering. I also understand car companies have to make a profit and bean counters get involved, but there are little things on premium cars that should be done right IMHO.

carloslassiter - 8/21/2018 7:33:40 PM

-1 Boost

Well maybe you should.

— MDarringer
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Thanks Judy - great idea. I'll go out in my garage and study the hinges and then report back and then - hold on, wait a minute, actually I'll stay here and finish this scotch.

valhallakey - 8/22/2018 11:36:54 AM

+1 Boost

LOL, great response - I can do both at the same time :)