RUMOR: Could This Be The Upcoming BMW 3-Series Launch Calendar?

According to a forum user on Bimmerfest, it looks like BMW's plans for the next-generation 3-Series have been exposed.

The real question lingers, though: are these timelines for the European market only?

Long story short, you can expect the sedan in 2012, the coupe and GT in 2013, and the convertible and M3 in 2014. This contradicts initial rumors that mentioned the GT would preview the sedan, much in the same fashion as the 5-Series GT did for the regular 5'er.

Where things get really interesting is with the car's new features. Ignore the awkward phrasing since this clip was translated through Google. If you're looking forward to a new 3'er, get ready for night vision, a hybrid version, heads up display, adaptive suspension and a longer wheelbase.

Does this sound GOOD to you, or would you prefer less/more?

Let us know in the comments down below.


Bimmerfest user "SD 335is" writes:

While I was in the customer lounge of Auto Orth, a BMW Service Center in Trier, waiting for my flat tire to be replaced, I looked at a the Mai 2011 issue of Auto Test, a German auto enthusiast magazine. They had an article about the new 3 Series and a production release timeline. At the next tankstelle, I found this issue, bought it and brought it home. Their parent company is Auto Bild, although I couldn't find a link to the web version of Auto Test.

Here's what they have to say about the various 3 Series model production release dates. It's highly likely that these dates are for the German/European market and some models will not be released in the US on the dates shown:

2012
1. Quartal (1st Quarter): 3er Limousine (Sedan)
3. Quartal: 3er Touring (Sport Wagon)

2013
3. Quartal: 3er Coupe
3. Quartal: 3er GT (Hatchback Sedan!)

2014
1. Quartal: 3er Cabrio (Convertible)
1, Quartal: M3
3. Quartal: 3er Gran Coupe (Hatchback Coupe!)

They also show a drawing of the new front grille which they describe as Shark Nose Design. The grill is larger with a sharp curve in the vertical slats in the two kidney grilles about 1/3 of the way from the top.

Other things they mention (courtesy of Google Translate, may not make sense):

• Night vision system with pedestrian recognition. An integrated thermal imaging camera in the front section will detect people at night along the road and alert the driver.
• New, fuel-efficient turbo-generators. The times are not charged gasoline engines are a thing of the new BMW 3 Series the past.
• Hybrid Drive. With the introduction of touring in the fall of 2012, the BMW 3-series will also have hybrid versions.
• Head Up Display. As with the new 6 Series the new 3 series BMW will have the newest generation of four-color head-up displays.
• Lane Change Assistant. Replace system monitors the blind spot and warn of steering wheel vibration and advertisements in the Außbenspiegeln.
• Longer Wheelbase. Thanks to a long wheelbase, there is more legroom in the rear. Nevertheless, the 3 Series BMW a driver-oriented car.
• Adaptive Suspension. Adaptive suspension damping to make the all-round talent. Comfortable, normal or sporty, everything is possible.
• Parking Assistant. The electric steering system enables the use of the parking assistant. Is the gap, the computer helps when parking.