New Coupe and Convertable is definate

[richards]

Dear John

There is a magazine in the UK called Autocar.

It has an article with pictures showing the new E46 coupe and convertable.

It will be out early next year.

I cannot attach the image because it is too big.

Please let me know an email address so I can email you the article.

Best regards

Richard

[Jon Shafer]

Richard,

Thanks for the post! Please email the pics to Jon@bimmerfest.com, or jonshafer@cuttermotors.com.

I can't wait to see them!

Standing by,
--Jon

[Mr. The Edge]

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=338106

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=338109

[Jon Shafer]

Thanks Richard!

http://www.cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/facelift.jpg

[Sean]

I just may have to hold onto mine a bit longer. :dunno:

[DaveN323i]

But do notice one comment in the article?

BMW is trying to get the valvetronics into the three series by the facelift launch time???

So, people who are currently deciding whether to buy pre or post facelift are facing a potential dilemma: Valvetronics or no valvetronics (if this is true according to the rumor).

[The HACK]

Is it me, or does the front wheel arches look disproportionally large compare to the rear arches?

[Lori]

Valve-tronics? What the heck is that? Does Valve-tronic rob the car of power? Does Valve-tronic introduce a whole new slew of potential problems? Maybe if I order one fast enough I would get one without the Valve-tronics while still getting the face lift. I think I like the look. I hope they still have the titanium painted grill inside the hole in the front bumper. Can anyone tell if the hood lines are still narrow as they are on the current 330ci or do they run more like the M3? I can't tell from the picture:dunno:
-Lori

[Alex Baumann]

Looking at the picture, does the wheel arch really beefed up ? :dunno:

http://erikli-hamburg.bei.t-online.de/16-10.jpg

And another thing I've noticed, the line on the front fender is not going up to the headlights anymore. It's cut behind the wheel arch.

[CD-55]

I wonder if wider tires will fit in those front wheel arches? It would be really neat if that would allow 255s all around!

[in_d_haus]

Valvetronic engines would have hydraulic/pneumatic actuated valves and not the cam/followers bet/chain of current engines. It's more technology developed from F1 like the SMG.

Valvetronic has huge potential. There are less parts to wear out, less drag on the engine, and it makes tuning easier (just change a computer program)

This does NOT mean that bimmer is going to pump the HP of the engines up. a 2.5 engine without valvetronic can put out as much or less hp as one with it. Since BMW does not seem to want to get into a HP fight with the other companies I'd guess we won't see higher HP engines with Valvetronic.

Now the tuners can do a lot with it...

[in_d_haus]

Ugh...run flats!

[Alex Baumann]

haus, the HP increase was 10% with the same engine displacement, but the fuel efficiency is better on the Valvetronic engines.

[Cliff]

Originally posted by Alex Baumann
Looking at the picture, does the wheel arch really beefed up ? :dunno:

And another thing I've noticed, the line on the front fender is not going up to the headlights anymore. It's cut behind the wheel arch.

The top of the wheel arch begins higher on the fender and at a shallower angle, while the current flare is at a relatively acute angle and halfway between the fender top and the edge of the flare.

Tough to tell if it looks good or not based on pictures of a mule.

[Alex Baumann]

Originally posted by Cliff3
The top of the wheel arch begins higher on the fender and at a shallower angle, while the current flare is at a relatively acute angle and halfway between the fender top and the edge of the flare.

You're right. It's a little tricky to see on a silver car.

[Cliff]

Originally posted by Alex Baumann


You're right. It's a little tricky to see on a silver car.

The magazine could be engaging in some image editing too. It's really tough to tell from that picture.

[LarryN]

That hood looks exactly like my '02 hood. the lines go out to the A pillars. Also, the fender wheel arches look like my "facelifted" model. The are a little less angular, and the bulge begins up further, towards the top of the fender.

The front corner lights also have the look of '02 sedan, as does the opening in the front airdam.

Personally, I like the lookof the front on the current coupe better than the M aero package that I have, but this looks like it's getting a slightly revised rendition of the M aero package.

[JPinTO]

Originally posted by DaveN323i
But do notice one comment in the article?

BMW is trying to get the valvetronics into the three series by the facelift launch time???

So, people who are currently deciding whether to buy pre or post facelift are facing a potential dilemma: Valvetronics or no valvetronics (if this is true according to the rumor).

At least BMW is giving people an incentive to buy their ugly cars... more hp.

[JPinTO]

Originally posted by The HACK
Is it me, or does the front wheel arches look disproportionally large compare to the rear arches?

Just like the compacts!

[JPinTO]

Originally posted by Lori
Valve-tronics? What the heck is that? Does Valve-tronic rob the car of power? Does Valve-tronic introduce a whole new slew of potential problems?
-Lori

You want the Valvetronic: 10% power boost together with 10% fuel economy improvement.

[jrubens]

this may be the obvious (or oblivious) question, but does this mean that the new coupe/convertible will be available in the states by January or February (around the midpoint of the 2003 model year)? I know that the article indicates change is coming to the UK, but what about the US? And will the convertible changes be delayed (like with a model changeover) or will the coupe and convertible changes occur at the same time since this is more of a facelift?

The reason I ask is this: is a may or june 2003 euro delivery convertible going to have the new curves and valvetronic?

Thanks

[DaveN323i]

Originally posted by jrubens
this may be the obvious (or oblivious) question, but does this mean that the new coupe/convertible will be available in the states by January or February (around the midpoint of the 2003 model year)? I know that the article indicates change is coming to the UK, but what about the US? And will the convertible changes be delayed (like with a model changeover) or will the coupe and convertible changes occur at the same time since this is more of a facelift?

The reason I ask is this: is a may or june 2003 euro delivery convertible going to have the new curves and valvetronic?

Thanks

If the gossip information (and the leaked internal paper) is correct, then the new facelift starts with March 2003 production, so definitely your May/June 2003 production has plastic surgery.

As for the valvetronic, do notice that the information came from that British magazine. Pure speculation so far. Don't let me wrong, it will happen because BMW has already announced that this innovation will be across all engine lines. But it is unknown when it will be introduced in the inline sixes.