New BMW F30 Photo Gallery and Review Round Up

There are quite a few discussions out there talking about all the different reviews of the 328i that have been posted around on the major media sites. Here is a list of links to each review discussion and a link to the new photo gallery of pictures from Spain.

Update 11/17/2011 - USA MSRP released for the 2012 335i and 328i

First up we have the reviews....

Autocar Claims the new 3 Series Improves over the E9X in Every Way

Automobile Mag - BMW F30 2012 3 Series - First Drive

Car and Driver First BMW F30 2012 3 Series Road Test Impressions

InsideLine's First Drive of the 2012 BMW 328i 3 Series F30

Motor Trend First Drive: 2012 BMW 3 Series

WhatCar? BMW 2012 328i First Drive - All you need to know

and now the pictures

BMW 3 Series F30 On Location Spain Photo Shoot

Another review from WhatCar? added to the list -

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=582260

BMW blew it. The more pictures I see, the worse it looks. The inside looks like it belongs in a Lexus, not a GERMAN BMW. I sold my Audi last July,waiting for the NEW BMW. What a mistake. I have never owned a BMW, and it looks like I never will. Bmw should have kept it German, and not turned it into another Japanese clon. The sat/nav sticking out of the dash looks like a stuck on "Garman" unit. A red strip on the dash? This is not 1970. This is not sport, it is just crap. I'm going back to Audi. Too bad, I wanted to like the new bimmer.

Originally Posted by Tim Msport

BMW blew it. The more pictures I see, the worse it looks. The inside looks like it belongs in a Lexus, not a GERMAN BMW. I sold my Audi last July,waiting for the NEW BMW. What a mistake. I have never owned a BMW, and it looks like I never will. Bmw should have kept it German, and not turned it into another Japanese clon. The sat/nav sticking out of the dash looks like a stuck on "Garman" unit. A red strip on the dash? This is not 1970. This is not sport, it is just crap. I'm going back to Audi. Too bad, I wanted to like the new bimmer.

People usually say this until they drive one and then get back in their car. Then the BMW interior will no longer matter.

Originally Posted by Tim Msport

BMW blew it. The more pictures I see, the worse it looks. The inside looks like it belongs in a Lexus, not a GERMAN BMW. I sold my Audi last July,waiting for the NEW BMW. What a mistake. I have never owned a BMW, and it looks like I never will. Bmw should have kept it German, and not turned it into another Japanese clon. The sat/nav sticking out of the dash looks like a stuck on "Garman" unit. A red strip on the dash? This is not 1970. This is not sport, it is just crap. I'm going back to Audi. Too bad, I wanted to like the new bimmer.

So, you don't buy performance cars for how they perform, but for the badge they carry. You wouldn't like BMW anyway. Don't let the door hit you in the butt.

Originally Posted by Tim Msport

BMW blew it. The more pictures I see, the worse it looks. The inside looks like it belongs in a Lexus, not a GERMAN BMW. I sold my Audi last July,waiting for the NEW BMW. What a mistake. I have never owned a BMW, and it looks like I never will. Bmw should have kept it German, and not turned it into another Japanese clon. The sat/nav sticking out of the dash looks like a stuck on "Garman" unit. A red strip on the dash? This is not 1970. This is not sport, it is just crap. I'm going back to Audi. Too bad, I wanted to like the new bimmer.

whats up with all the trolls on this site all of a sudden? If you dont like bmw anymore, have fun with audi or mercedes And unless you are getting an S audi, audis suck ass.

I recently sold my 08 535i and got into a 2012 335i coupe. The new F10 does not look that edgy/sporty/ anymore. I contemplated if I should wait for the F30 but I have to agree with Tim, the more I see the pictures the more I don't like it. I'm sure that I'll eventually get used to the F30 and maybe like it. That's what happened when I eventually started liking the E60 and got one. Test driving was also part of it.

Anyways, I'm really happy with my 2012 335i coupe (still miss the E60 a bit) and hope to resist waiting until the next gen after F30 to move on.

Ok, its growing on me already! Maybe is the lower quality images and red color I've seen that wasn't doing it for me. Check out this dark gray! beatiful!

Thats actually that havanaqa whatever you call it brown... i think.

But mineral grey does look great, thats what i am ordering

I'm new to this forum, but I wanted to post as I just signed a deal for a new 2011 335i xDrive 6 speed.

I wanted to special order a new 2012 to get exactly what I wanted and the European delivery. I first researched the new 2012 and found the xDrive won't be available until late 2012. I also found that the new model (in my opinion) appears to have been changed with the aim to save money. This is what turned me off to the 2012:

- Only available in specific trim levels – less customization saves build cost

- Pictures of the interior look more like a Honda or Toyota than a BMW. There is less wood trim, seating is not as classy (note oyster/black combo does not appear to be available anymore, except on 5 series), and nav looks like a Garmin attached to the dash. Again, this saves costs, as they do not have to make 2 dashboards anymore. If you order a nav, they just bolt it onto the dash.

- ECO Mode – did not find many details on this, but I do not want my engine turning off when I am at a stoplight. If I wanted this, I would buy a Prius.

- While I wasn’t interested in a 328i, I can’t believe they are switching from the silky smooth, naturally aspirated, straight six to a more complicated i4 turbo.

This begs the question; where else did they skimp on this car? Luckily I was able to find almost exactly what I wanted in a 2011, and got a great discount on top of it.

The only thing I saw on the 2012 that I liked was the Heads Up Display, which I wish was available on the 2011. I’ll sacrifice the HUD for the higher build quality.

Just wanted to pass on my experience, hope it helps those who debating a 2011 vs a 2012.

Originally Posted by fezster

I'm new to this forum, but I wanted to post as I just signed a deal for a new 2011 335i xDrive 6 speed.

I wanted to special order a new 2012 to get exactly what I wanted and the European delivery. I first researched the new 2012 and found the xDrive won't be available until late 2012. I also found that the new model (in my opinion) appears to have been changed with the aim to save money. This is what turned me off to the 2012:

- Only available in specific trim levels – less customization saves build cost

- Pictures of the interior look more like a Honda or Toyota than a BMW. There is less wood trim, seating is not as classy (note oyster/black combo does not appear to be available anymore, except on 5 series), and nav looks like a Garmin attached to the dash. Again, this saves costs, as they do not have to make 2 dashboards anymore. If you order a nav, they just bolt it onto the dash.

- ECO Mode – did not find many details on this, but I do not want my engine turning off when I am at a stoplight. If I wanted this, I would buy a Prius.

- While I wasn't interested in a 328i, I can't believe they are switching from the silky smooth, naturally aspirated, straight six to a more complicated i4 turbo.

This begs the question; where else did they skimp on this car? Luckily I was able to find almost exactly what I wanted in a 2011, and got a great discount on top of it.

The only thing I saw on the 2012 that I liked was the Heads Up Display, which I wish was available on the 2011. I'll sacrifice the HUD for the higher build quality.

Just wanted to pass on my experience, hope it helps those who debating a 2011 vs a 2012.

Guess you dont prefer upgrades in performance, efficiency, or technology. You made a good choice with the E90.

Originally Posted by fezster

I'm new to this forum, but I wanted to post as I just signed a deal for a new 2011 335i xDrive 6 speed.

I wanted to special order a new 2012 to get exactly what I wanted and the European delivery. I first researched the new 2012 and found the xDrive won't be available until late 2012. I also found that the new model (in my opinion) appears to have been changed with the aim to save money. This is what turned me off to the 2012:

- Only available in specific trim levels – less customization saves build cost

- Pictures of the interior look more like a Honda or Toyota than a BMW. There is less wood trim, seating is not as classy (note oyster/black combo does not appear to be available anymore, except on 5 series), and nav looks like a Garmin attached to the dash. Again, this saves costs, as they do not have to make 2 dashboards anymore. If you order a nav, they just bolt it onto the dash.

- ECO Mode – did not find many details on this, but I do not want my engine turning off when I am at a stoplight. If I wanted this, I would buy a Prius.

- While I wasn’t interested in a 328i, I can’t believe they are switching from the silky smooth, naturally aspirated, straight six to a more complicated i4 turbo.

This begs the question; where else did they skimp on this car? Luckily I was able to find almost exactly what I wanted in a 2011, and got a great discount on top of it.

The only thing I saw on the 2012 that I liked was the Heads Up Display, which I wish was available on the 2011. I’ll sacrifice the HUD for the higher build quality.

Just wanted to pass on my experience, hope it helps those who debating a 2011 vs a 2012.

I think the new one looks way better than the old sedan. 2011 coupe is great looking though. Interior imho looks better. It is very clean with harmonious lines spanning across multiple surfaces. The N20 engine is a winner and one of the best engines bmw has made according to early reviews and reviews of the z roadster. Solid power and relentless torque at low RPMs. Did I mention better fuel economy? Pretty much every review so far as praised the handling despite of the electronic steering. The new transmission is astonishingly quick and is a joy to drive. A lot of the advanced technology found in 5 & 7 series is now available for the f30.

I think BMW has done quite well.

Originally Posted by fezster

I'm new to this forum, but I wanted to post as I just signed a deal for a new 2011 335i xDrive 6 speed.

I wanted to special order a new 2012 to get exactly what I wanted and the European delivery. I first researched the new 2012 and found the xDrive won't be available until late 2012. I also found that the new model (in my opinion) appears to have been changed with the aim to save money. This is what turned me off to the 2012:

- Only available in specific trim levels – less customization saves build cost

- Pictures of the interior look more like a Honda or Toyota than a BMW. There is less wood trim, seating is not as classy (note oyster/black combo does not appear to be available anymore, except on 5 series), and nav looks like a Garmin attached to the dash. Again, this saves costs, as they do not have to make 2 dashboards anymore. If you order a nav, they just bolt it onto the dash.

- ECO Mode – did not find many details on this, but I do not want my engine turning off when I am at a stoplight. If I wanted this, I would buy a Prius.

- While I wasn’t interested in a 328i, I can’t believe they are switching from the silky smooth, naturally aspirated, straight six to a more complicated i4 turbo.

This begs the question; where else did they skimp on this car? Luckily I was able to find almost exactly what I wanted in a 2011, and got a great discount on top of it.

The only thing I saw on the 2012 that I liked was the Heads Up Display, which I wish was available on the 2011. I’ll sacrifice the HUD for the higher build quality.

Just wanted to pass on my experience, hope it helps those who debating a 2011 vs a 2012.

I just wanted to address a couple of your complaints. On ECO mode, allowing the engine to automatically turn off and on is selectable by the driver. On the trim lines, you can build a car without any trim line, though you'll have less choices. The change to turbo engines is driven by government mileage and emissions standards; you should be glad you can still get a performance car. 10 years from now, that might not be the case.

I'll throw in here I'm very excited to drive a 2012 328i 6-speed manual. What I've seen on here is that 80-90% of the bimmerfest enthusiasts now show excitement over a great new automatic transmission - and this is reflected in the test drives journalists have gotten, all of which have been auto transmissions (Maybe I missed a manual test drive?).

It's an interesting day when the majority of enthusiasts of BMW's "sports sedan", on a BMW dedicated website, are clamoring for the less driver-involving choice. That's not a criticism, but it does tell me why BMW is making each subsequent model more coddling. It's not that their moving more mainstream - it's that their base is moving and BMW is following their base.

...

I test drove a new x328 the other day. This is a current gen naturally aspirated 3.0 liter attached to an 8-speed trans.

The engine had amazing giddyup for a small displacement 6 in a 2-ton AWD SUV - very impressive. It sounded like crap to me - I'd actually be annoyed with its sound if I owned it.

The trans was damn impressive - quick to shift, always in a powerband, smoothest auto trans I've ever been in. 8 forward gears is great. Neither my wife nor I could get into driving it....we missed a 3rd pedal, the feeling of slipping the clutch against the flywheel, and the choice of pushing a shifter into the desired gear.

My wife will probably end up going with a last-generation 528i/535i wagon because she can't get an x3 in manual trans....so that's where I'm coming from.

Regardless, very excited for the new 3 series. I'm postponing my purchase of an e39 m5 until I can determine if it'd be better for me to pick-up a new 2012 328/335 ED.

Originally Posted by JoeFromPA

I'll throw in here I'm very excited to drive a 2012 328i 6-speed manual. What I've seen on here is that 80-90% of the bimmerfest enthusiasts now show excitement over a great new automatic transmission - and this is reflected in the test drives journalists have gotten, all of which have been auto transmissions (Maybe I missed a manual test drive?).

It's an interesting day when the majority of enthusiasts of BMW's "sports sedan", on a BMW dedicated website, are clamoring for the less driver-involving choice. That's not a criticism, but it does tell me why BMW is making each subsequent model more coddling. It's not that their moving more mainstream - it's that their base is moving and BMW is following their base.

...

I test drove a new x328 the other day. This is a current gen naturally aspirated 3.0 liter attached to an 8-speed trans.

The engine had amazing giddyup for a small displacement 6 in a 2-ton AWD SUV - very impressive. It sounded like crap to me - I'd actually be annoyed with its sound if I owned it.

The trans was damn impressive - quick to shift, always in a powerband, smoothest auto trans I've ever been in. 8 forward gears is great. Neither my wife nor I could get into driving it....we missed a 3rd pedal, the feeling of slipping the clutch against the flywheel, and the choice of pushing a shifter into the desired gear.

My wife will probably end up going with a last-generation 528i/535i wagon because she can't get an x3 in manual trans....so that's where I'm coming from.

Regardless, very excited for the new 3 series. I'm postponing my purchase of an e39 m5 until I can determine if it'd be better for me to pick-up a new 2012 328/335 ED.

Yea, those manuals are smooth as butter. I was initially going to get a manual, but after driving a z4 28i(same N20 engine, and sport automatic) i was just to impressed, the upshifts were lightning quick. Much quicker than the ZF in my 335. One day i will own a manual tho.

Originally Posted by Tim Msport

BMW blew it. The more pictures I see, the worse it looks. The inside looks like it belongs in a Lexus, not a GERMAN BMW. I sold my Audi last July,waiting for the NEW BMW. What a mistake. I have never owned a BMW, and it looks like I never will. Bmw should have kept it German, and not turned it into another Japanese clon. The sat/nav sticking out of the dash looks like a stuck on "Garman" unit. A red strip on the dash? This is not 1970. This is not sport, it is just crap. I'm going back to Audi. Too bad, I wanted to like the new bimmer.

How is it you list a BMW E90 as your "mein auto" , but say, "I have never owned a BMW, and it looks like I never will."

Originally Posted by justinnum1

Guess you dont prefer upgrades in performance, efficiency, or technology. You made a good choice with the E90.

What are the performance upgrades? Does the 2012 328i have more HP than the 2011? I don't think there is any performance difference in the 2012 335i vs the 2011.

What are the numbers on fuel efficiency, and do these numbers include the ECO start/stop? In other words, I wonder how much more efficient the i4 turbo vs vs. the straight six (backing out the ECO Pro improvements for someone like me who would turn it off)?

There are also efficiencies in going to an 8 speed auto, although some reviewers have complained in 8 speed autos (not on BMWs specifically, I think it was a Benz review) that they are constantly shifting. I guess looking at the manual transmission numbers would tell the story.

Originally Posted by JoeFromPA

I'll throw in here I'm very excited to drive a 2012 328i 6-speed manual. What I've seen on here is that 80-90% of the bimmerfest enthusiasts now show excitement over a great new automatic transmission - and this is reflected in the test drives journalists have gotten, all of which have been auto transmissions (Maybe I missed a manual test drive?).

It's an interesting day when the majority of enthusiasts of BMW's "sports sedan", on a BMW dedicated website, are clamoring for the less driver-involving choice. That's not a criticism, but it does tell me why BMW is making each subsequent model more coddling. It's not that their moving more mainstream - it's that their base is moving and BMW is following their base.

...

I test drove a new x328 the other day. This is a current gen naturally aspirated 3.0 liter attached to an 8-speed trans.

The engine had amazing giddyup for a small displacement 6 in a 2-ton AWD SUV - very impressive. It sounded like crap to me - I'd actually be annoyed with its sound if I owned it.

The trans was damn impressive - quick to shift, always in a powerband, smoothest auto trans I've ever been in. 8 forward gears is great. Neither my wife nor I could get into driving it....we missed a 3rd pedal, the feeling of slipping the clutch against the flywheel, and the choice of pushing a shifter into the desired gear.

My wife will probably end up going with a last-generation 528i/535i wagon because she can't get an x3 in manual trans....so that's where I'm coming from.

Regardless, very excited for the new 3 series. I'm postponing my purchase of an e39 m5 until I can determine if it'd be better for me to pick-up a new 2012 328/335 ED.

As a previous E46 M3 owner, I can say the 335i xDrive is a great alternative for driving in DC where we get some snow. Even though the traffic is bad, I still opted for the manual for complete control over the car (hope I don't regret this when in gridlock). The performance upgrade for the 335i (gives the performance of the 335is - 320 HP) makes this car about as fast as my old M3. Time will tell, I get my 335i in about 2 weeks, but won't know for sure until after the break-in period!

You could add this to the list of reviews. Very positive!
http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/12/02/ra...2012-bmw-328i/

Originally Posted by mr_clueless

You could add this to the list of reviews. Very positive!
http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/12/02/ra...2012-bmw-328i/

holy ****!!!

Word through the grapevine states that an independent magazine has already had the N20 on the dyno, and it produced 230 hp at the wheels – meaning this engine has been underrated and actually produces closer to 265 hp at the crank.