[roozie2001]

everyone always dogs BMW before they do a new body then when they drop it. Oooooh AHHH. im sure it'll be the same thing again this time. Guys times are changing. Cars are all gonna be turbos. Less emission is a must. Either go with the flow or go buy an e46 or e92.

[Hind]

This makes me sad.

[SCOTT26]

I do not think some of you understand the issue here and that is BMW's focus on a sustainable future for it's own future - BMW wishes to stay independent and even now will be pushing the word "Independence" even more since VAG swallowed Porsche .

Yes the 3er will receive three cylinder engines for it's European models but these are engines developed by BMW and which are undergoing testing in the new F20 BMW 1er Sporthatch. BMW are bringing 3 cylinders to it's models because it will help BMW maintain it's excellence in emissions output.
BMW have the most cars that meet European targets even more than Mercedes-Benz and Audi a target that BMW is immensely happy with as are the engineers who have worked on these "Efficient Dynamics" technologies.

If the US follows Europe in Emissions then BMW will have the cars available for that outcome. Whether that means four cylinders also then people would need to get rid of that chip on their shoulder when it comes to four cylinders or indeed hatches. Because in current times North American customers are missing out on some great cars especially in our latest diesels.

Which sadly the angst against the hatchback remains and BMW will not federalize the next generation 1er hatchback for North America.
For every "for" the Sporthatch there are at least many more "Against".

BMW NA had to beg BMW AG to allow them to sell the X1 in North America as BMW investigated that in the current climate it would not be profitable to sell the X1 in North America.

But both the 3 and 4 cylinder engines will be capable of a pretty big punch they will be Turbocharged and the cars will be as good to drive as ever and handle like a BMW Sporthatch or BMW sport sedan should. There should be no worries in that department . And what of the future? BMW aim to have at least every model in it's product portfolio offer at least one model with an alternative powertrain from regular petrol and diesels.

Reading some of the comments saying that BMW is finished etc is melodramatic perhaps some of you would like a tissue to dry your eyes?
BMW is far from finished becaue there is so much exciting innovativions and products coming up .

Next year will see the next generation of BMW X3 aiming to repeat the success of over 500,000 units sold since January 2004 , The excellent new BMW 5er which is GOING to rock the segment - I have driven it. The X5 and 3er Coupe and Cabrio will get new enhancements to enable them to continue their dominance. a new 6er Coupe and Cabrio is on the way with the premium position meaning then 6er receives a folding hardtop with the outer panels made from lightweight aluminium.
The next generation 1er Sporthatch aims to follow it's forebearer and be as more innovative than before. And with more individuality for the 1er Coupe and Cabrio and an exciting small lightweight Roadster and Coupe and a Progressive Activity Sedan type vehicle for the 1er.
Leading up to the sixth gen of the 3er - The worlds only compact sporting sedan and a new Progressive Activity Coupe based off the 3er and eventually the BMW 6er Gran Turismo four door coupe - your clue is next door.

[ptack]

BMW has a lot of decisions to make right now and if they guess wrong about the US market, it could lead to a takeover by someone else. Do they keep making each line of cars bigger and bigger? How many models can they produce without dilluting the brand? There's only so many marketing dollars. Do they offer a wider range of engines for the 3 series or do they try and guess which one(s) consumers will expect in a 3? It's been the defacto definition of a "sport sedan" for years. How can they keep that reputation if the cars get bigger and the engines get smaller, but thier competitors don't go along?

[Le Mans335i]

f**kin enviormentalists

[samchoi604]

I could seriously care less about technology, new climate control, new electronic gadgets, etc. These things just add more weight to the car, demand a higher price, and lead to more electrical failures.

I just want a good looks, good performance and a nice interior.

[subframe]

Barf. Looks like the ultimate driving machine is morphing into the ultimate green machine, or, some might say, the ultimate politically-correct machine.

[atwell3993]

3 cylinder, really, really....FAIL. 150hp....can'ttt wait for the 9 second 0-60.
That add will probably be almost as convincing as the "Upgrading to a BMW Performance Air Intake System will unleash gains of up to 3 horsepower and 3 ft-lbs. of torque" ad.

[M Lover]

I think thats sick

[JAJ]

The last time BMW diverted from "the ultimate driving machine" strategy, they nearly died. I guess it's been long enough since then that any BMW employee that would remember that colossal screwup has retired.

BMW buyer buy the cars "in spite" of their limitations - crummy fuel economy, high purchase prices, high parts prices, expensive maintenance, etc. If the prime motivation for buying - they really do make kick-ass performance sedans - ends, so does the "in spite" response. What's the point of buying a Ford with a BMW logo on it?

[to_riffic]

autocar made a sick photoshop....hope its just as powerful and fun in 2016

[Imola.ZHP]

As long as it outperforms the previous model, without being "numb," what is there to be afraid of?

[ATL Kimo]

BMW already has experience with building 3 cylinder motors, albeit on a motorcycle. I had a 1989 K75S, which was a 3 cylinder version of the larger K100. They used a counterweight to make up for the odd number of pistons, and the resulting engine was surpassingingly smooth, which mattered a lot in a motorcycle. I don't know how well it will translate to a car though.

[noro]

Originally Posted by atwell3993

3 cylinder, really, really....FAIL. 150hp....can'ttt wait for the 9 second 0-60.
That add will probably be almost as convincing as the "Upgrading to a BMW Performance Air Intake System will unleash gains of up to 3 horsepower and 3 ft-lbs. of torque" ad.

Actually that sounds like an engineering marvel, 3 cyls putting out 150HP. I doubt it's going to be the top of the line choice for this car so no worries.

BTW, If I had to pick one engine from my stable right now I would pick my 200HP 4-cyl S14 over the laggy, non linear, easily overheating, high gas consuming N54 any day.

[Respek]

New sketch:

[atwell3993]

Originally Posted by noro

Actually that sounds like an engineering marvel, 3 cyls putting out 150HP. I doubt it's going to be the top of the line choice for this car so no worries.

BTW, If I had to pick one engine from my stable right now I would pick my 200HP 4-cyl S14 over the laggy, non linear, easily overheating, high gas consuming N54 any day.

well almost any four's gonna get better gas mileage than a six...

and really, 3 cyl's 150 isn't impressive, it's realistically the same as getting 300 out of a 6....

[Mklapp]

wow i hope BMW doesnt come out with that...car is so ugly!
-1000000000

[stubenhocker]

I can't believe BMW would be so stupid as to neglect the reason they have become so popular & profitable, I can't believe this 3 cyl stuff!

All of this crap to meet a problem which does not exist, ManMade Global warming!

My last 3 cars have been BMW's after Mercedes and Audi and I am totally pleased with the total drivers package you get with BMW, but if this comes true I will go somewhere else to get a drivers car!

[Shevon]

3 cylinder? WTF

[atwell3993]

Originally Posted by stubenhocker

I am totally pleased with the total drivers package you get with BMW, but if this comes true I will go somewhere else to get a drivers car!

+1

[mtla4]

Originally Posted by jeremyc74

I'm afraid BMW has totally lost their way. This one may be my last.

The cars keep getting bigger and bigger, but at least the power has been climbing to keep up. They're also getting more and more complex, but the quality doesn't seem to be matching.

Plus crappy service.
Quantity doesn't mean quality. Is the X3 still made at Magna plant?
It took them so long to make the X5 right remember 2000-2001 it was a disaster in terms of quality and reliability. Now N54 fuel pumps what's next too many models and their dealer network are just clueless.
We can't do anything only GM is downsizing right now.

[BimmerLearner]

Werent bmw making some sort of smart car so that they averaged out accross the range to keep within required emissions? i dunno... its kind of sad, reminds me of clarksons review of the aston this week.