[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by autopal

Is BMW taking longer than usual to show the G20? We know it will be a 2019 model year, so I would think it would be available for order late 2018. Wouldn't that mean the reveal is early 2018? Possible Geneva?

No. Geneva would be much too early. The F30 was revealed in October of its launch year via a live stream. More recently, the G30 was also revealed in October for its November launch. It is probably safe to expect something similar for the G20.

[ynguldyn]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

But I would tend to put more stock in ynguldyn's conclusion than a magazine writer who, were you to ask him, probably has no idea that such an engine update is in the works.

From the clues I've been able to gather, there's just a handful of sources willing to share factual information. Horatiu and his German peers clearly have access to one or several of those. Probably a couple of European mags also do. Everyone else regurgitates those reports or just pulls things out of their asses.

[SCOTT26]

The new 3er debuts towards the end of this year. Which is right on schedule.
Geneva is far too early to show the car and of course there are other more significant launches pencilled in for Geneva.
The launch of the 3er will actually be for the market in Early Spring 2019 which is also the launch of the M340i/M340d models.
The Geneva launches are for cars that go on sale later this Summer.

[ynguldyn]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

The launch of the 3er will actually be for the market in Early Spring 2019 which is also the launch of the M340i/M340d models.

So the short MY2019 is no go for NA, we'll go straight to MY2020?

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

So the short MY2019 is no go for NA, we'll go straight to MY2020?

Quite. But launch is still early 2019. Similar to F30 and its Spring 2012 launch.

[BimmerSkunk]

Originally Posted by KevinM

Yeah, not sure where it will end. The market demands more HP with each rendition, as well as lower 0-60 times. Car manufacturers all play the game to keep up, with BMW being arguably slightly slower than MB or Audi to bow to market pressures (at least with their M cars). Any number of inexpensive modern cars can beat my E39 M5 and Z4M coupe to 60 mph these days, but my older Ms are so fun to drive because you can actually use a lot of their power in daily driving. Not so much with my F80, between how powerful it is and the need to not go sideways on the street! The F80 is a fun car, but to really understand it you almost have to be on a track.

Sure, I want a modern version of the E39 M5 for my next DD - it would be lighter due to aluminum and composite carbon, MT only (hah!), RWD, 400 hp, 370 lb ft, normally aspirated. A last hurrah, then, before electric cars take over the earth (and I have to admit, I DO worry about pollution). Unfortunately, I'd probably be the only buyer...

I'd buy that car!

Super bummed to see that the M340i is going to be automatic-only. For me, if I can't get a manual in a new BMW then I might as well start looking at Benzes. BMW has totally lost the plot. I also lol'd at a competition package on an SUV, that's like getting a set of fake tits for your grandmother. Totally useless.

[Delija]

Originally Posted by SeanSkiVT

Super bummed to see that the M340i is going to be automatic-only. For me, if I can't get a manual in a new BMW then I might as well start looking at Benzes. BMW has totally lost the plot.

And which Benz can be bought with manual transmission?

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Delija

And which Benz can be bought with manual transmission?

I see this type of response often. The point is that, as the BMW product loses more and more of its significant USPs, it behooves the consumer to shop around and look at the competitiors’ vehicles. It’s a perfectly valid course of action.

[Delija]

I agree. But what competitor offers manual transmissions in this class?
The only real competitors, Benz and Audi, certainly not.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Delija

I agree. But what competitor offers manual transmissions in this class?

It’s true that there are no other six-cylinder powered luxury sport sedans with a manual transmission, yes.

The only real competitors, Benz and Audi, certainly not.

Audi does offer a manual transmission for the A4 Quattro, but obviously that makes considerably less power than a 340i. The only other one with an available manual transmission is the Cadillac ATS 2.0 turbo, which again is also quite a bit less powerful than a 340i.

If you move up a class, the Cadilac ATS-V can also be optioned with a 6MT. This may still yet apply to the next generation M3 also. That remains to be seen.

[Delija]

Giulia Veloce and QV also come with (not so good!) manual transmission, but I wouldn't bet that either Cadillac or Alfa will steal many buyers from Germans

[BimmerSkunk]

Originally Posted by Delija

And which Benz can be bought with manual transmission?

None, but if BMW doesn't make one either why would I continue to be a loyal customer? To the point of the other poster, it would behoove me to take a look at the competition. I've had 6 of these cars if you include the one we bought for my wife, and after the e46 cars, each one has become a bit less compelling.

The naturally aspirated I6 motors are gone (although I don't hate the N55 in my current car, it is less reliable), the "miles ahead of the competition" handling and feel are gone, the interior design went from simple-yet-elegant to ipad-on-wheels, and now the MT is all but dead. There are only a few minor pieces of their DNA left, and even those are getting slowly killed off. The cars are no longer designed for discerning enthusiasts, but for any poseur who has the means to purchase one.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Delija

Giulia Veloce and QV also come with (not so good!) manual transmission

Not in the US (which is where the poster you responded to is located).

[Weiman]

Originally Posted by SeanSkiVT

the interior design went from simple-yet-elegant to ipad-on-wheels

I wouldn't agree with that. Mercedes, Volvo and Tesla on the other hand..

[BimmerSkunk]

Originally Posted by Weiman

I wouldn't agree with that. Mercedes, Volvo and Tesla on the other hand..

The Mercedes and BMW interiors are very comparable to me. I will agree that Tesla makes the worst Interiors of all time though.

[JayPichardo]

our trainner told us we will bet a new car every quarter for the next 2 years

[ynguldyn]

Supra details.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

Supra details.

So they are going to the point of even using BMW model names "20i, 30i, 40i"? I'm not sure I understand the motivation behind that. It doesn't seem like it would benefit either brand.

[ynguldyn]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

So they are going to the point of even using BMW model names "20i, 30i, 40i"? I'm not sure I understand the motivation behind that. It doesn't seem like it would benefit either brand.

Good question. All I know is the internal nomenclature, which is still "SPX 20i/30i/40i".

[supra93]

Just to clarify, the US Supra will just be the 380hp model? Also, no DCT?

[M-Pilot]

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

Supra details.

Quick off-topic question. Is F80 still going out of production in October 2018 or has it changed to a much earlier date (e.g. May 2018) as stated by some sources?

[ynguldyn]

Originally Posted by supra93

Just to clarify, the US Supra will just be the 380hp model? Also, no DCT?

No, 380hp is exclusive to North American Z4s.