German Car Zone

Rating:

It’s no secret that the 3-Series is BMW’s most important car. Around 32,000 saloon and Touring models are bought
here each year, which puts the model ahead of the Ford Mondeo in the sales charts.

But with increasing competition, led by the Audi A4, the 3-Series is under pressure, so it has gone under the knife to ensure it stays ahead of the game.

The success of the existing model means styling tweaks have been kept to a minimum. Still, the company’s designers have been hard at work improving the facelifted car.

The car is wider to provide greater stability and even better handling, while the front bumper now features more sculpted, upturned air intakes. These draw attention to the greater girth, and a big, horizontal band does the same job on the rear bumper.

There’s also a new bonnet, which has two sharp lines running from the badge to the hood’s trailing edge. And the side sills are sharply creased, giving the impression that the 3-Series is longer than before.

There are new light clusters, too. Up front are twin-halo daytime running lamps that mirror those seen on the larger 5-Series. Both front and rear clusters also benefit from LED indicators, which are brighter and more attractive.

Inside, it’s a similar story of refining the package. The cabin is more practical, while new materials improve the air of quality. But the biggest change is to the much-maligned iDrive control system. The new set-up uses a hard drive, rather than being DVD-based, so it works much faster. Plus, the controller is upgraded, while the screen is now bigger and more colourful.


Full Article:


BMW 330d saloon | First Drives | Car Reviews | Auto Express


M

I'm telling you, us guys in the US are missing out big time. I get to drive X5 and X6 diesels and they are absolutely PERFECT for this car. I can't imagine what a 123d would be like. Most of the time, if I'm not payind attention, I wouldn't even realize I was driving a diesel. I'm being dead serious too.

P.S. Really warming up to the 3er facelift, especially after seeing that Alpina. This color combo is totally classy.

I drove the 123d last weekend and IMO its not worth the extra cost over 120d. Doesnt feel faster either.

Still the king of the segment because it defines what the segment is.

I hate those new tail-lights. But that's where any form of displeasure ends. Damn near perfect in every other respect.

Same here. I think they look good only with dark colours..

I'll be picking up mine in a few weeks. When I now the exact date I'll start a countdown thread, man am I looking forwar to this car. Unfortunately I will have to do with a 318d (touring) but I ain't complaining!

We all love powerful engines but today that comes with a high price. Even if I only own a 120i I'm enjoying my car 120%. You don't need a powerful engine to enjoy a car So stop whining MPower

Did you go with Montegoblue or did you change your mind?

Wining, me ??? Now way man, I'm anxious to get the car. And about the power you're absolutely right. It will be faster then my current MB so I'm a happy man, trust me!
And I did stick with montego blue, and I think it will be perfect for the new design. This weekend the new 3 is presented at the dealers here in Belgium. I think I already will go and have a look, and I'll shoot some pics to. But from the pictures I've seen, there is no doubt in my mind, it will look stunning (talking about 3er in general).

Really Martin? I think they correct the biggest flaw in the rear design. I never liked the old ones.

The overall shape of the lights I found to be most agreeable in the E90. Especially the gentle arc traced by top line of the cluster unit. The biggest problem with the overall impression was the unhappy combination of the red, amber and clear lens sections.
BMW had a great opportunity to simplify the look and retain the original aesthetic concept by merely keeping the two top half lenses the same, clear colour. I've seen many aftermarket cluster on current 3ers and they look fantastic.

This new cluster is hideous hotch-potch of discordant angles and intersections in monotone red. Looks like someone slapped two fresh tee-bone steaks on the backside. But, in all, let's face it: BMW don't have an auspicious track record when it comes to tail-light design.