[Tats07]

Please check this link this from BMW global site http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicle...catalogue.pdf; has ALL the information about the upcoming 3. Need to see how many of these engines and trim options come to India.

Personally, I like the new look better - only, the hood should've been extended till the kidney grill to avoid the line.

[manujkansal]

Originally Posted by ecclipse78

Will get the spec sheets by next week and post them.

BMW will never get rid of 'run flats'....its something they don't even want to discuss.

The new 3 has been much redesigned; its much easier compared to the old one for entry and exit. Not quite that low and much better stance.

The rear seat is also quite impressive and can take 2 adults very comfortably. ( I am a 6 footer and another 6 footer can sit behind me comfortably with more than sufficent leg room ). This was something seriously lacking in the old 3.

Am sure this car will be a game changer in the segment.

Since you have experienced the car up,close & personally, could you say if it leaves the 520D pointless ? I mean if it has the goodies & better space then it will definitely mean trouble for the 5 .

[over.drive]

Earlier, a lot of the top of the line 3 series customers would have been happy spending a few more lakhs to get a 5 series, unless they wanted a 3 series specifically for its driving dynamics or did not have the budget. With the F30, I personally think, it is going to be different. Based on the reviews from people who have seen the car, I would not be surprised if I see a lot of potential F10 customers ending up buying a F30.

@ecclipse78, is the idrive screen for the Indian cars on the F30 the full 10" screen or is it the smaller version?

[manujkansal]

Originally Posted by over.drive

Earlier, a lot of the top of the line 3 series customers would have been happy spending a few more lakhs to get a 5 series, unless they wanted a 3 series specifically for its driving dynamics or did not have the budget. With the F30, I personally think, it is going to be different. Based on the reviews from people who have seen the car, I would not be surprised if I see a lot of potential F10 customers ending up buying a F30.

That's exactly my point. If the F30 is as good as it seems then it will be hard for BMW to find any takers for the F10 & i don't think BMW would want that considering the F10 sales numbers are pretty good at present.

[AdiSinghV12]

From a reliable source, It came to my knowledge that this vehicle would be hitting the stores on either 19th or 27th this month. I went to book my E90 LCI 320d but they emphasized that I should wait for the F30 which'd be hitting the stores in a fortnight or so. They promised me to show this next gen 3er within a couple of days (Ssshhhh) and regarding the prices, they said it'd start from around 29L.

Still quite certain that I'd go for the E90 LCI but no harm in waiting for a couple of days. What say? Let's see what my heart says after looking at the car.

[ecclipse78]

Originally Posted by manujkansal

Since you have experienced the car up,close & personally, could you say if it leaves the 520D pointless ? I mean if it has the goodies & better space then it will definitely mean trouble for the 5 .

In my opinion yes, the 520d would be a bit pointless. Sure, the 520d is a larger car; but the new 3 has enough space to seat 4 well fed adults comfortably.

Also, if the 3 comes with the BMW Connected Drive as promised you might have a few more features in this; unlike the 5.

On the other hand for some, paying another 5 to 6 lacs to own a 520 ( compared to the top end 3 ) would be a preference. ( as its a larger car )

To each his own !!

The iDrive screen is definitely not 10 inches.

More like 6.5 or 7 "

Edit: It's 6.5 " to be precise.

[AdiSinghV12]

Originally Posted by ecclipse78

The iDrive screen is definitely not 10 inches.

More like 6.5 or 7 "

The current iDrive found in the 3er has a 8.8" screen.
Too bad if they are planning to reduce it to 6.5 or 7"

[saketa]

Hey guys,
Did anyone get a chance to look at the price list? Pretty much everyone on this forum has been advising me against buying anything in this segment till the F30 launches but im hoping atleast the base variant should be available below 30L :(

[manujkansal]

Originally Posted by saketa

Hey guys,
Did anyone get a chance to look at the price list? Pretty much everyone on this forum has been advising me against buying anything in this segment till the F30 launches :(

I am sailing in the same boat bro
The wait seems to be too long !

[over.drive]

@saketa, as we discussed in another thread it is sensible to wait for the new F30 before finalizing on anything. I was looking forward to buying a used F10/E60, but from what I have heard from people the F30 looks to be the perfect car one can buy for around 30L.

Waiting for bhpian ecclipse78 to upload the spec sheets this week. Anyways, the launch should happen in a week or two. Based on what S350-E240 has mentioned in one of his posts above, it is very likely that we will see a base variant and the prices for the F30 would only be marginally higher than the E90. We'll have to wait a little longer for the official launch.

[Mike89]

S350-E240 , ecclipse78

I think its about time you guys shed out more details regarding the pricing and/or launch date. I am becoming more and more anxious. Need to make a decision soon weather to get the F30 or F10.

[PlatzdaTurbo]

Originally Posted by Mike89

S350-E240 , ecclipse78

I think its about time you guys shed out more details regarding the pricing and/or launch date. I am becoming more and more anxious. Need to make a decision soon weather to get the F30 or F10.

Unfortunately, S350 wont be able to post for sometime.
He is banned

[AirbusA340]

Originally Posted by ecclipse78

In my opinion yes, the 520d would be a bit pointless. Sure, the 520d is a larger car; but the new 3 has enough space to seat 4 well fed adults comfortably.

Also, if the 3 comes with the BMW Connected Drive as promised you might have a few more features in this; unlike the 5.

On the other hand for some, paying another 5 to 6 lacs to own a 520 ( compared to the top end 3 ) would be a preference. ( as its a larger car )

To each his own !!

The iDrive screen is definitely not 10 inches.

More like 6.5 or 7 "

Edit: It's 6.5 " to be precise.

1. IMHO, guys interested in the F30 should wait until the new iDrive comes with the hardware+software upgrade as mentioned on bimmerpost.com.

Connected drive is supposedly from Nov 2012 production for the F30 abroad and obviously it'll follow suit for the chennai production as well. The touch pad iDrive version is, supposedly, on a separate launch schedule.

We'll have to wait and see.

2. I've driven it in flesh. Do not go by the exaggerated pointers of gigantic space increase to sink in 4 tall, well built, long-legged, etc., adults comfortably. I kept the driving seat roughly where i have always kept it in my E90 and it's almost the same. The rear end gives an impression of a slightly bigger car, but believe me. A 5 series is a bigger chassis and BMW is not a mental company to make it so easy for the top end F30 to pitch in more sales and kill the entry level F10 purely based on space. The space is never the same.

There are guys who would go only for the 3, some who would go for the 3 and end up stretching their budget to get a 5 & some who would never even think of anything smaller/lesser number than a 5!

Wait, try and buy ONLY if it steals your heart. Else, there are options out there. Just because it's a new model, it doesn't mean it would impress all.

pEaCe

[BikerSG]

Sneak preview at chennai dealer is next weekend (20/7 to 22/7, yet TBC). Launch is on 27/7.

This according to the chennai dealer.

[ecclipse78]

Sorry guys, have been traveling !

Spec sheets have been promised on the 18th; will upload upon receipt. (unless Airbus/ Boeing beats me to it)

Cheers !