BMW will be giving its 3-Series droptop a modest, mostly cosmetic, refresh for the 2011 model year and we have the latest photos of a thinly-disguised prototype running the streets of the automaker’s home country, Germany.
Fake body panels and black tape are covering large portions of the lower fascia and rear bumper, so new bits of bodywork can be expected there. Modestly changed headlights and taillights also appear to be in the works. We may also see minor revisions to the interior.
It’s hard to say what will happen under the hood or to the suspension; expect some minor upgrades, at the least, but probably not the automaker’s new turbocharged four-cylinders, which are bound for the next-generation 3-Series.
Watch for the freshened 3-Series droptop to go on sale in the second half of 2010.
09/29, 10:23 AM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
Snzzz what??
09/29, 10:26 AM
posted by:
Juggernaut
Still looks better than the sedan. I was worried the next 3 coupe/vert would be ruined.
09/29, 10:49 AM
posted by:
brijan81
WHEN THINGS ARE DONE RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING A “MODEST MAKEOVER” IS ACCEPTIBLE. AS ALWAYS, BMW MAKES A GREAT CAR EVEN BETTER!
09/29, 11:28 AM
posted by:
SoTXFord
Settle down brijan…
09/29, 11:30 AM
posted by:
A True Gear Head
BMW has been doing makeovers on just about their entire lineup for the past 20+ years, this shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone..
09/29, 12:00 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Still the same unreliable, overpriced pile of sh1t it’s always been. Still as embarrassing to be seen in as every other ****sucker who drives Bimmers.
Be American. buy American. Buy GM.
09/29, 12:05 PM
posted by:
A True Gear Head
^^ has no life
09/29, 12:12 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
This is very appropriate. Most BMW drivers I see behind the wheel these days probably have makeovers at least as frequently as what they drive.
09/29, 12:15 PM
posted by:
carstuff
Hate to burst your bubble but BMW ranks #6 on JD Power Reliability.
However there are 3 US marques above BMW: Buick, Cadillac and Mercury.
09/29, 12:25 PM
posted by:
reedfast
the second picture almost makes it look like an old 90’s two tone lexus
09/29, 12:33 PM
posted by:
aesir
ehhh? Consumer Reports highlights: I can’t find the complete list http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=435712
09/29, 12:38 PM
posted by:
The Stig
JD Power doesn’t count. Ever.
09/29, 1:08 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
who buys a bmw for reliability (fictional reliability or otherwise)?
09/29, 1:19 PM
posted by:
2WheeledSpeed
brijan81, I’ve got no problem with anything you’ve ever said. But PLEASE stop using all caps all the time…
09/29, 1:27 PM
posted by:
Borat
Me think it looks as BMW should. Bungle is gone, at least from this model. I think it is very clean and proportional without extras hanging off the body, extra creases, lines, cavities etc.If only they could drop 200-300 lbs it would be perfect.
09/29, 1:52 PM
posted by:
aesir
BMWs are mostly daily driven vehicles. They should be reliable. Same goes for Benz. That is one of the reasons why I’ve never purchased a Benz. Too many friends with them and too many expensive problems.
09/29, 2:06 PM
posted by:
Uncover
Reliability not the only issue for Bimmers. Big leap of faith to buy a new BMW as drive quality not consistent from one to another. Mine jerks and hesitates big time and all BMW can say is my concerns are “common”. Do your own research before you put down your hard earned cash. Keywords: BMW Transmission, HPFP, Lemon, Fluttering, Buyback…
09/29, 2:18 PM
posted by:
graycav56
While I had my share of issues with my 98 328i, my 04 325Ci coupe has been dead reliable. My only issue was a problem where the intermittent wipers worked, well, intermittently. They replaced the entire windshield under warranty.
While the car is not a rocketship (I have my 66 GTO for that), it has enough zip for my daily commute and I am pulling down over 28 MPG.
It is also by far the most comfortable, best handling car I have ever owned. And by comfort I mean feeling the road without getting my fillings pounded out and not riding on a mushy pollow soft suspension.
As I approach 100K on the clock, I am kind of worried if my anticipated replacement (335i) will be as rewarding. I suppose only time will tell.
09/29, 2:19 PM
posted by:
graycav56
Pillow, not pollow. Stinking fat fingers and unsuitable proofreading skills…..
09/29, 3:57 PM
posted by:
GARedE34
Every manufacturer has to evolve from a design perspective, but this kind of look will never achieve the muscular presence of the E46. While I respect the engine in the 335i immensely, the only current 3 Series that really excites me is the four door M3. Too bad the pics here don’t improve things any.
09/29, 4:14 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
i’m not arguing cars shouldn’t be reliable, but if you want a reliable commuter car, you don’t necessarily buy a bmw…the needs of a bmw buyer typically have style, driving experience and prestige (for better or worse) higher on the list than reliability…i agree on the merc point, though, i’d assume a bwm would be better for reliability than a merc (on average) but i wouldn’tt assume a bmw would be better than other brands…
all that said, i’m not a fan of the rear decklid and the transition to the rear glass…
09/29, 5:19 PM
posted by:
brijan81
OK 2wheeledspeed. Is this better? ….Sorry I was yelling at EVERYONE.
09/30, 12:40 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
You want reliability, you go to GM. Nothing else comes close.
An American Revolution
09/30, 12:58 PM
posted by:
Need less brand fanatics
You want reliability, you do your research. Nothing else comes close.
An American Revelation
09/30, 1:34 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM dumbfuck
Any GM is far superior to ANY BMW. My Chevy Aveo has more luxury and power than any 3 series ever will.
Be GM. Buy GM. Buy GM or I’ll cry.
10/05, 11:49 AM
posted by:
bmwmpower
NMOFGM, Consumer Reports has rated the 3-Series top marks in reliability since forever. Not to mention, all four of my 3-Series and 3 of my other Bimmers have been super reliable and never failed me, including my current 98 M3 with 118k miles. Go home, assclown
10/05, 12:00 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
118k is not impessive. A GM vehicle will last 5 times that and never have a problem. Get ready to send your POS to the scrapyard, it’s officially on life support. Are you stupid enough to throw money into it? Oh wait, you bought it didn’t you. You must be a glutton for punishment and embarrassment. How do you like being an unAmerican jackass driving a foriegn vehicle instead of a superior GM vehicle?
Be American. buy American. Buy GM. Don’t be a jackass like this guy