During the 1970s, the tii nameplate was synonymous with BMW performance. But over the years, BMW’s famed model lost most of its credentials due to a lack of availability. But BMW resurrected the nameplate on the 1-series tii concept and might have the same in store for the next-generation 3-series.
The 1-series tii concept evolved into the new BMW Performance range of performance parts for the 1-series, and the 2012 3-series will likely see the same treatment. According to Autobild, BMW is considering offering a range of carbon fiber parts, larger wheels, upgraded brakes, aero kits and sports steering wheel on the next 3-series — due out in 2011.
Moreover, other possible upgrades could include the M3’s rear differential, a dual-clutch transmission and a power upgrade to the 3.0L twin-turbo six — likely in the neighborhood of 355 horsepower.
BMW has yet to confirm the report and, with another three years until the next 3-series’ launch, BMW faithful might have to just get by with the new M3 in the meantime.
03/12, 5:05 PM
posted by:
Mr. Azza
Bring on the Carbon Fibre 320i
03/12, 5:06 PM
posted by:
jamaicandude
355 horsepower… That’d be awfully close to M3 territory… but then again, the next gen M3’s performance should trump this generation’s, so they might not be that close in performance after all. What I’m more afraid of hearing is the projected price. BMWs are getting way too expensive.
03/12, 5:43 PM
posted by:
Badass Z51
I seriously doubt the next 3er will be a 2011, probably a 2013 is more realistic
03/12, 5:45 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
They don’t need any more power. They need to lose some weight.
03/12, 5:55 PM
posted by:
Driven
“BMW has yet to confirm the report and, with another three years until the next 3-series’ launch…”
Sorry LLN, try at least 4 to 4.5 years before the next 3 series sedan launch and 5.5 years for the next 3 series coupe.
BMW historically runs on 7 year cycles with year 3 or 4 getting small redesign (sedans taking on the look of the coupe with new bumpers, taillights, etc). The e90 3 series came out in 2006 (mid 2005 as a MY2006). So the next 3 series is scheduled for mid to late 2012 as a MY2013. LLN is about a year behind with the 2011/MY2012 claim.
Coupes follow a year after sedans for 3 series launches. The e92 coupe launched in late 2006 as MY2007 so you will be waiting until late 2013 for the MY2014 new 3 series coupe.
There is absolutely no way BMW would produce a 3 series tii in 3 years that has M3’s rear differential, a dual-clutch transmission and 355HP. That is dangerously close to the M3 in specs and chipped would beat an M3. No way they would do that to the M3 just 3 years after it was released (M3s just started arriving stateside).
This sounds like someone took the 135tii concept and made up a story about a 335tii.
03/12, 6:02 PM
posted by:
Driven
As for BMW Performance parts, we’ll see those being sold for the 3 series before the end of this models lifecycle. Those parts will include carbon fiber parts, larger wheels, upgraded brakes all purchased a la carte but not adding any real performance advantage like a tii model with new mechanics (HP, diff, trans). We see these with every 3 series, parts that make it look like an M even though its not. A performance pack ma be sold in the last 2 years of the e9x line but even then it will be limited to parts that wont encroach on the M.
03/12, 7:38 PM
posted by:
autonut
2002 tii was was a wet dream of a every graduate student. This version of tii looks like leased pimp mobile of not very successful orthodontist.
03/12, 7:48 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
If BMW bothered to do the 3 series correctly, there would never have been a need for the 1 series.
03/12, 8:08 PM
posted by:
bigp
cant wait to test drive
03/12, 8:16 PM
posted by:
jamaicandude
@ Madcapp:
That is so very true.
03/12, 9:00 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
I agree that the 1-series will not become iconic like the 2002 but it’s a step in the right direction. Bring it on!
03/12, 9:27 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
How about an overhaul?
They all look like crap.
03/13, 12:39 AM
posted by:
A4
who decided a “sports steering wheel” is a “sports” steering wheel? last i checked they all turn the car at the same speed. If they add more responsive rack and pinion steering or some crap like that its one thing, but putting an M badge with thumb bumps on it doesnt make it any sportier.
03/13, 5:23 AM
posted by:
mg198242
Bring it on, but with a decent price tag!
03/13, 7:42 AM
posted by:
frylock350
Bore that I6 out to 3.5L and have yourself a nice 400+hp turbo I6.
03/13, 7:59 AM
posted by:
Fletch
BMW makes some great cars, but their prices are out of control. So some enthusiast will drive new BMW’s, but mostly just poeople with money to burn and something to prove.