New Gear
BMW Updates 3-series coupe & cabriolet for 2011
02.03.10
By .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
BMW has made slight modifications to their 3-series cars this year, due at dealer showrooms this Spring. Updated headlight fixtures and engines are the main changes, keeping their stalwart line of cars mostly unchanged for ‘11.
I go way back with BMW; one of my first cars was a ‘78 320i that I bought used in Newport Beach - that car was a 2-door coupe that BMW had created to replace the wonderful 2002 in the mid-‘70s. It was later replaced by the 325 and 328 sedans and 330 coupe, creating one of the most successful car lines anywhere… especially popular in Orange County with everyone from students to professionals. With its classic lines and efficient size, the 3-series is both a driver’s car and an affordable entry into German luxury and performance. And no one makes a well-built sedan, coupe or convertible quite like the Germans.
For 2010/2011, BMW knows it isn’t broken, so they aren’t fixing their venerable 3-series. With its longer lines, 2 fewer doors and upgraded performance, the coupe is BMW’s sexiest small(ish) car. The 1-series may be a few inches smaller, but it doesn’t possess the sexy lines of the 3 coupe - which appeals to those wanting a sportier look and image.
So what is new for this year’s coupe and convertible? Most noticeable will be the slightly widened “kidney” grill, which reflects other BMW grills growing wider and bigger. Adjacent to that is a re-worked headlight cluster, with LED daytime running light “halos” to upgrade the car’s aggressive eyes. Taillights have also been slightly re-worked, as car manufacturers continue their battle of the coolest and most distinctive lighting designs.
Other changes are more subtle, such as the design “toning down” since last year’s departure of controversial design chief Chris Bangle. We’re starting to see more and more details that preserves BMW’s many lines, folds and creases in their bodywork, but add more clean lines as well. An example from their recent press release on the new 3-series: “An additional horizontal contour line has been added to the rear air dam to further accentuate the width of the Coupe and Convertible. It creates light-and-shade effects to give the entire rear end a flatter and smoother appearance.”
Under the hood, the engines have been tweaked to produce the same big power (300hp from the 330i) from less gas. Using lessons from their turbo diesels, they have lighted up their engines and injected the fuel right into the cylinders with quick-spool turbos to keep up the power and lose some weight. With the addition of a diesel 335d sedan to the lineup (35 fewer hp but lots more torque), it would really be something to get a TDI 3-series coupe we’d really have something…
Changes exclusive to the convertible include the inclusion of X-drive (AWD) and new leather seats treated to retain less heat when the roof is down - lowering surface temperatures by 27-35 degrees.
Blog
Welcome Addition to OC Media!
02.03.10
More Big News! (although an OC Ferry Building, that’s hard to beat.)
OCLNN Orange County Local News Network just debuted and although I have no ties, I thought you might want to check it out. It’s a daily online (no dead trees) news site with plenty of breaking news, local news, sports, events, lifestyle and entertainment in Orange County. More greatness right here in OC, just for you!
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 12.20.24 – The Huntington Holiday House: A Festive Winter Wonderland by the Beach!
- 12.19.24 – Four Days Left to Experience The Nutcracker Magic!
- 12.18.24 – Studs Now Open at Irvine Spectrum Center: Your Earscaping® Destination!
- 12.17.24 – Breakfast Republic After Dark: Costa Mesa’s New Evening Hotspot
- 12.17.24 – Celebrate Christmas Eve at Darkroom with Haus of Prime Rib
- 12.16.24 – Traditional Christmas Dinner Made Easy with The Meat Cellar’s To-Go Offerings
- 12.16.24 – Dreamers Market at Anaheim Packing District
- 12.11.24 – 714 Holiday Market at Anaheim Packing District
- 12.11.24 – Warson Wines: Crafted with Passion and Precision
- 12.10.24 – Elevating the Art of Cocktails: SOCIAL Kitchen + Craft Bar Unveils a Bold New Menu
- 12.08.24 – Celebrate the Holidays with Polly’s Pies’ Prime Rib Specials!
- 12.07.24 – Fermentation Farm Expands to San Juan Capistrano – Where Wellness and Flavor Thrive
- 12.06.24 – Your Invitation to Radiance: Aesthetic Event with Dr. Seify
- 12.06.24 – Cannery Artist Collective Holiday Open Studios with Special Guest Kathryn M. Ireland
- 12.04.24 – Experience the Magic of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade at Post 291!
- 12.03.24 – Descanso Restaurant’s Pozole for a Cause: Supporting Local Communities This Holiday Season
- 12.01.24 – Born in OC: Book Signing & Celebration of Local Visionaries
- 12.01.24 – Don’t Miss the 2024 Oats Cashmere Warehouse Sale in Costa Mesa!
- 11.29.24 – $25 Off OC Restaurant Week VIP Tickets – Black Friday & Cyber Monday
- 11.29.24 – Experience the Magic of A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory
More Daily Doses
- 12.20.24 – Restored Crystal Cove Cottages Now Open for Online Reservations
- 12.16.24 – Molly O’Neil Opens Luxury Design Studio and Home Decor Shop in Costa Mesa
- 12.16.24 – River Street Marketplace Welcomes First Wave of Shops and Eateries to San Juan Capistrano
- 12.16.24 – Celebrate the Season in Style at RJB Restaurants’ Coastal Favorites
- 12.11.24 – Mercado Mesa: A New Culinary Experience at Paseo 17
- 12.10.24 – Bar Becky Brings Italian-American Innovation to Long Beach Exchange
- 12.08.24 – The Lido Theater’s 12 Days of Christmas Movies: December 11–23, 2024
- 12.06.24 – Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade: 116 Years of Holiday Magic, Lights, and Cheer
- 12.04.24 – Celebrate 10 Years of Holiday Magic at Winter Fest OC!
- 12.02.24 – Exclusive Holiday Event: Beauty, Raffles, and More
- 11.29.24 – Festive Fun at Pete’s Christmas Vacation at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach!
- 11.26.24 – Newport Dunes’ 34th Annual Lighting of the Bay: Holiday Magic!
- 11.22.24 – Celebrate Thanksgiving in Style at South Coast Plaza
- 11.22.24 – Discover Holiday Magic at Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy in Laguna Beach
- 11.20.24 – Festive Holiday Event & Nightly Light Show at The District at Tustin Legacy!
- 11.18.24 – Holiday Magic with the LA Master Chorale: Festival of Carols at Musco Center
- 11.15.24 – The Lido Theater Launches Café Pop-Up Experience
- 11.13.24 – Crews Quarters Moves to Via Lido Plaza: Discover the New Location!
- 11.06.24 – Chefsgiving Culinary Celebration For a Cause at Pendry Newport Beach
- 11.04.24 – California Wine Festival Returns to Huntington Beach