BMW’s head of engine development, Peter Nefischer has announced that the next 3- Series models may be powered by three-cylinder engines.

He says that they would be featured across the range in the ‘next couple of years’. The automaker feels that it has squeezed all the power it can out of the standard internal combustion motors, so coupling small sized motors with forced induction is the next step to make more powerful models.

Click here for more news on the BMW 3-Series.

The hybrid i8 supercar, set for 2013 release in the UK, will also be powered by a three cylinder, however the 3-Series version will not be electric like the i8. Six-cylinder petrol motors will be powering most upcoming hybrids, so the i8 engine won’t be seen there either.

Refresher: The 2012 BMW 3 Series three trim levels including Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line – of course, an M Sport Package will follow. The 2012 BMW 328i is powered by a 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine making 240-hp at 5,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque between 1,250 and 4,800 rpm. That allows 0 to 60 mph to come in just 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (155 mph with Sport Line package). Power for the 2012 BMW 335i comes from the same N55 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 300-hp at 5,800 rpm with a maximum torque of 300 lb-ft between 1,200 rpm and 5,000 rpm. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (and 155 mph with Sport Line package).

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: WhatCar

While BMW had a very strong 2011, the Munich automaker failed to keep its lead over Mercedes-Benz in January U.S. sales. BMW sales rose 3.1 percent in January 2012 with a total of 16,405 units delivered in the United States. Mercedes-Benz was up a total of 24 percent with a total of 20,306.

Lexus sales fell 4.6 percent to 12,274 vehicles in January 2012.

BMW sales in 2011 rose 13 percent to 247,907 units, helping it claim the title as the top-selling luxury brand in the United States. The number helped dethrone Lexus, which held the spot for 11 years.

Lexus sales fell 13 percent in 2011 to 198,552 units bringing it to No. 3, while Mercedes-Benz came in second selling 2,715 units less than BMW.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoNews

BMW of North America today unveiled six digital shorts, which are a part of a new national advertising campaign to support the launch of the new 2012 BMW 3-Series, which will go on sale Feb. 11.

Two of the shorts will air in ads during Super Bowl XLVI in regions across the U.S.: the first entitled ‘The Big Grab,’ in the New York Tri-State area; and the second, ‘The Close Call,’ in the Southern California-Los Angeles, Atlanta and Houston areas.

“The BMW 3 Series is the global benchmark for a sports sedan,” said Dan Creed, Vice President of Marketing, BMW of North America. “With these shorts, we turn a spotlight on the innovations that make the 3 Series the standard to which others aspire.”

Click here for more news on the BMW 3-Series.

Follow the break for the commercials.

Refresher: The 2012 BMW 3 Series three trim levels including Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line – of course, an M Sport Package will follow. The 2012 BMW 328i is powered by a 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine making 240-hp at 5,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque between 1,250 and 4,800 rpm. That allows 0 to 60 mph to come in just 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (155 mph with Sport Line package). Power for the 2012 BMW 335i comes from the same N55 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 300-hp at 5,800 rpm with a maximum torque of 300 lb-ft between 1,200 rpm and 5,000 rpm. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (and 155 mph with Sport Line package).

- By: Omar Rana

The EPA has released the fuel-economy ratings for the new 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan and the numbers seem to be quite impressive. The 2012 BMW 328i gets an estimated EPA fuel-economy rating of 24/36 mpg (city/highway) when mated to the 8-speed automatic transmission, while the BMW 335i gets a rating of 23/33 mpg.

Click here for more news on the BMW 3-Series.

Refresher: The 2012 BMW 3 Series three trim levels including Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line – of course, an M Sport Package will follow. The 2012 BMW 328i is powered by a 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine making 240-hp at 5,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque between 1,250 and 4,800 rpm. That allows 0 to 60 mph to come in just 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (155 mph with Sport Line package). Power for the 2012 BMW 335i comes from the same N55 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 300-hp at 5,800 rpm with a maximum torque of 300 lb-ft between 1,200 rpm and 5,000 rpm. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (and 155 mph with Sport Line package).

- By: Omar Rana

BMW has finally released the U.S. configurator for the new 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan, which will be arriving into dealerships next month.

We’re not going to take anymore of your time so head over to the configurator here.

Click here for more news on the BMW 3-Series.

Refresher: The 2012 BMW 3 Series three trim levels including Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line – of course, an M Sport Package will follow. The 2012 BMW 328i is powered by a 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine making 240-hp at 5,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque between 1,250 and 4,800 rpm. That allows 0 to 60 mph to come in just 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (155 mph with Sport Line package). Power for the 2012 BMW 335i comes from the same N55 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 300-hp at 5,800 rpm with a maximum torque of 300 lb-ft between 1,200 rpm and 5,000 rpm. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (and 155 mph with Sport Line package).

- By: Omar Rana

Dubbed the F31, the upcoming BMW 3-Series wagon will be hitting U.S. soil despite previous rumors and BMW’s decision to hold the current E91 from the American market.

The variant’s addition was announced by Paul Ferraiolo at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, but no release date or model year was given. No matter BMW’s decision, the new wagon will be released this spring at the Lepizig Auto Show.

Power will come from one of several options, including a 2.0-liter diesel making 141hp or upgraded to 181hp, a 2.0 liter turbo putting out either 181hp or 241hp, or a 3.0 liter inline six that puts out 315hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.

Check out more news on the BMW 3-Series.

BMW also has an ActiveHybrid 3 underway expected to feature a turbo 3.0-liter motor with a 54hp electric motor like the ActiveHybrid 5. There is a possibility that a new hybrid powertrain will be coupled to this variant.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: BMWBlog

BMW added another addition to its alternative powertrain options and has fully unveiled it earlier today at 2012 North American International Auto Show.

For the first time ever, the BMW 3-Series gets a hybrid powertrain. Of course, most purists and even regular BMW enthusiasts would think that this is absolute blasphemous. And it is because I would personally agree. But the times are changing and this is BMW’s answer to help reduce their CAFE rating, which would help quite a bit considering that the 3-Series is their most successful model.

Click here for more news on the BMW 3-Series.

To keep us driving enthusiasts interested, the ActiveHybrid 3 comes standard with the same engine as the new 335i: a 3.0L turbocharged TwinPower Turbo straight-six that churns out 300hp. It’s mated to an all new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission that also is hooked up to an electric motor that produces 55hp. The total amount using simple mathematics would result in 355hp. But according to BMW’s figures, we assume that they factored in some powertrain loss and rated the ActiveHybrid 3 at just 335hp and 330 lb-ft of torque.

The hybrid system is expected to give the ActiveHybrid 3 an EPA figure that hovers around the average of 36 mpg. Official EPA figures have yet to be released. Additionally, the system allows the ActiveHybrid 3 to travel on just electric power for roughly 2 to 2.5 miles at speed of up to 37 mph.

Pricing will be announced later on.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Chris Chin

BMW has just released a video giving us a look at the designing process of the new 2012 BMW 3 Series (F30) with the designers who did it all. Watch as the designers explain the ideas behind the car-design.

Check out our list of Top 10 things you need to know about the 2012 BMW 3-Series.

Refresher: The 2012 BMW 3 Series is available in three trim levels including Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line. The 2012 BMW 328i is powered by a 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine making 240-hp at 5,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque between 1,250 and 4,800 rpm. That allows 0 to 60 mph to come in just 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (155 mph with Sport Line package). Power for the 2012 BMW 335i comes from the same N55 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 300-hp at 5,800 rpm with a maximum torque of 300 lb-ft between 1,200 rpm and 5,000 rpm. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (and 155 mph with Sport Line package). The 2012 328i Sedan starts at $35,795 while the 2012 335i Sedan starts at $43,295.

- By: Omar Rana

The 2012 BMW 3 Series made its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September but the ActiveHybrid 3 will now make its world debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show next month (along with the rest of the 3 Series lineup).

Click here for more news on the BMW 3-Series.

The 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will be powered by a 300-hp 6-clyinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (same engine in the 2012 BMW 335i). The unit will be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and an electric-motor that makes 55-hp. Together, the engine and the hybrid system produce 335-hp with a maximum torque of 330 lb-ft. The system should allow the ActiveHybrid 3 to average a little more than 36 mpg – official EPA figures will be announced closer to launch.

Click here to see our Top 10 things you need to know about the 2012 BMW 3-Series list.

BMW says that the motor in the ActiveHybrid 3 provides the 6-cylinder engine with extra driving power and can provide a boost function when you want to let loose.

As a fuel-saving extra, the BMW ActiveHybrid technology also allows the ActiveHybrid 3 to run solely on electric power between 2 to 2.5 miles with a top speed of 37 mph.

- By: Omar Rana

The 2012 BMW 3 Series will be hitting dealerships early next year (Feb. 2012 to be exact) and if you’re excited and can’t wait to get into one – you might want to check out our new ‘Top 10 things you should know about the 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan.’

Check out our other Top 10 things you need to know lists.

Top 10 things you need to know about the 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan:

1. This is the 6th generation 3 Series sedan and it’s one of the best looking 3s we’ve ever seen. While the 3 Series Sedan will go on sale in Feb. 2012, the 3 Series Coupe will stick around for at least 3 more years. Sales of the 2012 BMW 3 Series will start with the rear-wheel-drive 328i and the 335i – that will be followed by the xDrive models.
2. Welcome the 4-banger turbo. The 2012 BMW 328i is now powered by a 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine making 240-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. That allows 0 to 60 mph to come in just 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (the outgoing 328i does it in 6.9 seconds). The 2012 335i gets a N55 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 300-hp with a maximum torque of 300 lb-ft. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph.
3. 6-speed manual transmission is standard with an 8-speed automatic offered as well.
4. BMW EfficientDynamics technologies have been added to the line-up with Auto Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration. Both will increase fuel-economy of the new 3.
5. In late 2012, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will go on sale with the N55 300-hp 6-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (same engine from the 335i). The engine is mated an 8-speed automatic transmission and an electric-motor that makes 55-hp. Together, the engine and the hybrid system produce 335-hp with a maximum torque of 330 lb-ft. It should average above 36 mpg.
6. The 2012 BMW 3 Sedan will be available in three trim levels including Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line. Click here to read more about each trim level, but we will tell you that the Sport Line increases top speed to 155 mph and adds a very sporty look you won’t get with the other trim levels.
7. The BMW 3 Series Sedan with the M Sport Package won’t be available until July 2012.
8. Prices for the 2012 328i Sedan start at $35,795 while the 2012 335i Sedan starts at $43,295.
9. While those numbers are higher than the outgoing model by more than $300, the new cars add a significantly higher level of standard equipment. What’s standard you ask? A 6.5-inch central display with iDrive controller, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/iPod interface, 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, Automatic Start/Stop, Dynamic Driving Control with ECO PRO Mode and Brake Energy Regeneration. Both models also get larger wheels and tires as standard equipment.
10. Not only does the 2012 3 Series come with an optional rear view camera this time around but it also has a surround View deliver a bird-eye overview.

Click here for more news on the BMW 3-Series.

- By: Omar Rana

To celebrate those wins, Alpina showed up to the Tokyo Motor Show today with a special edition BMW B3 GT3, which combines characteristics and technical parts of the Alpina BMW B6 GT3 race car with the road-going version.

Power from the 3.0 liter 6-cylinder twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine has been increased to 408-hp at 6,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 398 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm.

The Alpina BMW B3 GT3 is also available with a full body vinyl wrap in the official B6 GT3 race car design (green/blue/silver), including interior trim in green.

Production will be limited to just 99 units and deliveries are scheduled to begin in spring 2012 with prices starting around €90,000 ($120,942 USD).

- By: Omar Rana

For the first time ever, the BMW 3 Series will be available with a choice of three customized lines—Sport, Modern or Luxury. The company has just released a video to get you familiar with what design elements differentiate each line.

Of course, BMW will also offer a 3 Series sedan M Sport Package – but that won’t hit dealerships until July 2012.

Click here for more news on the BMW 3-Series.

Hit the jump for the video and read more about each trim line.

Refresher: The 2012 BMW 3 Series is available in three trim levels including Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line. The 2012 BMW 328i is powered by a 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine making 240-hp at 5,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque between 1,250 and 4,800 rpm. That allows 0 to 60 mph to come in just 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (155 mph with Sport Line package). Power for the 2012 BMW 335i comes from the same N55 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 300-hp at 5,800 rpm with a maximum torque of 300 lb-ft between 1,200 rpm and 5,000 rpm. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (and 155 mph with Sport Line package). The 2012 328i Sedan starts at $35,795 while the 2012 335i Sedan starts at $43,295.

2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan Trim Lines:

Sport Line:With eye-catching exterior features in high-gloss black, this new line accentuates the dynamic appearance of the BMW 3 Series Sedan. Eight heavily contoured high-gloss black kidney grille slats in a chrome-colored surround give the front end of the car a particularly sporty and alert look. The black inserts in the front apron make the air intakes appear larger and lend extra emphasis to the muscular wheel arches.  Bi-color, double-spoke design 18-inch light-alloy wheels provide the athletic looks to match. Meanwhile, high-gloss black painted exterior mirrors and the standard high-gloss black B-pillar and window trim add an extra sporting flavor to the flanks. A black trim strip on the lower crease underlines the width-enhancing effect of the rear styling, while the black chrome exhaust tips rounds off the exterior’s sporty appearance. The sporty and exclusive ambience of the interior is expressed by contrasting black and red accents. Red trim rings, red scales in the circular dials, red stitching on the sports steering wheel and a base trim strip in high-gloss black with coral red accent strips all underline the sporting ambience of the cockpit. The standard sports seats can be specified in a choice of two upholstery styles and three colors. The ignition key for Sport Line versions of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan is identified by its black finish and red detailing.

Luxury Line: The discreet high-gloss chrome elements of this line lend the exterior of the BMW 3 Series Sedan a particularly elegant and exclusive appeal. The BMW kidney grille with 11 fine chrome slats, two slightly offset chrome trim strips in the front apron air intakes, and a high-gloss chrome trim strip running horizontally above the air scoop give the front a striking appearance. As with the Sport Line, the B-pillar and window guide come in high-gloss black, and the window frame and weather strip are in chrome. Special 18-inch light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke design accentuate the stylishness of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan when viewed side-on. From the rear, the new Luxury Line is easily identified by its exquisite, high-gloss chrome trim strip – which extends across the full width of the rear apron – and its chrome exhaust tips. Chrome elements also catch the eye inside the Luxury Line variant. This is the only line which gives the radio and air conditioning units a chrome surround. High-gloss wood trim (with stylish inlays also available) and seats with distinctive stitching and leather upholstery in three classically elegant colors highlight an inviting, exclusive ambience. The ignition key for Luxury Line versions of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan can be identified by its black finish and chrome detailing.

Modern Line: In contrast to Luxury Line models, the avant-garde trim elements included in Modern Line versions of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan are all in satin aluminum, underlining the contemporary character of this line. The BMW kidney grille, with 11 satin aluminum slats, and double trim strips for the air intakes in the same color give the front end of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan a particularly contemporary, classy touch. The high-gloss black B-pillar and window trim of the Modern Line blend smoothly with the satin aluminum trim elements at the front and rear. 18-inch turbine-style light-alloy wheels strengthen the future-focused concept of this equipment line. The harmonious lightness of the interior dispenses with strong contrasts. Instead, with a light upper side to the dashboard and a steering wheel in dark oyster, it generates an all-new ambience. Leather upholstery in oyster or black, and a choice of three trim surfaces with accent strips in pearl-effect chrome, further enhance the appealing interplay between materials. A trim element with three-dimensional structure and open-pored wood lays on a whole new feast for the fingertips. Modern Line versions of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan are marked out by the oyster-colored ignition key with matt silver detailing.

- By: Omar Rana

BMW of North America has finally announced pricing on the new 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan lineup. The 2012 328i Sedan will carry a starting price tag of $35,795 while the 2012 335i Sedan will start at $43,295 (Both prices include $895 destination and handling).

The prices represent a $320 increase for the 328i and $370 increase for the 335i – but keep in mind that the new 3 Series Sedan now has a significantly higher level of standard equipment. What’s standard you ask?

Buyers will now get a 6.5-inch central display with iDrive controller, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/iPod interface, 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, Automatic Start/Stop, Dynamic Driving Control with ECO PRO Mode and Brake Energy Regeneration. Both the 328i and the 335i feature larger wheels and tires as standard equipment.

The 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan is available in three trim levels including Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line.

Click here for more news on the BMW 3-Series.

BMW says that the new 3 Series Sedan will debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in January and will go on sale at U.S. dealers in February 2012.

Refresher: The 2012 BMW 3 Series three trim levels including Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line – of course, an M Sport Package will follow. The 2012 BMW 328i is powered by a 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine making 240-hp at 5,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque between 1,250 and 4,800 rpm. That allows 0 to 60 mph to come in just 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (155 mph with Sport Line package). Power for the 2012 BMW 335i comes from the same N55 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 300-hp at 5,800 rpm with a maximum torque of 300 lb-ft between 1,200 rpm and 5,000 rpm. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (and 155 mph with Sport Line package).

- By: Omar Rana

Though some say the F30 BMW 3 Series, i.e. the new one has grown up slightly too much, the powerplants are unlikely to disappoint especially in today’s economy. So far the Euro-spec 328i (turbo ‘four instead of a naturally aspirated ‘six) gets 44 mpg, rendering similarly priced US market hybrids pointless, but it doesn’t end there. BMW will be offering the four-pot diesel in the US, though the timing is uncertain at this point.

This means 60 mpg is possible in an already much-anticipated car. Certainly the diesel 3er would make the ActiveHybrid 3er pointless to the minds of some prospective customers, and it may be for this reason that BMW chose to introduce the diesel later.

Click here for more news on the BMW 3-Series.

Naturally emissions controls and politics could change the tune of the US cars, but a BMW insider has confirmed that the 320d is eventually bound for US shores. In the past, BMW offered the 335d in limited form: 4 doors, rear drive only and an automatic transmission; $45 grand was the asking price, so it may seem obvious to some why it never made a huge splash over here.

Beyond the F30, the diesels may make their way into BMW’s SUV lineup and in the F10 (current 5 series).

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: CARandDRIVER

Like the current model, the next-generation BMW M3 will be offered in at least three body variants including a sedan, coupe and convertible. While design changes are inevitable, changes under the hood will be the most major change.

Click here for more news on the BMW M3.

Sources suggest that the next BMW M3 will drop its V8 engine for a twin-turbo V6 unit developing somewhere north of 420-hp.

Either way, we’ll find out more details next year.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Iacoski.com

What does the $81,060 price tag get you? Each BMW M3 Competition Edition Frozen Silver gets the brand’s Individual Frozen Silver Metallic exterior color, with black hood intakes and dark chrome exterior trim, including the kidney grills, the M side gills and the exhaust tips. The interior features black Extended Novillo Leather with palladium silver accents and palladium silver-contrast stitching on front seats, headrests, door trim panels / handles, center console, and center armrest. The inside also gets an Alcantara-covered multi-function M steering wheel with an M3 Checkered Flag logo. Open the doors and you’re welcome by the M3 Checkered Flag logo while the handbrake lever sports an embroidered M Power logo. You’ll also find carbon fiber trims the dash and center console.

Click here for more news on the BMW M3.

Power still comes from the M3′s 4.0 liter V8 making 414-hp, which is mated with the M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT), lowering the 0 to 60 mph time of the M3 to 4.5 seconds from 4.7.

The 2012 BMW Competition Edition M3 ride height is lowered by 10mm and includes M3 GTS 19-inch wheels in black.

- By: Omar Rana

A new era has begun! Production of the BMW 3 series has just begun today at the brand’s Munich plant, with a half a billion euro investment behind it.

Click here for more news on the BMW 3-Series.

BMW AG Board of Management Member Frank-Peter Arndt explains the investment: “The BMW 3 Series is the most important volume-produced model form the BMW Group as well as the biggest-selling model in the entire premium segment. To ensure that the sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series likewise leaves the factory in flawless quality, we have invested around 500 million euros in our Munich home plant. And that means safeguarding 9,000 workplaces.”

BMW’s Munich plant is a crucial component of the brand’s global production network, and will be the lead plant for the sixth generation 3-Series’ production. The brand plans to move 680 units per day out of the plant three months after beginning production, and will eventually reach over 900 daily.

Click here for our original post on the 2012 BMW 3 Series.

Refresher: The 2012 BMW 3 Series three trim levels including Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line – of course, an M Sport Package will follow. The 2012 BMW 328i is powered by a 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine making 240-hp at 5,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque between 1,250 and 4,800 rpm. That allows 0 to 60 mph to come in just 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (155 mph with Sport Line package). Power for the 2012 BMW 335i comes from the same N55 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 300-hp at 5,800 rpm with a maximum torque of 300 lb-ft between 1,200 rpm and 5,000 rpm. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (and 155 mph with Sport Line package).

- By: Alexandra Koken

The 3 Series has a long standing history in the BMW brand. Back in 1975, the German automaker introduced the E21 3 series, which replaced the 2 series and ever since the model has become volume seller for the Munich based automaker. So when we heard reports that the next-generation BMW 3 Series Coupe will drop the 3 for a number 4 – we were a bit surprised.

First time at egmCarTech? Visit our home page for the latest news.

Curious as to where these reports started, we decided to contact BMW.

Click here for our original post on the 2012 BMW 3 Series.

Over the last three generation of the 3 Series, the coupe variant has followed the sedan by about a year and the same is expected to happen with the new model. That means the new 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan, which goes on sale in February 2012, will be followed by the coupe sometime in the first half of 2013.

So will it be called the 4 Series instead of the 3 Series Coupe? According to BMW Product, Technology & Heritage Communications at BMW of North America, LLC, Dave Buchko “We’ve seen nothing official to suggest that a Coupe would be called anything but 3 Series.”

Click here for more news on the BMW 3-Series.

So all those reports you’ve been hearing about the next 3 Series Coupe to be called the 4 Series – throw those out of your mind.

As far as rumors about the BMW M3 Sedan being canned, Buchko says: “We have no details on a next generation of M3 at this stage, but a lot of folks are having fun speculating.”

- By: Omar Rana