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BMW F30 3-Series (2012+)

37 messages,  Last post on Nov 26, 2012 at 11:58 AM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Future Vehicle, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 5

#6 of 37 Re: Do you really think it will weigh less? [kyfdx] by fedlawman

Sep 27, 2011 (6:01 pm)

Replying to: kyfdx (Sep 27, 2011 2:10 pm)
I don't know for sure, but I think it has been something of a building trend lately.
 
At least on paper (or manufacturer claims), the new 370Z is lighter than the old 350Z. The new WRX is lighter, and I think the new A4 is too (from memory).
 
Anyways, it seems like 2010 or 2011 was the start of manufacturers making an effort to lighten things up a little.
 
Once the Corvette and 911 passed the 3000 lb mark a few years ago, I knew that was it for lightweight cars. In this context, a 3300 lb 328i seems more than reasonable.
 
And with a 4-cylinder engine, forged 17" wheels, and some more aluminum in the suspension and body, I think BMW could shave 100 lbs.

#7 of 37 Re: Do you really think it will weigh less? [fedlawman] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Sep 27, 2011 (6:28 pm)

Replying to: fedlawman (Sep 27, 2011 6:01 pm)
A 1969 Lotus Elan was 1800 lbs.

#8 of 37 Re: Do you really think it will weigh less? [Mr_Shiftright] by kyfdx HOST

Sep 27, 2011 (6:38 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Sep 27, 2011 6:28 pm)
I think my '82 Accord hatchback was only 2300-2400 lbs.. No A/C, no PS

#9 of 37 Re: Do you really think it will weigh less? [kyfdx] by fedlawman

Sep 28, 2011 (6:10 am)

Replying to: kyfdx (Sep 27, 2011 6:38 pm)
The Elan had 2 seats and was made out of papier mâché...

#10 of 37 Re: Do you really think it will weigh less? [fedlawman] by shipo

Sep 28, 2011 (7:36 am)

Replying to: fedlawman (Sep 28, 2011 6:10 am)
I'm thinking you'd be taking your life in your hands while driving an Elan and having a head-on collision with a dragonfly.
 
For my part I'd love to see the 328i pare its weight down to say 3,200 pounds, and with a small(ish) engine and some judicious use of lightweight alloys I think it might just be possible.

#11 of 37 Re: Do you really think it will weigh less? [shipo] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Sep 28, 2011 (8:09 am)

Replying to: shipo (Sep 28, 2011 7:36 am)
Well then don't drive into anything. While I'm just half-serious about that, I do think one reaches a point where the idea of "safety" becomes increasingly elusive. We could probably make a Volvo with slanting-armor and re-inforced flooring to resist IEDs but really, when do we stop?
 
True Colin Chapman was building cars for racing, so he presumed the driver knew what he was doing.
 
The problem with building light cars is NOT safety--it's expense. Lightness (ironically) costs more than heaviness.

#12 of 37 Re: Do you really think it will weigh less? [Mr_Shiftright] by fedlawman

Sep 28, 2011 (11:26 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Sep 28, 2011 8:09 am)
We might know what we're doing, but we share the road with millions of nitwits who don't.
 
I agree - 3200 lbs and 240 HP (I-4 turbo) would be outstanding building blocks for a very fine ELLPS.

#13 of 37 I have a 3-series... by kyfdx HOST

Sep 28, 2011 (2:20 pm)

..that only weighs 2844 lbs.. with a full tank....

#14 of 37 Show Me . . . by cdnpinhead

Sep 28, 2011 (5:23 pm)

a 318d, a 320d or a 325d with a manual transmission and I'll learn to live with the lack of a dipstick and will get the RFTs sold within a few months of purchase. Sign me up, please.
 
Ain't gonna happen, never, in this country. Sad. I picked those three examples from a list of 18 diesel offerings for 3-series sedans (well, saloons) listed on the BMW UK website. There are also 13 gassers, for a total of 31 individual choices available outside the U.S. (or Canada) for just the sedan.
 
Don't get me started on the touring (wagon) options.
 
Doncha just love what happens when CARB, the EPA and BMWNA's desire to keep BMW "exclusive" all align?

#15 of 37 Re: Show Me . . . [cdnpinhead] by shipo

Sep 28, 2011 (6:05 pm)

Replying to: cdnpinhead (Sep 28, 2011 5:23 pm)
One of the write-ups I ran across in the last few days did in fact hold out hope for a 325d 6-Speed manual for the U.S. market; but not in the first 12 months of production. If I find the article again I'll post a link to it.
 
Like you I find the new car compelling enough to deal with no dip stick and I don't have any issue at all with buying new skins for a new car (my current Mazda3 came with absolute junk tires, even if they were GFTs; I replaced them when there was 714 miles showing on the odometer).
 
If I had to choose between a 328i 6-Speed with the Turbocharged I4 gasser or a 325d 6-Speed with a Turbocharged I6 diesel, there would be no hesitation, I'd take the diesel in a heartbeat.
 
The above said, my wife and I have each started a new business over the last several years, and while both were well received and growing slowly, in the end they were literally crushed by the economy. Needless to say, times has been (really-really) lean. We're not out of the woods just yet, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, and I may get the uncontrollable urge to get out of the Mazda and back into a BMW sometime next summer or next fall (assuming all goes well), which means I will probably not be able to wait for the diesel.

Messages Page 2 of 5

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