BMW: 3-Series News
#2562
Living the Dream
Originally Posted by JediMindTricks
saw an M3 sedan on the road the other day. in black.
wow. looks much better on the road than in pics.
wow. looks much better on the road than in pics.
I saw a black on black at the dealership (stock 18" wheels)
and a light blue, not sure what BMW calls it, on red with 19s
#2563
Gorgeous car, superb handling but weak souce torque...(250 at the wheels)...bad mileage (14mpg) and heavy weight (3704lbs).
It only shines in power when you working past 6000rpm
SAE Dynopack dyno 91 octane:
Max WHP: 345 @ 8200 RPM
Max Wheel Torque: 247.2 @ 4138 RPM
SAE Dynopack dyno 100 octane
Max WHP: 373 @ 7967 RPM
Max Wheel Torque: 271.7 @ 3883 RPM
It only shines in power when you working past 6000rpm
SAE Dynopack dyno 91 octane:
Max WHP: 345 @ 8200 RPM
Max Wheel Torque: 247.2 @ 4138 RPM
SAE Dynopack dyno 100 octane
Max WHP: 373 @ 7967 RPM
Max Wheel Torque: 271.7 @ 3883 RPM
#2564
Engineer
Originally Posted by Infamous425
the stripes arent neons. they're rods with an LED at the end of it
neons would probably not have the response time you want, along with not being rugged enough for the automotive environment. LED's on the other hand work great, the problem is that they are too efficient an do not generate enough head to melt snow and ice off the outer lenses. Although they are now looking at adding heating elements like on your rear window to help out with that issue...
the way these work is that they are rods then have etches on them which allow the light to reflect out...
it is like a piece of fiber, if you run light through it you can get it to bend with little loss, but if you cut a notch in it some light will escape out from there...
this just has lots of notches/etches evenly spaced throughout the length...
angel eyes work the same way...
#2565
And HONESTLY, here is my opinion.
Despite different price range and category vehicle, I'd rather get the best bargain today - LS2 GTO for low 20K, and with just $10-12K investment while keeping all motor it would run circles around E92 M3 with $40K left over for whatever you need.....
Cannot afford it? Definitely. Even if I would, still wouldn't shell out $70K+ for the worst depreciation product ever. But hey if people buy/lease it... good luck!
Despite different price range and category vehicle, I'd rather get the best bargain today - LS2 GTO for low 20K, and with just $10-12K investment while keeping all motor it would run circles around E92 M3 with $40K left over for whatever you need.....
Cannot afford it? Definitely. Even if I would, still wouldn't shell out $70K+ for the worst depreciation product ever. But hey if people buy/lease it... good luck!
#2566
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by savage
neons would probably not have the response time you want, along with not being rugged enough for the automotive environment. LED's on the other hand work great, the problem is that they are too efficient an do not generate enough head to melt snow and ice off the outer lenses. Although they are now looking at adding heating elements like on your rear window to help out with that issue...
the way these work is that they are rods then have etches on them which allow the light to reflect out...
it is like a piece of fiber, if you run light through it you can get it to bend with little loss, but if you cut a notch in it some light will escape out from there...
this just has lots of notches/etches evenly spaced throughout the length...
angel eyes work the same way...
the way these work is that they are rods then have etches on them which allow the light to reflect out...
it is like a piece of fiber, if you run light through it you can get it to bend with little loss, but if you cut a notch in it some light will escape out from there...
this just has lots of notches/etches evenly spaced throughout the length...
angel eyes work the same way...
#2567
Suzuka Master
Originally Posted by savage
neons would probably not have the response time you want, along with not being rugged enough for the automotive environment. LED's on the other hand work great, the problem is that they are too efficient an do not generate enough head to melt snow and ice off the outer lenses. Although they are now looking at adding heating elements like on your rear window to help out with that issue...
the way these work is that they are rods then have etches on them which allow the light to reflect out...
it is like a piece of fiber, if you run light through it you can get it to bend with little loss, but if you cut a notch in it some light will escape out from there...
this just has lots of notches/etches evenly spaced throughout the length...
angel eyes work the same way...
the way these work is that they are rods then have etches on them which allow the light to reflect out...
it is like a piece of fiber, if you run light through it you can get it to bend with little loss, but if you cut a notch in it some light will escape out from there...
this just has lots of notches/etches evenly spaced throughout the length...
angel eyes work the same way...
#2568
Engineer
Originally Posted by mclarenf3387
Neon has been used in automotive applications before, specifically taillights where response time is critical.
I am curious, who used neon on what model? I have only ever seen neon used for those street glow lamps etc...
You should get the best response time using a LED's...
#2569
Engineer
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
Yep but im pretty sure the rear rods are lite up with an LED on the end. Whereas my angel eyes are powered by a halogen bulb.
ok... I was basing my fact on the after market angel eye kits I have looked at. They use a pair of white LED's driving the ring in both directions... I assumed BMW used LED's too...
#2570
Originally Posted by Infamous425
the stripes arent neons. they're rods with an LED at the end of it
No they're not. Again, the only LEDs in the BMW's light assembly are the turn signals (in white) and the 4 tiny ones you see at the top. The rods are neons, the brakes lamps beneath them are halogens.
Combination neon/LED taillights are new for 2008.
#2571
Senior Moderator
^ Maybe they are different on the 5series but in the E92 press release they say...
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17989
mine
The design of taillights is also unique to the new 3 Series Coupe. Integrated flush into the body of the car, the lights are split into two sections and extend all the way up to the trunk lid, blending with the character lines from the side profile. Horizontal LED taillights give the car an unmistakable look at night. The horizontally flowing lines accentuate the wide track and low stance of the new Coupe.
mine
#2572
^ That's for the coupe. The picture that I responded to is not the coupe. I was referring to this:
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
um yes, they are LED stripes. My 335 has them as well, actually one of them burnt out already.
Last edited by phile; 06-04-2008 at 11:04 PM.
#2573
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by phile
^ That's for the coupe. The picture that I responded to is not the coupe. I was referring to this:
Same thing!
http://www.japanesecarzone.com/5-ser...-5-series.html
#2574
Senior Moderator
A highly distinctive LED light guide system forms the tail-light of the redesigned BMW 5 Series.Three and a half years after its introduction, the BMW 5 Series has been given a facelift with characteristic design accents at the front and rear, several of which are based around LED lighting systems developed by Hella.
The front headlamps have yet to switch to LEDs, but a side marker lamp has been implemented in the "eyebrow" above the headlamp and direction indicator, which is made up of a total of seven high-power LEDs. Six LEDs radiate their amber light directly forward and to the side. The seventh LED feeds its light into a light-guide rod which is above the front headlamp area and extends the side marker lamp towards the front.
The rear-end of the new BMW 5 Series also presents a discreetly but effectively modified look. Non-patterned cover lenses are now also being used for the combination rear lamps, thus matching the headlamps. The new design makes the high-quality, innovative lighting technology visible. On the sedan, 18 LEDs form two rows for the direction indicator at the upper edge of the combination rear lamp. At the side, the direction indicator merges into a side marker lamp which has been realized using four more LEDs plus a reflex reflector.
The outstanding design feature is the beam-shaped tail light, made up of five light guides, each of which is fed by one LED as a light source. There is also a round reflector with bulb positioned next to the light guides. If necessary, it takes over the function of the rear fog lamp.
Behind the light guides, the two-stage stop light has been realized with two concealed bulbs as light sources. A red reflex reflector and a white back-up light (bulb) complete the combination rear lamp of the 5 Series sedan.
In the case of the Touring version, the combination rear lamp is divided into two parts. In the outer part, the direction indicator has also been implemented with 18 LEDs. In addition, there are two further LEDs plus a reflex reflector in the outer lens for the side marker lamp.
The tail light is formed by four parallel light guides in the inner and outer part of the lamp. Thanks to the specially developed, variably designed geometry of the light guides inside the lamp, it has been possible to route the light guides to the very outside edge of the lamp, thus producing an almost interruption-free signal pattern of the two-part tail light without an optical separating joint.
The two-stage stop light (outer) and rear fog lamp (inner) are located behind the tail lights. Reflex reflectors and back-up light round the lamp off at the lower edge.
The front headlamps have yet to switch to LEDs, but a side marker lamp has been implemented in the "eyebrow" above the headlamp and direction indicator, which is made up of a total of seven high-power LEDs. Six LEDs radiate their amber light directly forward and to the side. The seventh LED feeds its light into a light-guide rod which is above the front headlamp area and extends the side marker lamp towards the front.
The rear-end of the new BMW 5 Series also presents a discreetly but effectively modified look. Non-patterned cover lenses are now also being used for the combination rear lamps, thus matching the headlamps. The new design makes the high-quality, innovative lighting technology visible. On the sedan, 18 LEDs form two rows for the direction indicator at the upper edge of the combination rear lamp. At the side, the direction indicator merges into a side marker lamp which has been realized using four more LEDs plus a reflex reflector.
The outstanding design feature is the beam-shaped tail light, made up of five light guides, each of which is fed by one LED as a light source. There is also a round reflector with bulb positioned next to the light guides. If necessary, it takes over the function of the rear fog lamp.
Behind the light guides, the two-stage stop light has been realized with two concealed bulbs as light sources. A red reflex reflector and a white back-up light (bulb) complete the combination rear lamp of the 5 Series sedan.
In the case of the Touring version, the combination rear lamp is divided into two parts. In the outer part, the direction indicator has also been implemented with 18 LEDs. In addition, there are two further LEDs plus a reflex reflector in the outer lens for the side marker lamp.
The tail light is formed by four parallel light guides in the inner and outer part of the lamp. Thanks to the specially developed, variably designed geometry of the light guides inside the lamp, it has been possible to route the light guides to the very outside edge of the lamp, thus producing an almost interruption-free signal pattern of the two-part tail light without an optical separating joint.
The two-stage stop light (outer) and rear fog lamp (inner) are located behind the tail lights. Reflex reflectors and back-up light round the lamp off at the lower edge.
#2575
Dude, next time you're behind a 5-Series at night, you'll see those are not LEDs. They're more intense, it's definitely neons. You can see the difference in the Edmunds pic I posted, the 4 LEDs vs the rods, it's more intense to the side.
#2576
Senior Moderator
You being blind here, i just gave you two press releases from BMW stating they are LED and you basing your fact off of what you seen on the street and Edmunds.
They are fiber optic rods, on each end of them theres one LED that lights each up.
Wouldnt neon disperse the light evenly throughout the rod? Look at your pics, the light is strongest at the end where the LED is.
Oy forget it. Think what ya like.
They are fiber optic rods, on each end of them theres one LED that lights each up.
Wouldnt neon disperse the light evenly throughout the rod? Look at your pics, the light is strongest at the end where the LED is.
Oy forget it. Think what ya like.
#2578
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
You being blind here, i just gave you two press releases from BMW stating they are LED and you basing your fact off of what you seen on the street and Edmunds.
They are fiber optic rods, on each end of them theres one LED that lights each up.
Wouldnt neon disperse the light evenly throughout the rod? Look at your pics, the light is strongest at the end where the LED is.
Oy forget it. Think what ya like.
They are fiber optic rods, on each end of them theres one LED that lights each up.
Wouldnt neon disperse the light evenly throughout the rod? Look at your pics, the light is strongest at the end where the LED is.
Oy forget it. Think what ya like.
#2579
Engineer
Originally Posted by phile
Dude, next time you're behind a 5-Series at night, you'll see those are not LEDs. They're more intense, it's definitely neons. You can see the difference in the Edmunds pic I posted, the 4 LEDs vs the rods, it's more intense to the side.
those are not neon and there are newer LED's (last 5 years especially) which are amazingly bright, I have some in my office, right now, which you can't look at directly without hurting your eyes...
#2580
Engineer
Originally Posted by phile
OK, so the rods are fiber optic powered by LEDs. But the rods themselves, while not neons, aren't LEDs either.
LED's are driving them, I don't believe anyone referred to the rods, which are basically a large single strand of fiber, as the LED itself...
The argument has been about the source . Whether it is halogen, LED or Neon. Not what the rod is...
#2581
Originally Posted by savage
LED's are driving them, I don't believe anyone referred to the rods, which are basically a large single strand of fiber, as the LED itself...
The argument has been about the source . Whether it is halogen, LED or Neon. Not what the rod is...
The argument has been about the source . Whether it is halogen, LED or Neon. Not what the rod is...
2) if you read my posts, I always mentioned the rods themselves, so no the argument was not about the source. GTFO.
#2582
Team Owner
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Spied: 2010 BMW M3 Sedan facelift
http://www.leftlanenews.com/bmw-m3-sedan-2010.html
Many pics at the link.
It wasn't long ago that BMW launched its four-door M3, but with the 3-Series Sedan facelift right around the corner, the high-performance variant will also receive a small update. Most notable is the change to the rear taillights, which will take on a 'notched' appearance.
The 2010 model is likely to arrive within the next six to twelve months. The sedan will likely receive a quiet rollout, without any major changes. The car will certainly continue to be powered by BMW's new 420-horsepower lightweight V8, mated to a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch unit.
As previously noted, changes to the regular 3-Series sedan will be more noticeable. While the M3 Sedan has the same front end design as its coupe counterpart — and therefore will not be changed — the 3-Series Sedan has its own look, which is being updated for 2010 along with the rear.
The 2010 model is likely to arrive within the next six to twelve months. The sedan will likely receive a quiet rollout, without any major changes. The car will certainly continue to be powered by BMW's new 420-horsepower lightweight V8, mated to a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch unit.
As previously noted, changes to the regular 3-Series sedan will be more noticeable. While the M3 Sedan has the same front end design as its coupe counterpart — and therefore will not be changed — the 3-Series Sedan has its own look, which is being updated for 2010 along with the rear.
Last edited by Sly Raskal; 06-11-2008 at 06:10 PM.
#2586
Suzuka Master
Originally Posted by savage
I am curious, who used neon on what model? I have only ever seen neon used for those street glow lamps etc...
You should get the best response time using a LED's...
You should get the best response time using a LED's...
#2587
I really hate the lower lip look on the bumper.
#2596
Senior Moderator
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...872531756/1065
BMW’s 3 Series gets a diesel powertrain and a number of detailed midlife changes in an attempt to increase its visual boldness, provide it with the latest in entertainment and communication technology, improve its environmental credentials and further enhance its reputation as being the most dynamically adept car in the toughly fought junior-luxury-car class.
The new sedan and wagon models, due to go on sale across North America in October following the 3 Series’ world premiere at the Paris motor show, are distinguished from today’s 3 Series by fresh front and rear styling that picks up on the themes established on BMW’s recently unveiled fifth-generation 7 Series. The common styling is seen as proof that the German carmaker has abandoned plans to give each model a distinctive appearance and is instead getting back to a more stylistically harmonized lineup.
Up front, the facelifted 3 Series receives a series of styling changes that BMW design boss Adrian van Hooydonk says are aimed at emphasizing its width, including a heavily profiled bumper, newly contoured hood and reworked headlamps with altered graphics.
Farther back are new exterior mirror housings and changes to the design of the doorsills. At the rear, the BMW design team has provided the 3 Series with altered taillights. The fender taillight sections retain the same shape, but are joined by a newly developed section on the trunk lid of the sedan. At the same time, the taillights have been given redesigned lenses and more striking graphics. Further enhancing the widened look at the rear is reworked bumper and rear track that on upper-end models has been extended by nearly an inch.
BMW has also brought detailed improvements to the interior of the 3 Series, including new trim combinations, a revised armrest for the driver’s door that makes the electric window controls more accessible and an updated iDrive controller that gets four selection buttons in a move aimed at reducing the complexity of its operation. The iDrive controller is also linked to a new high-resolution, 8.8-inch color monitor. Among the long list of options is an 80-gigabyte hard disc used to store satellite navigation software and MP3 music files.
Powertrains include two carryovers: the 328i with a 3.0-liter, 230-hp inline-six and the 335i with a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged, 300-hp inline-six.
New to the lineup, arriving in showrooms in November, is the 335d, with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo, 265-hp, inline-six diesel, which uses a urea-injection system to meet U.S. emissions standards. The diesel will be offered only in the sedan.
Transmissions include a standard six-speed manual and an optional six-speed automatic. The diesel comes with the automatic as its only transmission.
The new sedan and wagon models, due to go on sale across North America in October following the 3 Series’ world premiere at the Paris motor show, are distinguished from today’s 3 Series by fresh front and rear styling that picks up on the themes established on BMW’s recently unveiled fifth-generation 7 Series. The common styling is seen as proof that the German carmaker has abandoned plans to give each model a distinctive appearance and is instead getting back to a more stylistically harmonized lineup.
Up front, the facelifted 3 Series receives a series of styling changes that BMW design boss Adrian van Hooydonk says are aimed at emphasizing its width, including a heavily profiled bumper, newly contoured hood and reworked headlamps with altered graphics.
Farther back are new exterior mirror housings and changes to the design of the doorsills. At the rear, the BMW design team has provided the 3 Series with altered taillights. The fender taillight sections retain the same shape, but are joined by a newly developed section on the trunk lid of the sedan. At the same time, the taillights have been given redesigned lenses and more striking graphics. Further enhancing the widened look at the rear is reworked bumper and rear track that on upper-end models has been extended by nearly an inch.
BMW has also brought detailed improvements to the interior of the 3 Series, including new trim combinations, a revised armrest for the driver’s door that makes the electric window controls more accessible and an updated iDrive controller that gets four selection buttons in a move aimed at reducing the complexity of its operation. The iDrive controller is also linked to a new high-resolution, 8.8-inch color monitor. Among the long list of options is an 80-gigabyte hard disc used to store satellite navigation software and MP3 music files.
Powertrains include two carryovers: the 328i with a 3.0-liter, 230-hp inline-six and the 335i with a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged, 300-hp inline-six.
New to the lineup, arriving in showrooms in November, is the 335d, with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo, 265-hp, inline-six diesel, which uses a urea-injection system to meet U.S. emissions standards. The diesel will be offered only in the sedan.
Transmissions include a standard six-speed manual and an optional six-speed automatic. The diesel comes with the automatic as its only transmission.
#2600
Never liked the E90 sedan and like it even less now....