We might as well start calling 2004 the “year of the BMW.”
As part of a five-vehicle onslaught by the German automaker that year, we’ll see two all-new models in the 1 Series and X3 sport wagon, as well as the cabrio version of the 6 Series coupe. We’ve already shown you the next 5 Series due in 2004, but our spy shooters have yet to catch a glimpse of the Z4-based M Roadster also expected in ’04.

The four-seat 6 Series, based on parts from both the 5 and 7, will arrive in 2003 after its official introduction next spring in Geneva.

The convertible, equipped with a traditional power-operated canvas top, will debut at Geneva in 2004.

Earlier this year BMW chairman Helmut Panke said the 6 will come with a range of inline six-cylinder engines, starting with a 240-hp version (AW, Aug. 19). Other likely powerplants include a 272-hp 3.6-liter V8 and a 333-hp 4.5-liter V8. BMW is still considering whether to build a performance M6 model, possibly fitted with a 5.0-liter V10 capable of producing 500 hp.
At the opposite end of the BMW range, just a notch above the oh-so-popular front-wheel-drive Mini, comes the everyman Bimmer, also known as the 1 Series. Based on the CS1 convertible concept BMW debuted at Geneva last spring, the 1 Series (estimated sticker price: $26,000) is expected to be the first “affordable” BMW in many, many years.

Due in 2004 as a direct competitor to Volkswagen Golf-sized cars, the front-engine, rear-drive 1 Series is routinely referred to by BMW as a car aimed at “the upper segment of the lower middle class.” Whatever.

Look for the 1 Series to debut with a 1.8-liter, 115-hp four-cylinder engine and some 3 Series underpinnings. The car will initially be offered as a five-door hatch, but later coupe or convertible variants are likely, possibly dubbed M or Z2 models. A 177-hp 2.0-liter engine will power performance versions. BMW expects to produce more than 150,000 econo-Bimmers annually.




The budget 1 Series three-door.


Somewhere in that vague middle ground occupied by sport wagons and sport/utility vehicles, BMW plans to add the X3, a smaller version of the X5 based on the 3 Series chassis. Due by late 2004, the X3 will offer high ground clearance and a wide chassis like its bigger X5 SUV brethren, while retaining more of a tall sport wagon appearance.
Look for the X3 to get the 231-hp 3.0-liter inline-six from the 330xi and all-wheel drive adapted from the X5. First year production will likely be about 30,000 vehicles, but capacity could be bumped to 60,000 per year if demand exists.

 

Can't wait. Bring it on.....

 

6 series = drooling

i cant wait.

 

Also cant wait for the 6 series, but i have a feeling when i see it im going to want to puke like the 7 series and new 5 series.....what the hell has this company done with its styling?....not to mention the Z4 which i dont like at all....

 

Not a big fan of the Z4 myself........I do like it better than the Z3 though.

 

I think I will only be interested in 5-series and 6-series.

 

Beltfed - great pics. Haven't seen the new Z4 in my little town, yet.

 

I wouldnt call it "the year of the BMW" until you actually see the production models. Chris Bangle really screwed up the 7 and is working his magic on the 5. On paper they looked good, but in real life they look bad. Also, I would be willing to bet that I-drive will be included in new Bimmers. Dont get me started on I-drive.

 

Nice pics, but i definitly still prefer the Z3 over Z4....waiting to see what they do to the Z4 coupe/M coupe...the last one was prob. the best designed car BMW has ever come out with in my opinion, with the exception of maby the 8 series. I also think they alread confermed that the I drive will be in all new 5 series (or definitly an option) and also probable on the 6 series. I think i read somewere that it will also be avalable on the 3 and possible 1 series in the future. Chris Bangle is destroying that companys cars in my opinion.

 

I would give my left nut for a 6 series.................. well maybe not, but seriously I can't wait for that car. I'm thinking that could be next on my evergrowing list........

 

mmmmmmm.....6 series

 

Year of BMW means year of service problems, computer failures and other crap. Way to go!

 

i likey like the rims!

 

Ya, as much of a BMW enthusiast as I am, I'm still *very* skeptical of their new design styles. I'm not sure I like them at all from the pictures I've seen thus far. Guess I'll have to wait until I see one in person.

 

M6!!!

 

:'( :'(




I do like the z4 though, its no super car... but its not suppose to be either. Remember, the z3 wasnt a manly car either

 

Well, so far... Z4 and & 7 series look wierd. I'll have to wait and see. Supposedly the Z4 looks better in person...

Their new styles are not taken well by the majority... I don't know many people who like the rear of the 7 series. I haven't seen the Z4 in person yet, so I dunno.


It's a 100ft opinion man, can't make decisions on what I haven't seen yet.

No, but it's not a girly ride either. Since they have a M roadster.

It's far from being a Miada or a S2000 IMO.


I'll just have to wait and see, so far I'm not too impressed with the style from the pictures. However the 7 series is badass. Just not from the back

 

I now read that chances are 50/50 to put the 500HP V10 into the 6 (among other things) and call it the M6. Would be too expensive and BMW is really nervous about the USA's economy for the next 3 years. I think they will do it in the end though.

 

I dont know. I really like how the Z4 looks right now. I think BMW really got this one right. And after it'll grow on us....watch out.