in the May '02 issue of Road & Track...dunno if this has been discussed already:

"Reports on the heels of the new 7-series launch is a revamped 5-series that BMW plans to introduce in 2003. The new mid-range BMW has a longer wheelbase and will adapt front and rear styling cues from its larger sibling. The controversal i-Drive system from the 7-series may be standard, or at least optional. We also expect a 6-speed automatic, optional all-wheel drive and an M5 with a 5.0-liter V-10."

again, i dunno if this has been discussed already, but i'm quite pleasantly surprised by the latest development at BMW...the pic of the new 5 resembles the 7 very much.

according to my firm's research, the 1, 5, and 6 Series will b available sometime in the '04 area along with an X3 small SUV, however i don't see anything in the pipeline for the 3-Series...kinda weird, isn't it??

 

The specs sound like a winner, but i don't trust the new BMW styling. I think they are going overboard. Look at the new headlights on the 3 series, to me thats a step backward. It looks like a fag-mobile now. The 7 series is passable, but nothing that makes you say damn that is beautiful.

 

I hated the new 3-series headlamps as well...

Until my friend bought one and I saw them in person.

The new 3-series makes the old one look ass when side-by-side.

 

Gotta agree. The new 3 series just looks solid carved out of one peice. Everything flows together.

 

I also like the new 7 series. I wasn't too sure from pictures but when I saw one pull up at the airport, it looks awesome. Sign me up for the new M5. I better start saving!

-Ash