Why does a BMW 3 series change design so much?
12-26-2005, 07:57 AM
#1
Why does a BMW 3 series change design so much?
I've always wondered why the 3 series keeps changing design almost every yr to every other yr? If I was a 3 series BMW owner, I wouldnt be very happy. I dont think any other model or manufacturer does this so much. Are they testing the waters with new styles? Too many 3 series on the road, so they need to create a change? Does the designer have multiple personalities? I dont see the 5 series or 7 change so much. Confused.
12-26-2005, 08:04 AM
#2
teh Senior Instigator
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It's been like 5 years since it's really had a change 
And actually, the 7 series changed a good amount w/ the front and rear end this year
And actually, the 7 series changed a good amount w/ the front and rear end this year
12-26-2005, 10:51 AM
#5
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Cars go through a "refresh" period every couple of years to attract new buyers.
Its not just bimmer.
BUT, the last gen of the 3 made some slow changes to bring Bangle design more forefront to match the rest of the line. And ease it into the 2006 model year which is a total redesign.
Its not just bimmer.
BUT, the last gen of the 3 made some slow changes to bring Bangle design more forefront to match the rest of the line. And ease it into the 2006 model year which is a total redesign.
12-26-2005, 11:34 AM
#7
Senior Moderator
^^ and that's why they do it... So you keep on having to get the "new" one (if you're into that kinda thing).
I've complained before that the last 2 cars I've bought were discontinued (tbird and CLS), but when that happens you always have the latest model
I've complained before that the last 2 cars I've bought were discontinued (tbird and CLS), but when that happens you always have the latest model
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12-26-2005, 12:19 PM
#8
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The coupe basicly stayed the same from 2000-2003, refresh in 2004+ and of course the new one this spring/summer. Very minor changes within, not including the engines.
1999-2001. 2002 model got a facelift.
But like Green said, they do it so people want the newest and latest design. Hell my 04 A4 looks old now compared to the new ones.
1999-2001. 2002 model got a facelift.
But like Green said, they do it so people want the newest and latest design. Hell my 04 A4 looks old now compared to the new ones.
12-26-2005, 12:22 PM
#9
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by invincible569
My friend was just complaining about his 3 series being old now. And I noticed. 
He plans to get something else instead.
He plans to get something else instead.Acura changes pretty often also.
TL
1999-2001, then facelift in 2002-2003 then all new in 2004.
CL.
2001-2003 death. Even acura tried to refresh the 2003 CLS
12-26-2005, 02:19 PM
#11
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
What do you drive anyways?
Acura changes pretty often also.
TL
1999-2001, then facelift in 2002-2003 then all new in 2004.
CL.
2001-2003 death. Even acura tried to refresh the 2003 CLS
Acura changes pretty often also.
TL
1999-2001, then facelift in 2002-2003 then all new in 2004.
CL.
2001-2003 death. Even acura tried to refresh the 2003 CLS
An 05 TL. At least they change it every 4 yrs? For me, I dont think I could buy somehting that was going to change again in 2 yrs. I want it to last longer so I wont feel like I have an oldy. But then again, Im sure they got the marketing all figured like you guys said. Its like an M3, it hasnt changed like the 3 series. If I paid $60k plus for an M3, i would be upset. Maybe thats the trick.. they dont do it for the higher priced models, but can risk it for the lower priced cars. Just thinking outloud.
12-26-2005, 02:25 PM
#12
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
2001-2003 death. Even acura tried to refresh the 2003 CLS
edit: And BMW will do it again... after the 3 series e92 330 coupe comes out, there are rumors of the 335 to follow soon after too
12-26-2005, 02:40 PM
#13
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Originally Posted by invincible569
An 05 TL. At least they change it every 4 yrs? For me, I dont think I could buy somehting that was going to change again in 2 yrs. I want it to last longer so I wont feel like I have an oldy. But then again, Im sure they got the marketing all figured like you guys said. Its like an M3, it hasnt changed like the 3 series. If I paid $60k plus for an M3, i would be upset. Maybe thats the trick.. they dont do it for the higher priced models, but can risk it for the lower priced cars. Just thinking outloud.
You dont think the your TL wont get a minor refresh in a or two...sorry dude. its gonna happen.
12-26-2005, 03:10 PM
#14
Pit Stop?
Originally Posted by invincible569
An 05 TL. At least they change it every 4 yrs? For me, I dont think I could buy somehting that was going to change again in 2 yrs. I want it to last longer so I wont feel like I have an oldy. But then again, Im sure they got the marketing all figured like you guys said. Its like an M3, it hasnt changed like the 3 series. If I paid $60k plus for an M3, i would be upset. Maybe thats the trick.. they dont do it for the higher priced models, but can risk it for the lower priced cars. Just thinking outloud.
Ummmm, the M3 came out two years after the regular E46 3-series, so it's only common sense that it will change two years after the new one has come out. It's not a matter of "being higher priced", they almost completley redesigned the 7 this past year with a totally new front and rear end, and they start in the 70k range. ALL cars go through this, even the M3 has had a few minor changes over the years. Your TL will be updated next year, and you'll feel inferior, won't you? It's not a big deal, I searched out my CL-S after it was discontinued, and I got a great deal so
. It's not that bad buying the older model with more features than brand new cars for a lesser amount of money.And for my money, a 2003 330ci with the sport package is the best looking 3 ever! Mmmmm, white turn signals......
12-26-2005, 03:12 PM
#15
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Minch00
And for my money, a 2003 330ci with the sport package is the best looking 3 ever! Mmmmm, white turn signals......
Dont mean to be a correcting snob, but 2002 with sport came with white turn signals.
12-26-2005, 03:14 PM
#16
Pit Stop?
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
Dont mean to be a correcting snob, but 2002 with sport came with white turn signals.
That's why we keep you around, Jizzy. :highfive:
12-26-2005, 04:56 PM
#17
Originally Posted by The Sarlacc
You dont think the your TL wont get a minor refresh in a or two...sorry dude. its gonna happen.
12-26-2005, 05:27 PM
#18
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Originally Posted by invincible569
Have they done this for the past TL's? I know they have the S type, but not a change like a BMW 3 series right? Im thinking 08 would be right timing by looking at their history.
You're not really grasping the concept here are you?
In 08 the TL is due for a MAJOR redesign.
I'd say about next year the TL is due for a SLIGHT refresh. In other words, minor body changes with some new doodads.
ALL cars go through this. This year the RSX had a minor refresh...
Your pics of the 02 and 04 3 series are the same damn car. They just have some reworked body parts...its all aesthetic. The 2006 is an entirely NEW car from the ground up.
Car companies do this to generate new interest in cars that are aging on the market...so they can try and milk sales and earn new customers long before the NEW model change is due.
Are you starting to clue in to this now?
12-26-2005, 05:27 PM
#19
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And YES they did with the last gen of TL...new headlights and everything when it had a refresh.
12-26-2005, 05:53 PM
#20
Senior Moderator
Honda/Acura go on a 5 year schedule...
from http://vtec.net/modelmatrix/
FMC: Full Model Change - full redesign of a product, generally resulting in significant changes in packaging, performance, and styling.
Then a couple years later...
MMC: Minor Model Change - Mid-cycle freshening of an existing model. Often limited to subtle cosmetic changes but sometimes new trim levels and/or drivetrain options are introduced.
And then a couple years after that, it's back to the FMC....
from http://vtec.net/modelmatrix/
FMC: Full Model Change - full redesign of a product, generally resulting in significant changes in packaging, performance, and styling.
Then a couple years later...
MMC: Minor Model Change - Mid-cycle freshening of an existing model. Often limited to subtle cosmetic changes but sometimes new trim levels and/or drivetrain options are introduced.
And then a couple years after that, it's back to the FMC....
12-26-2005, 08:23 PM
#21
Originally Posted by The Sarlacc
You're not really grasping the concept here are you?
In 08 the TL is due for a MAJOR redesign.
I'd say about next year the TL is due for a SLIGHT refresh. In other words, minor body changes with some new doodads.
ALL cars go through this. This year the RSX had a minor refresh...
Your pics of the 02 and 04 3 series are the same damn car. They just have some reworked body parts...its all aesthetic. The 2006 is an entirely NEW car from the ground up.
Car companies do this to generate new interest in cars that are aging on the market...so they can try and milk sales and earn new customers long before the NEW model change is due.
Are you starting to clue in to this now?
In 08 the TL is due for a MAJOR redesign.
I'd say about next year the TL is due for a SLIGHT refresh. In other words, minor body changes with some new doodads.
ALL cars go through this. This year the RSX had a minor refresh...
Your pics of the 02 and 04 3 series are the same damn car. They just have some reworked body parts...its all aesthetic. The 2006 is an entirely NEW car from the ground up.
Car companies do this to generate new interest in cars that are aging on the market...so they can try and milk sales and earn new customers long before the NEW model change is due.
Are you starting to clue in to this now?
12-26-2005, 08:27 PM
#23
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Originally Posted by invincible569
No one is confused but you. A design change is a design change no matter where you touch it. Go get your eyes checked. And yes I know about the redesign of the Acura. Has it been changed anywhere in 2 yrs? Get a grip or better yet, get an edumacation as your not telling anyone anything new. Dont come in here talking like you know something.
Getting a little pissy because you don't comprehend basic logic?
12-26-2005, 08:28 PM
#24
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by invincible569
No one is confused but you. A design change is a design change no matter where you touch it. Go get your eyes checked. And yes I know about the redesign of the Acura. Has it been changed anywhere in 2 yrs? Get a grip or better yet, get an edumacation as your not telling anyone anything new. Dont come in here talking like you know something.
You gonna get an e-bashing soon.
from 99-01 the TL was all new
02-03 they changed the TL (front and rear lights)
04-06 brand new TL
07- guess what, your TL will look old.
12-26-2005, 08:38 PM
#26
Originally Posted by The Sarlacc
Getting a little pissy because you don't comprehend basic logic?
12-26-2005, 08:40 PM
#28
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Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
The Sarlacc must be feeling nice today 
Its 2:40AM in the UK and I have insomnia again...I just don't feel like getting into with some dumbass who cant comprehend the difference between a design change and a refresh.
He'll be the same one on here in a year pissing and moaning how his car is now "outdated" because they tweaked the TL a bit.
He doesn't seem to want to grasp the basic concept...even though he asked the question.
So, he will always be a whiny little pansy.
12-26-2005, 08:42 PM
#29
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Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
I just realized 4 people basicly said the same thing to you in this thread.
What is it that you are asking still?
What is it that you are asking still?
Like I said.
Kid asks question.
Kid doesn't like or understand the answer to said question.
Kid becomes hostile because he's in denial that his "new" car will be refreshed in a year or so....but to him a its a total redesign.
Kid goes and cries to mommy and daddy in said year or so begging for the newer version so he can "fit in"
12-26-2005, 08:43 PM
#30
Originally Posted by The Sarlacc
So, he will always be a whiny little pansy.
12-26-2005, 08:46 PM
#31
Originally Posted by The Sarlacc
Like I said.
Kid asks question.
Kid doesn't like or understand the answer to said question.
Kid becomes hostile because he's in denial that his "new" car will be refreshed in a year or so....but to him a its a total redesign.
Kid goes and cries to mommy and daddy in said year or so begging for the newer version so he can "fit in"
Kid asks question.
Kid doesn't like or understand the answer to said question.
Kid becomes hostile because he's in denial that his "new" car will be refreshed in a year or so....but to him a its a total redesign.
Kid goes and cries to mommy and daddy in said year or so begging for the newer version so he can "fit in"
Keep talking... all I smell is garbage.
12-26-2005, 08:47 PM
#32
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Originally Posted by invincible569
I'll whine, while you suck. Dont be mad because someone isnt agreeing with you. Maybe thats why you have insomnia.. no one loves you and you cant get over it.
Well, there is just about everyone else in this thread who gave the same answer I did...soooo, you're the person not agreeing with me. Which at this point I don't care.
Your feeble attempts at some kind of insult on a personal level are pretty pathetic though. But I wouldn't expect any good witisicisms from a leaky twat such as yourself.
12-26-2005, 08:52 PM
#33
Originally Posted by The Sarlacc
Well, there is just about everyone else in this thread who gave the same answer I did...soooo, you're the person not agreeing with me. Which at this point I don't care.
Your feeble attempts at some kind of insult on a personal level are pretty pathetic though. But I wouldn't expect any good witisicisms from a leaky twat such as yourself.
Your feeble attempts at some kind of insult on a personal level are pretty pathetic though. But I wouldn't expect any good witisicisms from a leaky twat such as yourself.
LOL. Getting a little pissy?
Alright man, get out of here if you dont have anything postive to say. Its a thread, its for people to post, but not for people like you to come in here showing off their bloated ego. Close your eyes and try to sleep. Dont think about me or you wont be able to sleep. zzzzzzzz
12-26-2005, 08:55 PM
#35
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Originally Posted by invincible569
LOL. Getting a little pissy?
Alright man, get out of here if you dont have anything postive to say. Its a thread, its for people to post, but not for people like you to come in here showing off their bloated ego. Close your eyes and try to sleep. Dont think about me or you wont be able to sleep. zzzzzzzz
Alright man, get out of here if you dont have anything postive to say. Its a thread, its for people to post, but not for people like you to come in here showing off their bloated ego. Close your eyes and try to sleep. Dont think about me or you wont be able to sleep. zzzzzzzz
12-26-2005, 08:55 PM
#36
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Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
All you need to know is that
BMW > acura
12-26-2005, 08:57 PM
#37
Originally Posted by The Sarlacc
You sure gave that one up quick. Only thing that would put me to sleep right about now is how boring you are.
12-26-2005, 08:59 PM
#38
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Originally Posted by invincible569
You know Im not boring. You wouldnt be speaking to me. You love me and you know it.
No, you're pretty boring. Only reason I come back is because I'm waiting for threads to update.
Its hard to love someone who asks a question, then can't accept the answer.
12-26-2005, 09:03 PM
#39
Originally Posted by The Sarlacc
No, you're pretty boring. Only reason I come back is because I'm waiting for threads to update.
Its hard to love someone who asks a question, then can't accept the answer.
Its hard to love someone who asks a question, then can't accept the answer.
12-26-2005, 09:34 PM
#40
Drifting
99-01 TL all new second generation TL
02-03 TL (Front headlamp, grille, foglamps, taillamps, bigger Acura emblems. Added features - side mirror tilt down, memory seats, 6 indash cd changer, etc. Added Type-S option)
04-06 TL all new third generation TL
07-08 TL probably due for a makeover (minor facelift, body style, etc.)
09 TL all new fourth generation TL
02-04 RSX all new integra replacement
05-06 RSX (HP rating upped, changes in front and rear tamps, front and rear bumper changes, etc)
07? 08? probably the second generation RSX
01-03 Civic all new model
04-05 civic minor upgrades and headlamp, taillamp, and body changes
06-08? civic all new model
09-10? civic minor makeover?
03-05 Accord all new model
06-07? Accord Minor Body Changes (BIG improvement IMO)
need i say more??
02-03 TL (Front headlamp, grille, foglamps, taillamps, bigger Acura emblems. Added features - side mirror tilt down, memory seats, 6 indash cd changer, etc. Added Type-S option)
04-06 TL all new third generation TL
07-08 TL probably due for a makeover (minor facelift, body style, etc.)
09 TL all new fourth generation TL
02-04 RSX all new integra replacement
05-06 RSX (HP rating upped, changes in front and rear tamps, front and rear bumper changes, etc)
07? 08? probably the second generation RSX
01-03 Civic all new model
04-05 civic minor upgrades and headlamp, taillamp, and body changes
06-08? civic all new model
09-10? civic minor makeover?
03-05 Accord all new model
06-07? Accord Minor Body Changes (BIG improvement IMO)
need i say more??