UnkieTrunkie

Am I the only one who's concerned that regardless of the engine, it's still a Bangle design?

VTEC_Junkie

a "handful" of auto enthusiasts may know that, but it's pretty difficult to reeducate a whole population. people have preconceptions of diesels, so unless and until, these preconceptions change, the US population will not welcome diesels with open arms. also, in order for diesels automobiles to become popular, diesels fuels will need to be more widely available. convenience can be a deciding factor as to what car people buy, which is probably one of the reasons why electic and natural gas vehicles never really took off in popularity. in contrast, hybrid vehicles basically uses regular gas that are available everywhere, which is why hybrids are so much more easier for the population to embrace.

VTEC_Junkie

i personally don't think the e90 is that bad looking. also, the e46 is a "bangle" design as well, just in case you didn't know.

rai

Another point is, diesel costs more than gas (at this time). It's supply and demand, with a good economy the trucking industry is using a lot of diesel so it's price is up. Also if more cars jump to Diesel the demand will be even higher, not to mention the specialty blends with low sulfur will add to the cost. And new 2007 emision standards are not able to be met by current diesel cars.

IMO diesel will continue to be a niche product in the US as long as it costs more up front and Diesel costs as much or more than gas.

Just like a hybrid you have to pay up front for a Diesel and it pays off after years of driving.

moff

This isn't true. BMW have already confirmed (at the E90 launch) that they have dropped the idea of calling the coupe and convertible variants 4 Series. The new coupe will be a 3 series and the M3 will remain an M3.

Virtually all UK auto press has indicated that there will be a 335i and a 335d - with the 335d using the current twin turbo diesel engine found in the brilliant 535d. Except AutoCar I have not read anything to suggest that the petrol version will have turbo's, but nothing with BMW would suprise me.

UnkieTrunkie

I agree that the 4 series should be better than the previous iteration, but give me the previous gen.

The e46 is not my fave either, but still better than the other coaches in the stable.

sumo_elan

Thats a good decision.

VTEC_Junkie

the coupe version has too much in common with the sedans to warrant naming it a different series. aside for chassis and powertrain commonalities, the dash/center console design will most like be near identical. on the other hand, although the 5 and 6 series do share part, at least the design, both inside and out are unique for the 2 cars.