Dimensions won't be changed much, but the longer wheelbase and higher roofline will benefit rear bench passengers, and the tall boot increases space in the luggage compartment.
While most safety equipment will be standard yet in the entry-level 318i, luxury and sporty features will be optional only. Amongst those are the active steering AFL, bigger 17, 18 or 19-inch wheels, adjustable shocks (EDC), adjustable stabilizers (Dynamic Drive), the curve-light ALC, the SMG-transmission, air-suspension and level-control at the rear axle and the second generation all-wheel-drive. Like the current model, the new 3-series will get McPherson struts at front and a multi-link rear axle. New will be four electro-hydraulic disc brakes. The standard electronic helpers - ABS, CBC and ESP - will be on board anyway.
As with the 5- and 6-Series, BMW plans to clearly differentiate the two-door models from the four-doors also in their mid-class range. Therefore, the future 3-Series will consist of only two models, the four-door saloon (E90, Frankfurt 2005) and the five-door Touring (E91, summer 2006), while the coup