BMW 350?

[pezzonovante]

I've been planning on buying my first BMW in June. I was most likely going to get a 330 but was considering a 5 series because I wanted to have iDrive. I've heard the new 3 series (supposedly the 350) will be coming to the U.S. in January and it will include iDrive, as well as have more power than the 330 plus being cheaper than it. Can anyone confirm any figures on the engine, date available in the U.S., iDrive, price, etc. And if it would be worth the wait. Right now I have a Sentra and I'm itching for my new BMW.

Thanks in advance,
Steve

[nosuchsol]

Not going to be able to really confirm anything, but can sure speculate. I don't see what they wouldn't have idrive.. that's the way they are going... get that into all their cars. It's not too bad just a little learning curve. I think you'll see a 3.5l inline however it's up in the air. I highly doubt that the price will go down. If anything it's going to go up by a few %... probably 8-10%

[MrM3]

idrive will be an option if its even offered cause the 3series are still the entry level car in the US. there wont be a 350, theyll possibly have a bigger engine than the 330 available, but i think bmw will hold on to the 3L M54 for the begginning of the next generation, like they did with the M52's. I really dont think a standard 3 series needs anymore power than the 330 has, but bmw may modify the head and get 3.2L if they felt they needed more power to compete in the sport sedan/coupe market.

Ive experienced I-Drive before (the non simplified version from the early E65's) and found it extremely easy to use and very easy to learn. it really can't be more straight forward than it is imo.