SPYSHOTS: BMW 3 Series F30 LCI continues testing

BMW-3-fl-2

BMW is working on a mid-life facelift for the F30 BMW 3 Series (called an LCI in BMW speak), and from what we see, the changes are minimal just like the approach that BMW took with the F10 5 Series LCI.

We see a revised front bumper design and optional full LED headlamps that have already been available on the 4 Series and M3. No changes on the rear, but we hope the F30 LCI will finally get LED signal indicators, something that the E90 LCI had but went missing on the F30.

The biggest upgrades will be under the hood, where the F30 will get an all-new engine family. Two engines from the new engine family have already gone into BMWs and MINIs elsewhere – the 1.5 litre three-cylinder B38 and the 2.0 litre four-cylinder B48 are also found in the new MINI hatch and 2 Series Active Tourer.

The new B48 2.0 litre turbo has a bore and stroke of 82 mm by 94.6 mm, and a displacement of 1,998 cc, as opposed to the outgoing 2.0 litre N20 engine‘s 84 mm by 90.1 mm bore and stroke and 1,997 cc displacement. We think the B48 in the new 328i LCI will get 255 hp and 400 Nm of torque, up from the current 245 hp and 350 Nm.

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Paul Tan

After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

Comments

  • Vader (Member) on Aug 06, 2014 at 6:28 pm

    New turbo engines..
    As long as its not UMW Toyota, it will have new technologies!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 32 Thumb down 2
    • Same L0rrr (Ori) on Aug 07, 2014 at 11:53 am

      As long as it is not kimchi, it will have RV.

      As long as it is not Proton, it will have build quality.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 4
  • 1.5litre selling price at ? 160k? lol

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 5
    • xiper (Member) on Aug 07, 2014 at 5:59 pm

      Even the Mini is selling at 179k, how possible the 316i LCI can sell below that price?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Silky Six on Aug 06, 2014 at 7:16 pm

    Since the new engine family is modular, can two B38 joined together to form a 3.0L inline six engine? Replacement for the N55, perhaps.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • seancorr on Aug 06, 2014 at 10:33 pm

    Cool so my current F30 won’t look so outdated when the LCI launches!

    But seriously BMW Malaysia ought to add more standard equipment….or at least give us some options. I do not have any reverse camera, keyless entry nor do we even have navigation which is kinda standard for cars these days and don’t get me started on the 2 year pathetic warranty.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 1
  • autobarbarian the destroyer of worlds on Aug 07, 2014 at 10:47 am

    I hope they fix that horrible start stop and the diesel like sounding N20.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • Das Auto on Aug 09, 2014 at 10:38 am

      I prefer the old straight 6 era. Silky smooth compared to diesel sounding ones now.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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