How 3-series has grown (1975-2007)

lecatrache · 11-30-2007, 12:22 AM

The following table that summarizes 1-Series through 7-Series size evolution.

Name: BMW Size Comparison.jpg
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The interesting thing is that the new 2008 1-Series is bigger than the first 3-Series of 1975. Longer, wider, taller, heavier, and way more powerful.

At the same time today's 3-series is larger than the first 5-series of 1972 (except that is a bit shorter).

And finally, today's 5-series is larger than the first 7-series of 1977 (except that is 1 inch shorter).

All series have grown, replacing the next series. We've seen many threads attacking how the 3-series is now heavier, bigger, etc. Well, the 3-series is the not the entry level anymore, it's the new "5-series". And if you research, this is common throughout all brands (look up for instance the first Ford Explorer specs and you'll see that the new Ford Escape is almost the same size as it, and the new Explorer is now a big almost full size SUV).

akhter · 11-30-2007, 12:47 AM

thats cool!

lecatrache · 11-30-2007, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akhter

thats cool!

Thanks! I just saw another post about someone that just saw the new 135i in a dealer, and his opinion that it will be an instant classic. The 135i is the new "3-series".

Comet · 11-30-2007, 07:53 AM

that's really cool
however oddly enough, I still find my dad's 1989 7 to be more spacious than the new 7 (and his new S-class)

it's funny how they were actually smaller but felt more roomy... am I the only one who feels that?

but great find, and great thread

ElCapitan · 11-30-2007, 07:55 AM

I saw similar data on Honda. Basically the Civic grew a lot since its first generation and the Honda Fit is bigger than the first Civic. It seems like a trend accross the industry. Domestics got smaller and lighter (since the 70's) and imports got bigger and heavier.

gloster · 11-30-2007, 10:39 AM

Plumping up across the industry....

Government: anti-lock brakes, air bags, bumpers, emission controls, crash standards

Consumers: power windows, power door locks, remote access, nav systems, air conditioning, 14 speaker stereo systems, power seats, rear camera systems, power steering, heated seats, cruise control, 300hp engines and turbos, 18"+ wheels, remote trunk unlock/open, passenger side mirror, power side mirrors, six speed transmissions, lighted visor mirrors, dual power outlets, and a partridge in a pear tree

Say HELLO TUBBY!!!!!!

uh oh...gotta go on a diet, hmmm...I don't want to cut out my sweets. What else can I cut?

Let's see.....nuke the spare tire and the jack, slap on some plastic body panels, hmmm...wonder if I can afford aluminum? Do I still look fat to you?

JackMac · 11-30-2007, 10:48 AM

Thanks for sharing. The chart puts some facts behind what we all have seen as a trend toward heavier cars (due to increased vehicle content and size).

The other trend (unfortunately) is the reduction of direct driver interaction and control of the vehicle. Each generation places more technology between car and driver. Some good, some useless.

Can't wait to test drive the 135i next year!

montreal red · 11-30-2007, 11:27 AM

heh ... yea ... cars are getting fatter everyday just like most of us actually...

Socom · 11-30-2007, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comet

that's really cool
however oddly enough, I still find my dad's 1989 7 to be more spacious than the new 7 (and his new S-class)

it's funny how they were actually smaller but felt more roomy... am I the only one who feels that?

but great find, and great thread

I think older BMW's had larger or taller greenhouses than what we have today.

bartman32 · 11-30-2007, 02:33 PM

very cool having all of that together. Man this car has gained some weight too! Current 3 is 800lbs more than first 5!

BYZBYZ · 12-01-2007, 09:00 AM

Legend..

lecatrache · 12-03-2007, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bartman32

very cool having all of that together. Man this car has gained some weight too! Current 3 is 800lbs more than first 5!

Yes, it really helps to put things in perspective. The BMW series that I think is falling behind the competition is the 7-Series. Is probably way too big.

Kiemyster · 12-03-2007, 10:46 PM

wow. excellent thread! good stuff man!

MikeCCrutchfield · 12-03-2007, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socom

I think older BMW's had larger or taller greenhouses than what we have today.

because the "Belt-line" has moved up for more safety in side-impacts, especially side impacts with SUV's

11-30-2007, 12:22 AM	#1
lecatrache Five Star General Drives: 330i Black Sph PP/SP/NV/MTk Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 774 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	How 3-series has grown (1975-2007) The following table that summarizes 1-Series through 7-Series size evolution. The interesting thing is that the new 2008 1-Series is bigger than the first 3-Series of 1975. Longer, wider, taller, heavier, and way more powerful. At the same time today's 3-series is larger than the first 5-series of 1972 (except that is a bit shorter). And finally, today's 5-series is larger than the first 7-series of 1977 (except that is 1 inch shorter). All series have grown, replacing the next series. We've seen many threads attacking how the 3-series is now heavier, bigger, etc. Well, the 3-series is the not the entry level anymore, it's the new "5-series". And if you research, this is common throughout all brands (look up for instance the first Ford Explorer specs and you'll see that the new Ford Escape is almost the same size as it, and the new Explorer is now a big almost full size SUV).
	Tweet

11-30-2007, 07:53 AM	#4
Comet Troll Harder Drives: 997 GT3, 997 4 GTS, X6M Join Date: May 2007 Location: Montreal, Beirut Posts: 596 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 Porsche GT3 [4.00] 2012 Porsche 4 GTS [2.67]	that's really cool however oddly enough, I still find my dad's 1989 7 to be more spacious than the new 7 (and his new S-class) it's funny how they were actually smaller but felt more roomy... am I the only one who feels that? but great find, and great thread __________________

11-30-2007, 07:55 AM	#5
ElCapitan Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2007 E91 328xi & 2008 E90 335i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: North Bay, ON Posts: 1,762 iTrader: (2)	I saw similar data on Honda. Basically the Civic grew a lot since its first generation and the Honda Fit is bigger than the first Civic. It seems like a trend accross the industry. Domestics got smaller and lighter (since the 70's) and imports got bigger and heavier. __________________ *2008* E90 335i \| Silver Grey \| Terra \| Piano Black \| ZSP \| ZKO \| ZAT \| ZKI \| ZPL \| ZKL \| *2007* E91 328xi \| Black Sapphire \| Terra \| ALuminium \| ZKO \| ZKI \| ZPL *Past Cars:* 2004 ///M3, 2002 E46 330xi, 2003 GTI 1.8T, 1996 Neon

11-30-2007, 11:27 AM	#8
montreal red chris Drives: Green Frog Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Montreal Posts: 12,093 iTrader: (31)	heh ... yea ... cars are getting fatter everyday just like most of us actually... __________________ 997.1 GT3RS 2009 WRX STI e92 M3 (gone)

11-30-2007, 02:33 PM	#10
bartman32 Colonel Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: The OC Posts: 2,288 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i Coupe (e92) [0.00]	very cool having all of that together. Man this car has gained some weight too! Current 3 is 800lbs more than first 5! __________________

11-30-2007, 12:47 AM	#2
akhter Major Drives: 325i LCI e90 (Space Gray) Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 1,091 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i M Sport E90 [5.00]	thats cool!

11-30-2007, 10:39 AM	#6
gloster Captain Drives: 335i MT, sport Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 649 iTrader: (0)	Plumping up across the industry.... Government: anti-lock brakes, air bags, bumpers, emission controls, crash standards Consumers: power windows, power door locks, remote access, nav systems, air conditioning, 14 speaker stereo systems, power seats, rear camera systems, power steering, heated seats, cruise control, 300hp engines and turbos, 18"+ wheels, remote trunk unlock/open, passenger side mirror, power side mirrors, six speed transmissions, lighted visor mirrors, dual power outlets, and a partridge in a pear tree Say HELLO TUBBY!!!!!! uh oh...gotta go on a diet, hmmm...I don't want to cut out my sweets. What else can I cut? Let's see.....nuke the spare tire and the jack, slap on some plastic body panels, hmmm...wonder if I can afford aluminum? Do I still look fat to you?

11-30-2007, 10:48 AM	#7
JackMac Recovering BMW Addict Drives: <OO (\|\|\|)(\|\|\|) OO> Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Southeast PA Posts: 1,920 iTrader: (7) Garage List 2010 MINI John Coop ... [4.83]	Thanks for sharing. The chart puts some facts behind what we all have seen as a trend toward heavier cars (due to increased vehicle content and size). The other trend (unfortunately) is the reduction of direct driver interaction and control of the vehicle. Each generation places more technology between car and driver. Some good, some useless. Can't wait to test drive the 135i next year!

12-01-2007, 09:00 AM	#11
BYZBYZ Private First Class Drives: E90 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Mars Posts: 113 iTrader: (0)	Legend..

12-03-2007, 10:46 PM	#13
Kiemyster Bimmerpost Resident Marijuana Consultant Drives: E90x4 (M3, 335xi, 325xi,320i) Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Queens/NYC Posts: 3,091 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 BMW E90 325xi [0.00] 2011 BMW E90 335xi [0.50] 2011 BMW M3 E90 [3.50] 2006 E90 320i [0.00]	wow. excellent thread! good stuff man! __________________ "AMG What! S-Line Who? If you ain't got that M I got no respect for you!" '06 Alpine Weiss E90 320i \| '06 The Green Machine E90 325xi \| '11 Alpine Weiss E90 M3 ZCP \| '10 Silverstone X5M \| '11 Alpine Weiss E90 335xi

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