Confirmed: 3 Series Gran Turismo to be Discontinued

Savageenterprise · 10-08-2018, 02:46 PM

Oh??? So there is someone with a brain at BMW....I thought anyone with a brain left BMW after hearing the news of the 6spd being discontinued in all but M models.

mose121 · 10-08-2018, 05:53 PM

A clear example of why just because you can build something, it doesn't mean you should. However, I've also heard the G series touring/sport wagon will not be sold in the US. So we're losing both of the most practical 3 series models and being forced to go to an SAV. Not cool BMW, give us the wagons! Also can't help but think the wagons would have sold better with a 6 cylinder 335/340 model option. I would have bought one, and I'm about to order one of the last F31's that will ever be produced loaded up with all the factory and port installed options.

530iDriver · 10-08-2018, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mose121

A clear example of why just because you can build something, it doesn't mean you should. However, I've also heard the G series touring/sport wagon will not be sold in the US. So we're losing both of the most practical 3 series models and being forced to go to an SAV. Not cool BMW, give us the wagons! Also can't help but think the wagons would have sold better with a 6 cylinder 335/340 model option. I would have bought one, and I'm about to order one of the last F31's that will ever be produced loaded up with all the factory and port installed options.

There is no profitable market for wagons in NA.

Most people used to CUV/SUV high seating position will not go back to a low to the ground sedan based wagon.

Mr Carrots · 10-08-2018, 08:50 PM

The ludicrous CAFE Light Truck classification made SUVs more profitable vs cars and manufacturers here spent decades demonizing wagons because they wanted to sell their SUVs

The GT was for the Chinese buyer who cared about the back seat, wheelbase and soft ride more than anything else so I never understood why they released them here, but with only the GT getting the N55 while 3 series wagons got the poverty engine was always a huge slap in the face (and no new 5 series wagon which would have been the perfect 2nd car)

Machinebuilder · 10-10-2018, 03:01 PM

I still think the GT 3 Series look great considering the space and comfort they have. I would not hesitate to buy one used if you have find a deal.

NormanConquest · 10-10-2018, 03:06 PM

I much rather have them make a m340i stationwagon

Brake_Late · 10-10-2018, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NormanConquest

I much rather have them make a m340i stationwagon

Or...

NormanConquest · 10-11-2018, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brake_Late

Or...

Even better.

ipilcher · 10-11-2018, 09:15 AM

Really sad that BMW messed this up so badly.

The idea of a 3 series that can comfortably accommodate adults in the back seat is great, and BMW's desire to not cannibalize 5 and 7 series sales is also understandable. Why they chose to go with a somewhat ungainly, jacked up hatchback will forever be a mystery.

An extended wheel base wagon (riding at a normal height) would have been spacious, practical, and good looking. I guess I should be grateful that they didn't go this route, though, as such a vehicle wouldn't have been sold in the U.S.

Dare we hope for an extended wheel base 4GC?

(And for the record, the vitriol directed at the 3 GT, and its owners, on this forum is ridiculous. It's hardly the ugliest car on the road, and anyone who is that deeply affected by the car someone else chooses to drive pretty clearly needs to look in the mirror to find the source of their unhappiness.)

CAMOETO · 10-11-2018, 10:52 AM

I love these odd duck models from BMW. Make a great value for what is really a solid car at 25%-30% off MSRP as CPOd executive demos with ~ 5000 miles on them.

Brake_Late · 10-11-2018, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAMOETO

I love these odd duck models from BMW. Make a great value for what is really a solid car at 25%-30% off MSRP as CPOd executive demos with ~ 5000 miles on them.

Exactly. Well said. Precisely why I grabbed a 5GT for my gal. Most buttery seats award But it was time for an upgrade and so it went back to bmw...msport a must. Enjoyed the car THOROUGHLY.

drew_larson · 10-12-2018, 09:27 PM

The 3GT wasnt spectacular but I liked the 5GT. As long as they dont get rid of tourings now I'll be satisfied

jmg · 10-12-2018, 09:36 PM

What's the advantage of a 3GT over an X3 anyway? Seems like such an odd choice.

ipilcher · 10-13-2018, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmg

What's the advantage of a 3GT over an X3 anyway? Seems like such an odd choice.

The big one is more passenger legroom, courtesy of the extended wheel base. (Only the 5/6 GT and the 7 have more legroom.) Plus handling that's probably a bit better than a 5er (with the right suspension mods).

There's also the "not another damn SUV/SAV” factor for some of us.

Machinebuilder · 10-13-2018, 10:14 AM

if you are comparing the GT vs any X series its the shape of the cargo area and back seat. The GT has a long and lower cargo area so its great for long skis and will fit two road bikes for example but its low in the far back. The X3 cargo area is shorter but higher for example so if you want to bring a dog, dog crate or child's play crib it would fit better in that. If you need to bring tall rubbish cans to a dump for example they will fit in a X3 or X5 but not in any GT.

ScottAndrew · 10-14-2018, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savageenterprise

Oh??? So there is someone with a brain at BMW....I thought anyone with a brain left BMW after hearing the news of the 6spd being discontinued in all but M models.

BMW USA perhaps. a 320i B48 with a mild tune will give me 250 bhp and a 6-sped 'box. That makes it faster than 90% of the cars on the road on this side of the pond!

530iDriver · 10-14-2018, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottAndrew

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savageenterprise

Oh??? So there is someone with a brain at BMW....I thought anyone with a brain left BMW after hearing the news of the 6spd being discontinued in all but M models.

BMW USA perhaps. a 320i B48 with a mild tune will give me 250 bhp and a 6-sped 'box. That makes it faster than 90% of the cars on the road on this side of the pond!

While compromising reliability perhaps?

Seems to me it is easier to go with a pre-LCI 328i or LCI 330i with a manual.

Letrip · 10-23-2018, 08:55 PM

I had a 2010 5GT with loads of problems - happens with early models. I've also had two 3GT's, both 335d. Best family car I've owned. Much better than the 5 series I have and as much room as a 7 series! Gotta love people who comment having not spoken from experience or necessity. Unless just want looks over family practicality.

Sure if I was single or pre kids, I'd have a low slung beast. But those days passed a long time ago ��

Meeni · 10-23-2018, 08:55 PM

Cool. Can we have the wagon with the right engine back, now?

10-08-2018, 02:46 PM	#177
Savageenterprise Captain 982 Rep 640 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 (E93) Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Out and about iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 Chevy Tahoe [0.00] 2008 BMW E93 M3 [0.00]	Oh??? So there is someone with a brain at BMW....I thought anyone with a brain left BMW after hearing the news of the 6spd being discontinued in all but M models. __________________ "Hard times create strong men. Strong men create easy times. Easy times create weak men. Weak men create hard times."
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10-08-2018, 05:53 PM	#178
mose121 Humanist 324 Rep 406 Posts Drives: F80 M3 ZCP/F31 330i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Pittsburgh iTrader: (0)	A clear example of why just because you can build something, it doesn't mean you should. However, I've also heard the G series touring/sport wagon will not be sold in the US. So we're losing both of the most practical 3 series models and being forced to go to an SAV. Not cool BMW, give us the wagons! Also can't help but think the wagons would have sold better with a 6 cylinder 335/340 model option. I would have bought one, and I'm about to order one of the last F31's that will ever be produced loaded up with all the factory and port installed options. __________________ '19 F31 M Sport Estoril Blue : '16 F80 M3 ZCP Mineral Grey : '15 E84 X1 M Sport Le Mans Blue : '13 E92 M3 ZCP Alpine White '10 E82 135i M Sport Le Mans Blue : '99 E46 328i Sport Fern Green : '95 E36 M3 Cosmos Schwartz : '95 E36/5 318ti Clubsport Jet Black
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10-08-2018, 08:50 PM	#180
Mr Carrots Captain 769 Rep 627 Posts Drives: Bmw Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Usa iTrader: (0)	The ludicrous CAFE Light Truck classification made SUVs more profitable vs cars and manufacturers here spent decades demonizing wagons because they wanted to sell their SUVs The GT was for the Chinese buyer who cared about the back seat, wheelbase and soft ride more than anything else so I never understood why they released them here, but with only the GT getting the N55 while 3 series wagons got the poverty engine was always a huge slap in the face (and no new 5 series wagon which would have been the perfect 2nd car)
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10-10-2018, 03:01 PM	#181
Machinebuilder Second Lieutenant 279 Rep 268 Posts Drives: 640 IX GT Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Northeast USA iTrader: (0)	I still think the GT 3 Series look great considering the space and comfort they have. I would not hesitate to buy one used if you have find a deal. Attached Images
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10-10-2018, 03:06 PM	#182
NormanConquest That Libertarian Guy 4046 Rep 6,363 Posts Drives: 340i Join Date: May 2017 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	I much rather have them make a m340i stationwagon
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10-11-2018, 09:15 AM	#185
ipilcher Captain 607 Rep 1,029 Posts Drives: 2024 M3 Compensation Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: North Texas, USA iTrader: (0)	Really sad that BMW messed this up so badly. The idea of a 3 series that can comfortably accommodate adults in the back seat is great, and BMW's desire to not cannibalize 5 and 7 series sales is also understandable. Why they chose to go with a somewhat ungainly, jacked up hatchback will forever be a mystery. An extended wheel base wagon (riding at a normal height) would have been spacious, practical, and good looking. I guess I should be grateful that they didn't go this route, though, as such a vehicle wouldn't have been sold in the U.S. Dare we hope for an extended wheel base 4GC? (And for the record, the vitriol directed at the 3 GT, and its owners, on this forum is ridiculous. It's hardly the ugliest car on the road, and anyone who is that deeply affected by the car someone else chooses to drive pretty clearly needs to look in the mirror to find the source of their unhappiness.)
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10-11-2018, 10:52 AM	#186
CAMOETO First Lieutenant 140 Rep 381 Posts Drives: 2017 m240i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: SE MI iTrader: (2)	I love these odd duck models from BMW. Make a great value for what is really a solid car at 25%-30% off MSRP as CPOd executive demos with ~ 5000 miles on them. __________________ Current: 2019 640i GT, 2019 MX-5 GT-S, 2015 X1 xDrive35i Gone, but not forgotten: 2017 m240i, 2016 GTI PP, 2013 Camaro SS, 2009 G8 GXP, 2008 G8 GT, 2007 335i, 2003 530i
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10-12-2018, 09:27 PM	#188
drew_larson Private 39 Rep 86 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW 328d Xdrive Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Lake Tahoe iTrader: (0)	The 3GT wasnt spectacular but I liked the 5GT. As long as they dont get rid of tourings now I'll be satisfied
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10-12-2018, 09:36 PM	#189
jmg Lieutenant General 19303 Rep 14,265 Posts Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2025 BMW M2 [10.00] 2022 G82 M4C X-Drive [9.89] 2018 F80 M3 CS [9.90] 2018 BMW i3 REx [5.00] 2015 BMW i3 REx [0.00] 2016 BMW F80 M3 [7.29] 2016 BMW F30 340i ZTR [10.00] 2013 BMW F30 328i [0.00] 2006 Audi S4 25Quattro [7.00]	What's the advantage of a 3GT over an X3 anyway? Seems like such an odd choice. __________________ 2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///M3 Ordered • 2025 ///*M2
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10-13-2018, 10:14 AM	#191
Machinebuilder Second Lieutenant 279 Rep 268 Posts Drives: 640 IX GT Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Northeast USA iTrader: (0)	if you are comparing the GT vs any X series its the shape of the cargo area and back seat. The GT has a long and lower cargo area so its great for long skis and will fit two road bikes for example but its low in the far back. The X3 cargo area is shorter but higher for example so if you want to bring a dog, dog crate or child's play crib it would fit better in that. If you need to bring tall rubbish cans to a dump for example they will fit in a X3 or X5 but not in any GT.
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10-23-2018, 08:55 PM	#194
Letrip New Member 13 Rep 19 Posts Drives: 3GT 335d X drive, 120d XDrive Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I had a 2010 5GT with loads of problems - happens with early models. I've also had two 3GT's, both 335d. Best family car I've owned. Much better than the 5 series I have and as much room as a 7 series! Gotta love people who comment having not spoken from experience or necessity. Unless just want looks over family practicality. Sure if I was single or pre kids, I'd have a low slung beast. But those days passed a long time ago ��
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10-23-2018, 08:55 PM	#195
Meeni Gateropode 332 Rep 2,846 Posts Drives: BMW 330i 06 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: TN iTrader: (0)	Cool. Can we have the wagon with the right engine back, now?
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