Geneva: new 3er coupe

["Paul F. Kunz" <pfkeb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

   Here is a short report on the new 3 series coupe which had its
world introduction here at the ongoing Geneva Autoshow...

- - The first thing a BMW rep at the show tells you about the coupe is
  that there are only three visible body parts that are the same on
  the coupe and the 4dr sedan: the Roundel, the door handles, and the
  side fender lights.

- - The couple is longer, wider, and lower than the 4dr.

- - The model designation will be 328Ci, to try to invoke its sportier
  character, i.e. like the early '70s 3.0Si vs 3.0CSi.

- - The headlamp treatment is different, with the hood metal coming down
  further giving an eyelid effect, and the turn signals inner contour
  following the headlamp instead of being straight with the
  hood/fender line.

- - Optional wheel/tires: 225/40-18 front, 255/35-18 rear.   16 in rims
  will be standard.

- - Front air dam is quite different compared to 4dr.

- - Windshield has more gradual sloop compared to sedan, and cabin if
  further back from the front.

- - Has fold down rear seats and ski sack.

- - Rear taillights has new plastic that looks more like xtal than
  plastic (like on '99 740i)

- - Outside mirrors have ridges on top to reduce wind noise, rather than
  bumps.


   Got to get to work, more later perhaps.

   My overall impression: look nice, differences are very subtle, you
have to look hard to see them.

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