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BMW Testing F30 3 Series Model with Bigger Brakes. Is It the 340i?

BMW will release a well deserved facelift for its current 3 Series range next year and the changes might be more than expected. Our sources claim that two models will be completely replaced while a plug-in hybrid will also be added to the mix.
BMW with golden brake calipers 6 photos
Photo: Motor.es
BMW prototype with bigger brake rotorsBMW prototype with bigger brake rotorsBMW prototype with bigger brake rotorsBMW prototype with bigger brake rotorsBMW prototype with bigger brake rotors
While the last part was officially confirmed by the German company the part about the new engines and nominations is still on the fence. Of course, our sources have never led us astray so far but anything can happen.

A recent batch of spyshots seems to confirm the leak as it’s presenting a rather interesting development on a test F30 3 Series. The car in the photos below seems to be wearing bigger rotors than the ones you can get on the 3er right now.

The calipers are also different, being painted golden and wearing the M logo on them, just like it is the case on the Ceramic Carbon Brakes on the M models. On top of that, the discs seem to be cross drilled for more efficiency.

All of this would point out to a bigger engine under the bonnet but the truth of the matter is it’s hard to say for sure right now. That’s also because the rear bumper is missing its center diffuser and the look of the rear muffler and the tailpipes seems to suggest a rather ‘normal’ engine.

If this car is truly the 340i model that we think is going to come out with the facelift, it would be using a new generation B58 3-liter plant under the bonnet making around 330 HP. Along with it a replacement for the 328i model would also have to come out, dubbed 330i. This one would be using a B48 engine taken up to roughly 270 HP.

Why would BMW make such moves?

The introduction of the 340i, 330i and plug-in hybrid model is simply aiming at reducing the difference between the aging 3 Series and its main rival, the C-Class from Mercedes-Benz that was just launched.

Its line-up seems to have more powerful plants compared head-to-head in between them and offer more performance. Furthermore, they now have the AMG Sport models that are filling the gap between random, stock models and the proper AMG ones.

In that niche BMW has the M Performance Automobile branch but the 3 Series is one of the models that lacks such a version together with its coupe alternative, the 4 Series. A possible M340i model could come out but it’s highly unlikely that the Germans will unveil it during this facelift. Most likely, it will be making an appearance on the future generation.

In the meantime, our best guess is that the car spotted by the guys from Motor.es is either the 340i model either testing new optional brakes or both. Either way, we’ll find out next year at the Geneva Motor Show.
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