A mysterious benefactor has exposed details of the new BMW 3-series a year before its launch. A complete sales brochure, in Slovenian, has been e-mailed around the world to various journalists and magazines.

As per any brochure, the document contains detail pictures of the whole car completely undisguised in production form. These pictures show a continuation of the Bangle design school but noticeably more conservative than the 5 and 7-series as you'd expect on the volume-selling model. BMW can't afford to alienate customers. According to the brochure the 3-series has grown in all directions in the interests of improved interior space.

The interior itself will feature an updated version of the I-drive system on the higher spec variants (it is an option on lesser versions), which will be a user-friendlier version of the system seen thus far. Fit, trim and materials are an update of the existing design with various overtones from other BMWs promising to continue BMW's high standard of ergonomics and quality. A new addition is the start-stop button from the 7 and 1-series.

Also carried over from the 1-series are the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel four-cylinder engines and 6-speed manual and auto 'boxes. Other engines include 2.5 and 3.0-litre straight sixes. Expect a 330d and 335d using the latest 3.0-litre diesel units from the 5-series to be added, with a range topping 4.0-litre V8, based on a cut down M5 V10, for the M3 variant to follow in 2006. Class leading chassis dynamics are expected with any new BMW, but no insight is offered in the brochure other than wheel and tyre sizes and a sports suspension option.

The identity of the source is unknown and the cause of much speculation. The timing coincides quite nicely with the imminent launch of Audi's new A4, but BMW wouldn't do that. Would they?

Dave Jenkins - 19 Aug 2004