German auto magazines publish new 3-series coupé, cab photos

Several German magazines have, in the last week, published photos purportedly of the new BMW 3-Series coupe and hardtop-convertible. Unlike past computer renderings and or artists' impressions, these images are being billed as the real thing. It's unclear if they are real photos or computer renderings, but all four images appear very similar. What's more, Autobild -- which published a controversial computer sketch over the summer -- has released updated renderings of the 3-series coupe and convertible that appear very similar to the published images. The 3-series coupe (E92) is expected to debut some time in 2006. The M3 variant is not expected until 2007, as a 2008 model year vehicle. It's still unclear when the hardtop convertible (E93) will debut. Most reports suggest it will become available in 2007 as a 2008 model.


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Whether these images are real or not will not be known until BMW makes an official announcement. However, one thing is clear: Several publications now agree on what the next 3-series will look like, and that's often a sure sign of accuracy.

Compared to the summer Autobild renderings, the rear of the car appears smoother and less abrasive.

Additionally, the new images seem to jive with a recent spy shot that shows a partially undisguised 3-series coupe.