BMW-3-fl-2

BMW is working on a mid-life facelift for the F30 3-Series (called an LCI in BMW speak), and from what we see, the changes are minimal just like the approach that BMW took with the F10 5-Series LCI.

We see a revised front bumper design and optional full LED headlamps that have already been available on the 4-Series. No changes on the rear, but we hope the F30 LCI will finally get LED signal indicators, something that the E90 had but went missing in the F30.

The biggest upgrades will be under the hood, where the F30 will get an all new engine family. Two engines from the new engine family have already gone into BMW and MINI cars - the 1.5 litre three-cylinder B38 and the 2.0 litre four-cylinder B48, found in the new MINI and 2-Series Active Tourer.

The new B48 2.0 litre turbo has a bore and stroke of 82 mm by 94.6 mm, and a displacement of 1,998 cc, as opposed to the outgoing 2.0 litre N20 engine's 84 mm by 90.1 mm bore and stroke and 1,997 cc displacement. We think the N48 in the new 328i LCI will get 255 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, up from the current 245 horsepower and 350 Nm.