[Winslow211]

Would appreciate any thoughts about New Generation Changes Coming
Own my M235i model year 2016..and 2021 Model will be a major change
engine..and maybe some real design changes
So please post your thoughts about
1. Engine Changes you predict
2. Design Changes your predict
3 Your wish list on both above
Happy Motoring ..

[stevenvillatoro]

Shrink it 5% and lose 10% of its weight.

[Ron Jeffries]

i predict it will be front wheel drive.

[BenDiem]

I predict the new 2 series will no longer offer the inline six. The top of the line 2 series (M240i?) will be powered by the same engine found in the X2 M35i, namely the four pot w/300-320 BHP. I also believe the new 2 series will be FWD; platform sharing with the X2, to keep manufacturing costs down...

Interior will follow suit, similar to VW & Audi & other manufacturers, including the new 3 series, with non-analog dials/gauges. Not a fan of the LCD/LED/digital gauges!

I envision that these new "virtual display cockpits/screens" will cause more motorists to be even more distracted while driving...

I predict BMW will reserve the inline six for 3 series and above series models, but what do I know...

Cheers/B

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by BenDiem

I predict the new 2 series will no longer offer the inline six. The top of the line 2 series (M240i?) will be powered by the same engine found in the X2 M35i, namely the four pot w/300-320 BHP. I also believe the new 2 series will be FWD; platform sharing with the X2, to keep manufacturing costs down...

Interior will follow suit, similar to VW & Audi & other manufacturers, including the new 3 series, with non-analog dials/gauges. Not a fan of the LCD/LED/digital gauges!

I envision that these new "virtual display cockpits/screens" will cause more motorists to be even more distracted while driving...

I predict BMW will reserve the inline six for 3 series and above series models, but what do I know...

Cheers/B

And I predict you'll be proven incorrect.

[stein_325i]

My predictions, which are based off spy shots, my own thoughts/ideas and any official documents regarding future models here on the forum.

2 Series will be split into 2. The coupe which will stay rear wheel drive and move to the CLAR platform and a 4-door Coupe which will be based off the new European 1 Series Hatchback will be on the front-wheel drive UKL platform. Convertible is likely to be axed in favor of Z4.

Coupe
-Updated B48 (230i) and B58 (M240i) engines, similar to new 330i and M340i to make more power for both models.
-Predictably will grow somewhat in size, possibly lose weight like the new 3 series.
-Automatic only (M2 will get manual).
-More edgy and updated exterior design, and newer modern interior with idrive 7.0 and new digital gauges.
-Connected kidney grills.

Gran Coupe
-2 versions of the B48 engine, 228i and M235i similar to the X2.
-Possibly be a liftback like 4GC.
-Have a similar interior design to the 2 coupe, but will likely be different in some areas as it's shared with the 1 Series overseas and the FWD architecture allows for a different dash.
-Cheaper than the 2 coupe both in prices and materials.
-Connected kidney grills.

[Hpirx]

The addition of an "e" hybrid model, sporty, small electric coupe.

It with have comparatively small gas engine, but will have impressive performance figures, not M2 figures, but certainly M240 range. FWD,RWD, AWD? I don't know, not an expert on hybrid drivetrains.

Stylistically, it will be a 2 series, but with distinguishing cues as a hybrid, ie smaller grill vents, more aero elements.

If you Luddites are upset with BMW's current embracing of pervasive technology, this one will surely have you pining for your E46s etc. It will know you better than your mother does and drive you to her house by itself to boot.

It will still be a pisser to drive and will sell incredibly well despite having a premium cost.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by Hpirx

...an "e" hybrid model, sporty, small electric coupe...will sell incredibly well despite having a premium cost.

The current 2 series doesn't sell particularly well, so why is an 'e' version going to "sell incredibly well"? That doesn't seem to make sense to me.

If BMW is going to be successful with e-vehicles (something I fully expect will happen), don't you imagine that those selling well will be the same BMW models that are now selling well?

[Hpirx]

Part of it was just BMW enthusiasm and "poetic license".

But I do believe we are on the cusp of a much larger movement towards hybrids and all electric cars. I think more millennials and Z generation will influence what sells and maybe past indicators might not be as relevant. Also I think a lot of "diehard " IC guys may think it's time to relent and need a familiar marque to transition into electric. Think a somewhat more affordable alternative to the Tesla S (?) or the i8. We are living in exciting automotive times!

[mcompact]

My wife and I already have a FWD commuter, an AWD CUV and a 4X4- so a FWD or AWD 2er Coupe would leave me cold.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by Hpirx

Part of it was just BMW enthusiasm and "poetic license".

We are living in exciting automotive times!

I thought that might be the case, and it's perfectly understandable!

Indeed we are! I cross-shopped eight of the ten cars profiled in the Jan. 30 Car and Driver piece entitled The Best Sports Cars of 2019 for Less than $50,000 (https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...s-under-50000/).

[MarkDemma]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

My predictions, which are based off spy shots, my own thoughts/ideas and any official documents regarding future models here on the forum.

2 Series will be split into 2. The coupe which will stay rear wheel drive and move to the CLAR platform and a 4-door Coupe which will be based off the new European 1 Series Hatchback will be on the front-wheel drive UKL platform. Convertible is likely to be axed in favor of Z4.

Coupe
-Updated B48 (230i) and B58 (M240i) engines, similar to new 330i and M340i to make more power for both models.
-Predictably will grow somewhat in size, possibly lose weight like the new 3 series.
-Automatic only (M2 will get manual).
-More edgy and updated exterior design, and newer modern interior with idrive 7.0 and new digital gauges.
-Connected kidney grills.

Gran Coupe
-2 versions of the B48 engine, 228i and M235i similar to the X2.
-Possibly be a liftback like 4GC.
-Have a similar interior design to the 2 coupe, but will likely be different in some areas as it's shared with the 1 Series overseas and the FWD architecture allows for a different dash.
-Cheaper than the 2 coupe both in prices and materials.
-Connected kidney grills.

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

My predictions, which are based off spy shots, my own thoughts/ideas and any official documents regarding future models here on the forum.

2 Series will be split into 2. The coupe which will stay rear wheel drive and move to the CLAR platform and a 4-door Coupe which will be based off the new European 1 Series Hatchback will be on the front-wheel drive UKL platform. Convertible is likely to be axed in favor of Z4.

Coupe
-Updated B48 (230i) and B58 (M240i) engines, similar to new 330i and M340i to make more power for both models.
-Predictably will grow somewhat in size, possibly lose weight like the new 3 series.
-Automatic only (M2 will get manual).
-More edgy and updated exterior design, and newer modern interior with idrive 7.0 and new digital gauges.
-Connected kidney grills.

Gran Coupe
-2 versions of the B48 engine, 228i and M235i similar to the X2.
-Possibly be a liftback like 4GC.
-Have a similar interior design to the 2 coupe, but will likely be different in some areas as it's shared with the 1 Series overseas and the FWD architecture allows for a different dash.
-Cheaper than the 2 coupe both in prices and materials.
-Connected kidney grills.

I'd love if we could get for the coupé JUST the updated B58 engine and reduced weight CLAR frame and NOT have it get any bigger / lose the manual / get the horrible digital gauges. But alas, I suspect you are correct.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by MarkDemma

I'd love if we could get for the coupé JUST the updated B58 engine and reduced weight CLAR frame and NOT have it get any bigger / lose the manual / get the horrible digital gauges. But alas, I suspect you are correct.

Well analog gauges are still gonna be available, but probably not if you order nav. Although, because the 2 series is more of an "entry level model" BMW may instead charge for the gauges as an option instead of including it with nav like on the G20 3 series. I guess we'll see in a little over a year.

[Questofthetune]

Originally Posted by Hpirx

Part of it was just BMW enthusiasm and "poetic license".

But I do believe we are on the cusp of a much larger movement towards hybrids and all electric cars. I think more millennials and Z generation will influence what sells and maybe past indicators might not be as relevant. Also I think a lot of "diehard " IC guys may think it's time to relent and need a familiar marque to transition into electric. Think a somewhat more affordable alternative to the Tesla S (?) or the i8. We are living in exciting automotive times!

This as I just stepped into a GT500

[p912guy]

I know previously reported rumors from BMW have the next 2 Series Coupe as RWD or xDrive and the Gran Coupe as FWD or xDrive based on the X2. Unfortunately, I think current market trends will probably make the next 2 Series Coupe FWD, if there is even a 2 Series Coupe. I wouldn't be surprised to see the 2 Series in FWD or xDrive Gran Coupe form only, as a direct competitor to the MB CLA or the Audi A3/S3. Let's face it, while we love the 2 Series and it's loved by motoring journalists, it doesn't sell well compared to other BMW product offerings. With the new Z4 and the updated 3 Series and an updated 4 Series, anything other than a 4 door 2 Series doesn't make much sense economically. 2 door coupes just don't sell well anymore. Just look at VW and the Golf - no 2 door versions anymore, just 4 doors.

[B58togo]

Originally Posted by stevenvillatoro

Shrink it 5% and lose 10% of its weight.

Wouldn't want it any smaller in dimension, but I'll take the 10% weight loss. My 240 is right around 3500 with some light weight reduction, and I've always said I wished it was around 3200.

[keylime503]

No way there’s a new engine. Expect B58 to continue until the LCI.

[ArcticFormula]

p912guy nailed it, I second those thoughts.

[CP911]

Originally Posted by p912guy

I know previously reported rumors from BMW have the next 2 Series Coupe as RWD or xDrive and the Gran Coupe as FWD or xDrive based on the X2. Unfortunately, I think current market trends will probably make the next 2 Series Coupe FWD, if there is even a 2 Series Coupe. I wouldn't be surprised to see the 2 Series in FWD or xDrive Gran Coupe form only, as a direct competitor to the MB CLA or the Audi A3/S3. Let's face it, while we love the 2 Series and it's loved by motoring journalists, it doesn't sell well compared to other BMW product offerings. With the new Z4 and the updated 3 Series and an updated 4 Series, anything other than a 4 door 2 Series doesn't make much sense economically. 2 door coupes just don't sell well anymore. Just look at VW and the Golf - no 2 door versions anymore, just 4 doors.

I don't know. Just did a quick Google search of sales figures for 2-series, 3-series, and Z4 since 2014. The F2x generation 2-series will end up selling about 75k units when it's all said and done. The Z4 sales have been abysmal at < 2k units a year. Considering the 2-series is essentially a 3-series underneath with shrunken exterior dimensions, the R&D/development cost is pretty much paid for. Seems like they would give up a lot of profits for nothing. Also, who would buy a FWD/AWD BMW 2-series when they can go get an established-on-FWD-architecture Golf, A3, CLA, etc. instead? The 2-series is a niche vehicle or "in a class of its own," so to speak, where the majority of those 75k units sold likely wouldn't have gone to another brand. They didn't even go towards 4-series sales, so clearly a decent amount of people still insist on a smaller coupe. Further, if we know the next M2 will be developed on the BMW CLAR platform (for guaranteed low sales figures...), why would BMW throw even more money down the toilet to redevelop the standard 2-series coupe on the FWD UKL platform when they can instead develop both on the CLAR and see economies of scale? Anyway, I'll finish my rant with my own prediction that the 2er GC is the only one going FWD purely for the rear seat space and to not cannibalize 3-series/4-series GC sales.

[aerobod]

Originally Posted by CP911

I don't know. Just did a quick Google search of sales figures for 2-series, 3-series, and Z4 since 2014. The F2x generation 2-series will end up selling about 75k units when it's all said and done. The Z4 sales have been abysmal at < 2k units a year. Considering the 2-series is essentially a 3-series underneath with shrunken exterior dimensions, the R&D/development cost is pretty much paid for. Seems like they would give up a lot of profits for nothing. Also, who would buy a FWD/AWD BMW 2-series when they can go get an established-on-FWD-architecture Golf, A3, CLA, etc. instead? The 2-series is a niche vehicle or "in a class of its own," so to speak, where the majority of those 75k units sold likely wouldn't have gone to another brand. They didn't even go towards 4-series sales, so clearly a decent amount of people still insist on a smaller coupe. Further, if we know the next M2 will be developed on the BMW CLAR platform (for guaranteed low sales figures...), why would BMW throw even more money down the toilet to redevelop the standard 2-series coupe on the FWD UKL platform when they can instead develop both on the CLAR and see economies of scale? Anyway, I'll finish my rant with my own prediction that the 2er GC is the only one going FWD purely for the rear seat space and to not cannibalize 3-series/4-series GC sales.

The G42 2-series on the CLAR platform has already been spotted in testing, so unless they cancel the program it will be RWD. In terms of sales, the F2x 2-series was mid-pack in the model range when you look at the world as opposed to the limited model availability in the US (only about 25% of all engine/body combinations are available). The 2-series typically outsells the 6, 7, 8, Z4, X4, X6, X7 and all ///M cars in a given month. The M2 has also been the best selling of any ///M car in some months, so having a 2-series body on the CLAR platform provides an important niche model.

I think what you see with the G4x platform is the family separation of the 1-series and 2-series, with the 2 becoming a niche member of the 2-3-4 series family.

[p912guy]

CP911 and aerobod, I hope you are reading the tea leaves correctly. I didn't realize test mules for the 2 Series coupe have been spotted.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by p912guy

CP911 and aerobod, I hope you are reading the tea leaves correctly. I didn't realize test mules for the 2 Series coupe have been spotted.

I think we place too much weight on vehicle nomenclature when trying to predict future plans. From an Engineering/Program Manager point of view, the nomenclature is another assembly plant end item - the badge, and does not control the original dynamic objectives. They let Marketing decide what the name will be. The use of "2" appears to denote not much more than smaller than "3", and not necessarily a need for platform sharing across all "2" models. I think BMW understands that for their brand's more performance-oriented coupe to thrive, it needs not to be FWD, while the research may well support that those who consider a sedan/4-door "coupe" place less emphasis on pure performance and will accept the trade-off for the benefits FWD provides to them. If it weren't so efficient and easy for the general BMW buying public to understand, Marketing might just as well have come up with a different name for the coupe versus the sedan, just as with 3 vs. 4 Series...but 1 is taken and they are running out of intervening numbers.