First impressions of new 3er (E46) as seen at Geneva Autoshow.

It looks a lot less like a scaled down E39 5er in real life than it appeared in the pictures. In fact, IMHO, it looks nicer than the 5er.

Except maybe for the cut-outs for the headlamps. They're a bit awkward looking to me.

There's something new going on with the headlamps that I'm not sure I understand. BMW AG rep at the show explained that light from the bulbs is first reflected backwards and collected and focused forward. More of the blubs light is thus collected and projected on the road instead of lost somewhere. It is evolution of the elipsolidal design that requires less fore-aft room. I went over to the Bosch display (makers of the new lamps), hoping to see a cut-away. They didn't have one, but the Bosch rep repeated more or less what the BMW rep said.

New for BMW in many years, door handles pull straight out instead of upward. Better for woman with rings or long fingernails, I was told, as well pulling hard on the handle in case of accident to help the occupants out.

I could say more, but don't have time right now (2pm Tuesday, Geneva).

Also seen at show was first public view of E39 M5. Interesting under bumper air scoop for engine cooling. 18" rims 245/40ZR 18 on 8.5 " wide rims front, 275/35ZR18 on 9.5 " wide rims rear. E36 M3 technology applied on bigger scale to E39, such as compound brake rotors, double VANOS on 5.0L V8 engine.

Bye for now.