I'm planning on ordering a 2006 330i somtime next week. I am going to lease it for 36 months. After working through some initial confusion about various issues, I now have some major confusion.

I have been reading about potential changes in the 3ers lineup for the coming model year. It has been confirmed that there will be a 335 twin turbo engine introduced. It is less clear whether that will be offered in only a coupe or also in a sedan. All the press has been focused on the upcoming coupe that should be going into production this June.

The current lineup offers a 325 and a 330. Both are 3.0L engines despite the badging. There is a 40 HP difference between the two. This is not the first time in BMW history that this has been done. Just a few years ago there were E46 323's with 2.5L engines. Anyway, a rumor is around that with the introduction of the 335 there will be too many offerings in the range with the 325, 330, and 335 so there will be some major changes. There are many opinions out there as to what will shake out in the end. Will it be 325/335? 323/330/335? 328/335?

I am concerned because I could wind up with a 330 that is a white elephant being only produced for one model year. That would be strange. It might not matter that much since I'm leasing but I'm still concerned. There might even be some changes in what options are included or whether there will be other upgrades to the existing models. This too has happened in the past when the 323 was rebadged to the more accurate 325 and got more power and options for not much more money.

Any of you have opinions or better yet, reliable insight?

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