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On different occasions two Wheels24 readers, Eugene Coetzee and Kevin Smit, spotted the cars the past week in the Helderberg and Boland area in the Western Cape.
BMW's test entourage includes the new 1 Series, the next generation 3 Series, the 6 Series cabriolet and the new-look 7 Series as well as a MINI cabriolet.
It seems as if the cars travel in convoy most of the times.
BMW 1 Series
BMW 1 Series (Photo: Eugene Coetzee)
Although the 1 Series on our photos is slightly disguised its shape and look are quite clear. It has aggressive looks and it first it will only be available as a five-door hatch but more derivatives will follow.
It was expected that the new 1 Series would have had its world launch at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show but BMW is still delaying its introduction.
However this new Golf rival will make its firs official appearance very soon because international and local sales are starting later this year. South African BMW dealers are already taking orders for the 1 Series.
The 1 Series line-up includes 1.8 and 2-litrer petrol derivatives and there will be a 2-litre turbo-diesel model as well.
BMW 3 Series
Next generation 3 Series (Photo: Kevin Smit)
The next generation 3 Series, code-named E90, will have its world launch next year with sales commencing in 2006.
Because of the new 1 Series the 2005 BMW 3 Series will grow in size and insiders say that it will offer a significant improvement in interior space to make it more appealing than its competitors.
Although it will be radical different from the current car sources suggest that this important BMW volume seller won't take the same controversial design direction as the new 5 Series and the 7 Series. Its design cues will be sporty and aggressive yet elegant.
BMW is sticking with four-cylinder units for the entry-level 3 Series models and as we also said before BMW will also introduce a 200kW+ 3.6-litre V8 model. The V8 3 Series will be a bridge between the 3-litre V6 and the high-powered M3/M4 models.
BMW 7 Series
BMW 7 Series face-lift (Photo: Kevin Smit)
The controversial 7 Series will get a new look this year and the face-lifted model will first be shown at the Paris Motor Show in September.
The most obvious design change will be at the front and BMW is dropping its "eyebrow" headlights for redesigned wrap-around lights similar to that of the new 5 Series.
It will also get a wider kidney grille which will give the 7 Series an even bolder look. There are also a restyled airdam in the front bumper.
At the rear the changes will be less obvious but BMW will smooth it of to make it more appealing.
