Good, Bad or Ugly - Current and Future styling trends of BMW

jlbl · July 2005

I haven't had the time to follow the last discussion on Bangle styling hold here in the past two weeks. I feel however like I cannot pass it over.

Here are my 0.2 cents.

I like E60 5-Series, yet I do not find they are the most elegant cars of their segment, at least in a balanced, soft and classic way. I would say that a new 5-Series is not the best car to ride when going to a big, formal reception. In respect to this, I believe it has lost some of the 'representative' appeal the former 5-Series had.

On the contrary, E60 5-Series cars show some sort of animal beauty. Something related with quiet agility, strength, power and muscle. I would compare any of them, but specially those painted in gray shadows, to a dolphin (a beluga, for instance: not the most beatiful animal in the seas, but certainly appealing). Black painted, E60 5-Series cars would pass for small whales.

Was I too much metaphoric? I didn't found other way to say it.

Regards

designman · July 2005

Was I too much metaphoric?

No, you did just fine. Metaphor is a staple for writing. It just that the 5 is too edgy to be whale-like. I see the GS, Maxima and M as Belugas. You could call the 7 a Beluga too... Grandpa Beluga. Actually the front of the pre-facelifted 7 reminds me of a lobster. Nice design, lobster in the front, Beluga in the rear.

The new 3 is starting to look like a low-end Ford to me... no particular model... it just has that nowhere, cheap, stamp-it-out production look to it.

kdshapiro · July 2005

I can understand what you are saying although I disagree. There's a Bentley in the parking lot, and I can't get over how much it looks like a Maxima.

If Bentley can produce a car that in my eyes looks like a Maxima, then I can understand why you might think BMW can produce a car that in your eyes looks like a Ford.

designman · July 2005

Let me clarify what I was saying. To me, the new 3 doesn't look like any particular Ford. Rather, it looks as cheap as a low-end Ford. Now, I don't believe any Bentley looks like a Maxima in your eyes. I think you are constructing an argument which, of course, is fine with me.

rich545 · July 2005

Honestly, I think we get way too caught up in the "this car looks like that car and that car looks like this car" discussion. At any given time based on a lot of factors there are going to be similarities between most cars in terms of appearance. What's the point anyway? Friends of mine love the 300c (which I find to be completely repulsive though the auto rags all seem to love it too) and think it looks like a Bentley. That's wonderful and all if you like Bentleys, but with the exception of the Continental I don't happen to. They look like cars you get driven IN rather than cars you DRIVE. I don't love the new 3; particularly the rear end, but whether it looks like a Ford in some respects or other cheaper cars it still drives like a BMW. That's not to say that styling is unimportant. But given the subjective nature of it it's nearly impossible to get a consensus. Case in point, you think the 7 looks like a lobster in front and a Beluga in back, but that clearly isn't how a lot of other people see it. It's only the best-selling 7 ever. I doubt the people that bought it share your opinion of how it looks. Same holds true for the E60. It's sales are now consistently leading its segment so whether it looks like a Pontiac, as some have suggested, or not really doesn't matter.

dewey · July 2005

I know there are many reasons why people prefer BMWs(performance, handling, status/pretentiousness,technology). For me it is the way they drive and nothing else!

In all honesty how many people bought BMWs mainly for the styling?

I cant help but notice that most BMW drivers wear Rx glasses. Maybe the ones who bought BMWs for styling reasons need a prescription update for their glasses? Or maybe the BMW drivers with natural 20/20 vision only care about the way their car handles?

hpowders · July 2005

"I can't help but notice that most BMW drivers wear Rx glasses."

Incredible powers of perception! If I, a BMW driver, am wearing sunglasses, you, of course, can tell whether they are prescription or not. This assumes you can see that I am wearing glasses through my tinted glass.

You seem to possess powers well beyond those of mere mortal men!

lovemyclk · July 2005

... and which low-end Ford comes to mind?

dewey · July 2005

You seem to possess powers well beyond those of mere mortal men

It's because of that food they served me at Planet Krypton!

kdshapiro · July 2005

Well you need to see that particular car to see/understand what I'm seeing. The point is you are constructing an argument as well, which of course, is fine with me. Of course I think the 3 series looks as cheap as a low-end Ford just as much as you believe the Bentley looks like a Maxima.

designman · July 2005

All of you make good points, and as a designer I absolutely delight in reading your opinions. After all, I make my living wrangling with styling and opinions. But one thing I want to point out. This thread is ONLY about styling, so if styling is not important to you take a friggin hike! This is not about BMW the ultimate driving machine, its about BMW the ugliest driving machine!! For heaven's sake, we certainly know how to separate the two.

Enjoy your weekend guys. If I get any visions Ill get back to you. Now you do the same.

Quote of the year:

I cant help but notice that most BMW drivers wear Rx glasses.?

Dewey LMAO!

:shades:

rich545 · July 2005

I just wonder though, as a designer, if you like what you design, but no one else does is it still a good design? And in BMW's case is the inverse true as well? Meaning, you don't like the designs, but the 7, 5 and Z4 have sold very well (in the 7's case better than it ever has before) so does that indicate that what you may like in terms of design is not what most other people like? Of course, it's fine to have your own opinion, but BMW is in the business of selling cars so they HAVE to design them to please the largest possible group of consumers. They can't afford to think their designs are great if the public does not. It would seem that as difficult as it is for some to believe, the Bangle designs do have mass appeal. Whether or not that means they're "good" is a diffierent argument, but they do seem to have accomplished their goals.

kdshapiro · July 2005

"Whether or not that means they're "good" is a diffierent argument,"

Good is relative. Designman likes what he likes and I like what I like and Rich you like what you like. I can't imagine designing the exterior of a $150K car in a manner similiar to a $23K car, yet the evidence is incontrovertable. Designman thinks the new BMW styles has the ear-mark of a cheap Ford. Yet the only similiarities I find four wheels, windshield and lights.

In the end, the newly designed BMWs have more appeal, don't appear as sterile as the older models.

designman · July 2005

BMW is in the business of selling cars so they HAVE to design them to please the largest possible group of consumers.

Fashion is a crap shoot. Its not like they know the designs are appealing or not. Do they gauge a response to styling with focus groups? If they did and it was a positive response I would question their methods, the quality of the research. Plenty of products test positively in focus groups then bomb in the marketplace. Blame it on flaws in the research. A while back some people in a Porsche forum reported going to a Cayman focus group. It was geared toward pricing, not styling. However, they seemed to suggest that it was designed to get the responses they wanted.

they do seem to have accomplished their goals.

What were their goals? You call flat auto sales an accomplishment? And honestly, do you attribute 7-series sales to styling? BMW is a paradigm for brand loyalty in all of marketing, not just auto marketing. Thats what drives their sales. Lets see a 10-15% increase in auto sales. Keep the brand buyer and bring in the first-time buyer. That would be an accomplishment. Anyway, whatever BMW is doing with sales, I believe they would sell a lot more had they evolved the conservative look of everything that preceded this generation.

I just wonder though, as a designer, if you like what you design, but no one else does is it still a good design?

Depends. Theres an adage, if it sells it is good, just as you allude to. But I am often at odds with sales and the quality of design. Quite often sales are independent of the quality. Sometimes sales confirms what I think is good, sometimes it doesnt. Sometimes I am right, sometimes wrong. However, I like to think that I have a good job because most of the time I am right. That said, I will admit that I have had designs I thought were good and they outright sucked in retrospect. Every creative person has to make that admission. If he doesnt he is not refining his talent.

So what is the definitive answer regarding which car designs are good or not? I think the majority get a general sense, not that I always agree with the majority because they often have a follow-the-leader response. For instance, mention Aston Martin and Aztek and you will pretty much get a knee-jerk response.

But there are no clear cut answers. Paintings by Van Gogh and Picasso are priceless. I think Picasso was a genius, and Van Gogh wasnt even close. Others have the opposite opinion. So guess what, the debates continue.

In any event I hate when people say lets not talk about styling because it is so subjective. To me that makes it even more interesting. Isnt it better to have someone on the other side of the net rather than bang a tennis ball off a wall? Its not easy to discuss and pinpoint aesthetics, so when someone makes a good clear point or analogy I admire it.

jlbl · July 2005

kdshapiro, I stand at your point of view, I believe. For me, the styling and mechanical quality of many older BMW models did not correlate to each other. These cars many times looked like toys to me, hiding under the bonnet their real power. In saying this, I am referring to models going back at least to the Sixties of the last Century.

Regards

rich545 · July 2005

I honestly have no idea how BMW determines if a new style is going to be appealing, but I have read an article about why they made such drastic changes, and it was definitely with an eye on future sales. They felt that they had reached a pinacle with the E39 design, and that sales would start decreasing eventually. So they tried to stay ahead of the curve which is just plain good business. I'm sure they were fully aware that traditionists would have problems with the new designs, but they probably also figured that they would attract new buyers to replace lost ones. You keep attributing the lack of huge decreases in 5 and 7 sales to brand loyalty which to me doesn't make sense. If a large portion of the people that owned the E39 don't like the E60 they aren't going to buy it simply because it's a BWM. Or at least, not many of them will (take the posters here as an example or even yourself for that matter). Also, if the 7 is selling better than it ever has that would seem to imply that more people are buying it no? Which would also mean that people that have never owned 7's before are now buying them. So something about the new design must have drawn more buyers in. As far as flat sales go, the E60 has been #1 or #2 in sales in it's segment for months now. That would seem to indicate that the entire segment is somewhat flat, not just the E60. Let the economy get stronger and you will see the increase you're looking for. You may "believe they would sell a lot more had they evolved the conservative look of everything that preceded this generation", but that is just speculation based on nothing concrete. Clearly BMW doesn't agree, and I'd be willing to bet their conclusion is based on a lot more hard data than your's is. Not saying that to be insulting, but they have a lot more at stake than you do so they would have to do their homework rather than just make uninformed guesses. Sure, they could be wrong even if they did their homework, but so far at least from what I see, they aren't wrong. I agree with you that styling is important, but I just don't think it overrides everything else, and believe it or not, a lot of people DO love the new designs.

beaming · July 2005

I am soon to be a first time BMW owner. My 530xi has just arrived at my dealer and I will be taking delivery this week. I am a former Mercedes owner and when comparing the E and the 5-series I was more excited whenever I looked at the BMW. Admittedly, I did not "love" the new design however I never hated it. It has grown on me and continues to grow on me every day. There are others on this forum that have had change of hearts, they start out bashing the new design only to find out later then end up with one of them. I find the new design to be refreshing, and they really stand out when you see them on the road. I can't wait to be behind the wheel of mine !!!!!!! :shades:

freddybb · July 2005

Hey Beaming,

Great to hear that your car is almost in your hands. I am a few weeks behind you for my 530xi and just learned that my car was loaded onto a ship a week ago. Can't wait -- just like you.

I LOVE the way the new BMW looks, and I liked the old one too. Change isn't always bad, and sometimes it takes time for things to grow on people.

lcorselli · July 2005

Hi there,

How do you order a car that's not out yet? I'd like to order the new 2006 325xi but my dealer doesn't seem very informed. I've gotten a lot of info from the web and seem to know more than the dealer! My lease is up in August and I need to extend but they won't let me unless the car I want comes out within the next 6 months. What's the process like?

Thanks! :confuse:

jlbl · July 2005

'Actually the front of the pre-facelifted 7 reminds me of a lobster'

designman, a 7-Series with its short lights on in the twilight came out of a corner right in front of me this morning and I have remembered what you said: it is indeed like a lobster!

Regards

m4d_cow · July 2005

i dont know much about leases so i cant help you on that one, but the dealer in my area said the xi version wont come out until early next year, and they seemed pretty sure about it.

gordonwd · July 2005

I finally got down to my dealer and looked more closely at an E90. To me it is an OK replacement for the E46, but nothing that is going to make me wish that I had waited an extra year to get an E90 instead of my E46 325. Since I spend far more time looking at my own car from the driver's seat instead of from outside, the view from that position is very important to me, and that's where I was a bit disappointed. The interior looks very nice, and reminds me of what I would expect to see in an Audi. And that's the rub: the "cockpit" style driver's seating has been one of the unique features of the 3-series from the E46 on back to the E30 and even earlier, and now that's been given up for a more luxurious but more generic design. It just doesn't shout out "driver's car" like it used to.

I also think that it's probably impossible for the designers to keep coming up with something new every few years, and for each design to be "better" than the preceding one. In my opinion, BMW's designers may have "peaked out" with the E46 to the extent that any attempted "improvement" only detracts from it. At least that's the way I see it for now...

jadeeduke · July 2005

I have driven the 7 '05. And it was everything I expected and so much more!!! The look of the outside is awesome and different.............. not like the same old thing you see all the time. Sort of like a painting by Picasso none of them are ugly but maybe just not your style but........... they still are Piscasso's............ just like they still are BMW's!!

jlbl · August 2005

I have just 'komt' across this link in other Forum. Some interesting information and pictures for helping ourselves!

http://www.bmwarchiv.de/de/e_codes.html

Regards,
José

merc1 · August 2005

While I've always liked BMWs they have slipped behind Audi in design, imo. My favorites of the past are the original 6-Series Coupe, 1989-1995 5-Series and the 1991-1997 8-Series, which I'm most likely in the minority on.

The current models:

2006 3-Series - Not nearly as bad as the 2002 7-Series and about tied with the current 5-Series. Since I know a coupe and a convertible are coming I'll wait to see what they look like since I really don't like sedans as much. Still though in the right color with the right wheels this new 3-Series look ok I guess, nothing to write home about like say the current E46 Convertible or M3, now those are truly "good looking" with no excuses needed about color or wheels size. The interior without the idrive/nav setup looks incredibly plain and bare, but then again BMW interiors have always looked this way to me, only the 7-Series has any real flair to interior, imo.

5-Series - Again, in the right color with the right size wheels (sport package) the car looks edgy, aggressive and ultra-modern. The interior isn't anything to look at either, but BMW's have always placed function first the new cockpits are no different, even though they took away the driver-angled characteristic of the previous generation interior/dashboard/center console. A Black 545i or soon to be 550i (360hp!) looks downright mean and intimidating on the highway. I caught a Saab 9-3 Aero and a 545i Sport playing tag the other day, the other drivers really cleared the lane for the BMW.

7-Series - Well what can I say? I can't stand it, even after the nip/tuck it has been through. This is still a very ugly and ungainly car to me. The rear is too high and square and the front end looks like something is missing. Best BMW interior going of course. That said, the 7-Series has that BMW presence though. I mean it looks mean and aggressive, but now it just doesn't look "good" when it exudes this character.

Z4 - To my eye, Mr. Bangle nailed it here. The car has the perfect old-school roadster proportions (cab backwards) and dimensions. I can't wait to see what the facelift will look like. This should include a Motorsport version.

E46 Coupe/Convertible/M3 - Get them while you can. These are the current lookers in the BMW family, especially with the ZHP package 330i models. The M3 looks as good today as it did when it first debuted.

I've seen Z8s before, but I finally saw the Alphina version about a week ago. The Z8 was classic sports car for real. Huge wheels look like blades. The only fly in the buttermilk was those center mounted gauges. The Z8 was a gorgeous car that Bangle obviously had nothing to do with?

M

designman · August 2005

The Z8 was a gorgeous car that Bangle obviously had nothing to do with?

As we know, Bangle takes much credit and blame for the current generation of BMWs. Good or bad, they are his legacy forever. However, it is hard to say exactly how much influence he has over the designs because he does not pen them himself in his position as design director. BMWs design process is a whole subject in itself and Bangle is at the root of this process since he has absolute power, probably more power than his contemporaries at other companies from what I have read.

That said, the designs of individual BMWs can be attributed to specific staff designers. However, since we dont know the level of Bangles participation and that of others in the company, the significance of their signatures is questionable.

The Z8 was designed by Henrik Fisker who also designed the DB9 and V8 Vantage, and who also was design director of Aston Martin. Is it a Bangle design? Good question. In the sense that we know Bangle designs I dont think it will be remembered as such even though it appears to come under his tutelage. The mainstream BMWs are a separate design movement while the Z8 was supposedly a retro effort, modeled after the 507 roadster. Different approach.

But if you ask me, one thing is for sure. The Z8 has collectible written all over it.

jlbl · August 2005

I could not agree more! Z8 is beatiful and instantly evokes all kind of trip adventures.

Regards,
José

merc1 · August 2005

The Z8 was designed by Henrik Fisker who also designed the DB9 and V8 Vantage, and who also was design director of Aston Martin.

You know I knew that but never put it together. I can't wait to see what he designs under his own company. The first cars are supposed to be shown at the Frankfurt auto show next month. They'll probably look too much like Aston-Martins to Ford/Aston execs.

I agree, the Z8 will most likely be a classic years from now, which ironically I think kept it from being more popular when it was on sale.

I'm just waiting to see the next "special" car BMW comes up with. What did you think of the 90's 8-Series Coupe? I loved that car. Mercedes may have far more commercial success with their current SL, but it won't be a collectors item because of that same success in the showrooms. BMW has a way of producing a more "special" top end car from this perspective, though the 8-Series of the 90's won't be a collectors item, imo. These BMWs are just rare, always...whether or not BMW wanted them to be that way or not.

M

jlbl · August 2005

I have read that some of you do not like the E60 headlights. Sorry, I cannot remember just now the post and forum where I read that.

Personally I think the headlights are one of the more appealing traits of the E60 exterior styling. Not only at daytime but also (and specially) with lights on at night, when the yellow brows shine above the circles of light. Have you noticed at the driven mirror one E60 with lights on approaching your car from the rear? Or just passing over when you stands at the street/road? (hpowders, you may as well take a picture of your 545 then

)

The worst part of the E60 design is, to me, the way in which the car body merges with the trunk, as observed laterally to the car. That is a mess of lines that always confuses me.

hpowders · August 2005

Yes. Agreed. The lateral rear lines where the body merges with the trunk is the worst part of the E60 design.
Mine is the only E60 I ever see around here which suits me just fine.
As I previously said, I have never seen such a contrast of a car's body between photos(not good) and reality(breathtaking and aggressive). The headlights are a perfect example.
I hope they re-think that "mess of lines" as you so aptly put it. Looks like a jigsaw puzzle where the parts don't exactly fit flush to each other.

innhitman · August 2005

I recently tested both the 2006 325i and 330i, before ordering a 325xi for my wife.

We have ordered the Mercedes R Class for family trips and hauling my daughter and her friends around... and also for me to 'play' with.

The 325xi has been ordered with Metallic Black/Black interior with Poplar wood trim.

Premium Pkg
Auto trans
Cold weather pkg ( my wife wants heated seats for the cold mornings) and I wanted the fold down seats in case I use the car to carry golf clubs.
Adaptive Lights
Comfort access ( although I am afraid we will park in a garage and forget to leave the key for the attendant.. taking a chance there.. .. I wish there were a feature where you could set the car for valet parking so they could access the car if you forget to take the key out of your pocket)
NAV - A MUST!!!
Rear Sunshades

My wife doesn't want Sirius.. so we left it off.
Their premium stereo is not premium at all... it's just a gimmick. Not sure why they don't put quality systems in their autos.... they seem to think these stereos systems sound good... but they don't.... they are good for talk radio... that's it... just my opinion!.. also, if you order the premium stereofor $1200, you still have to pay more for the cd changer. Also, it would be nice to know thw power ratings, etc for this additional $1200 they want...

There is one disturbing fact about this particular model year... ipod option is no longer available.. they have included an input in the armrest for generic audio inputs... the problem is the ipod's display is no longer viewable through the instrument display... and the ipod will not charge itself while in use... this is just a glaring ommission!!! I guess they figure the audio input is enough,,, it is NOT!!!

We have previously owned a 2000 740iL and two 5 series wagons... the latest being the 2002 540iT. So, the 3 series is a downsize. I was concerned about interior room, up until the 2006 version came out. Now there is plenty of room in the back for our 5 year old daughter.... and the times that I will drive the car will be few and far between ( I am 6'5"). At my height, I can drive the car fairly comfortably... but I doubt I would drive it for hours at a time.

The overall styling of the car is very nice.... the back tail lights are hideous... but they may grow on me.

The drive of the car is excellent! Although, the acceleration is not quite what i am used to, it is fine... even in the 325. Once you have the car over 45mph, you can get it up to 100mph with no struggle..... and at that speed, it rides like it's on a cloud.... lane changes are a breeze... brakes are excellent, although we didn't see any benefit of the soft stop feature... didn't feel soft to me....

Cupholders are still a JOKE! Although better than in their other attempts.

The rear seat armrest is fragile in appearance and feel... rear cupholders that eject fromt here seem to only be able to handle toddler cups... and nothing with more than 8 ounces of liquid in them. Even the fron cupholders seem to only be able to handle half filled 8 ounce cups ( without spilling).

The backseat is fine for smaller adults... anyone under 6ft, I would say... but adults will not want to occupy it for too long.

Rear seat sunshades make a lot of sense, because when iIdid ride in the back, the sun beating down from the back window was uncomfortable... to say the least.

Also, the website says daytime running lights and vehicle key memory are not available at this time..... so each time a different driver gets in, they have to physically push buttons to adjust their seats/mirrors.... a mild inconvenience.

The AWD option is the most important aspect of this car to us. Other BMW's we have owned were down right scary in the snow.... I could tell you stories.....

All in al we look forward to taking delivery.... but have hedged our bets, by deciding to lease instead of buying.... I am sure in 3 years, BMW will have improved the vehicle even more or some competitor will attract our attention....

hpowders · August 2005

Your review of the 325i should be placed on the "BMW-3 Series 2006" thread.
Many will appreciate reading it there.
We are discussing styling trends here.

andyp96 · August 2005

With the last model Europe had a 330i Wagon as well as the 325i Wagon we had, does anyone know if we will get the 330i (or ix) wagon this time?

Thanks...

dewey · August 2005

does anyone know if we will get the 330i (or ix) wagon this time?

Nope! Just the 325xi.

xkss · September 2005

but that is just my opinion

kyfdx · September 2005

Actually... the angle you picked is probably the where the Z4 looks the best...

While I love driving them.... the looks from the side and especially the rear-quarter are a little disconcerting.. The angular "roll-hoops" behind each seat don't do anything positive for the looks, either..

I'd never buy it... but, that color is interesting...

regards,
kyfdx

kdshapiro · September 2005

The Z4 in the right color is gorgeous. But that seaweek green. Ugh.

cmybimmergo · September 2005

Looks more like Army green to me. All it needs is another shade of green and some brown and it'd be camouflage. :P

xmf314 · September 2005

The Z4 in the right color is gorgeous. But that seaweek green. Ugh.

I saw a Seaweed Green Z4 on the street the other day. It was not a pretty sight.

xkss · September 2005

shown is "Urban Green."

xkss · September 2005

This fixes the trunk of the current 7 series, but...

kdshapiro · September 2005

I don't know what that is, but I've seen a few 750s and they are gorgeous. The trunk does not look like that.

designman · September 2005

It's an 07 BMW Baja, was shown in Frankfurt and is coming to the states in the spring.

:P

kdshapiro · September 2005

LOL! I'm on the waiting list.

designman · October 2005

This thread needs some action so it doesn't get lost in "read only" oblivion. Now that we've seen the next LS, I can't wait for the next 7. The next round of bimmers will be Bangle's last hurrah as he will be up for retirement after that. I wonder what BMW has up it's sleeve. Anyway, I hope Bangle enjoys his retirement.

designman · October 2005

What did you think of the 90's 8-Series Coupe?

I loved it when it first came out and thought it looked futuristic at the time. I still like it but it has not worn on me as well as others like the original 3, 5, 6, 7 and M1. It's amazing to me when I think back at these cars because before them, BMW in the US was basically the 2002. Although the 2002 started the BMW frenzy in the US, I think it was the first 5, and especially the follow-up with the 3 then 7 that really made their bones here. Between 68 and 77 were the formative years for their success in the US. I remember them as being quite magical.

hpowders · October 2005

BMW should give Chris Bangle a hefty raise and keep him around as long as possible.
Every time I approach my 2005 545i, I am just beaming with pride.
E60 sales are up. The car is a big success.

Stick around Chris. We need designers who have the courage to come out with bold, aggressive and sexy new designs.
The BMW chat-rooms are gushing with praise for Mr. Bangle.

The E60. The only time this vehicle is boring is when it is slicing through the wind at 120 mph.

potemkin · October 2005

In further defense of Mr. Bangle...

I think some of the derision his designs have taken would've died down long ago if it wasn't so easy to 'adjectize' his name. If his name was Smith people would've posted, "I hate the new design of the BMWs," and then they would've gone on to other things. But people, being what they are, can't help but post things like, "OMG, it's been Bangled!" This has more resonance than "...Smithed!" so it bounced around the echo chamber more than it otherwise would've.

designman · October 2005

Actually, Bangle takes more abuse than he deserves. The owners, the Quandts, are to blame because they are the ones who demanded the heritage look be changed. However, ugly is ugly, so if Bangle was named Smith it wouldnt have made any difference.

Also, Bangle was in place long before Banglization or Quandtification (which is probably the reality of the matter and more appropriate), so he should get credit for the previous generation of bimmers.

Hmm, Ill have to think about this. If we started a Quandtification movement I dont think it would catch on at this point. Thus, Mr Bangle is probably a victim of circumstance and, good or bad, Banglization is much of his legacy...

Nope, it is what it is. Nice try but the proposal is rejected

Banglization = ugly

Case closed, court is adjourned.

shipo · October 2005

While I am still a fan of BMW, the Banglized 7-Series and 5-Series are not even remotely to my liking. To take it a step further, to my eye at least, I think the E60 is one of the ugliest cars on the road and short of a significant face lift, I won't be having another 5-Series adorning my garage (unless an E39 540i 6-Speed or M5 finds itself in my possession).

Personally I'm hoping that the next 5-Series ("E" one hundred and something?) will present a face much more to my liking.

Best Regards,
Shipo

Good, Bad or Ugly - Current and Future styling trends of BMW

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