Downfall of BMW

[Banzai]

With the new models released, BMW hasn't got the faintest hope to take on Merc and Audi. Its 3-Series recent facelift did it no favours, the Compact is butt ugly, the X-Coupe is just plain hideous, the new 7-Series looks dreadful and the computer scans of the 5 Series looks too ugly to really be desirable.

BMW tells everyone that they are getting more profitable each year and will indefinately stay independent. Sure! With Chris Bangle let loose with his terrible sense of design, I won't be surprised to see Mercedes Benz being the more profitable corporation and BMW eventually recording looses just like Daewoo did in the last few years.

Come one BMW...surely you can find a better designer than Bangle. The unfacelifted 3-Series, the M5, Z8 and updated 5 Series and the X5 were quite good designs (even though the latter was Bangle designed).

[kharras]

The reason why the X5 and current 3-series (before facelift and also a bangle design) looked good is because he wasn't given the freedom to do anything he wanted. After the shakeup at BMW with the CEO and right hand man (who kept Bangle in check) left, we got what we see.

I just hope that they realize this and get someone better, like Tom Gale (formerly of Chrysler) who brought out such models as the Viper, Prowler, Ram and other cars that were very good looking cars but also very creative designs. Also, Gale advocated "heritage" designs, cars based on classics of the past. Someone like that would be great for BMW because he/she could mold new, futuristic, good designs with BMW looks.

[328isRob]

Only time will tell. The new 7 series looks a little ahead of its time but it WILL grow on people.

[Banzai]

Now I remember! When Reitzel was on board, he kept Bangle on a "leash", keeping him under control. So the X-5 and 3-Series was all thanks to Reitzel's design sense!

The 7-Series might grow on people...but will the rear end be more liked? Its too bloated and plain.

[MattyG]

Where can I see pictures of these new facelifts?

[Banzai]

Do you live in Australia? I'm sure Wheels and Motor are sure to have at least some discreet pictures of the facelifted 3-Series.

The ones I saw were from UK's Autocar magazine issue 33 15 August 15th 2001, page 29 in the "Worth Waiting for?" column. It looks dreadful and it only succeded in corrupting an already clean looking car. I mean, its so ironic...facelifts are supposed to make cars look good.

If you don't have Autocar in Australia, try visiting either http://www.bmw.co.uk/ or http://www.bmw.de/. I'm sure they should provide at least an image of the facelifted car (beware...these official carsights usually take photos of their cars in a specific angle that makes the car look better in the pictures than in metal).

[jinushaun]

Originally posted by MattyG
Where can I see pictures of these new facelifts?

Here's the facelifted 3: http://www.bmwstore.com/new_vehicles...cles/11065.jpg

And of the new 5: http://www.bmwplanet.com/arcmessagev...y&keyword1=e60

I agree, if Bangle continues with the uglification of BMW cars and the destruction of the "BMW Look", the future seems bleek for BMW in the face of competition from the likes of Merc and Audi (and Lexus?). The new Z3 is ugly!

Also, don't forget that BMW is creating new series: 1, 2, 4 (?), 6, 8 (?), and X3. I think this will dilute the BMW product line--it's a case of quantity over quality.

BTW, the new 3 isn't that bad. It's more evolution than revolution. Think of it as a E46.5. Now the new 7 is radical, but not as radical as the ones Bangle is dreaming up. X Coupe anyone?

[MattyG]

Thanks for the links guys....I wasn't all that offended by any of the new shapes....I thought the E60 (5 series) looked a little boring but thats nothing new.

[jinushaun]

Originally posted by MattyG
I thought the E60 (5 series) looked a little boring but thats nothing new.

I need to see it in silver to get a better opinion. I think it looks too much like a Japanese economy car and not enough like a true BMW. The current 5 is okay looking, I'd spruce up the headlights a lil and change the rear light config. The new 5's grill is too small.

FYI, here's the e60 5 series thread: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...threadid=10569

[Banzai]

Oh dear...you'd have to see the rear end of the E60 5-Series and the facelifted 3 to understand what kind of a mess Bangle did. Too bad Reitzle is gone from BMW...otherwise the Bimmers concepts would look much better than they are now.

[jinushaun]

Do you have a picture of the E60 rear?!

Btw, I think that the horizontal strip of light on the new 7's rear should be removed. It reminds too much of the ghastly Americanesque styling. (think Cadillacs, Lincoln, Buick, etc..)

[jinushaun]

Here's what I'm talking about:

[jinushaun]

Here are some more links:

• X7
• X3 and the blatantly Altezza/RX300 inspired rear
• E60 5 series: Includes the ugly rear
• 6 series: Just the rear
• Z3: Not that bad, could be the angle though

I am definitely not feeling the new BMW grills. The top half is separate and more exaggerated.

[Banzai]

E60 5-series rear looks just like the new 7-series, except it does not seem to have a B-pillar...although I may be mistaken.

[Adam]

hated it at first, but now, a few months later


BE STILL MY BEATING HEART!!!