Time for more Bangle bashing? (New 3er)

[bighc2000]

from Autoweek:

Autoweek article. (http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=100608)

New 3er brochure (2.1mb) (pdf) (http://www.autoweek.com/docs/E90%20brochure.pdf)

http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/galleries/3seriesspy/images/Bmww.jpg http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/galleries/3seriesspy/images/Bmwx.jpg
http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/galleries/3seriesspy/images/Bmwz.jpg

[PhilipJCaputo]

I think it looks kinda sharp!

[bighc2000]

Best interpretation of the "bangle butt" but the taillights? I am not a fan of the interior either. Oh well, I'm sure they will sell plenty to make up for the 5er and 7er shortfalls.

[Springfield1952]

The rear just kills me - way too many surfaces and creases competing for your attention. For me, the e30 body was the best 3 series BMW ever made.

Curt.
1994 530iT, still living in the past :D

[George M]

Curt...you are right on the mark...the back is bad...what do you expect from a Banglemobile..lol. I have liked all the 3 series BMW's right up until now...going four generations back. Thought each one was distinctive and tasteful including the E-46.
This car is an abomination just like the other BMW offerings except for the Z4 and Z8.
Looking at the interior and outside together...I am thinking that the ghost of Oldsmobile has somehow slipped into the coffee over at the BMW design studio.
...more like old man Buick.

[Springfield1952]

Another design trend I've noticed (and frankly don't like) is extending the grill down through the front bumper. I see it a little on this new 3er but it is much more pronounced on some new Audi's I've seen.

Curt.
1994 530iT

[MantecaBMW]

I don't like it........looks like a luxury version of some Japanese import......seems like the good engineers at BMW have lost their sense of class and style. Used to be BMW's always stood out in a crowd with their timeless lines and styling......but now?

Yuck!

[George M]

...the good engineers have nothing to do with it. The engineers job is to make the car as functional as possible in spite of frightful styling...lol. Styling and engineering is a tug of war. Styling is what sells cars and engineering is a necessary evil :-)
I have been to BMW's design facility in Germany a few years back and as you would expect, many very savy car guys that work there. German's aren't real good at concealing their contempt for things...typically outspoken. I would bet with some conviction that 75% of BMW employees off the record think the new BMW's look like $hit.

[winfred]

bangle aint a good wart on ol harley's ass


...more like old man Buick.

[Elekta]

The first pic with that weird grill reminds me of a famous tv commercial
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got milk?

[MikeV]

Where have I seen those taillights before??? Oh yeah, Infinity I35
http://us.autos1.yimg.com/img.autos.yahoo.com/ag/infiniti_i35_luxury_2004_exterior_6_346x270.jpg

[winfred]

that or it just had a facial, it's the new bimmer splat


The first pic with that weird grill reminds me of a famous tv commercial
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got milk?

[bighc2000]

Wow! Didn't make that infiniti connection. When are some original design directions going to return to BMW?

Maybe its time to bring back some "old school" designers in the same manner as GM with Lutz.


1970 - 1974
?
Appointed Director at BMW in Munich, Germany.
Design Direction of the 520 - 2002 Turbo - 320 - Coupé 630 - 7 Series - 2 BMW Turbo concept cars as well as many projects for Coupés and Sedans 12 cylinders which were pre-empted by the oil crisis.
The BMW Turbo prototype was elected as The Concept-Car Of The Year 1973 by the "Revue Automobile Suisse" and in 1992, won in the same category "Bagatelle Concours d'Elegance".


Paul Bracq (http://www.idcenter.co.jp/en/bracq/paul.htm)

[Bimmer Nut Ed]

Eh, its look OK, but I believe it really needs to be seen in person.

I don't like the new 7, but the new 5 is good, and I really like the Z4, except I think the duck tail is a little over done (I seen some rear spoilers for the Z4 that covered up the duck tail real nice that I thought looked great).

Time will also be the judge of the new style. And who cares anyway, there are too many E39, and E46's out there getting ripe on the vine for us to worry about these "new" cars anyway. New cars are just a rip off. I can't see why someone would spend 50 thousand dollars on a car when they can pick up a "great" car for $5,000-$10,000 like the E34. And then if I did buy a new car, I wouldn't be able to tinker with it. Besides, I don't trust anyone to work on my cars cept me!

[Paul in NZ]

I agree with most of you ....that is one UGLY car.For me the e30 and the e34 will always rule,followed by the e32,e38 ,635 csi and e46.The e36 is allright

[shragon]

Where have I seen those taillights before??? Oh yeah, Infinity I35
i think they look more like infinti g20 / nissan primera tail lights.

http://www.ramadbk.com/stock/11385_R.JPG
http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/galleries/3seriesspy/images/Bmwz.jpg

anyway, i like the front and sides. don't like the tails.