I just picked up the Dec issue of Bimmer and read an article on Chris Bangle. I am quite surprised at the hatred this poor guy is getting from "Old School" enthusiasts. There is even a dedicated website to sign a petition to get him removed as Head of Design, with over 10,000 signitures so far.

The good point that the article shows was Bangle did not design any of the vehicles, nor did he put the seal of aproval on the cars. He just helped out the board with thoughts and suggestions. He did make the decision of what cars to present to the board.

I have always enjoyed the look and style of BMW but never truly made BMW my choice until the new design of the 5 series. I was thinking that perhaps we could right to Bimmer to show our apreciation of the new series of designs. I am responding to the letter with the charts that FD puts on the board monthly showing how some of the monthly sells were higher than the previous E39.

Maybe das or lomag could do a sub page appreciating the "Bangle Crew". Just a thought.

 

Just my opinion, but the sales figuires speak for themselves. I don't think we need to defend the guy at all.

 

Yes they do but all I read about is that he designed it and nobody likes it. I haven't read an article that says he did a fantastic job only.

 

Yes they do but all I read about is that he designed it and nobody likes it. I haven't read an article that says he did a fantastic job only.
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Some of those who signed the petition are now E60 owners. Bangle said in an interview. "Almost everyone likes the new design. Some people just know they do yet" or words to that effect. He was right. I have had several people tell me they balked at the new styling when it first came out in the 7er. I did too. But they now love the E60s style.

 

I love the new stylings, but i hate the infamous "Bangle butt"

 

When you discover that you can load some things that were a no go for the E39, you will appreciate the large trunk opening on the E60.

 

AND:
the funniest thing is, that Bangle was responsible for the E46 allready...
Should we tell that the RF guys?

I love the new design!!

 

Another thing to consider was the changes that were made for the engine. They had to raise the hood a little so that the engine would fit in that area. For the V8 anyway. Good design in my opinion and if you bought the E60 and didn't like it, WTF were you thinking when you bought it?

 

I nearly bought an E39 a few years ago. When the E60 came out I thought the E39 was a better looking car.

I've finally got myself a 5er, and now love the look. So much that the E39 now looks old.

How times change.

 

I almost bought a 530i back in 2002 and even then there were rumors that the new 5 would look like the 7 series. I decided not to get the 5 back then and just wait for the new design.

I initially did not like the way the car looked but grew to really like it when it finally came out last year. It looked mean and aggresive. The wide stance and the "low" hood looked fantastic.

The "flame surface" really stands out if you have a light colored car (Titanium Silver).

The E39 and its small tires look outdated.