Author Topic: Ripsnort (Read 1084 times)

Replicant · « **Reply #15 on:** March 07, 2004, 03:43:20 PM »

Yeah, Beetle, the SLK is below:

Hmm... no manual on most the Mercs...

BMW 6 series looks nicer now!

GRUNHERZ · « **Reply #16 on:** March 07, 2004, 03:54:53 PM »

Chris Bangle must die.....

Redwing · « **Reply #17 on:** March 07, 2004, 04:48:05 PM »

I kinda like it's rear end but the front looks just wrong.
Especially those new BMW headlights - they're just plain ugly.

BMW does have the edge when it comes to reliability though, at least electronics wise. Mercedes has a lot to catch up on in that regard.

Saurdaukar · « **Reply #18 on:** March 07, 2004, 06:04:46 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by GRUNHERZ
Chris Bangle must die.....

He has already been removed as Chief Designer. I believe he is in a 'consulting' position now.

Thankfully....

Edit: The most beautiful BMW design ever. IMO, nothing will surpass the E30 M3 from a visual point of view. Just ignore the bling bling wheels on this one.

The E46 M3 is a close second.

GRUNHERZ · « **Reply #19 on:** March 07, 2004, 06:26:11 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Saurdaukar
He has already been removed as Chief Designer. I believe he is in a 'consulting' position now.

Thankfully....

Oh please let it be true!! Is there an article somewhere I can read about this good news?

GRUNHERZ · « **Reply #20 on:** March 07, 2004, 07:30:15 PM »

Nah, the kid ran WEP long and fried his engine. The police cars have upgraded cooling systems just for these occasions...

Saurdaukar · « **Reply #21 on:** March 07, 2004, 08:07:08 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by GRUNHERZ
Oh please let it be true!! Is there an article somewhere I can read about this good news?

http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels24/News/0,,1369-1372_1471904,00.html

Quote

20/01/2004 08:55
BMW's controversial head of design, Chris Bangle, is apparently on his way out. Bangle is responsible for the radical look of current BMWs like the 7, 6 and 5 Series models.

Bangle, an American, was appointed as BMW's head of design about a decade ago and in this time he managed to give most BMW cars a complete new look, which wasn't always favourably accepted by the motoring public.

Auto Express now reports that Bangle will leave his hot seat soon after the launch of BMW's new 1 Series Golf rival, for which Bangle is also responsible.

Bangle introduced a complete new design trend for the Münich car manufacturer with the latest 7 Series. The same radical look was also given to the Z4, the all-new 6 Series and the 5 Series.

He also had a hand in the design of the X3 and the face-lifted X5.

The launch of the 1 Series will complete his design overhaul of BMW products. But the 1 Series won't be the last Bangle designed product.

The next 3 Series, which is due for launch next year, is currently under development and it is almost sure that Bangle's influence will also be recognisable when this important BMW model makes its appearance

What BMW is basically doing is 'moving him up' the chain. He will have oversight ability but will not be designing any more cars.

GRUNHERZ · « **Reply #22 on:** March 07, 2004, 08:14:53 PM »

Oh Gawd it gets worse...

Thats the look that says, "And you thought I foooked up BMW design, watch what I can do with some real power!!! Muhahaaa!" Either he is kookoo or he is on Mercedes' payroll...

Dowding · « **Reply #23 on:** March 08, 2004, 04:48:16 AM »

Don't let Americans style your cars, you fools! The Mustang, GT40 et al were abberations! You have been warned!

The 5 Series is one of the worst looking cars I've seen in recent years. I wonder what the sales figures were for it - it would be interesting to see Merc's equivalent model figures too. Thank god they left the 3 Series pretty much alone - that still looks hot. Still love the M3.

Thud · « **Reply #24 on:** March 08, 2004, 05:06:45 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Dowding
The 5 Series is one of the worst looking cars I've seen in recent years. I wonder what the sales figures were for it - it would be interesting to see Merc's equivalent model figures too.

It was just chosen Car of the year by the European automotive press. And it sells well, though I must admit I had to get used to its looks too.... Last weekend I saw a dark blue one taking a corner at high speed though. Then I saw what I initially missed when I saw it stationary, it is a beautiful car indeed.

Dowding · « **Reply #25 on:** March 08, 2004, 05:15:19 AM »

You mean BMW's car show hospitality was chosen as Freebie of the Year.

I don't trust the automotive press to be honest.

Thud · « **Reply #26 on:** March 08, 2004, 05:27:17 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Dowding
You mean BMW's car show hospitality was chosen as Freebie of the Year. I don't trust the automotive press to be honest.

Perhaps, but I think the majority of 'carjudges' has had so many pre-show cocktail parties that they're past that and pay some attention to the car itself. Anyway, it does drive like a dream... An overly expensive dream allright, but a dream nevertheless

Dowding · « **Reply #27 on:** March 08, 2004, 05:51:29 AM »

I'm not criticizing the drive - I'm sure that is up to BMW's standards - it's the styling that sucks. It simply looks cheap. And if I was paying £30,000 for a car, it better have the looks in addition to the handling.

You'd be surprised what first class airline tickets, unlimited bar and gourmet food does to a person's judgement.

Ripsnort · « **Reply #28 on:** March 08, 2004, 08:08:56 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by beet1e
No, but I do like those SLKs like the one in the right hand picture that Nexx posted. I sold my 2.8i V6 Golf in November and replaced it with another Golf, a 1.9 GTi/TDi. Long list of pluses for the diesel, the main one being the fuel consumption - always more than 40mpg, 50mpg or more on some journeys. For the V6 it was only ever 20-27mpg. With fuel prices as they are in Britain, I'm saving about £80 (=$147) per month on fuel bills. And the TDi is no sacrifice. It accelerates effortlessly through 70...80...90, and is happy to stay there. The only thing I miss about the V6 is the 4WD.

Nexx - it was one of the best films I ever saw.

Just an FYI:
In the USA, the 2004 Golf GTi goes for an avg. of $22,070. The 2004 BMW 325i goes for an avg. of $25,730.

CyranoAH · « **Reply #29 on:** March 08, 2004, 08:21:01 AM »

The 325i for 24.000???? Jeez I'm being ripped off (well not now, but when my mortgage goes down enough, I'll feel that way). A 325i is around 36.000 here.

Daniel