Author Topic: What's Up With New BMW Styling? (Read 1329 times)

Mini D · « **Reply #15 on:** August 04, 2003, 06:27:25 PM »

A little more checking. The TT debuted in 1995 with the release of the coupe in 1998 and the roadster in 1999. The 350ZX was began in 1999 and debuted in early 2000.

MiniD

Saurdaukar · « **Reply #16 on:** August 04, 2003, 07:25:53 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by CyranoAH
I hope they leave the 3 Series (and the M3) untouched, it's perfect the way it is right now!

Daniel

The M3 needs to revisit its roots - its too similar to the base 3 series IMO. Let me see some old school E30 flares and a diet and Ill wait in line.

Dowding · « **Reply #17 on:** August 05, 2003, 03:15:52 AM »

Most Japanese super-cars have their styling designed by Europeans. The new Impreza was designed by an Englishman, for instance.

Ripsnort · « **Reply #18 on:** August 05, 2003, 07:18:11 AM »

2004 BMW line up, I don't find any of these too radical of a change really…I guess it all depends on your perspective..

1 series

3 Series

M3

5 Series

M5

X5

7 Series

Quote

BMW Model Year 2004 Changes

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, August 1, 2003. The changes to the 2004 BMW model line-up are listed below by Series and by model. Please Note: This is a preliminary document and is subject to change. Model equipment, standard and optional features for some models have not yet been finalized. Please check with us as to the latest status prior to publication.

7 Series
745i and 745Li
* Multi-Spoke alloy wheels (Style 94) will replace Double-Spoke alloy wheels (Style 93) as the standard wheel, combined with all-season tires. Also available with all-season run-flat tires (a no-charge option).
All 7 Series Models
* Adaptive headlights, which "steer" the headlights into roadway curves, available as an option.
* Sirius Satellite Radio will be available as an accessory.

6 Series
* An all-new 6 Series will be available in the Spring of 2004.

5 Series
* An all-new 5 Series Sedan will be available at the end of September.

3 Series
All 3 Series Models
* 6-Speed SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) Transmission will be available on most rear-wheel-drive 3 Series, when combined with the Sport Package as of 10/03 production. It will not be available with all-wheel-drive or the 330i Performance Package.
* Rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic headlight control will become standard features on the Sedan and Sports Wagon - no longer part of the Premium Package (already standard on Coupes and Convertibles).
* Sirius Satellite Radio is available as an accessory.
325i and 325i Sports Wagon
* 5-spoke alloy wheel (Style 119) replaces 7-spoke alloy wheel (Style 96) in the Sport Package
* Bluetooth wireless hands-free cellular phone system will be available as an accessory, but not in combination with BMW Assist.
325xi and 325xi Sports Wagon
* 5-spoke alloy wheel (Style 137) replaces 20-spoke alloy wheel (Style 73) in Sport Package
* Bluetooth wireless hands-free cellular phone system will be available as an accessory, but not in combination with BMW Assist.
330i and 330xi
* Black headlight surrounds and grill will replace titan silver.
* Lower grill will be a combination of body color and black.
* 5-spoke alloy wheel (Style 137) replaces 20-spoke alloy wheel (Style 73) in Sport Package
* 330i Performance Package will be available with the optional 5-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission including Sport and Manual shift modes (does not include 330xi).
* Bluetooth wireless hands-free cellular phone system will be available as an accessory, but not in combination with BMW Assist.
325i and 330i - Coupe and Convertible (Available since March, 2003)
* Automatic headlight control standard (formerly optional with Premium Package)
* Revised front-end design
* Revised front and rear bumper contours
* Xenon headlights (low and high beams) now offered in combination with new Adaptive feature, which "steers" the headlights into roadway curves
* Revised taillight technology, incorporating BMW's innovative Adaptive Brakelights
* Revised wheel designs, both standard and optional
* Revised exterior colors
* Revised configuration climate-control panel

X5
All X5 Models
* X5 3.0i and X5 4.4i will receive an update, including exterior and styling changes, as well as a completely new all-wheel drive system (xDrive).
* Sirius Satellite Radio will be available as an accessory.
* Bluetooth wireless hands-free cellular phone system will be available as an accessory, but not in combination with BMW Assist.
X5 3.0i
* 6 Speed Manual Transmission will become standard.
X5 4.4i
* 6-Speed Automatic Transmission will become standard.
* New 4.4L Engine with VALVETRONIC and Fully Variable Intake Manifold
X5 4.6is
* Will be discontinued

X3
* An all-new X3 Sports Activity Vehicle will be available in early 2004.

Z8 and BMW ALPINA ROADSTER V8
* The Z8 has reached the end of its production cycle and will no longer be produced.

Z4 roadster
* Sirius Satellite Radio will be available as an accessory as of 10/03 production.
* Rain-sensing windshield wipers will become a standard feature.

Mini D · « **Reply #19 on:** August 05, 2003, 07:52:28 AM »

Last year's 7 series was a brutal departure from they stylish lines. Now they are brutalizing the 5 series too.

The M5 still looks sweet.

They now look like the Nissan Altima with different nose clip and taillights.

MiniD

Ripsnort · « **Reply #20 on:** August 05, 2003, 08:23:43 AM »

Personally speaking, looks, style is not what sold me on BMW. It was handling. I was from the school of "people buy them for style, materialism"....then I drove one, changed my tune and managed to scrape some cash together right quick! (Although I've met alot of people that still do buy em for status symbols)

Mini D · « **Reply #21 on:** August 05, 2003, 09:18:02 AM »

Ah.. they do handle well... can't argue that. But their 3-7 series design from 1991 on was pretty timeless. Its something you began to expect from BMW. Then the new designs came out.

I'm glad they moved away from the 2.5l base and I love the 4.0 liter V8. Their rear suspension rules too. But damn... the new cars are downright ugly. The 6-series does look good. But original is not a term I'd aply to it.

MiniD

Ripsnort · « **Reply #22 on:** August 05, 2003, 09:27:01 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Mini D
Ah.. they do handle well... can't argue that. But their 3-7 series design from 1991 on was pretty timeless. Its something you began to expect from BMW. Then the new designs came out.

I'm glad they moved away from the 2.5l base and I love the 4.0 liter V8. Their rear suspension rules too. But damn... the new cars are downright ugly. The 6-series does look good. But original is not a term I'd aply to it.

MiniD

I pretty much agree with everything you said however I personally am more apt to drive an ugly car with great performance rather than a good looking car with sub-performance. (However, I'd look for a used 5 series before I bought a new one given the same engine)

nuchpatrick · « **Reply #23 on:** August 05, 2003, 09:39:15 AM »

The 6-Series looks alot like the Chrysler Crossfire IMO.

My life after the Miata...

Ripsnort · « **Reply #24 on:** August 05, 2003, 09:47:32 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by nuchpatrick
The 6-Series looks alot like the Chrysler Crossfire IMO.

My life after the Miata...

Really!? take a look at this pic below and tell me if you still feel the same way(this is the production car, the pic I posted earlier was an early prototype)

lazs2 · « **Reply #25 on:** August 05, 2003, 10:20:57 AM »

it is a little known fact that all current automotive styling is done the same way. A plastic model of a 1955 Chevy is put in an oven at varrying tempretures and times... the temp and melt time are closely guarded secrets of all the manufaturers but the japs seem to have the longest melt times/highest temps.
lazs

nuchpatrick · « **Reply #26 on:** August 05, 2003, 10:21:24 AM »

Hrmm.. who's copying who these days.. It looks like a longer version of a Sebring Coupe.

I think I like the Pre-production 6. Lines look a bit more agressive.

Speaking of which.. howabout that new Benz-Mclaren SRL Whoa what a hot ride!!!

Ripsnort · « **Reply #27 on:** August 05, 2003, 10:32:04 AM »

ROTFLOL LAZS! Thats sig material! Good one! Tears...streaming...

Benz-Mclaren SRL (Drools...)

Don't say "Sebring" near me, it cause me to go into fits and breaking things (The 3-near accidents I've had the last couple years involved Sebrings...I swear those things breed like rats!)

nuchpatrick · « **Reply #28 on:** August 05, 2003, 10:42:48 AM »

LOL, I'm tired of having close encounters with Lincon Navigators..

One SOB nearly put me into a guard rail

My car may be small but ya know the two of us can't fit in the same lane..

gofaster · « **Reply #29 on:** August 05, 2003, 10:48:59 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Mini D
A little more checking. The TT debuted in 1995 with the release of the coupe in 1998 and the roadster in 1999. The 350ZX was began in 1999 and debuted in early 2000.

MiniD

I think the 350Z looks like a cross between the Audi TT (Audi makes one heckuva LMP900 machine) and a Porsche 911 (Porsche makes one heckuva LMP GT machine), two very eye-catching cars. The original Z looked a lot like a cross between a Corvette and a Jaguar, so its not surprising that they'd take styling cues from other sports cars in the new iteration. I'm glad the Nissan boys went with the short-nose style rather than the long-nose design. I think the shorter nose is rather sharp.