I wouldn't really know if I've seen any since the rigid Germanic marque 'styling' (I use the word loosely), means that the only BMW I can positively identify is the little squished down semi-retro sports jobby.
Rob P
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Also, the first one I ever saw belonged to Michael Barrymore. He was on the News scuttling away in it, so I associate it with all that "back door" shenanigans.
Very unfair I know, but there you go.
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Another Chris Bangle abomination, if you've seen the 1-series and new 6-series, they aren't too pretty either. Apparently none of his drawings for his MINI concept exist anymore either.
I've heard it's been a bit of a sales disaster not to mention the fiddly I-drive. I hear BMW are going to issue an update to the 7 by smoothing off the rear edges at bit.
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The news is already out in the States about this. It is being restyled, or rather cleaned up a bit, because of considerable adverse reaction. I-Drive, too, is being simplified (new version will be seen first in this autumn's new 5 series).
Don't lose sight of the fact that the 7 seriss is a fabulously impressive drive, unbelievably agile for something so big. As MB has hinted, pity is that so many end up being chauffeur driven. What a waste...
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I actually prefer the new 7 series shape to the new S-Class shape (althought I've not seen the most recent facelift model). I think the S-Class looks like it popped out of a mis-formed cheap plastic jelly mould.
Mercedes has made quite a few boo-boos in recent years. The 1st C-Class series and the more recent C-Class coupe` (I think it is) which looks like a Renault Fuego from the rear are two others.
Rojer
PS I have the older W140 S-Class
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oooooo thats uinfair, I quite liked the look of the Fuego, great name - Spanish for fire, which a few of them did.
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Sorry, no offence, just that Mercs shouldn't look like Fuegos. The fuego lloked good for what it was.
PS I loved my Renault 25 TXi but it cost too much to run. 'Vehicle functions under surveillance', 'Bootlid not shut', '... Service as soon as possible', 'Brake light not working' .. The front seat inflating bags, the leather sofa-like comfort etc ...
rojer@lycos.co.uk
Astra, Renault 18, Renault 25 TXi, Astra Est, Passat Est, Mercedes 190E, Mercedes
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I had the 25 V6 Turbo.
Used to scare the odd Cosworth Sierra driver with it.
Definitely a car to run from new on the company. Wouldn'rt advise it as a private purchase second-hand.
Conversely, the 21 Turbo. Vastly underrated
Rob
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Funnily enough, I saw a Fuego yesterday on the M23. In fact I think the Merc looks more like an Astra
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amazing that people will pay £20k + for an ugly, stumpy hatchback.
I also find it amazing that anyone would choose the ugly, stumpy hatchback over the gorgeous CLK (a proper coupe).
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For what it's worth, my take on the C-Class sports coupe or whatever they call it (Stumpy?) is that it's the illegitimate offspring of a C-Class at the front and a Tigra at the back.
Overall though, the result is slightly Astraesque. As for who'd pay - someone like my sister, who knows nothing about cars, likes them small, easy to drive, simple, a little bit sporty and not too fast and who would happily pay for a premium anything - determined to move to Notting Hill, etc.
Would I dream of getting one? No chance - I'd much prefer a 3 series or an A4 or even an Impreza. But I do think it would suit her down to the ground, even if second hand, it makes no sense at all.
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The article mentioned in the Auto Express recently, that the new "Bungled" 7 Series is to undergo a revamp after only 18 months into it`s production cycle, is the result of sales diving in the U.S.A. and other key markets.
Apparently it is to get a revision to the headlights, front bumper and a rounding of the back end, similar to the forthcoming 5 Series. BMW product cycles are approx 7 years, with some minor tinkering to the design after 5 years, - but never after 18 months.!!!!
Although BMW products are mechanically and dynamically superb, many people buy their vehicles solely on styling and appearance, and no company can afford to become so complacent to assume they can sell their vehicles on dynamics alone.!!!
Lets hope that "Bungle" has been finally rumbled, and that we see some long overdue changes at the head of Beemer styling !!
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BMW styling... rarrange the letters "carp".
Z3.. ugly, Z3M coupe - monstrosity, 3 series (bland), 5 series (blander), 7 series.. shades of the last Granada.., 3 series hatchback!..
And as for the new Roller: about as bad as the last model- which is saying a lot:-(
Like the Mini tho...
madf
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If they are going to restyle the 7 series after only 18 months (which is going to cost ££££££££!!!) then who in the BMW Group is going to walk the plank for this debacle?
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All BMW's have always had 12-24 monthly cosmetic re-styles during their 7 year cycle. The current 3 series is another example - it is to undergo another (3rd or 4th) facelift in 2004.
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IMHO if BMW in-house stylists cannot improve on their current appalling designs, then they should employ the services of Bertone or another of the Italian design studios, otherwise sack Chris Bangle !!!!
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That's not fair.
The BMW styling isn't "apalling" it is just irredeemably bland and lacking in any inspiration, style or flair.
Rob P
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Isn't it just trend? The current trend seems to be "slab sided" for saloons - BMW 7 series, Honda Accord etc.
I personally don't like it but then maybe I'm stuck in a time warp because to me the 5 series that's about to be replaced, has dated more than the previous one. If you see one of those that's been looked after it still looks very good.
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Back you up 100 per cent on that. A well-kept L or M Reg still has a certain presence. My favourite's the rare manual box 540; absolute bargain compared to the M5.
It's replacement has been okay, but unless it's a fully made-up sport model or an M5 in a dark colour it does nothing for me.
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Ox,
That 540 sounds great. I had the the 525 and that was great fun when you wanted it to be and fairly comfortable cruiser when you didn't.
I agree totally about it's replacement needed to wear some make-up to look anything. The drive too, was "sanitised" a bit, I thought. But hey, the aim is to remove the fun and let the electronics sort it all out now.
Yep I am in a time warp.
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"5 series (blander)"
Couldn't agree more, I have never actively disliked a car as much as this one. Complaint in progress with leasing company by the way, there is talk of it being replaced with a 330d coupe.
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