I just saw pictures of the new BMW X5. The 2007 X5 makes American cars look good. IMHO, if BMW keeps going in this direction and they don't get Bangle out, they will only loose money and reputation. This is only my opinion and I don't want to offend anyone:

I personally like the 2002-2005 760Li, but the new 7er looks like a Merc and all of the rest of the BMWs that Bangle designed fell out of the ugly tree, were hoisted back up, and dropped only to hit every branch down. This new X5 looks like the run of the mill American piece of trash. It has no good angles on it, the grill IS the front of the car, and it looks like it is plastic. This car makes me embarrassed to say that I own a BMW. BMW would sell much more cars if they went back to what they did in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Get rid of the IDrive, Bangle, and his tacky designs. The new Bimmers will be NOTHING in 16 years, unlike our highly desired e32s. It is sickening to think that a $150,000+ BMW is only $40,000 3 years later.

In the link, notice the 7 series headrests. They look out of place in the suv. The key hole looks like it would be very awkward to get the key in, since it is tilted, and directly behind the steering wheel, unlike the e66 who's key is close to the middle of the dash.

They finally moved the gear shift to the center, but look at it. It looks like a tv remote. I don't know if you shift like a normal car, or pull up and down to select the gear. It looks like you pull up and down. They even had to make the parking brake confusing.

Note the part that says that they added 1.5 more inches to the rear occupants. Not noticeable at all. And if this x5 is the same size as the older one, the third seat is pointless and you will need to be missing legs to fit back there.

Lately, all of the vehicles have been ugly, but the BMW X5 and Mercedes R class are tied for the ugly SUVs.

Remember, I don't want to offend anyone. This is only my opinion.

Sorry about the rant, but I had a very stressful day and week and I just needed to vent.

Thanks
Nick

1989 735iL
Build date 10/7/88
VIN 3318643

• WHAT IS BMW THINKING!?!?!?! (url) - nostness 2006-11-03 17:10:18 (234 views)
  • I actually found a Bangle design i can (nt) - 740ipilot 2007-01-05 14:51:02 (155 views)
    • Re: I actually found a Bangle design i can live with, & in an approprate place (pic) - 740ipilot 2007-01-05 15:06:58 (147 views)
      • I saw an upside down bathtub at Home Depot.... - bcweir 2007-01-06 21:59:22 (139 views)
        • I'm going to disagree (respectfully) with the notion of design being GM's - 740ipilot 2007-01-08 14:05:46 (131 views)
  • I SAY WE GIVE BMW A PIECE OF OUR MIND!!! - bimmerman750il 2006-12-29 14:48:27 (162 views)
    • Here's an idea. Of course they'd never really do it, (Chris Bangle's ego)but... - bcweir 2006-12-30 11:28:00 (162 views)
  • BMW have no idea about 4WD (pic) - Nick (Australia) 2006-11-05 05:21:59 (333 views)
    • Re: BMW have no idea about 4WD... - bimmerman750il 2007-01-04 09:24:25 (108 views)
  • Re: WHAT IS BMW THINKING!?!?!?! (pic) - redmondp 2006-11-04 04:04:48 (259 views)
    • The exterior isn't that bad -- not as bad as the E60 5-series (really UGLY) - bcweir 2006-11-05 00:17:33 (270 views)
  • I like it more than the old one - shogun 2006-11-04 03:44:26 (205 views)
  • *Damn* That is FUGLY.... - manta69 2006-11-03 21:04:12 (212 views)
    • Actually Manta, the E38's were pretty nice too, except for that tiny trunk. - bcweir 2007-01-04 09:30:38 (132 views)
    • Poll: Best BMW design ever - bcweir 2006-12-31 18:19:31 (159 views)
      • Re: Poll: Best BMW design ever - riley 2007-01-02 16:30:12 (153 views)
        • Agrees with Riley and adds this..... - bcweir 2007-01-02 23:28:52 (124 views)