Chris Bangle resigns from BMW
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 14,100
Likes: 1
From: tech capital
Pole Position
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,546
Likes: 182
From: IL
While we are villianizing Chris can we through in iDrive and plastichrome like the mirrors on the z8 (I do not know who actually started the miserable plastichrome movement but it seems unstoppable with VW covering their front bumpers, Infiniti their trunk lids and Lexus their hybrid model wheels).
I will say that with all the Bangle hate, I saw an interview with him. He has an amazing intellect and feel for the world of design. The use of surfaces in his cars has been interesting. Look at the Gina textile care project for a really cool example.
I still am upset that the Oxford english dictionary did not accept my new definition of Bangle related to design that did not intend to meet customer requests or preferences.
I will say that with all the Bangle hate, I saw an interview with him. He has an amazing intellect and feel for the world of design. The use of surfaces in his cars has been interesting. Look at the Gina textile care project for a really cool example.
I still am upset that the Oxford english dictionary did not accept my new definition of Bangle related to design that did not intend to meet customer requests or preferences.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,633
Likes: 281
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I agree that, under his leadership, BMW messed up their styling, and, to some extent, build quality, and the I-Drive, IMO, was an abomination (as is Audi's similiar MMI and all the other I-Drive derivitives). But, under his watch, BMW did one good thing....they vastly expanded the number of AWD vehicles they made, both with the new X3/X5 series and the number of regular xi sedans/coupes. RWD, on winter-slick roads, even with dedicated snow tires, is simply no match for AWD.
Last edited by mmarshall; Feb 3, 2009 at 11:10 AM.
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I have liked all the Bimmers old and new........but pre-Bangle cars were just too plain imo. I remember seeing an E46 parked next to a 911 and thinking how plain it looked next to other higher end cars. I posted that same pic on a BMW site and a couple guys said the same thing. The E39, as sweet as it was is still pretty plain looking. The newer stuff made the cars more befitting a high end nameplate. Others obviously agree because sales have been good and the designs copied by other marques. If they go back to plain Jane styling that will be a big mistake.
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: California
This is a big surprise. Regardless of opinions about his design language CB shook up auto-styling in a major way and should be credited with that achievement
I once spent an afternoon with him during a tour of my company. I found him such an approachable, nice and highly inspiring personality - quite the opposite of the "dangerous radical design revolutionary" image many have. He personally signed, dedicated, and even illustrated a book about BMW as a personal gift. I was very impressed with him at a personal level.
Chris
I once spent an afternoon with him during a tour of my company. I found him such an approachable, nice and highly inspiring personality - quite the opposite of the "dangerous radical design revolutionary" image many have. He personally signed, dedicated, and even illustrated a book about BMW as a personal gift. I was very impressed with him at a personal level.
Chris
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,695
Likes: 2
From: CA
