Friday, December 03, 2004

The New Look

As we all know the new 7 series was a bit of a shock when first introduced to the market. The introduction of the Z4, new 5, and new 6 were no less shocking. There is much heated debate about the virtues of the new designs, if any. There seemed to be two camps of bimmerati. Those in love with Bangles flame surfaced creations, and those wishing to give him the Zook treatment. Alas, it is not as clear cut as all that based upon my observations. There are some who favor the 5, but not the 6 or 7. Then there are those that appreciate the Z4 and 5, but find the 6 and 7 contemptible. The new 3 seems a bit derivative until seen directly next to an E46. It all comes down to smooth or chiseled bodies. I prefer the 6 over the 5 but really like the look of the Z4, enough so that I have one. The 5 is growing on me, but will not supplant the 6 in my heart of hearts. All that said, BMW sales aren't suffering so perhaps those that jumped ship to the MB or A camp never really belonged in a bimmer in the first place. Further, there are shades of flame surfacing in several new off-brand cars on the market. Have you seen the crease in the new Altima? Bangle wins this round. If only he can clear up that whole iDirve thing.

Bangles Bungled Bustle

The start of a new blog is always a time of celebration and reflection. Not really, but that sounds better than the truth. That truth being that I need to get some things off my chest and will foist my opinions upon the hapless souls that might have errantly surfed in my direction. I may have comments about politics, dining, architecture, women, and cars; these being my main areas of interest. However, the main thrust here at bangledbimmer is to discuss the ultimate driving machine. That's right, you've finally found a blog with bimmer and bangle in the title that will actually be concerned with Bangle and Bimmers. Who'd of thunk it? I know. Yet there are so many bloggers out there that have usurped these names and then refuse to discuss BMWs.

In the near future I will be posting driving impressions of my '00 M5, '03 Z4, and my dearly missed '99 E46 328i. I will also be talking about BMW racing in all its various forms. I will not be ignoring the BMW Oracle sailing team in their efforts to bring the Cup back to the USA. Perhaps Jimmy Buffett needs to write another song for that effort. And, of course, I will be talking about BMW's new design direction and the controversy surrounding it.

Best,

Bangled