Why won't BMW fire Chris Bangle already?

Question

He is the guy who created their disgusting new designs (not so new anymore actually).

Answer 1

First replying to RyRy's comment, the Z8 is not a Bangle design. It was a design BMW had in the works for awhile and came to fruition during Bangle's regime.

I totally agree. Chris Bangle should be taken out to the back and shot for what he did to a car company that used to build and design cars that stirred emotions. Now they look like Pontiacs.

Take the 5-series for example. The E39 was such a beautiful, elegant sedan with clean lines and distinctively BMW. The E60, which came out in '04 is so ugly it looks like Pontiac Gran Prix.

Chris Bangle is like a terminal cancer cell to BMW AG.

Answer 2

Firing Head Designers at any company is usually not done because, it would be a reflection on the higher management who APPROVE the designs that go into production. Think about it, no one person approves the DESIGN, it needs many stages of approvals. He has the backing of the BMW board to take the company into the future. Although many BMW enthusiasts were taken back by the Seven Series intro in 2002, particularly the Bangle Butt, truth is that sales went up considerably. I first saw pictures of the car just prior to intro, and then viewed the actual car live. I was amazed that there was a significant difference in the visuals, and more amazed that the driving dynamics were improved significantly from the previous model. However, BMW was surprised, and did listen as a revised Seven update came out in 2005 several years ahead of normal updating or redesign. The new Five series was also softened and did not incurr as much flack. Apparently, BMW owners were much more conservative than they initially thought. However, if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, look at the Lexus, Mercedes, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, etc designs that have come out since. Sometimes leading with the design change means having to endure some criticism while the public "adapts". You might ask why BMW still seems to have an IDrive system which continues to draw criticism from the press after these number of years, and this was not a Bangle design issue! If sales have softened on some BMWs which have the mandatory IDrive, I think BMW would do well to get that issue fixed so the owners do not have to have a PhD in IDrive to change simple things.

Answer 3

I think there are a lot of people who like the new designs, or their sales would plummet. I hate 'em, and I was so disgusted with the 7-series when it came out leading the way, that I was motivated to email them. They responded with the typical "thanks for your comment... blah, blah, blah." But I notice that at least the 5 series was not as horrible as the 7. Maybe I helped!!! (yeah, right.)

This is a hot topic on the BMW forums, and I've been vocal there on the E39 vs. E60 debate.

Anyway, they probably won't fire him because in the Corporate world, he's probably valued for the ability to make "bold decisions" (kind of like why some people like George W). I think they probably have similar approval ratings, but somebody likes Bangle and that'll mean more weird BMW shapes to come.

Answer 4

The same reason any company chooses to not fire an employee - they are at least accepting of the work he is doing if not pleased. While his design work has been poorly received by some, they have been distinctive and have met with approval from BMW's management, and from consumers that have direct voting power with their purchasing dollars.

In looking at Bangle's designs, I think some of the details I personally find the least pleasing are also some that are clearly driven by wind tunnel results, and functionality (and these are also some that I am seeing most copied elsewhere for likely similar reasoning).

Answer 5

I agree with Gary E. Many car makes have copied the Bangle butt. The 7 series looks ugly and the new model is a little better, but look what happened to the new S class, yikes. Just because it looks kind of like a Maybach doesn't mean it looks nice. The Maybach exterior is really ugly too. Even Hyndai cars look better.

Answer 6

The Z8 was nice.

Everything else he has designed pretty much looks like a demented piece of crap.

I guess if it isn't hurting sales they are OK with it.

One of the things I used to like about BMW was that their styling changes were evolutionary. I guess those days are long since over though.

Answer 7

so you think the Bangle butt is butt ugly well one must ask themselves if these forward thinking design changes are so bad why is it that Mercedes Benz and Lexus has Incorporated them in their new cars could it be that the auto industry has all ways looked forward and that if it wasn't for change we would still be driving the Model T

Answer 8

I like the new designs... Especially the 3-series coupe. OMG I love it..the 5 is cool too.

Answer 9

He's actually no longer the lead designer.

Answer 10

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