Quote:
Originally Posted by Dog Face Pony Soldier
We're talking about styling here. If I may be so bold; I'd be more specific and contend we're really only talking about exterior styling.
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For 50-years I've contended it wasn't (just) styling that made BMW what it is today. If you accept that they'd be unknown or out of business but for the 2002, then what was it about the 2002 that compelled people to try a BMW? It certainly was far from styling (bloated NSU, or Corvair to some). But it is hard to say the feel of the car didn't for some overcome the appearance. And at the very least, the styling didn't scare anyone away!
Sure, you're talking about styling, but BMW has survived styling faux pas with superior engineering. Even that is questionable today. That's the beauty of the E82—its direct steering and responsive handling. The visceral connection of man and machine that still exists but probably only in the current generation M2.