03-01-2012, 10:20 AM | #1 |
Administrator
43924
Rep 21,327
Posts |
BMW Design Icons
BIMMERPOST NEWS BMW Design Icons BMW design icons. 01.03.2012 Over the years, the styling of BMW cars has produced a host of design icons which have become synonymous with the brand as a whole and, in some cases, signature features of individual models. Collectively, these iconic elements have helped shape the identity of the brand and its cars. Front end. A kidney-shaped radiator grille and twin circular headlights “sawn off” along the top define the front end of a BMW. These distinctive “facial” features ensure that a BMW is clearly identifiable even without the brand logo on display. Kidneys. The two-part, rounded-off radiator grille – known as the kidney grille – was established as an iconic feature of BMW cars in 1933. This design element has been a fixture across all the brand’s model series since 1935. Focused look. The brand’s hallmark twin circular headlights are “sawn off” across the top, creating the distinctive focused look over the road ahead. Proportions. The proportions of BMW cars have become a hallmark feature. A long wheelbase, long, sweeping bonnet and set-back passenger compartment generate a feeling of dynamic urgency before the car so much as turns a wheel. In other words, a BMW needs only a single glance to tell you what it’s all about: Sheer Driving Pleasure. Hofmeister kink. The Hofmeister kink – the counter-sweep at the foot of a BMW’s C-pillar as it meets the body – was named after Wilhelm Hofmeister. The former BMW Body Design Director first introduced this styling cue to BMW cars in 1961. The Hofmeister kink emphasises the car’s dynamic, forward-surging stance and hints at BMW’s traditional rear-wheel drive. Window design. The side windows of a BMW, with their chrome-coloured surrounds and black B-pillars, recall the styling of classic coupés. Their long, low-profile design enhances the dynamic appearance of a BMW. Swage line. The customary swage line of a BMW divides the car’s body and is a defining element of its side view. The designers use the swage line to enhance or dilute the wedge shape of the brand’s various models. The car’s door handles are integrated into the swage line, allowing its lavishly contoured surfaces to be showcased even more effectively. L-shaped rear lights. The L-shaped design of the rear lights underlines the width of the rear end, which in turn visually enhances the car’s presence and stability. Driver-focused design. Important operating and control elements in the instrument panel and centre console are angled visibly towards the driver, putting them directly within reach. |
03-01-2012, 12:16 PM | #3 |
214
Rep 1,161
Posts |
Most of those design cues have become co-opted by auto designers world-wide, to such a degree that they have become standard, universally used features. Other companies have struggled to compete, usually by establishing their own version of a design idea (angel eyes come to mind: now ever car has to have a lighting accent). BMW has at times stretched their design ideas in an effort to differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack, sometimes to good effect, sometimes not. In my book the good include E30, E46 M3, E36/8 M coupe, E92; the not so good include E65, E63.
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-01-2012, 12:28 PM | #4 | |
Captain
71
Rep 693
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-01-2012, 12:35 PM | #5 |
Brigadier General
597
Rep 3,870
Posts |
yes to all the above...
BMW have been staying true to all the above familiar lines, and by doing so, have practically appropriated them for themselves... their signature traits... many other car designers have tried to incorporate some of them in their cars... but usually they dont last long without stepping on bmw car design... (which other brand would want to make their car look like a bmw? maybe all of them, but realistically they cannot... because BMW has appropriated them... JUst like no one would ever design a car that look like a porsche) Long live BMW and i hope they continue to keep those distinctive family trait... no order car brand stay true to so many details on all the car models and especially throughout several generation!! Audi is trying to pull the same thing for the last decade... Honda is failing miserably! Lexus is attempting now ....
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-01-2012, 12:38 PM | #6 |
Major
100
Rep 1,337
Posts |
Not for long it wont!!! BMW front-wheel drive FTL
"Hofmeister kink. The Hofmeister kink – the counter-sweep at the foot of a BMW’s C-pillar as it meets the body – was named after Wilhelm Hofmeister. The former BMW Body Design Director first introduced this styling cue to BMW cars in 1961. The Hofmeister kink emphasises the car’s dynamic, forward-surging stance and hints at BMW’s traditional rear-wheel drive."
__________________
If everything seems under control, then you aren't going fast enough"
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-01-2012, 02:02 PM | #7 | |
Captain of the Enterprise
104
Rep 1,424
Posts |
Quote:
.
__________________
2011 1 Series M Coupe VO M3 vs 1M Comparo Review 2011 M3 E90 DCT ZCP (sold) * 2010 335i Sedan (sold) 2005 M3 Convertible (sold) * 2003 325i Sedan (sold) |
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-01-2012, 04:51 PM | #8 |
Colonel
93
Rep 2,168
Posts |
__________________
'05 E90 325i | '06 E90 325i | '08 E90 325i LCI | '13 F30 328i M-Sport | '14 F10 535d M-Sport
Current: '19 G01 X3 M40i |
Appreciate
0
|
03-01-2012, 06:27 PM | #9 |
~~~
24
Rep 592
Posts
Drives: JB 335i-M3
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Simi Valley
|
__________________
.
................ |
Appreciate
0
|
03-01-2012, 07:33 PM | #10 |
Captain
333
Rep 831
Posts
Drives: BMW 335i
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Los Angeles
|
Icons that we love, thanks for this post!
__________________
The Best Is Yet To Come!
E36 - E39 - E53 - E60 - E87 - E90 |
Appreciate
0
|
03-01-2012, 10:39 PM | #12 |
Captain
99
Rep 900
Posts |
If I start a band, it will be called "The Hofmeister Kink".
__________________
-Will
2013 535i xDrive M-Sport | 2005 545i Sport (Retired and missed) | 2001 X5 3.0 Sport (Retired) |
Appreciate
0
|
03-01-2012, 11:03 PM | #13 |
First Lieutenant
11
Rep 380
Posts
Drives: 2008 e90 335i
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Texas, the United States of America, Planet Earth, Universe
|
Great article! I have been waiting for this kinda article in years! I am always interested in BMW design language.
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-02-2012, 09:57 PM | #16 |
Captain
24
Rep 918
Posts
Drives: '08 E92 M3
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Boston, MA
|
For the new generation
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-04-2012, 06:52 AM | #18 |
Major
105
Rep 1,181
Posts
Drives: G29 Z4 M40i Roadster
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: The Netherlands
|
Nice overview of the design elements BMW uses to stand out of the crowd.
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|