GGarai

Automobile Magazine, which loves BMW and gets lots of BMW ads, just published a review of the 7 Series, which is highly critical. The style analysis is totally negative. The iDrive is described as very hard to operate, even when car is not moving (takes 3 or 4 tries to move knob in the unusual angles required). Car is described as not looking like a luxury car of its price range. Engine and BMW basic driveability receives faint praise. Best way to understand how bad review is would be to compare to MB S class review when the S500, S600 etc came out last year - a glowing review!

The cosmetics are bad enough. But the iDrive will simply have to be thrown out and traditional controls reintroduced.

kgk

Wow, this is FANTASTIC news, as it means that BMW might take a step back before they destroy E60 with Bangle's ugly stick!

So, perhaps Chris Bangle will be stopped, after all....

As for idrive, I look forward to trying it. If it is the case that it takes a few dozen hours to master in practice, I would be OK with that. We'll see....

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2002 LeMans blue sport w/silverstone & faux aluminum trim

in4sir

Car and Driver gave a brief preview of the car and were pleased with all of its technological functions. they didnt comment on the looks though. We will see the truth when they compare it with the benz and yess even the audi.

blue max

Refreshing honesty from one of BMW's biggest cheerleaders. At least it wasn't as wishy washy as Autoweek's review.

Let's see what happens in '03.

Adam

I just hope that BMW just take a step back..look at what they have done and continue with their tried tested and very successful design formula...what aint broke dont need fixin!

all the best
Adam

__________________
1995 Alpina B8 4.6 #10-(engine blew up. sold)
2001 BMW ///M5(sold)
2003 RUF R turbo
1990 RUF CTR
2006 VW Golf R32 DSG
2005 e60 M5 (sold)
2007 997 GT3 RS Carrara White
2008 Renault Clio 197

"You know it is kinda ironic, these old people are being kept alive by the organs of the young people they ran over" - Chief Clancy Wiggum

tfung

Please guys; don't judge the car from magazine photos and reviews + all that.. You have to see the car in person before making your own judgement.... When the E39 body came out, so many E34 customers hated it.. But then somehow BMW designs tend to grow on a person, and after a few years, everyone loved the E39 design. I think the same will happen with the new 7 series body... takes time to get use to.....
The i-drive is the next logical step to go. Remember the times when the vehichle controls were all huge knobs and dials? Well, somehow we all adapted to using electric switches and buttons... Nav system was non-existant back then, and we all managed to learn and use it... Same with the i-drive.... it's sorta like a computer.. it's hard to learn but once you get it, it's just second nature.....

__________________
US Spec 2001 E39 M5 - LHD
AC Schnitzer
DFC suspension, anti-sway bars, pedals
front splitters, rear wing w/ carbon fiber

Dinan
CAI, MAFS, Throttle bodies, Velocity Stacks,
Stage 2 aluminum flywheel, front + rear strut bars,
3.45 differential

Others
Custom G-power Exhaust, Autosolutions short shifter
Supersprint Headers, Racing Cats, X-pipe
SPEC stage 3 clutch, Powerchip ECU, Schrick Cams
OZ Racing Superleggera III f19x8.5 r19x10.5, Brembo brakes
Evosport Power Pullies, Rouge transmission mounts, Plasma ignition coils
Euro interior conversion, M-technic grill with brake ducts, turbo timer
CA Automative custom carbon fiber hood


Euro Spec 1999 E39 M5 - RHD
ACS Sports Suspension, anti-sway bars, Type III Racing f19x8.5 r19x9.5


2007 Mercedes E63
2007 Corvette Z06
2008 Nissan GTR

lofstrom

I tried the iDrive att IAA in Fankfurt and it's not 100% self-explaining (but you should maybe not expect that from such a complex system). The fact that you can push the knob/wheel in 8 different directions makes it a little tricky...

Regarding design I agree that you have to see it a couple of times IRL before you judge it. I've now seen it ~10 times the past 6 months and I think it's looking impressive.

__________________
Stefan
Ex-owner of '99 Imola Red Beast

JohnH

A recent review I read seemed to sum up the new 7 series quite nicely.

Positives - Drives like no big car we have ever known

Negatives - Ugly and tediously complex

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2006 750i Sport, Monaco Blue, Cream Beige Pearl leather

MEnthusiast

ohhh- I cant wait to get my mag now..... my 2 cents: gotta wait for an in the metal look at the styling but it looks pretty bad (considering how beautiful the current 7 is) and the idrive concept is truly innovative and is correct in what its trying to do- but perhaps it needs to go through some public beta testing.... I think they'll get it right. The biggest problem seems to be too much menu surifing and still not enough voice interactivity. Once they nail down voice (even that infinity doesnt have it done well) something like iDrive will be a home run.......... Im glad someone out there called a spade a spade- Bangle's styling idea of taking us where we dont want to go is stupid. B/c I wont pay for where I dont want to go!

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All the best,
Jerry
00 Z8 Jet Black/Red Sport / some others

Andy G

Was that Top Gear or Driven?
as that's also what they said about it.

JohnH

Andy, It was in EVO Magazine and all the ones I have seen have said that they have tried to cover too many options with the iDrive and that most people will get fed up with how long it takes to set something up. Personally the typical 7 series driver is not interested in 20 different ways to set up the suspension or audio system.

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2006 750i Sport, Monaco Blue, Cream Beige Pearl leather

MAVERICK

I'm glad Automobile magazine has the guts to proclaim the new 7 as an ugly design.