Chris Bangle and Hoffmeister Kink?

[govtec]

This will be my first purchase of a bmw and did some research into there history through their website and here as well. I have some questions related to the company. I did a search on the name chris bangle and came up with some article about this guy. Apparantly he's american who joined bmw in 92 and is now their current chief designer from what i understand. Why r people wanting to choke his throat about now? Why are they up and arms just because the 7 series design and idrive system? It's weird how they hired an american designer instead of a european. Lastly, what is a hoffmeister kink? I heard it's some type of line that runs along the windows or something, pics would be appreciated. thanks from newbie

[CharlieG]

Take a look at some of the classic BMW's of the past, like the 2002.

Then take a look at some contemporary BMW's, like the just retired e46 and the Z8.

Now compare them to the 7 and the Z4. Those designs have not so much in common, now, right?

People like me prefer the former, but perhaps you don't. That's a matter of taste. I could get a LOT more "descriptive" here, but I've had a nice weekend and I'm in a great mood. My guess is that Chris Bangle is more of a symptom of a disease deep within BMW than the whole problem.

[govtec]

the only difference i see is the back and idrive. the interior stays pretty much the same. i also see the current lineup has more curvatures to it, but that is expected from all makes. i do prefer the previous generation backend better than e90. if bangle is so unpopular y do the big wigs at bmw ag keep him on the payroll?

[Llando88]

Why r people wanting to choke his throat about now? Why are they up and arms just because the 7 series design and idrive system? It's weird how they hired an american designer instead of a european. Lastly, what is a hoffmeister kink? I heard it's some type of line that runs along the windows or something, pics would be appreciated. thanks from newbie

:wave: Welcome to the fest!

Go down to your local dealer and take a look a the new car lot.

Then, go next door to the used car lot and take a look at the "previous" generation 3, 5 and 7 series cars.

If after again looking at the new car side, you then proceed to empty the contents of your stomach onto the pavement in front of a startled sales person, you will have your answer as to why some believe Mr. Bangle should be hung, drawn and quartered.

Secondly, its actually the "Hofmeister" Kink, so named for the chief designer in the 60s:

http://www.answers.com/topic/hofmeister-kink

[icemanjs4]

Secondly, its actually the "Hofmeister" Kink, so named for the chief designer in the 60s:

http://www.answers.com/topic/hofmeister-kink

Check out BMW's explanation with picture:
http://www.bmwusa.com/bmwexperience/BmwInDepth/designDetail.htm?id=70

"Certainly the BMW element with the most unusual name is the Hofmeister kink, the distinctive bend in every BMW's C-pillars (the metal roof supports that separate the rear side windows from the back glass). Although it appeared as early as the 1930s, the kink formally debuted with the "New Class" 1500 Sedan at the 1961 Frankfurt auto show and was named after Wilhelm Hofmeister, then director of design for BMW. Aside from its pleasing visual effect, the Hofmeister kink subtly highlights a BMW trademark: rear-wheel drive."

[marlinowen]

According to my source: "Das grosse BMW COUPE Buch" by Stefan Schrahe and Hans Friedrich Andexer was the Italian designer Nuccio Bertone responsible for the shape of BMW's C-pillar.
It started out with the design of the BMW 3200CS (1961-1965) and was carried on until today. In the 90's designer Claus Luthe used the "kink" for the BMW 850i.

['Cane]

Check out BMW's explanation with picture:
http://www.bmwusa.com/bmwexperience/BmwInDepth/designDetail.htm?id=70

"Certainly the BMW element with the most unusual name is the Hofmeister kink, the distinctive bend in every BMW's C-pillars (the metal roof supports that separate the rear side windows from the back glass). Although it appeared as early as the 1930s, the kink formally debuted with the "New Class" 1500 Sedan at the 1961 Frankfurt auto show and was named after Wilhelm Hofmeister, then director of design for BMW. Aside from its pleasing visual effect, the Hofmeister kink subtly highlights a BMW trademark: rear-wheel drive."

According to my source: "Das grosse BMW COUPE Buch" by Stefan Schrahe and Hans Friedrich Andexer was the Italian designer Nuccio Bertone responsible for the shape of BMW's C-pillar.
It started out with the design of the BMW 3200CS (1961-1965) and was carried on until today. In the 90's designer Claus Luthe used the "kink" for the BMW 850i.

So, you're saying you got it right, but BMW has it wrong? :rolleyes:

[Ashleigh]

Being the gracious BMW CCA member and Bimmer lover that I am, I am delighted to tell you what is in my Uniquely BMW book that was sent to me when I got my last BMW.

The Hofmeister Kink
'The subtle reverse turn of the C - pillar, another understated feature that is uniquely BMW, is known as the Hofmeister Kink. Named after BMW's design director at the time, Wilhelm Hofmeister, this styling cue made it's debute on the 1500 model in 1961. You can find it on virtually every BMW sedan, coupe, and SAV since.'

There you have it.:roundel:

~Ashleigh

[PhilipWOT]

Chris Bangle...

http://www.magicalrabbit.com/ebay/Dog_Doo_a.jpg

Hoffmeister Kink...

http://paultan.org/gallery/d/5448-4/DSC_0097.JPG

[SlimKlim]

[/IMG]

Hoffmeister Kink...

http://paultan.org/gallery/d/5448-4/DSC_0097.JPG

I thought it was the accent line that runs front fender to tail lights. I love that line. :D

We should name it too.

[Llando88]

I thought it was the accent line that runs front fender to tail lights. I love that line. :D

We should name it too.

I vote for the "Klim Line". :rofl: :thumbup:

[SlimKlim]

I vote for the "Klim Line". :rofl: :thumbup:

Fck yea!

All in favor? :D

[damyankee]

In the interest of fairness and full disclosure to the OP, while Bangle's designs have stirred up an endless river of criticism from the press & hard-line BMW fans, his design reign also led to one of the biggest growth periods in BMWs history. Someone, actually a lot of you out there, love their bangle butt cars...:dunno:

[Hercules]

In the interest of fairness and full disclosure to the OP, while Bangle's designs have stirred up an endless river of criticism from the press & hard-line BMW fans, his design reign also led to one of the biggest growth periods in BMWs history. Someone, actually a lot of you out there, love their bangle butt cars...:dunno:
It really didn't have to do with their look, it was always their improving performance.