Chris Bangle: Well Intentioned, But Still Destructive

That pen is a weapon that Mr. Bangle is keen on using.

There is much to gripe about to Chris Bangle, BMW's chief designer.

BMW conservatives have for the past four years bemoaned Mr. Bangle's work on everything from the notorious 7-Series to the newest generation M5.

Bangled.

That man has a way with lines that just do not please the eye. He has garnered enough ire to have online petitions such as "Stop Chris Bangle" e-mailed directly to BMW's HQ in Munich.

In the most extreme cases, fanatics have posted death threats to the beseiged American designer.

Still, it seems that Mr. Bangle remains unswayed - though his latest incarnation, the 3-Series is a much less controversial work than any of his previous models. Much behind the reason that Mr. Bangle has stayed on as design chief is his continuing support from BMW's ruling Quandt family.

I guess the Quandts believe they know a good thing when they see one.

I, for one, have to respect Mr. Bangle if for one simple reason: his mission has been to instill a sense of art into the design work.

He has indicated that he wished to make contemporary classics - cars that would not just be turned over, but held onto, maintained, and become part of their owners' collections.

But as the old adage goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. There is nothing visually appealing about any of Mr. Bangle's garrish designs. Arguably, BMWs are turned over faster today than they ever were in the past.

The south side of a north bound...

The Quandt family should do the right thing and thank Mr. Bangle for his well intentioned services and send him on his way.