The new 645 Ci? Interesting. . . .

[Ad Hoc]

OK, I know this is an E36 forum but since we’re all presumably BMW enthusiasts I thought I’d report the following close encounter. Yesterday I had the opportunity to get up close and personal with a new 645Ci. Now I don’t want to get off on a rant, but to me it looked like the offspring you’d expect if a new 5 Series and a Jaguar XK got drunk and spent a regrettable night together. I personally always felt that the Jag XK – since the concept came out of the post-Ford merger – looked like a Ford. So in a round about way, I guess the 645Ci has some of that “America’s Attempt at Designing a Sexy Sports Car” kind of feel to it coupled with what seems to be BMW’s new style direction that is evident in the Z4 and the new 5 Series – a direction that, IMHO, is veering hopelessly off course from its Bavarian roots. Maybe if I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with the new 6 Series I’d grow to love it, but after my chance meeting, I wasn’t impressed. Anyway, that’s just my opinion – I could be wrong. David

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

I like everything on it except the front end.

[blkongry]

I don't really like much on it... right down to the electric steering. The car is freakin' huge for how cramped the cabin space is, and correct me if I am wrong, but I think it is pretty heavy too. Plus it's got that I-drive crap on it... and to add to it, I hear it has electric steering, which makes the steering wheel almost numb... no road feel at all. I've heard it likened to driving a simulator. Esthetically, it's... ahh... not bad... kind of cool looking... eh, it's okay. Just like the rest of the world, BMW is changing with the times. Did ya all know BMW just opened a plant in China. Sheesh... a German car made in China... never thought I would see the day that that happened. Of course, never thought they would be making Toyotas in Kentucky.

[supertack]

Of all the new models (7 series, 6 series, 5 series, & 1 series) I guess I like this one best. I would have to take an opposite stance from Jared, in that I like the front end, but am discusted by the back end. Who ever came up with ending the tail lights at the trunk in Acura-esk fashion, should be shot. The more I see the 7 on the road, the better it looks to me, but I just can't get over that abomination of a trunk lid/tail light combo. Now all this goes without having driven any of them. If Blkongry's points about the steering, weight, ect. are true, then the only thing about that car that's a BMW is the frickin' roundel.

[supertack]

When I was at the Chicago Auto show (months ago) I filled out this little card at the BMW booth which requested a brochure on what ever model you specified. I remember filling one out, but couldn't tell you what box I checked for model specification. So tonight this rather large, thin heavy box arrives at my door with a 3x5 full color mailing label & a pic of the new 6. I open the box to find a letter responding to my request with a limited-edition art portfolio of the new 6. When I say this thing (portfolio) is nice, I'm severely understating it. It's an amazing 12x18 hard cover portfolio, unbound with glossy full color pictures, embossed velum protective sleeves that have more info and pics, & a limited supply of specs & options. it also has a limited edition brochure recessed into the back cover with an attached pull out ribbon to release the brochure. Now, not only did I not request this, I didn't pay for it either. It was something I'd expect them to give you after puttin' a down payment down on the car, not poppin' a business reply mail card in a box. Just goes to show the lengths BMW is going to market this car. Oh yah, the car's still frickin' ugly, so the portfolio will probably wind up as Ebay material.