BMW's trademark.... right? wrong.

Kiemyster · 04-07-2008, 09:09 PM

forum member Davin and I were talking, and we were discussing how audi has their LED headlights, as other (most) companies have their signature styling. which brings me to a very good point Davin suggested.

How can BMW claim their Corona rings (aka Angel Eyes) as their signature when it doesnt come standard? we have to pay for xenons for that...

yes, i understand the concept that they are for the "higher end" vehicles... but can we really call it BMW's signature? i think the only thing bmw has is the kidney grilles.

are we the only people that feel all BMW's should come standard with corona rings, regardless of xenons?

E90330iS · 04-07-2008, 09:33 PM

Signature styling is just something a car company offers that is unique to the others, doesn't mean it has to be standard. Honda has the signature V-Tec but not all Hondas have it.

Neek · 04-07-2008, 09:43 PM

Um I've never seen BMW claim anything about the angel eye headlights being some sort of signature. However the things that BMW is known for style-wise IMO, is:

1. Twin kidney grills
2. Hofmeister kink

MrOffshore · 04-07-2008, 09:45 PM

Angel eyes are not a signature for BMW

LED's are not a signature for Audi

Eddie Bauer IS a signature for Ford...come on guys, it's easy, if someone signs their name to it, well then and only then, it's a signature.

LOL

KkSc · 04-07-2008, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90330iS

Signature styling is just something a car company offers that is unique to the others, doesn't mean it has to be standard. Honda has the signature V-Tec but not all Hondas have it.

so true +1

Year's_End · 04-07-2008, 10:49 PM

I think BMW refers to the coronas as a "traditional" styling element, not a signature one.

BMW has enough styling discrepancies that I think it doesn't really matter: the hoffmeister kink, the quad headlights (and coronas), the flame surfacing, and of course the kidney grille.

e92phreak · 04-07-2008, 10:51 PM

Dood... The kidneys are a BMW signature!

You get those for the base price of the car.

benny90 · 04-07-2008, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neek

Um I've never seen BMW claim anything about the angel eye headlights being some sort of signature. However the things that BMW is known for style-wise IMO, is:

1. Twin kidney grills
2. Hofmeister kink

+100

BMWI6 · 04-07-2008, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

I think BMW refers to the coronas as a "traditional" styling element, not a signature one.

BMW has enough styling discrepancies that I think it doesn't really matter: the hoffmeister kink, the quad headlights (and coronas), the flame surfacing, and of course the kidney grille.

FLAME SURFACING is definitively not a signature BMW trait, it may be on the newer ones since moron bangle decided to do this, but it is not and never will be a BMW signature. bangle FTL !!!

-=Hot|Ice=- · 04-07-2008, 11:32 PM

I won't lie. Bangle needs to die.

Year's_End · 04-07-2008, 11:38 PM

Well, choose what you want to believe, but at the moment, flame surfacing is a definite signature of the BMW marque. It's only temporary, as design languages tend to move on, but for now it is what it is.

I'm personally a huge fan of Bangle's work. He's arguably the most influential automotive designer of the 21st century. He's a design genious regardless of what you choose to think. Okay, maybe that's pushing it as I guess that can be assumed as a subjective topic, but nonetheless you can't deny the impact of his work, be it for better or worse (business wise - definitely better).

The designs of all the current models are logical progressions in the BMW design history. Each model carries at least some form of an element(s) that can be seen. It's hard to design a car that must be polarizing and new, yet familiar at the same time.

PaulBailey@ltbmw · 04-07-2008, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90330iS

Signature styling is just something a car company offers that is unique to the others, doesn't mean it has to be standard. Honda has the signature V-Tec but not all Hondas have it.

I'm pretty sure all Honda's are v-techs.
Maybe not the mini vans but. . . I think the others are.
I know Civic's are

MontegoblueE92 · 04-08-2008, 12:15 AM

There are only three:

Kidney grilles
Hofmeister Kink
Four headlights

bobbba · 04-08-2008, 01:43 AM

I don't know about the US but in europe the audi led lights are only fitted on cars where the buyer pays extra for the xenon lights exactly like bmw.

ibimmer954 · 04-08-2008, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xPaulBaiLeyx

I'm pretty sure all Honda's are v-techs.
Maybe not the mini vans but. . . I think the others are.
I know Civic's are

Hmmm, I looked at Honda's web site. It certainly appears that all models currently sold in the U.S. feature some form of VTEC engines. But I'm sure that wasn't always the case. In the previous generation of Accord/Civic, the low end models did not feature VTEC engines.

My friend had an old 4-cyl Accord. And it definitely wasn't VTEC.

My Acura TSX Type-S however... oh yeah.

We've both moved up, though. He has an Acura now... and I've moved on to my 335 E93.

VGR00 · 04-08-2008, 01:56 AM

Audi have been quick to jump in with using LED as DRL but it's hardly what I'd call their signature. Shortly Audi might also be the first company to use LED as headlamps in a production model but let me assure you that most car manufactures will also follow with tis very quickly.

lux.sh · 04-08-2008, 01:59 AM

It is "nearly" a signature styling because only BMWs had it. from the factory. Whether it was an option or not, if a Company A was the first to publicize and start making product A, it just naturally becomes their trademark styling.

Think of it this way, Audi is now coming out with real sexy looking LEDs on their headlights. Imagine if next year BMW came out with EXACT same LED styling on their headlights. Everyone is going to scream "Copycat!!". I know I would. Im sure everyone had ideas of LEDs on the headlights, but just because Audi came out with it first, its now their "styling cue". Thats how business and market works anyways. kinda like restaurants with no reservations. First come, first serve.

VGR00 · 04-08-2008, 02:08 AM

Let me assure you that LED companies like Cree, Nichia, Lumileds and Osram are working closely with Audi, BMW, MB and a lot of other manufactures. LED headlights will be mainstream and wont be the domain of one manufacture.

E90SLAM · 04-08-2008, 02:16 AM

I guess we just gave the idea to BMW that the "twin kidney" will be optional extra on coming 2010 models....

karliejai · 04-08-2008, 02:24 AM

heres bmw's signature!

Dann902 · 04-08-2008, 02:26 AM

Ok, here's another one...What about the shark fin antenna? I think I saw them 1st on BMWs, then Audi has them. It's not a signature but it started with BMW?
BTW, what is a hofmeister kink??? (I hope that isn't a dumb question!)

bimmin · 04-08-2008, 02:34 AM

Don't for get Pontiac also uses double kidny grill in all of their cars.

04-07-2008, 09:09 PM	#1
Kiemyster Bimmerpost Resident Marijuana Consultant 476 Rep 3,202 Posts Drives: 320i, 325xi, 335Xi, 335i, M3 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Queens/NYC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2010 BMW 335i [0.00] 2011 BMW X335i [0.00] 2006 BMW E90 325xi [0.00] 2011 BMW E90 335xi [4.00] 2011 BMW M3 E90 [7.00] 2006 E90 320i [0.00]	BMW's trademark.... right? wrong. forum member Davin and I were talking, and we were discussing how audi has their LED headlights, as other (most) companies have their signature styling. which brings me to a very good point Davin suggested. How can BMW claim their Corona rings (aka Angel Eyes) as their signature when it doesnt come standard? we have to pay for xenons for that... yes, i understand the concept that they are for the "higher end" vehicles... but can we really call it BMW's signature? i think the only thing bmw has is the kidney grilles. are we the only people that feel all BMW's should come standard with corona rings, regardless of xenons? __________________ "AMG What! S-Line Who? If you ain't got that M I got no respect for you!" '06 Alpine Weiss E90 320i \| '06 The Green Machine E90 325xi \| '11 Alpine Weiss E90 M3 ZCP \| '10 Silverstone X5M \| '11 Alpine Weiss E90 335xi
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04-07-2008, 09:33 PM	#2
E90330iS Major General 148 Rep 6,333 Posts Drives: BMW M4 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arcadia, California iTrader: (56) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Signature styling is just something a car company offers that is unique to the others, doesn't mean it has to be standard. Honda has the signature V-Tec but not all Hondas have it. __________________ 2017 BMW M4 DCT Lease Transfer: https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...8#post23736398
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04-07-2008, 09:43 PM	#3
Neek Private First Class 63 Rep 100 Posts Drives: G82 M4 Competition Coupe Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Parkland, FL iTrader: (0)	Um I've never seen BMW claim anything about the angel eye headlights being some sort of signature. However the things that BMW is known for style-wise IMO, is: 1. Twin kidney grills 2. Hofmeister kink
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04-07-2008, 09:45 PM	#4
MrOffshore Second Lieutenant 24 Rep 234 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Indiana iTrader: (0)	Angel eyes are not a signature for BMW LED's are not a signature for Audi Eddie Bauer IS a signature for Ford...come on guys, it's easy, if someone signs their name to it, well then and only then, it's a signature. LOL __________________ Yea though I drive through the valley of inferior automobiles, I will fear no evil: for Thou BMW is with me; Thy throttle and Thy steering wheel comfort me. "Psalms 335:xi
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04-07-2008, 10:49 PM	#6
Year's_End Lieutenant General 1243 Rep 12,446 Posts Drives: 2020 Shelby GT350 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	I think BMW refers to the coronas as a "traditional" styling element, not a signature one. BMW has enough styling discrepancies that I think it doesn't really matter: the hoffmeister kink, the quad headlights (and coronas), the flame surfacing, and of course the kidney grille. __________________ Past: '08 E92 335i\|ZPP\|ZSP\|6AT Past: '15 Mustang GT\|401A\|PP\|6MT Current: '20 Shelby GT350\|6MT
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04-07-2008, 10:51 PM	#7
e92phreak General 392 Rep 21,745 Posts Drives: E92 335i TiAg/E46 323i TiAg Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [9.50] 2000 E46 323i [0.00]	Dood... The kidneys are a BMW signature! You get those for the base price of the car. __________________ 07 E92 335i \| TiAg \| Step \| Padl \| Cmft \| Alum Trm \| PDC \| Nav \| Assist \| Sat \| Lthr \| Prem \| Sprt \| Rear Splr \| RDSport Quads \| iPod \| V1 \| LT Refl \| VS Clear Bra \| OEM Lip \| KWV2 \| Mtec Sides \| BBS LM-R 00 E46 323i \| TiAg \| 5sp \| Sport \| Roof \| RDSport Cams \| RDSport tune \| RDSport Shift \| Volk LE37 \| M3 spoiler \| PSS9 \| SuperSprint \| Brembo
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04-07-2008, 11:38 PM	#11
Year's_End Lieutenant General 1243 Rep 12,446 Posts Drives: 2020 Shelby GT350 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Well, choose what you want to believe, but at the moment, flame surfacing is a definite signature of the BMW marque. It's only temporary, as design languages tend to move on, but for now it is what it is. I'm personally a huge fan of Bangle's work. He's arguably the most influential automotive designer of the 21st century. He's a design genious regardless of what you choose to think. Okay, maybe that's pushing it as I guess that can be assumed as a subjective topic, but nonetheless you can't deny the impact of his work, be it for better or worse (business wise - definitely better). The designs of all the current models are logical progressions in the BMW design history. Each model carries at least some form of an element(s) that can be seen. It's hard to design a car that must be polarizing and new, yet familiar at the same time. __________________ Past: '08 E92 335i\|ZPP\|ZSP\|6AT Past: '15 Mustang GT\|401A\|PP\|6MT Current: '20 Shelby GT350\|6MT
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04-08-2008, 12:15 AM	#13
MontegoblueE92 Captain 76 Rep 956 Posts Drives: It Like He Stole It Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: M-Town iTrader: (0)	There are only three: Kidney grilles Hofmeister Kink Four headlights
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04-08-2008, 01:43 AM	#14
bobbba Enlisted Member 5 Rep 43 Posts Drives: BMW 320D M Sport (E90) Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I don't know about the US but in europe the audi led lights are only fitted on cars where the buyer pays extra for the xenon lights exactly like bmw.
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04-08-2008, 01:56 AM	#16
VGR00 Major 54 Rep 1,497 Posts Drives: 430i Gran Coupe Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Brisbane - Australia iTrader: (1)	Audi have been quick to jump in with using LED as DRL but it's hardly what I'd call their signature. Shortly Audi might also be the first company to use LED as headlamps in a production model but let me assure you that most car manufactures will also follow with tis very quickly.
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04-08-2008, 01:59 AM	#17
lux.sh missing two turbos. 614 Rep 4,859 Posts Drives: fast around corners. Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Curves iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 BMW E90 330i [7.00]	It is "nearly" a signature styling because only BMWs had it. from the factory. Whether it was an option or not, if a Company A was the first to publicize and start making product A, it just naturally becomes their trademark styling. Think of it this way, Audi is now coming out with real sexy looking LEDs on their headlights. Imagine if next year BMW came out with EXACT same LED styling on their headlights. Everyone is going to scream "Copycat!!". I know I would. Im sure everyone had ideas of LEDs on the headlights, but just because Audi came out with it first, its now their "styling cue". Thats how business and market works anyways. kinda like restaurants with no reservations. First come, first serve. __________________ 06 AW E90 330i ZPP/ZSP/Step/Expired Warranty : Prior Design Front : ACS Rear : ACS Roof : BlackLines : Simota Intake : Carbon Fiber Interior Trim : : MTEC V3 : 24% Charcoal : V1 Hardwired : Solaris Invisibulbs/LED interior :
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04-08-2008, 02:08 AM	#18
VGR00 Major 54 Rep 1,497 Posts Drives: 430i Gran Coupe Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Brisbane - Australia iTrader: (1)	Let me assure you that LED companies like Cree, Nichia, Lumileds and Osram are working closely with Audi, BMW, MB and a lot of other manufactures. LED headlights will be mainstream and wont be the domain of one manufacture.
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04-08-2008, 02:16 AM	#19
E90SLAM Supreme Allied Commander 2021 Rep 61,781 Posts Drives: A BBS WHORE Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: . iTrader: (6) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 sDrive30i [0.00]	I guess we just gave the idea to BMW that the "twin kidney" will be optional extra on coming 2010 models.... __________________
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04-08-2008, 02:24 AM	#20
karliejai Da Kid 123 Rep 4,576 Posts Drives: JetBlack e90 335i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (4)	heres bmw's signature! __________________ MODS: OEM Front Splitter \| ACS Roof Spoiler \| OEM Trunk Spoiler \| Matt Black Front Grill \| Black Shadowline Window Trim \| Painted Front Lower Rod \| Blacklines \| JDM Yellow Fogs \| Custom Silver CF Headlights with LUX 4.0 \| Eisenhaus Sports Exhaust
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04-08-2008, 02:26 AM	#21
Dann902 Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 257 Posts Drives: '15 Audi A3 TDI/Lotus Gray Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: PVE, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Ok, here's another one...What about the shark fin antenna? I think I saw them 1st on BMWs, then Audi has them. It's not a signature but it started with BMW? BTW, what is a hofmeister kink??? (I hope that isn't a dumb question!) __________________ Past Bimmers: '09 550i Titanium Silver/Steptronic/Black Dakota Leather/Dark Poplar/ZMP/VP/ZCW/Sat Radio/Park distance/Power rear sunshade '06 330i Titanium Silver/Black Dakota/Light Poplar/6MT/ZPP/ZSP
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04-08-2008, 02:34 AM	#22
bimmin Private First Class 14 Rep 150 Posts Drives: 3er Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: here iTrader: (0)	Don't for get Pontiac also uses double kidny grill in all of their cars.
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