I like the way the new 7 Series looks...mostly. One point of contention for me is the placement of those chrome trim slash turn signal things that straddle the front door slash front fender gaps. For me they're just too low on the car. To my eye they look like they were glued on in the wrong place by some assembly line worker watching the clock on a Friday.
So I fixed the problem in photoshop. Check out the lower pic. That's my version. Looks better right?
Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief
cwc1 says:
05:32 PM, 06/22/09
I had never noticed that before, but do think the higher location looks better.
adavis2493 says:
05:45 PM, 06/22/09
The thing that I like about the 7-Series is that it has such a huge road presence. It does look better with the thing higher.
subytrojan says:
05:54 PM, 06/22/09
It looks better indeed, chief! Let's photochop Sadlier out and you into the photo while we're at it.
slickersdrip says:
06:30 PM, 06/22/09
How about no porthole/vent of any kind?
I saw a brand new w/ paper plates V6 automatic Camaro yesterday with fake portholes from Autozone on it and died a little inside.
carguy622 says:
06:31 PM, 06/22/09
It does look better, but the more I look at it I don't think it looks all that bad lower either. It makes the design seem more balanced, compensates for the greenhouse.
lenoroc says:
06:32 PM, 06/22/09
It does look better. It would also align it with the M3's chrome...thing: http://www.autofans.us/images/BMW/BMW%20E90%20M3%20Sedan%208.jpg
redwoodaggie says:
06:50 PM, 06/22/09
The higher location is definitely better.
cah11705 says:
06:56 PM, 06/22/09
my guess is they put it low so it wouldn't be confused with an M/// car
pengwin says:
07:06 PM, 06/22/09
side markers are supposed to go on the sideview mirrors.
clarkma5 says:
07:20 PM, 06/22/09
At first glance I thought you had actually shortened the car in your photo edit. That seems to be the effect of the higher chrome piece, it interrupts that strong, slabby shoulder to visibly shorten the car, which makes it look sportier. It's a change I approve of.
ahightower says:
07:22 PM, 06/22/09
Hmmm. Maybe they put them lower so they can (pretend to) venthilate the brakes instead of the engine. I think it would be better without any vents at all. But I do like the car overall, it's my second favorite big honkin' luxury car, after the Jag XJ.
tony_e30 says:
08:32 PM, 06/22/09
Scott,
I would imagine that the wind tunnel test results would not agree with your modified placement. With that being said, I'll second your assessment.
brn says:
08:37 PM, 06/22/09
It kind of reminds me of the fake Focus vents.
uncanny_man says:
09:23 PM, 06/22/09
Took me a good 5 seconds to notice any difference. I guess it doesn't bother me either way.
nitrous683 says:
09:31 PM, 06/22/09
The side indicator lights on the 328i and 335i coupes should also be moved upward into the same location as the vent on the M3.
bimmerjay says:
11:54 PM, 06/22/09
"Hmmm. Maybe they put them lower so they can (pretend to) venthilate the brakes instead of the engine. I think it would be better without any vents at all."
"It kind of reminds me of the fake Focus vents."
It's not a fender vent nor meant to be a fake one. Only ///M and Z cars get fender vents.
It's the turn signal repeater with a satin chrome bezel around it. I believe it also houses sensors (pretty much every part on a BMW houses some sort of sensor).
"my guess is they put it low so it wouldn't be confused with an M/// car"
That's quite possible.
johnnyr3 says:
03:24 AM, 06/23/09
Ooooh, Photo Hunt! I love this game...now let me see...
kissel1 says:
04:28 AM, 06/23/09
Scott, wonderful post!
However, I feel the car would look better with teeth and wings. Could you please photoshop a face with big teeth, and large dragon-type wings?
I think I'm not alone when I say this would definitely make this car look more exciting! Please do this as soon as you can!
brn says:
05:57 AM, 06/23/09
bimmerjay, it reminds me of the Focus vents in the sense that it looks like it doesn't belong at all. It may actually do something (unlike the Focus vents), but it still looks like it shouldn't be there.
dougtheeng says:
06:18 AM, 06/23/09
Definitely looks better up high - or not at all.
fuhteng says:
07:48 AM, 06/23/09
Yes, up higher or nothing.
audisport says:
10:52 AM, 06/23/09
How about no more damn side "vents"!!!! Put the signal repeaters on the mirror and keep it clean.
adantium says:
11:55 AM, 06/23/09
Higher is closer to god.
cheslin says:
02:38 PM, 06/23/09
The turn indicator repeater should be on the mirrors for better visibility.
bbechtel16 says:
03:29 PM, 06/23/09
I actually question if mirror mounting provides better visibility. I would be interested to see studies on this. Yes mirror mounting provides greater angular? visibility, but I believe you achieve greater contrast off the body due to it blocking ambient light (during the day at least). Perhaps the size of the vehicle makes a difference too? I'm thinking mirror mounted works better on trucks/SUVs/some large cars while body mounted might be more visible on smaller cars.
b_boy_007 says:
08:49 PM, 06/25/09
I'm sure you can get them moved via the aftermarket.