Bangled BMWs no more - Controversial designer resigns

The controversial designer who led BMW’s styling department since 1993 has resigned, according to BMW. Chris Bangle was an influential car designer who sought to set the styling of BMW cars apart from others, at a time when other automakers were mimicking BMW’s style.
Some of the first BMWs to use the style Bangle referred to as "flame surfacing," the 2002 BMW Z4 and 745i, were not well received. Bangle’s name started to be used as a verb among automotive critics who said cars they thought looked awkward had been "Bangled," or "hit with the Bangle stick." While the Z4 sold relatively well, the 745i was redesigned to tone down some of the more dramatic details in 2006. The Z4 was updated for 2009 and a new 7 is due for 2010.
Longtime BMW designer Adrian van Hooydonk will take over the department. No word yet on what direction he will take the company’s styling, though future auto shows may provide a glimpse. Bangle said he left to pursue other design opportunities outside the car industry.
Whether you loved or hated Bangle’s designs, there’s no question they were distinctive. Either way, if you’re familiar with Bangle’s BMWs, let us know what you think of them in the comments below.