TRUE or FALSE? WSJ's Dan Neil Calls BMW's 1M “a total buttaface, one of the ugliest, most disturbingly wrong car designs in modern history.”

Ouch!

I don't even work for BMW and I felt that one from here. In a recent piece of Dan Neil's writing -- oh, did he mention he won a Pulitzer Prize -- he reviewed the BMW 1M. After a largely positive review that covers everything from the history of M to the fanboy love of some M followers, Neil goes out on a limb and writes this:


...So what could possibly be wrong? Well, for one thing, the 1M Coupe is a total buttaface, one of the ugliest, most disturbingly wrong car designs in modern history. The addition of all the massive wheel arches, lip spoilers, aero mods and the so-called Air Curtain front spoiler helps not at all. This car is the last revenge of former BMW styling head Chris Bangle. Jeez, put a flag over its head and drive for glory...

Then Neil goes about stammering on about old-schoolers not happy with the cars becoming too heavy and wraps it up on a positive note...

..."This things a tangerine dream." [end review]

Tangerine Dream, great music.

Back to the car. I guess that's what you'd call a backhanded compliment. But who cares what the journos or bad television personalities have to say about the car, we want to hear from you.

Is Dan Neil onto something? Is the 1M's styling a "buttaface?"

TRUE or FALSE?

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FromThePassengerSeat - 10/22/2011 9:06:26 PM

+3 Boost

While the 1M isn't as attractive as a 135i, this is a grotesque exaggeration on the author's part. And anyway, it's a price I'm willing to pay for improved aerodynamics.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 10/22/2011 10:05:23 PM

-1 Boost

Just Look At It !!

An Uglier Vehicle I Am Yet To See.

But im sure if i were behind the wheel i would not give a damn.

Dustbuster - 10/23/2011 1:26:58 AM

+4 Boost

Just like the Geico commercial: "do woodchucks chuck wood?"
Maybe the question should be whether we'd be willing to drive something this ugly for performance's sake. Personally, I'd buy a used M3...

quizz - 10/23/2011 1:59:09 AM

+4 Boost

For men over 35, it does look a bit juvenile and too young - it's trying too hard to be sporty.

bmwdrvr - 10/25/2011 9:29:50 AM

+1 Boost

Trying too hard to be sporty? lol what does that even mean. If the 135i M looks "too sporty" than the old guys that drive ferraris, lambos, 911 turbos with a million air scoops, and aero aids also look "too sporty".....what do you drive an avalon or crown victoria??

pcar4evr - 10/23/2011 5:05:14 AM

-6 Boost

BMW must have hired the GT-R design team as consultants and their first triumph was the 1M

FromThePassengerSeat - 10/27/2011 3:11:00 PM

+1 Boost

Wait, what?

Yonder7 - 10/23/2011 5:20:39 AM

+1 Boost

The beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. For me it is Horrible (for me), but that does not mean nothing. Dan opinion is his opinion...so who cares about ?.... i know that there is a lot of cars that I like but others will find them ugly like R class, but do I care ? ...hell no. So same goes for the Dan's opinion...

Steve - 10/23/2011 8:29:51 AM

+1 Boost

Gotta agree with Yonder7! To *me*, the 1 series looks like it was designed by Fisher Price. It has a "baby" look to it: Chubby, shortened proportions with large, infantile "eyes." So for me *me*, this car is just so wrong. But that's *me*.

If *you* like this car for whatever reason -- handling, performance, or even styling -- then good for you! If what others think matters to you, then you are signing up for some misery. Be true to *yourself*. Do what *you* want. And who gives a rip about what others think!!!

irishmike - 10/23/2011 9:38:22 AM

+2 Boost

I agree with most here. The standard '1' is chunky, but somewhat attractive. Something went wrong with the 'M' transition in regard to styling.
And yes, it's a maturity thing, too. As we age, we tolerate less of the hot wheels look. However look at the E30 M3! I can still tolerate that! Can't explain that!

FromThePassengerSeat - 10/23/2011 9:19:17 PM

+2 Boost

Catering to American tastes!? A CAMRY caters to American tastes. This is about as un-Camry as it gets: the 1M is a hardcore enthusiast's car.

CarCrazedinCali - 10/23/2011 4:25:39 PM

+2 Boost

I have not driven but seen this bad boy, I will still stick with a 335 or 135 though, plenty of style and performance

synx - 10/23/2011 7:55:52 PM

+1 Boost

new 1 series looks worse

Baby - 10/23/2011 10:16:49 PM

0 Boost

A raciest at heart I see.....

Willis - 10/23/2011 9:56:33 PM

+1 Boost

The current 1M is one of the best-looking BMWs IMO.

Baby - 10/23/2011 10:15:31 PM

0 Boost

Dude! What is wrong with you~!
LOL

Willis - 10/24/2011 9:43:48 AM

+2 Boost

I was about to ask you the same thing! ;-)

1c3am5 - 10/24/2011 7:08:22 AM

+2 Boost

I'm sorry... this thing looks different from any other BMW? They all look pretty much the same don't they? Different scoop here, rounded foglight there... Yawn.

PUGPROUD - 10/24/2011 7:47:44 AM

+4 Boost

I have a Pug. He is a great dog. He is named after Jake Lamotta the boxer...has the face for it. If you love Pugs you'll love the BMW 1M !

MBCLK500 - 10/24/2011 9:47:03 AM

+3 Boost

On one hand, Dan Neil is a little harsher than need be. On the other hand, BMW will be a lot better off once they get rid of the remaining "Bangled-up" design influences. Bangle must have been a really good salesman to talk BMW board members into allowing him to ruin the cars exteriors for 5 to 10 years...

Hoorayforpeepee - 10/24/2011 10:13:29 AM

+3 Boost

I actually drove the car and in person it's not that bad, the performance is what it's all about. People need to understand that most cars get their looks from a corporate design language that's been agreed on and that affects an entire car company lineup.

It's the same for VW, Toyota, BMW etc ...

skytop - 10/24/2011 11:11:11 PM

+1 Boost

When I go to my dealer, I too see the 1 series as less than appealing. In person, the beltline around the car gives the car a "BATH TUB" appearance. I could not see purchasing one, even if I was looking to buy in that lower price point.

hkthoed - 10/24/2011 11:18:51 PM

+1 Boost

opinions from "DAN" from the "WSJ" have no merit...hell does he know about cars?

MorePower - 10/25/2011 4:36:09 AM

+1 Boost

It's not a good looking car by any means, but the little guy has big balls!

mini22 - 10/25/2011 12:19:30 PM

+1 Boost

The fact that BMW is limiting production of the 1M to 1000 cars means that it matters little what it looks like.The regular 1 has never been a good looking car. The M exaggerates the worst features of the 1, especially the headlights.