BMW 750iL (2009) CAR review

Fair enough JB - though I still don't see why you speak of philosphising and contemplation as negative things in the context of this forum. I also don't see the TT as anything more than a 1-series convertable competitor really. While I can see someone choosing between the Boxster, BMW and Merc and Nissan, the Audi for me is all about the 1.8 cruising down your high street than the 3.2's handling balance and seat of your pants feel with it's 4-wheel drive. I don't see it as one which like to roll it's sleeves up - in fact the TT is the guy about to get into a ruck but insist on no punches to the face!

JB - Why don't you compare the Z4 to one of it's competitors rather than exotica. The Boxster, SLK and 370z ragtops are probably about it, and none of them look as good to my eye. And this forum is for exactly the kind of discussion that you seem I'll equipped or experienced to contribute to in the correct spirit. Since when were fora like this used for decision making? The beauty is that one can indeed muse and reflect without undue pressure. As well as talking about yourself more than is healty (IMO) you seem to assume that you somehow have knowledge, skills or experience not to be found in anyone else here. Which is probably amusing to all the other decision makers wondering what the hell it has to do with liking, not liking or not being sure if one likes the look of a car, which of course is governed by the heart and not the head - I take you make decisions with your head, right JB? Besides, design never stays the same - neither does fashion - and yet these ever changing trends rely on each other. Given the car design landscape is in a state of flux now with just about all new, non-exotic cars employing some kind of reference to flame whether you like to admit it or not, if at any time one is going to be undecided, that time will be now. By the time this transition is over, we'll see more Fiesta-like attempts at the concave-to-convex and even you may change you mind about how good BMWs look in a sea of Banglised design. You never know - future 'conventional design' may be born of Bangle's madness. Long shot? Mercedes, Citroen, Ford and Audi don't think so!

It's interesting how you always manage to turn a discussion into a personal attack once someone disagrees with your opinion. My life, by the way, is determined by contemplation and reasoning, which has served me rather well over the years, thanks very much. My comment on being "in two minds" about Bangle is obviously not linear enough, so I'll try and explain: early Bangle - flawed, but always interesting, with some inspiring flashes; Bangle of late (aka "van Hooydonk") - flawed, lukewarm, uninspiring. I have to give Bangle credit for bringing something new to the game of car design, but as the outrageousness has been toned down and classic beauty hasn't returned since I have grown away from the brand. I want classic BMW elegance or Bangle madness, but not some half-arsed attempt at both at the same time (now this is a position you should be able to understand rather easily).