[ksfrogman]

This may seem a bit obsessive, but I am a very detail-oriented person when it comes to aesthetics.

One of the most seemingly unique characteristics of the e90 rear design is the opposite directions of line 2 and line 3 (see photo below). For the past two days I have been driving and looking at the design trends of several brands of cars (Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Nissan, etc.). In almost all other vehicles, lines 2 and 3 are parallel. Yet, it makes artistic sense that line 1 and 2 would be parallel.

I personally like the "against-the-grain" direction the taillight inner axes make in relation to the recessed license plate area. Makes the taillights stand out more and look more sporty (in my opinion).

The next time you're out and about, look at all the other cars on the road, and you'll see what I mean. For instance, the Toyota Sequoia designers even inverted the direction of line 2 so that it parallels line 3 in their SUV.

[nabutes]

[David328M-Sport]

I like the look of the E90 from any angle. I have never been a critic of the rear. Although many don't lont like it probably due to its non "muscular" look, I think it looks OK. Functional, shall we say and safety oriented.

Looks better in real life.

[Xens]

Originally Posted by nabutes

I second that.

[ksfrogman]

Originally Posted by nabutes

LOL. Sorry, didn't mean to make your eyeballs pop out.

[davinet78]

i think the e90 is just stunning from any angle

[JSpira]

Good analysis. It´s the against the grain element that I think makes it particularly attractive.

I remember when I was a kid and Jaguar came out with their coupe (don´t remember the designation) and Motor Trend did a design analysis showing how each part of the car actually was more than just similar to another car (but in total it was perhaps 10-12 cars), incl the BMW 630i for greenhouse and so on.

[kal-el]

Originally Posted by ksfrogman

LOL. Sorry, didn't mean to make your eyeballs pop out.

good analysis frogman !

[JamieA]

I agree, good analysis. Also consistent with the whole flame surfacing theme of an interplay of convex and concave surfaces, another against the grain design feature.

You know I think you have hit on why people perceive the rear as being uncomfortable - it is just unfamiliar at this point in time. I kind of like the uncomfortableness, because it makes a statement of confidence, like modern dischordant music, that we don't need to feel the need to conform. Which is an interesting statement for a 3 series which is seen as a conformist car.

[BMW786]

Interesting observation. Good eye.

[DerekS]

ksfrogman,
Your analysis is very perceptive. May I suggest that you continue your analysis with the example of the Lexus IS 250/350. IMO, the rear end of this car is a styling disaster; the various angles and curves are not harmonious. For example, look at the reflectors under the bumper in relation to the shapes of the tail lights. The there's the problem with the Lexus C-pillar and the shortened green house; more blips in this Japanese design.
Getting back to the E90 tail, I think it looks even better with the car in motion.The tail is actually quite sculptural and easily the most aesthetically successful rear of any current BMW.

[txusa03]

That is why it is never boring to look at our e90. It is design to give you a fresh look everytime you look at it.

[BMW786]

Originally Posted by txusa03

That is why it is never boring to look at our e90. It is design to give you a fresh look everytime you look at it.

yea seriously - that car just gets better and better looking every day.

[BMW F22]

im not saying this cus i have an E90 but it is the best looking back end out there right now (compared to models in the same class). Have you guys seen the New Audi A4's back?? The IS is just a disaster- the ugliest shit ever!! MB is alright but E90's is THE best.

[Broken1]

Can someone draw the lines on the other 2 cars...I don't see it... *confused*

[Oz]

I think the rear of the car looks excellent and gives the car a very different look from others.

PS. I haven't had my E90 for about 3 weeks now because I am currently driving my X5 because I need to move my stuff...I can't wait for this weekend!

[txusa03]

Originally Posted by Broken1

Can someone draw the lines on the other 2 cars...I don't see it... *confused*

Broken1, do you see it now? I would never spot this until someone mentioned it.

[abc]

Originally Posted by ksfrogman

This may seem a bit obsessive, but I am a very detail-oriented person when it comes to aesthetics.

One of the most seemingly unique characteristics of the e90 rear design is the opposite directions of line 2 and line 3 (see photo below). For the past two days I have been driving and looking at the design trends of several brands of cars (Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Nissan, etc.). In almost all other vehicles, lines 2 and 3 are parallel. Yet, it makes artistic sense that line 1 and 2 would be parallel.

I personally like the "against-the-grain" direction the taillight inner axes make in relation to the recessed license plate area. Makes the taillights stand out more and look more sporty (in my opinion).

The next time you're out and about, look at all the other cars on the road, and you'll see what I mean. For instance, the Toyota Sequoia designers even inverted the direction of line 2 so that it parallels line 3 in their SUV.

you're describing something that is exactly what i've been bothered by the rear lights in relation to the cutout for the trunk. What i most don't like is the tops of both tail lights, they slant down towards each other. I think I'd rather have them less sloped, then both headlights more rectangular (widen the look of the back in relation to a wide muscular stance of the car) instead of so bubbly and squarish.

[abc]

and i know how 3 doesn't run parallel with 1 and 2, but i noticed for months that 3 does match with the slope of the of the car itself.

[obLu]

Never would've caught it conciously. The tailights still aren't asthetically pleasing and go poorly with the rest of the rear. They look tacked-on instead of purposeful like the lights on say an e46. Even the e60 tailights look better.

You can see where some designer thought it'd be a great idea to carry the curve of the side character line into the top edge of the tailights. I personally think they should've picked up on the trailing edge of the trunk lid instead of the side character line.

Everything else on the e90 (well, maybe except for the hard cuts on the front bumper) does it for me. But the tailights just don't work for me.

[ksfrogman]

I appreciate all the feedback that people are giving on this thread. Gives us better perspective on what may be likeable or bothersome about the e90 rear design.

If you look at NASCAR decals, JetSki Racing Decals, etc., they are often pasted across doors, windows, across openings, etc., and they almost never follow the sculpted lines of the vehicle. I agree with JamieA in that the dischordant appearance of the tail lights makes an in-your-face bold statement of confidence in design. It dares to be different.

[Xens]

Originally Posted by ksfrogman

I appreciate all the feedback that people are giving on this thread. Gives us better perspective on what may be likeable or bothersome about the e90 rear design.

If you look at NASCAR decals, JetSki Racing Decals, etc., they are often pasted across doors, windows, across openings, etc., and they almost never follow the sculpted lines of the vehicle. I agree with JamieA in that the dischordant appearance of the tail lights makes an in-your-face bold statement of confidence in design. It dares to be different.

Like I said in my statement over at e46fanatics "You can be controversial but not a leader, however, you cannot be a leader but not controversial."