Huh. M2 Competition using Kia grill?!

M235ForNow · 08-15-2018, 09:38 AM

I just now noticed that, imho, BMW has taken a step too far in playing with their iconic twin kidney grill. Namely, they're gotten rid of the twins. And thereby made it ... a Kia grill. Head of design at Kia (forget his name) said he loved their grill because they could alter the particular shape to fit vehicle type. So it's not much of a stretch to see him pulling it tightly together to get exactly what I'm seeing on the M2C. Mathematically, there's no way to distort two separate bodies to make them just one. But once you've joined the two, it's easy.

Design is subjective so I won't say it's bad. But I will say I think it's an unfortunate decision and one that doesn't appeal to me. At all.

BarryJI · 08-15-2018, 10:25 AM

Yes, I don't like all this fiddling about with the grille design either. And your point about Kia-isation is well taken. The tall, kinked grilles on the bigger cars like the 7-Series are hideous, IMO.

Ron Jeffries · 08-15-2018, 12:42 PM

Topological function: Union.

Not to say that I like the look. I'd have to see it.

M235ForNow · 08-15-2018, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Jeffries

Topological function: Union.

Not to say that I like the look. I'd have to see it.

Umm, union isn't a topological distortion. You can try diffeomorphic transformation to your heart's content; you're not going to smoothly map two disparate bodies into one.

And you can count on it! (Get it ... a math joke!)

bimmerfile · 08-15-2018, 01:02 PM

Yah, I'm not a fan of the conjoined kidney grilles BMW seems to be putting on all the next-gen models. Two thumbs - way the hell down.

Questofthetune · 08-15-2018, 02:08 PM

Looks like a nose

3rdcoast228i · 08-15-2018, 03:07 PM

Hopefully there will be some aftermarket grills to correct this.

Sportstick · 08-15-2018, 04:22 PM

If I can do this in about 15 seconds on PowerPoint, I imagine a good bodyshop will be able to create the split very nicely. The surface seems well positioned for painting.

3rdcoast228i · 08-15-2018, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sportstick

If I can do this in about 15 seconds on PowerPoint, I imagine a good bodyshop will be able to create the split very nicely. The surface seems well positioned for painting.

You should work for BMW.

M235ForNow · 08-15-2018, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sportstick

If I can do this in about 15 seconds on PowerPoint, I imagine a good bodyshop will be able to create the split very nicely. The surface seems well positioned for painting.

And if I can do this in a couple of minutes on Manga Studio Pro ...

Sportstick · 08-15-2018, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M235ForNow

And if I can do this in a couple of minutes on Manga Studio Pro ...

We have a winnah!!

M235ForNow · 08-15-2018, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sportstick

We have a winnah!!

XutvJet · 08-15-2018, 07:56 PM

I dig the new grill look on the M2C.

3.0L · 08-15-2018, 09:33 PM

Headed towards mustache:

RoundelM3 · 08-16-2018, 08:24 AM

This is going to open up a whole new opportunity for a stick-on body-colored strip to make it appear that they are separate grilles. Either that or someone will create a new outer grille shell with a painted center section that the inner parts of the grilles will fit into. What the hell was BMW thinking when they did this?

Zwei · 08-16-2018, 09:01 AM

There will be a second opportunity for a stick on body-colored strip that makes double kidneys appear to be merged.

Sometimes its not how a grille looks that makes it desirable, its what its attached to.

CP911 · 08-16-2018, 03:30 PM

It is horrible, indeed. The M2C and the X2 have the worst looking kidney redesigns of all the recently updated BMWs. I hate to say it, but one of the top reasons I'd never buy a M2C is the revised kidney design. I have to also like the way the car looks when I'm spending $50k+ on a car.

On the other hand, the front end redesign of the new 3er was done very well. The proportion and shape of the redesigned kidney grille is just beautiful. I don't know how they got that one so right and then totally F'ed us on the actual "purist" performance car that is the M2C.

Rayscott · 08-16-2018, 03:34 PM

Could be worse, like a Lexus.

stevenvillatoro · 08-16-2018, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rayscott

Could be worse, like a Lexus.

(Said facetiously) Or even like a 1960s BMW...

Sportstick · 08-16-2018, 04:26 PM

I'll start with the cliché of "to each their own", but if I love driving the car, there isn't a grille design I can imagine which would ever block my purchase. Between how the front is positioned in the garage at night, and what I can see when driving, or walking up to the driver's door on the side, the design of the grille would never rise to a deal-breaker. I can enjoy visual mods, and have done a few which were pleasing, but I didn't buy the car to put it on display at the Met.

bimmerfile · 08-16-2018, 05:59 PM

I wonder if it's a one or 2 piece grill?
One of the 1st things I've done with the last 5 bimmers I've owned is replace the grill.

F22_Matt · 08-16-2018, 07:40 PM

Interesting. I must be in the minority of people who actually like the new conjoined grille design.

08-15-2018, 09:38 AM	#1
M235ForNow Private First Class 88 Rep 187 Posts Drives: '16 M235i Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Huh. M2 Competition using Kia grill?! I just now noticed that, imho, BMW has taken a step too far in playing with their iconic twin kidney grill. Namely, they're gotten rid of the twins. And thereby made it ... a Kia grill. Head of design at Kia (forget his name) said he loved their grill because they could alter the particular shape to fit vehicle type. So it's not much of a stretch to see him pulling it tightly together to get exactly what I'm seeing on the M2C. Mathematically, there's no way to distort two separate bodies to make them just one. But once you've joined the two, it's easy. Design is subjective so I won't say it's bad. But I will say I think it's an unfortunate decision and one that doesn't appeal to me. At all. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

08-15-2018, 10:25 AM	#2
BarryJI Captain 424 Rep 980 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 228i M Sport Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Yes, I don't like all this fiddling about with the grille design either. And your point about Kia-isation is well taken. The tall, kinked grilles on the bigger cars like the 7-Series are hideous, IMO. __________________ 2015 BMW 228i M Sport w/Track Handling Package DAP \| Lighting \| Premium \| Tech DINANTRONICS Performance Tuner Stage 1 \| DINAN Shockware \| DINAN Free Flow Exhaust \| DINAN Performance Spring Set + Ride Quality and Handling Kit
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-15-2018, 12:42 PM	#3
Ron Jeffries Old Member. Old in general, actually. 388 Rep 889 Posts Drives: 2018 M240i xDrive convertible Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	Topological function: Union. Not to say that I like the look. I'd have to see it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-15-2018, 01:02 PM	#5
bimmerfile Colonel 621 Rep 2,067 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X2 F39 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: GTA, Canada iTrader: (0)	Yah, I'm not a fan of the conjoined kidney grilles BMW seems to be putting on all the next-gen models. Two thumbs - way the hell down. __________________ 2019 X2
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-15-2018, 02:08 PM	#6
Questofthetune Captain 446 Rep 780 Posts Drives: 13 GT50014 AW M235i(sold) Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: SFL iTrader: (1) Garage List 2014 BMW 235i [0.00]	Looks like a nose
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-15-2018, 03:07 PM	#7
3rdcoast228i Captain 225 Rep 610 Posts Drives: 2016 228i Msport Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Hopefully there will be some aftermarket grills to correct this.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-15-2018, 04:22 PM	#8
Sportstick Major General 4653 Rep 6,028 Posts Drives: '15 228i and '24 X3 sDrive30i Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Southwest USA iTrader: (0)	If I can do this in about 15 seconds on PowerPoint, I imagine a good bodyshop will be able to create the split very nicely. The surface seems well positioned for painting. Attached Images __________________ 2015 228i 6MT/Track Handling/Tech/Cold/Premium/Lighting/Driver Assistance/KCDesign Strut Brace/M2 LCAs/Rogue SSK/BBS SR/PS4S/ER Chargepipe/AA Intercooler/Dinan Shockware/MPerformance Spoiler/Black Grilles/Xpel Ultimate PPF & Prime XR+ Tint/Adam's Ceramic/no CDV 2024 X3 sDrive30i/MSport/Premium/Dynamic Handling/Shadowline/Parking/Xpel Prime XR Plus/Weathertech Cargo Liner
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-15-2018, 07:56 PM	#13
XutvJet Major General 5551 Rep 5,369 Posts Drives: 2011 Cayman Base, 2016 M235 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Kansas City iTrader: (-1)	I dig the new grill look on the M2C.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-15-2018, 09:33 PM	#14
3.0L Colonel 8935 Rep 2,010 Posts Drives: M235i, 20k miles Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Headed towards mustache: Attached Images __________________ ///M235i \| Mineral Grey Metallic \| Premium Package \| Technology Package \| Driver Assistance Package \| Dakota Coral Red/Black Leather \| Harman/Kardon Premium 360 watt sound system \| 8-speed automatic When writing your life's plan, use a pencil with an eraser
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-16-2018, 08:24 AM	#15
RoundelM3 Major General 1835 Rep 6,990 Posts Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clayton, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 [9.83] 2015 BMW M3 [6.50]	This is going to open up a whole new opportunity for a stick-on body-colored strip to make it appear that they are separate grilles. Either that or someone will create a new outer grille shell with a painted center section that the inner parts of the grilles will fit into. What the hell was BMW thinking when they did this? __________________ 2015 F80 ///M3 Sedan 7DCT Tanzanite, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-16-2018, 09:01 AM	#16
Zwei Private 32 Rep 69 Posts Drives: 2014 M235i AW Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Mass iTrader: (0) Garage List 1998 Porsche 911 [0.00] 2014 BMW M235i [0.00]	There will be a second opportunity for a stick on body-colored strip that makes double kidneys appear to be merged. Sometimes its not how a grille looks that makes it desirable, its what its attached to. __________________ 2014 BMW M235i AW 1998 Porsche 911 2007 Mercedes E350 Wagon 2001 Toyota MR2 1977 Lancia Montecarlo 2002 Acura RSX Type S
	Appreciate 1 stevenvillatoro734.50 Quote

08-16-2018, 03:30 PM	#17
CP911 Major 986 Rep 1,241 Posts Drives: '18 M240i 6-speed Coupe Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: NW Indiana iTrader: (0)	It is horrible, indeed. The M2C and the X2 have the worst looking kidney redesigns of all the recently updated BMWs. I hate to say it, but one of the top reasons I'd never buy a M2C is the revised kidney design. I have to also like the way the car looks when I'm spending $50k+ on a car. On the other hand, the front end redesign of the new 3er was done very well. The proportion and shape of the redesigned kidney grille is just beautiful. I don't know how they got that one so right and then totally F'ed us on the actual "purist" performance car that is the M2C. __________________ CP911
	Appreciate 1 Dylan861330.00 Quote

08-16-2018, 03:34 PM	#18
Rayscott Major 376 Rep 1,154 Posts Drives: BMW 228ix Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Lewes DE iTrader: (0)	Could be worse, like a Lexus.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-16-2018, 04:26 PM	#20
Sportstick Major General 4653 Rep 6,028 Posts Drives: '15 228i and '24 X3 sDrive30i Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Southwest USA iTrader: (0)	I'll start with the cliché of "to each their own", but if I love driving the car, there isn't a grille design I can imagine which would ever block my purchase. Between how the front is positioned in the garage at night, and what I can see when driving, or walking up to the driver's door on the side, the design of the grille would never rise to a deal-breaker. I can enjoy visual mods, and have done a few which were pleasing, but I didn't buy the car to put it on display at the Met. __________________ 2015 228i 6MT/Track Handling/Tech/Cold/Premium/Lighting/Driver Assistance/KCDesign Strut Brace/M2 LCAs/Rogue SSK/BBS SR/PS4S/ER Chargepipe/AA Intercooler/Dinan Shockware/MPerformance Spoiler/Black Grilles/Xpel Ultimate PPF & Prime XR+ Tint/Adam's Ceramic/no CDV 2024 X3 sDrive30i/MSport/Premium/Dynamic Handling/Shadowline/Parking/Xpel Prime XR Plus/Weathertech Cargo Liner
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-16-2018, 05:59 PM	#21
bimmerfile Colonel 621 Rep 2,067 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X2 F39 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: GTA, Canada iTrader: (0)	I wonder if it's a one or 2 piece grill? One of the 1st things I've done with the last 5 bimmers I've owned is replace the grill. __________________ 2019 X2
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-16-2018, 07:40 PM	#22
F22_Matt Private 23 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 2017 240i Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Interesting. I must be in the minority of people who actually like the new conjoined grille design.
	Appreciate 0 Quote