I agree with the "plasticky" look on the outside....in fact, too much non-painted plastic around the bumper area.

However, I disagree with your comment re: the aluminum hood. Aluminum is more expensive and BMW used it to lower the weight.

In fact, our '04 M3 has an aluminum hood to help save weight. The 6-series have aluminum doors as well. The M3 has carbon fiber bumpers underneath the plastic bumpers as well. Yes, the aluminum hood does feel lighter when you open it and close it on the M3, but that is the point is to decrease weight over the front axle for better handling.

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