I think he had a positive and lasting effect on BMW. Look at what unit sales growth has been during his tenure.

Too many are bashing him for pushing the envelope a little, IMO. If you want everything to keep looking like an E39, fine, but BMW would be in trouble (or broke) if they had followed that path.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue