** Official Thread for 2008 LA Auto Show Pictures **

[Kewl X5]

Made it to the first public opening day of the LA Auto Show 2008. I took way too many pics this year, but decided to pick and choose select ones because you can probably see many of them on various internet sites....

So without further ado....First went to BMW (of course) and checked out the new 7-series. Personally, it does look better than I thought it would in person though I'm not sure if I am used to the huge kidney grills at front, but overall, I like it bettter than when I first saw the pics on 4th of July weekend.

Well, I tried to take pics to capture it. The Cashmere Silver Metallic was the one they let every go in and check it out. The iDrive 2.0 is definitely easier to use and actually very responsive (couldn't believe this was iDrive).

You can see the evolution of the interior dashboard from the E70 X5.

[Kewl X5]

The dashboard now glows in orange...have to see in person.

The wood trim on the side of the door also serves as a door pull to close the door. I figured it out but many people didn't noticed and tried to closed door in many funny ways...

[Kewl X5]

The trunk size appears smaller than the previous generation 7. Either people are getting bigger or the new 750iL appears a bit smaller than the outgoing 7-series. There was also a concept hybrid 7-series on display....

[haigha]

Thanks for sharing the pics, Dr. Cool-o

[Kewl X5]

The 550i they had there in Carbon Black metallic look stunning, but I noticed the steptronic gearshift lever looks different than the X5 and 7-series....it actually looks better and feels less plasticky....I think this gearshift level should be used on the X5 and 7-series....looks more sporty!

Also, they were showcasing new diesels for the U.S. market with both X5 and 3-series diesels!!

BTW, the last pic on this post shows the entrance to the BMW lounge which is exclusive to all BMW owners. Just show your BMW car keys and they will let you enter for free drinks (non-alcoholic) and snacks. (Will show pics of this lounge later this thread)

[Kewl X5]

Facelifted (front & back) E90 M3 Sedan for 2009 with M DCT & new iDrive 2.0! Also, showing BMW's past history of cars and motocycle.

[Kewl X5]

Here are a few more misc. pictures of BMW's display. It was by far one of the busiest display at the LA Auto Show.

The famous "Wall of Wheels" that BMW always tend to display. Also, pics of the BMW Lounge for BMW owners (show your BMW car key and enter).

Also, I found this BMW X5 model that had been "crash tested" or some kid put this X5 model through the ringer!

Next to BMW was Mini. Later on today or tonight when I have more time, I will upload pics from Mini and various other car makes. I took over 250 pics with my new Canon SD880IS and will sort through unique pics for ya!

[ZsX5o3]

that is one massive grille on the 7..

they facelifted the m3 sedan? woot maybe I can afford the '08 soon

[FSETH]

Thanks for the great pics.

I do not like how the top half of the dashboard is gray. I think it should be black. I have to be honest, the whole dash on this car reminds me a an early 1990's Oldsmobile Tornado or something. I don't like it one bit. I am also not sure about those oversized kidneys with the mesh looking inserts. The proportions on the front of the car just look off to me.

IMO, the 550i interior was a step up from the new seven.

[MINIz guy]

Great pictures!

Is it only the LA Auto Show that has the BMW Lounge, or does the NYC one also have one?

The new 7 series looks very mean but I think BMW made the wrong choice with a light colored car. That hood gap is just plain ugly, but with a blue/black car, it would've been hidden away and be more appealing.