Did BMW steal the MX5 design or the other way round?

BMBabe

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my mate is having a debate with his friend
His friend seems to think BMW Stole the design of the MX5 and came up with the Z3

What's yiur thoughts ZEDDERS?
 

Jack Ratt

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I think the Zed looks more like a 1960's Triumph Spitfire than an MX5
 

t-tony

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Considering that Mazda started making the Eunos in 1989 I don't see how that argument stands up?

Tony.
 

POG

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I think the design of the Mazda had a similar look to the early Lotus Elan's... I don't think the Z3 looks like the Mazda.
 

BMBabe

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I said to my mate it's all rubbish so he can go back to his mate and politely say sod of haahaaa
 

oldcarman

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Does it really matter that much to your friend's friend?? It was 20 years ago! He needs to get a girl friend I think! JMO JIM
 

BMBabe

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Does it really matter that much to your friend's friend?? It was 20 years ago! He needs to get a girl friend I think! JMO JIM
That' was my thought and also my 1st thought was hmmm I think someone maybe jealous =))
 

t-tony

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That same thought occurred to me too Stacey. Totally understandable though.

Tony.
 

BMBabe

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That same thought occurred to me too Stacey. Totally understandable though.

Tony.
@t-tony you should see the total crap down at this guys garage total load of s**t (yes this chap had an MX5) lol
we have beautiful cars!!
FYI just an fb disagreement with some idiot slating a Z3 and he drives a 3 series so I reminded him that duh we are driving the same car =))
 

Kit

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Well they are both great cars the MX5 seems to have stood the test of time.
Looking forward to the 2015 version.
Erster-Eindruck-vom-neuen-Mazda-MX-5-644x363-c6d932fd797622aa.jpg
 

t-tony

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A lot of people slag the MX5/Eunos, mainly because they haven't driven one, but I did for whatever reason and if it were not for that great little car I would not be on here today. There is room for all of us in this world, it's just that some of us grow up and have the real deal.

Tony.
 

Rha

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Fourth generation ND MX5; looking at this new model IMO tells you that the BMW Z3 wide body roadster has definitely had some influence with the Jap designers, considering the Z w/body was available in 1998 with elec hood, traction control, LSD, ABS as standard and this most up to date ND has manual hood + pay for the rest as extras. I would say that even if BMW were influenced by the first MX5 they certainly got nearly 16yrs ahead at first attempt, when I look closely at new ND I see the body contours of the first w/body Z, cos you may not agree but they were certainly slow in bringing MX5 up to the good looks of the Z3. I wouldn't say it's rubbish cos I like the look, but if any one copied anyone it was Mazda copying LOTUS or other Brit sports cars. Don't forget the Japs have previous for taking other designes and improving on them, can't blame them for that cos the're not restrained by our copyrite laws, or they weren't as I remember. New ND is a looker and gets my vote,but it's 8yrs too late for me, and around 16yrs behind the Zs.
 

Zeti

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A fact is clear: the commercial success of MX5 reminded BMW that a market for roadster was opened and the fact that about 40 years passed after their last roadster , the 507, gorgeous, but so inaccessible at his time.
Anyway it was a very inspired decision to start the production of a new BMW roadster, with "popular" price, this time.
Thanks God for this!
 

oldcarman

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And I look at my 58 190sl Mercedes and that came out with little change from 55-63 and see most later roadsters following suit. I was originally drawn to the gull wing until I actually toured the M-B museum in Stuttgart. Still loved the concept but would definitely pick the roadster over it. Didn't have an extra million or so laying around getting mouldy so found little brother the 190sl after a tech took me to a special room under the building and showed me one. Only old car with a big price that I paid cash for. It was interesting that going through the museum I found I already owned 4 different models on display. JIM
 
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