E36 BMW - Why "dolphin shape"

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Gaz{M}

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Why is the E36 BMW called "Dolphin Shape"? It looks nothing like a dolphin!
 
I own one and although I don't know why they call it dolphin shape and I can imagine why since the bonnet looks like the dolphin nose (that is, while you are in the driving seat, as if you were on riding on top of a dolphin) and the tail of the car does stick out like a dolphin tail.

Adding all the extras of the M3 onto the body and the dolphin shape kinda disappears so not a good model to look at if you want to see the dolphin shape.
 
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nic777 said:
I own one and although I don't know why they call it dolphin shape and I can imagine why since the bonnet looks like the dolphin nose (that is, while you are in the driving seat, as if you were on riding on top of a dolphin) and the tail of the car does stick out like a dolphin tail.

Adding all the extras of the M3 onto the body and the dolphin shape kinda disappears so not a good model to look at if you want to see the dolphin shape.
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quite rite ! its named after how the nose of the bonnet flows down ! Still baffled at what they call the toyota's though :confused: ! wetlook (it doesnt look wet :p and the bubble shape :confused: dont look like no bubble to me.
 
I think bubble refers to the rear window not sure
 
yeah, also always wondered about this one... well seems to explain it a bit... will see if I manage to figure it out on my way home in my "dolphin"
 
I agree. I've seen Dolphins at Ushaka land. They don't look like BM'w at all. I've never understood this Dolphin shape thing. I wonder if it works overseas?
 
The bonnet flows down and the tail sticks out? What about the E46 and E90? That could be said of most saloons. There must be a better explanation than that.
 
yea.. someone with one give us an in car picture
 
Gaz{M} said:
The bonnet flows down and the tail sticks out? What about the E46 and E90? That could be said of most saloons. There must be a better explanation than that.
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Its more "the bonnet has a dolphin nose" and the "tail" matches the whole shape to look like a dolphin.

Yes, I will try to do in car pictures.
 
The old e28 shape is referred to as the "shark" shape or shark nose because of the sharp front end- with the bonnet going over the headlights.

I suppose with a smoother front end the e36 would then become known as the dolphin shape.
 
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