The BMW design is very appreciated in the design world. Even the latest "Bangelized" cars.
For example BMW got many red dot awards by Design Zentrum NW, Essen*:
Z4 got the red dot award in 2003, 5-series got it in 2004, and 5-series touring in 2005. Also Z8 got the award in 2001, and E46 cabrio in 2000.
Last year Audi A6 also got the red dot award.
Here are the other winner in vehicle categories over the recent history:
http://en.red-dot.org/303.html
*
Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, based in Essen, Germany is one of the leading European institutions in the field of design promotion. Design Zentrum has acted as an intermediary between industry, business and designers since 1954, organising high prestige competitions such as the red dot design affording design oriented companies the opportunity of comparing performance and quality on an international level. With 4,165 participants the red dot design award is the largest design competition in Germany, establishing its award world-wide as one of the most desired quality labels for good design.