New BMW 5-Series seen with badges taped over

[christopherwk]

I was on the A4 Bath Road tonight heading home, I saw a new model BMW 5-Series with its' BMW badges covered in black tape (and the model number on the bootlid), and the wheel centre caps were just black.

I'm wondering why? It's obviously a BMW just by looking at it. Is it not officially launched yet? Is this common practice?

 

[ringway]

I saw a new model BMW 5-Series with its' BMW badges covered in black tape...

Is this common practice?

It should be.

 

[momomo]

Yes it is. I live not too far from the McLaren Technology Centre where they built the SLR. I saw the SLR taped up in a similar fashion to camouflage it and test driven locally in the area while in development so many times id lost count. Also ive recently seen their replacement to the SLR, the P11 driving around a few times heavily camouflaged, it did sound good though.

Car manufacturers go to great lengths to ensure their production prototypes are protected from spys and photographers. Also is well known that if a prototype is seen wearing a particular badge/badging then it will almost definitely belong to another make. Fixing false identification marks and brand to vehicles is a popular trick.

 

[BenzedUP]

BMW = Big Money Wasted

 

[fuzzer]

They are doing previews at the moment in their showrooms, was prob being ferried somewhere for that.

 

[christopherwk]

I don't see the point. It's easily recognisable as a BMW! Only the badges were taped up, not heavily disguised at all.

Should have tried to have a look inside, and see if the badge in the middle of the steering wheel was taped too!

 

[HR17]

I see plenty of Jags and Astons around the Midlands with very light tape and paint disguises. I've also seen development cars with heavier disguises, even on motorways.

 

[Gridlock]

A relative ran an 08 plate XJ6 with a certain 503bhp supercharged V8 for around 3,000 miles....

 

[KillerHERTZ]

I don't see the point. It's easily recognisable as a BMW! Only the badges were taped up, not heavily disguised at all.

Should have tried to have a look inside, and see if the badge in the middle of the steering wheel was taped too!

If it was completely un-disguised the dealers would get calls saying "what do you mean I cant buy one, ive seen it on the roads already". this way it covers their backs.