Vundle seems like it only takes care of the plugins. I'm looking for a vim install system, like Python's setup.py.

The rage these days seems to be to keep your own dotfiles repo, complete with some kind of install mechanism.

My own is here [1] but it covers my whole homedir, not just VIM. I use Rake tasks (originally inspired by @holman, I believe) for install / update / clean.

There is a bootstrapping problem when using Vundle with many plugins [2]. The only way to have your Vundles install cleanly the first time is to split up .vimrc into two separate files, which is what I have done.

[1] https://github.com/anthonywilson/dotfiles

[2] http://www.gmarik.info/blog/2011/05/17/chicken-or-egg-dilemm...

Can you elaborate on your requirements/wishes here?

For me my vim environment consists of my vimrc plus plugins. Granted, I pick plugins based on the "doesn't need extra steps to work" requirement.

vundle therefor restores my setup completely from a (potentially restored or managed in a git repository) vimrc file. What's missing for you?