BMW introduces new 525i to Canada

Whitby. BMW Group Canada announced today that the new entry level 5 Series, the
525i priced at $58,200 will be available at BMW retailers in April. Equipped
with the 2004 Automobile Journalists Association of Canada awards for 'Best New
Luxury Car' and 'Best New Technology' for optional Active Steering, along with
an all new inline six cylinder engine with VALVETRONIC engine technology the
BMW 525i sets new standards for the mid-size luxury segment.

"The new 525i offers the Canadian consumer exceptional value while at the same
time maintaining the long established tradition of driving dynamics", commented
Lindsay Duffield, President and CEO, BMW Group Canada. "BMW is committed to
delivering the Ultimate Driving Experience throughout our broadening portfolio".

A key highlight of the 525i is the innovative inline six cylinder engine
complete with a magnesium crankcase and VALVETRONIC engine technology for even
greater efficiency and dynamics. Horsepower is rated at 215 bhp at 6500 rpm
with torque at 184 lb-ft at 2750-4250 rpm.

Through the use of magnesium/aluminum technology the new 525i has the lightest
production six cylinder in its class. For the first time in modern engine
construction, BMW is using magnesium in large-scale production of a
water-cooled crankcase. The revolutionary composite aluminum crankcase weighs
just 57 per cent of a comparable iron block, with a reduction in weight versus
a crankcase made entirely of aluminum by 24 per cent. BMW's new inline six,
weighing just 161 kg, is the world's lightest six-cylinder in its class,
greatly complementing the lightweight construction of the BMW 5 Series with its
front end made of aluminum all the way back to the A-pillar. With aluminum
being two-thirds lighter than steel, customers benefit from the reduction in
weight through greater economy, enhanced dynamics, and outstanding agility.

In its looks and appearance, the 5 Series combines the sporting flair of the 3
Series with the presence of the BMW 7 Series. Through its design alone, the new
5 forms the powerful centrepoint within the BMW model range. The muscular front
end with its unmistakable, curved headlight clusters featuring dual headlights
and the coupé-like "greenhouse" clearly bear testimony to the car's sporting
and dynamic character.

Building upon the finely tuned all-aluminum suspension through active driving
systems a safe and comfortable driving pleasure is further enhanced. And it is
precisely here that the new 5 Series, featuring the world's first example of
Active Steering, provides the driver with an unprecedented combination of
handling, safety and driving comfort.

Such features as a Heated Steering Wheel, 6 Speed Automatic Transmission with
Steptronic, Glass Sunroof, BMW Assist and integrated Bluetooth telephone
technology are all no charge options and add to the excellent value of the
525i.

As with all BMW offerings there is an extremely wide variety of packages and
stand alone features to tailor the car to individual choice. The 525i is
available with the following packages;

* Navigation Package - Includes BMW onboard navigation with voice
control and a Canada-US navigation DVD. Priced at $2900.

* Premium Package - Includes auto dimming mirror and Dakota leather.
Priced at $2800.

* Sport Package - Includes sport suspension, leather sport steering
wheel, 17? star spoke alloy wheels and high gloss shadow line. Priced at $2500.

Key stand alone options include Active Steering, priced at $1500, Adaptive
Headlights, priced at $490 and Harman/Kardon Logic 7 Sound System priced at
$1200.

Available as of April and priced starting at $58,200 the new BMW 525i makes
driving an automotive benchmark icon an even easier choice.

BMW Group Canada, based in Whitby, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW
AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance
automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI. BMW Group
Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail
financing and leasing programs on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles,
as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total
network of 36 BMW automobile retail centres, 18 BMW motorcycle retailers, and
20 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

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