BMW Announces the Introduction of Five New Models: 330i sedan (with optional all-wheel-drive drive system), 330Ci coupé and cabriolet, Z3 3.0i roadster, X5 3.0i

Whitby, Ontario ... This summer, a new 3.0-litre power unit (225 bhp @ 5900
rpm) will be replacing the current 2.8-litre engine as the top-of-the-range
power unit within BMW's six-cylinder series. BMW is thus opening up a new
chapter in the Company's successful story of straight-six power units dating
back to 1933.
The new engine in the 330Ci coupé offers an electronically limited top speed of
206 km/h. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h comes in 6.5 seconds, and acceleration
from 80 - 120 km/h in fourth gear takes a mere 6.9 seconds (European
measurements). Offering this kind of performance, the 3 Series is entering
territory which, until just a few years ago, was reserved to high-performance
cars such as the BMW M3. The 330i appeals to the passionate sports driver among
customers of the 3 Series who expects truly outstanding performance.

From the outside, all 3-litre 3 Series vehicles are characterised by 17-inch
aluminium wheels with dual-spoke design. Inside, chrome surrounds on the
instrument dials mark the distinction of the 3.0-litre derivative.

The 330i sedan will also be available with BMW's optional all-wheel-drive
system. This is the same system already featured on the BMW X5, selective
operation of the brakes taking the place of conventional differential locks in
order to provide maximum traction. The DSC driving stability system is an
integral part of this all-wheel drive system. The BMW 3 Series with all-wheel
drive is simply ideal for the discerning Canadian motorist who seeks optimum
traction on snow, ice and loose gravel over and above the very good traction
already offered by the "standard" 3 Series.

The Z3 roadster will also be powered by the top-of-the-range 3.0-litre engine,
thus moving up to the highest performance segment within BMW's model range.
Acceleration to 100 km/h is only 6.0 seconds (with the new five-speed
Steptronic automatic transmission in 6.3 seconds), taking the same short time
to accelerate from 80 - 120 km/h in fourth gear. Top speed is 240 km/h. Average
fuel consumption is a very economical 9.5 litres premium fuel/100 km
(estimated), which is quite unusual for a sports car of this calibre. From
outside, the Z3 3.0 roadster is characterised by the model designation "3.0i"
at the rear.

The 330i sedan, 330Ci coupé, 330Ci cabriolet, and the Z3 3.0i will be available
at Canadian BMW retailers in July.

In May, the BMW X5 will also be available with BMW's new 3.0-litre six-cylinder
engine, entering the market as the X5 3.0i. This segment of Sports Activity
Vehicles, developed by BMW, combines offroad driving qualities with excellent
driving characteristics on the road as well as active and passive safety at its
best.

Featuring the new six-cylinder, the X5 3.0i accelerates from 0 - 100 km/h in an
estimated 8.5 seconds (with five-speed Steptronic automatic transmission in 8.8
seconds) and has a top speed of 202 km/h. Fuel consumption is 12.7 litres
premium on 100 km or 12.9 litres with the automatic model (estimated). Like its
predecessors, the new engine naturally offers that proverbial silken smoothness
which has already made BMW's six-cylinders world-famous.

When developing the new engine, BMW's specialists focused not only on extra
power, but also on particularly "beefy" torque at lower engine speeds.
Accordingly, the engine offers 90 per cent of its maximum torque of 214 lb-ft
(291 Nm) @ 3500 rpm.

Another special feature is that the new engine fulfils the D4 (Germany) and
ULEV (USA) emission standards. Despite the considerable increase in power and
performance, fuel consumption with the new engine is just as low as on the
former model.

The BMW Group in 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, Land Rovers and beginning
in 2001 the new MINI. The BMW Group is represented by a total network of 48
independent BMW and Land Rover retailers and 15 independent BMW motorcycle
retailers.

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