Heading for the sun. Precipitation radar keeps BMW drivers away from the rain.

Munich. Sunshine and blue skies, yes; showers and hailstones, no thank you.
That is why surfers tune in to the coastal weather report, hang-gliders check the
internet and hikers invoke the weather gods. But what about BMW drivers? With
immediate effect, they can turn to an on-board precipitation radar. After all, not
everything that comes from on high is a blessing, as not only open-top
enthusiasts know. Heavy hailstorms and large hailstones, for example, can wreak
major damage – not just to your car. It pays, then, to be prepared for the weather
well ahead of time so as to plan accordingly. BMW is the first car manufacturer in
the world to offer its customers the option of calling up graphics inside the car
that show the current precipitation for any location in Germany. Available as from
now, the graphic displays feature two zoom settings, are updated every 15
minutes and show the geographical distribution of rain, hail or snow.

Up to the minute at all times
The precipitation radar, a service offered by BMW ConnectedDrive, is
a further development of the weather forecast that is already available
in the car. By contrast with the high-resolution precipitation graphics,
this gives information on current and forecast weather conditions at
the present location and the destination, as well as any selected
locality in Europe. From July 2009, drivers will also be able to call up a
“Precipitation Pattern” menu option that provides an animated
representation of cloud movements over the last 90 minutes.

About BMW ConnectedDrive
BMW combines individual online, assistance and service systems in the vehicle
under the overall concept of ConnectedDrive. These are services that can be
directly accessed using the navigation system or phone and they make a
significant contribution to the enhancement of comfort and safety. For example,
BMW Assist accesses the latest traffic information and provides a personal
information service, alongside the emergency call function. Any data requested
on restaurants, cinemas or hotels can be incorporated directly in the BMW
navigation system as a destination. Internet-based services such as calling up
share prices, weather reports and free parking spaces come under BMW Online.
The vehicle uses BMW TeleServices to contact a BMW Service Partner
automatically when it needs a service.

Further information is available online at www.bmw.com/connecteddrive.