New Dimensions in Driving Pleasure: BMW 130i - the Sports Powerhouse in the Compact Class.

Munich. 190kW power output, 300 Nm torque, 0 to 100 kph in 6.2 seconds,
less than 8 minutes 35 seconds on the Nürburgring North Loop, 250
kph top speed, rear-wheel-drive, 50/50% weight distribution. These
impressive numbers are not taken from the specification of some racing
sports car - rather, they relate to the BMW 130i. BMW's engineers could
not resist the thrill to implant into the compact BMW 1 Series the
brand-new, extraordinarily powerful and innovative inline six-cylinder
engine - so far known only from the sporty de-luxe BMW 630i
Coupé. The result is a powerhouse of superior mobility and
automotive performance, precise agility and refined appearance
unparalleled in the compact class. The launch in September 2004 of the
BMW 1 Series with two diesel engines (118d, 120d) and meanwhile three
petrol engines (116i, 118i, 120i) will be followed in September 2005 by
the 130i sports powerhouse which will be first presented to an
international public as early as March at the Geneva Motor Show. A
Technological Treat - The Powerpack of the BMW 130i. The main reason
for the 130i's superiority lies under its long, sweeping bonnet. The
new in-line six is considered a revolution in modern engine design: The
fascinating way in which it unleashes its power and its spontaneous
throttle response, in addition to a displacement of 3 litres, are
ensured by the fully variable valve train with infinitely variable
camshaft timing for the inlet and outlet side as well as VALVETRONIC to
control valve opening time and valve lift. The configuration of the
in-line six provides turbine-like smoothness with a fascinating sound
from idle up to 7,000 rpm. It is for the first time in automotive
history that an aluminium-magnesium composite case is used for this new
engine. Along with other lightweight construction features, such as
hydro-formed camshafts, electrically driven water pump and magnesium
hood, this makes it the lightest six-cylinder unit in its class. What is
good for low weight is not bad for consumption either: In the EU test
cycle, only nine litres of fuel for 100 kilometres will flow through
the six injectors of this power unit. Superiority with
Understatement. The BMW 130i is the right automobile for all compact
class customers desiring road performance characteristics normally
found in the sporty premium segment. Of the new top model, they expect
unobtrusive superiority in style. The features distinguishing the new
model from the other BMW 1 Series models are therefore subtle and
discreet. The 17-inch wheels in V-spoke design, chromed radiator fins
of the BMW kidney and twin chromed tailpipes show the expert that he is
looking at a particularly powerful BMW 1 Series. The standard interior
trim includes sport seats, leather steering wheel and an instrument
cluster with added gauges and displays specially designed for the 130i.
The BMW active steering which has received several international awards
and is known from the BMW 5 and 6 Series is available as an optional
feature. It ensures an optimum steering ratio at any speed and, thanks
to rear-wheel drive, remains absolutely unaffected by disturbing
influences of driveline components. Safety of the Highest Standard: 5
Euro NCAP Stars. As with all BMW 1 Series models, the 130i, too, is
equipped as standard with run-flat tyres, tyre defect indicator,
two-stage stop light, DSC dynamic stability control including panic
stop detector, electronic differential lock and traction control as
well as cornering brake control. With six airbags on top of that, the
BMW 1 Series recently received the maximum possible number of five
stars in the EuroNCAP crash test. The BMW 130i thus, in a highly
concentrated form, symbolizes everything that accounts for the success
of the BMW 1 Series in the compact class. No other vehicle in its
segment can boast this distinctive conceptual harmony of sporting ride
quality and character. The price of this extraordinary automobile has
not yet been finalized. Additional photographs in high-resolution
quality are available at www.press.bmwgroup.com. BMW 1 Series General
Features. The BMW 1 Series is a five-door fastback saloon with large
tailgate and a total length of 4.23 metres. Its BMW-typical driveline
concept, powerful engines and the associated driving pleasure, along
with high-quality trim, make it the dynamic premium car in the compact
class. With that, the BMW 1 Series appeals to customers who, whilst they
appreciated the practical aspects of today's compact cars, had for a
long time been looking in vain for an automobile designed to also meet
their extra needs for driving enjoyment and individuality. The BMW 1
Series specifically meets these needs and additionally offers
outstanding product substance with a modern, distinctive appearance.
Pleasing Sales Results. The worldwide demand for the BMW 1 Series has
been developing in a very gratifying way. Since the car was first
launched in September 2004, as many as 39,247 vehicles had been
delivered as of the end of last year. With the BMW 1 Series, the BMW
Group last year laid an important cornerstone for further profitable
growth. The premium segment of the compact class is seen by market
researchers as a market with high growth rates worldwide.