Presskit: BMW UK Multi Model Launch

The BMW Multi-Model Launch 2005 Contents 1.The BMW Multi-Model Launch 2005 - Overview. p3 2.The new BMW 130i and 130i M Sport. p8 3.The new BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring. p20 4.The new BMW 520d, 540i and 550i Saloon and 520d, 550i Touring models. p42 5.The new BMW 650i Coupé and Convertible. p67 6.The new BMW 730Ld. p79 7.The new BMW X3 2.0i and 3.0d. p90

1. The BMW Multi-Model Launch, 2005 - Overview

The BMW multi-model launch represents the single largest introduction of engine
variants in BMW's 89-year history. As recently as eight years ago a modest
selection of model variants existed across the 3, 5 and 7 Series ranges. Now
the BMW model range consists of eight individual model series with a total of
191 variants - more than three times as many models as were offered in 1997.

This variety of model offering is further underscored by the breadth of
powerplants currently on sale - ranging from a UK-built 1,995cc petrol unit
with 122hp to the International Engine of the Year powerplant - the 507hp V10
in the M5 and M6. In fact, as far as an engine range is concerned, BMW is the
most prolific engine builder in the world's automotive industry today. With
one, two and four-cylinder motorcycle engines and four, six, eight, 10 and
12-cylinder car engines, BMW knows that the heart of a dynamic drive is a
modern powerplant.

Jim O'Donnell, Managing Director of BMW (UK) Ltd, said: "The September
numberplate change marked the introduction of a range of engines and models to
BMW that prove just how far ahead of the competition we are. Those seeking
economy, performance, style and practicality combined with affordable luxury
are all well catered for.

"BMW heads into 2006 with a very optimistic outlook. We broke through the
100,000 sales barrier in 2004 and the mix of new engines and models in 2005
will boost our annual sales still further. Yet the quality and reliability of
all our product, from the four-cylinder entry-level 1 Series to the top of the
range flagship V12-engined 7 Series, ensures the market remains healthy and
keen for new BMWs. This autumn will once again see BMW record the best sales
combined with some of the strongest residual values across the range of any
premium manufacturer".

The new four-cylinder BMW 318d, 318i and six-cylinder 330d join the benchmark
compact executive four-cylinder 320i, 320d and six-cylinder 325i and 330i
models in the 3 Series range. Meanwhile, a new flagship model comes to the 1
Series in the shape of the 130i SE and M Sport variants powered by a
six-cylinder 265hp engine, while an entry-level four-cylinder diesel engine
heralds the arrival of the 520d. The V8-powered BMW 540i and 550i are both
introduced at the same time as the 367hp 5.0-litre engine also debuts in the
650i Coupé and Convertible. Sport variants of the 6 Series also appear for the
first time to sit between Standard and the high performance M6 in the range. A
new long-wheelbase diesel-powered 730Ld is launched that will appeal directly
to the chauffeur drive market and new four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol and
six-cylinder 3.0-litre diesel-powered X3 models complete the wave of new
product launched by BMW.

In addition to the numerous new models announced, most ranges in the current
line-up receive increases in specification levels for improved customer benefit
while distinct M Sport variants have also gone on sale in four of the models in
the BMW range - 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series and X3 models.

A summary of all the new engines introduced in their respective models,
including a brief overview of price and specification is outlined in the
downloadable Overview document.