BIGGER ENGINE, MORE POWER FOR BMW C1

BMW has today announced that its revolutionary urban transport vehicle launched
in Spring 2000, the C1, will be joined by a more powerful version - the C1 200
- which goes on sale immediately. Both power and torque increase substantially
- by 20 per cent and 42 per cent respectively - to give swifter acceleration
and a higher top speed.

Simultaneously BMW has realigned prices for the whole C1 range, with an entry
point £500 lower than before at £3,395 on the road, and has increased
distribution from 39 to 150 dealers. Prices for the three C1 200 models, which
parallel the line-up of the C1, are £200 higher in each case, starting at
£3,595.

BMW's Motorcycle Manager David Taylor welcomed the new model, "Many fans of the
C1 have asked for a more powerful model and now they have it. The C1 200 feels
substantially quicker on the road, yet still offers fantastic fuel economy and
all the unique safety features of the C1." Commenting on the pricing and
distribution changes, he added, "We have been pleased with the sales
performance of the C1, which was launched last year, with around 250 sold to
date, but wanted to reach more potential buyers. Now you can buy a C1 from
most BMW car dealers as well
as our motorcycle outlets and with an even more attractive price we expect
plenty of interest this year."

New engine:

The new 175 cc single cylinder engine is based on the same unit as the original
C1, but with a wider bore and longer stroke. Power increases by 20 per cent to
18 bhp and torque by 42 per cent to 17 Nm (12.5 lb ft). On the road this means
top speed increases from 64 mph to 70 mph and the dash from the traffic lights
up to 30 mph takes just 3.9 seconds compared to 5.9 seconds for the original
model.

Fuel consumption is still outstandingly frugal, returning 88.3 mpg at a steady
56 mph giving a maximum range of almost 190 miles. As it features a three-way
catalytic converter (the only powered two-wheeler of its size to do so), the C1
is the cleanest petrol-powered vehicle on the road. Carbon dioxide emissions
are low too - just 66 g/km (64 g/km for the 125 cc model).

The safety of a car - the convenience of a bike:

The BMW C1 is the safest vehicle on two wheels, with all the design excellence
and comfort you would expect from BMW. The C1's rider protection specification
includes crumple zones, a torsionally rigid aluminium 'roll-over cage' using
space frame technology and a unique crossover seat belt system. Anti-lock
brakes (ABS) are available as an optional extra. These features make the C1 as
safe as a small car in a frontal impact.

Kevin Birch from road safety organisation RoSPA, said: "The C1 employs some
interesting safety features designed to protect the rider not only from the
elements, but also if an accident occurs. The roll-cage, crumple zones and
seatbelts are welcome innovations. Motorcyclists are vulnerable road users and
it is vital that manufacturers continue to look for new solutions to protect
them".

Equally the C1 offers all the advantages of a motorcycle or scooter in town,
with low running costs, excellent manoeuverability and, of course, free
parking. Urban journey times are typically halved compared to driving a car.

Model line-up:

There are now a total of six C1 models in the range - three C1s and three C1
200s. After the entry level models come the Family's Friend and the
top-of-the-range Executive. Full specifications and equipment lists are shown
below. A unique choice of equipment and accessories including a sound system,
heated seat and handgrips, integral luggage system, sunroof, mobile
phone-holder and a full range of clothing are available.

Prices start at £3,395 for the C1 and rise to £4,120 for the C1 200 Executive.
In each case the premium for the 200 model over the original is just £200. The
full on-the-road price line-up is as follows:

C1 Basic £3,395
C1 200 Basic £3,595
C1 Family's Friend £3,745
C1 200 Family's Friend £3,945
C1 Executive £3,920
C1 200 Executive £4,120

The C1 in context - beating congestion:

Urban congestion costs Britain's motorists £23 billion* a year. Between 1987
and 1997 road travel grew by 20 per cent**, an increase of 70 billion passenger
miles** and this trend is set to continue as motor traffic is forecast to rise
by as much as 50 per cent in the next 20 years**. By 2005, it is estimated
that motorists will spend more than a fortnight a year in traffic jams*.
According to leading psychologist and stress expert David Lewis, "traffic
congestion is the number one stress factor facing urban dwellers in the 21st
century".

Journey times in urban areas are up to 50 per cent quicker by moped or bike
than by car** and the dramatic increase in scooter sales recently reflects the
public's search for solutions. However, of the 5.5 million people who
currently hold motorcycle licences, only 1.1 million actively use them**. BMW
research has shown that the primary reason for this reluctance is concern about
the safety challenges of taking to two wheels - which have been insurmountable
until the C1 became available. The C1 is the smart two-wheeled alternative to
the Tube, train or bus?and the traffic jam.

Helmet laws:

The C1 is sold across most of Europe and in every country where it is on sale,
the government has stipulated that the C1 is safe enough to make wearing a
crash helmet unnecessary - except for the UK. BMW has petitioned the British
Government to make a similar legal arrangement for the UK, but there is no sign
of movement. Efforts are continuing in this direction.

BMW Managing Director, Jim O'Donnell said, "Relaxation of the helmet laws for
the C1 would undoubtedly encourage more urban commuters onto two wheels and so
out of their cars. We are surprised by the Government's reluctance to come in
line with the rest of Europe on this matter - a move which would certainly
contribute to its stated objectives of congestion and emissions reduction."

... ends

Notes to editors:

* Source: RAC
** Source: Motorcycle Industry Association
Full technical and equipment specifications attached

The original C1 has a 125 cc engine and so can be driven by any holder of a
full car driving licence, who has also completed the motorcycle CBT (Compulsory
Basic Training), as long as they display L-plates. Drivers of the C1 200 have
to have a full motorcycle licence.

BMW C1: Models and standard equipment:

C1 200 - £3595.00 on the road

° Central seat belt release
° Seat belt locks with warning light
° Stainless steel exhaust system
° Controlled three-way catalytic converter
° Laminated glass windscreen with windscreen wiper and wipe/wash system
° Storage recess in dashboard
° Lockable storage compartment in the rear
° Scratch resistant interior paintwork
° Two integrated fresh air outlets in the dashboard
° Lever system for placing vehicle on centre stand (with tamper protection)
° Combined ignition/steering lock with single key system and
simultaneous locking of bench seat and rear storage compartment
° Preparation for multi-functional luggage system
° Preparation for the installation of electric special equipment

C1 200 - Family's Friend - £3945.00 on the road:

In addition to standard model :
° Rear storage fixing kit
° Large glove compartment in the front
° Dual colour paintwork with graphics
° Painted sills

C1 200 - Executive - £4120.00 on the road :

In addition to C1 Family's Friend :
° Luggage rail
° Front luggage net
° Reading light
° Mobile phone bracket
° Metallic exterior finish

See attached downloadable files for tables of standard and special equipment
and technical detail. There are additional photographs in the media pool which
can be accessed through the search function.