Launch of the BMW 320si WTCC 2006 - International Motor Show (IAA), Frankfurt am Main

BMW presents the motorsport version of the new 3 Series at the IAA.

Frankfurt (GER), 12th September 2005. BMW defines the direction for the future
- this time in touring cars. From 12th September, the Munich automobile
manufacturer presents the motorsport version of the new BMW 3 Series at the
61st International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. From 2006, the car will be
competing in the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) and in many other
racing series around the world.

The 275 bhp racing car was developed by BMW Motorsport. It is the racing
version of the special model BMW 320si, which will be on offer from BMW dealers
as a limited edition from December 2005. Like its production counterpart, the
motorsport version of the BMW 320si will be driven by a powerful 2-litre
four-cylinder in-line engine. The car complies with the Super 2000 regulations
and is 45mm longer and 36mm wider than its predecessor.

With this car BMW will continue the tradition of customer sports in 2006. Apart
from the World Touring Car Championship, in which BMW competes with national
teams, the successful racing version of the BMW 320i is also racing in
Championships in Denmark, Italy, Russia, Sweden and Asia. Until now, more than
100 racing sports kits of the E46 series have been sold to motorsport teams by
the BMW racing parts distributors.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen says, "Touring cars without BMW is
unthinkable - and BMW is equally unthinkable without touring cars. This is what
made the brand grow, and we will stick to this tradition. Apart from works
support we have always been keen to keep racing affordable for our customers
and at the same time offer a high-performance package. This tradition is now
continued by the racing version of the new BMW 3 Series. I am sure that this
model will write further chapters of BMW's successful history."

In the World Touring Car Championship, the BMW 320i is currently in its last
season. Six races prior to the season finale, Dirk Müller (GER) of BMW Team
Deutschland leads the drivers' table, closely followed by his brand-mate Andy
Priaulx (GBR) who competes for the BMW Team UK. The Manufacturers' Championship
is also lead by BMW, which looks likely to bring the title home to Munich yet
again.

Touring car racing is BMW's most successful discipline. The brand can boast an
impressive list of successes: 20 European Championship wins with FIA sanction
and winner of the first and only World Championship in 1987. Over the past
couple of years, BMW came first in the manufacturers' competition of the FIA
ETCC. In 2004, Priaulx won the drivers' title in the European Championship.

Technical specifications BMW 320si
Motorsport version for the 2006 FIA World Touring Car Championship.

Length: 4,535 mm

Width: 1,845 mm

Height: approx. 1,350 mm

Wheel base: 2,763 mm

Vehicle weight: 1,140 kg (with driver)

Engine type: four-cylinder in-line

Capacity: 1,998 cc

max. output: approx. 275 bhp at approx. 8,400 rpm

max. engine speed: 8,500 rpm (as per regulations)

Cylinder block: aluminium crankcase reinforced with a bedplate

Engine control: BMW Motorsport ECU404

Tank capacity: approx. 45 litres

Fuel: standard fuel, Super Plus unleaded

Chassis/body: unitary construction steel body

Aerodynamic front apron, rear apron, flared front and rear

package: wheel arches made of CRFP/GFRP, rear wings made of aluminium

Front axle: double joint Mc Pherson axle with adjustable anti roll bar

Rear axle: five arms axle with adjustable anti roll bar

Shock absorbers: Sachs with adjustable compression and rebound

Brake system, front: four-piston AP brake callipers, iron brake discs of 332 mm
diameter

Brake system, rear: two-piston AP brake callipers, iron brake discs of 280 mm
diameter

Wheels: aluminium rims, SA 216 BBS

Seat: Recaro ProRacer HANS