IN HONOR OF 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF DEMOCRACY IN SOUTH AFRICA, BMW TO PRODUCE 10 LIMITED EDITION CARS TO BE PERSONALLY SIGNED BY NELSON MANDELA

Democracy Cars to be Auctioned Off in Fall, 2004 - Proceeds to be Donated to
the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - August 27, 2004... Nelson Mandela and BMW announced that
in honor of the 10th anniversary of the first democratic elections held in
South Africa, BMW will produce 10 limited edition 3 series vehicles, or
'Democracy Cars,' which have been personally signed by Mandela. The 'Democracy
Cars' will be used to raise money for the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, which
assists disadvantaged children and youth in South Africa, and informs the
public about the social and economic challenges they face.

The limited edition cars will be built through a donation of time, material and
energy on the part of BMW South Africa employees. Many suppliers will provide
parts and components at no charge. Mandela will place his signature on a
prominent area of the interior trim. A plaque verifying the authenticity of
the signature will also be affixed.

BMW of North America will auction off two of the vehicles, while the remaining
eight cars will be auctioned off in South Africa, Australia, the United
Kingdom, New Zealand and Germany.

"Upon the historic occasion of the 10th anniversary of democratic elections in
South Africa, we are proud to announce this special new auction," said Tom
Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW (US) Holding Corp. "Nelson Mandela is a symbol
of hope, integrity and courage to millions of people around the world. We are
delighted to have his participation in the ?Democracy Cars? program, and we
cannot think of a better recipient for the proceeds of the auction than the
Nelson Mandela Children's Fund."

The pioneering investments undertaken by BMW in South Africa since 1994 have
led to an improvement in the lives of many South Africans. BMW South Africa's
export program and attainment of international quality standards are iconic
achievements and are frequently cited by South Africa's most influential
people, including President Mandela. BMW South Africa's successes reflect the
opportunities and accomplishments since 1994 and are part of the overall
ongoing achievements in South Africa.

Celebratory events have been taking place in South Africa as well as the rest
of the world for the 10th anniversary.

About BMW Group's Corporate Social Responsibility Program
BMW South Africa's ongoing investment in the upgrade of the company's
manufacturing facility in Rosslyn is just one way in which BMW has invested in
South Africa.

BMW Group's Corporate Social Responsibility Program has also developed
partnerships which result in sustainable development and in making a positive
difference in the lives of its staff, their families and the communities in
which they live.

BMW Group's corporate social responsibility program (CSR) aims to reaffirm
people's sense of worth and dignity, developing individual potential and
building capacity, and enabling people to take responsibility for themselves.

The company believes in investing in ways to help communities help themselves
as well as other needy communities elsewhere in South Africa.

BMW Group's investment can be categorized into six key areas: the environment,
education, science and technology, sport development, local community
development and the arts. Local South African projects include:

- The Schools Environmental Education Development (SEED) Project;
- BMW Nelson Mandela Ndonga School and Clinic Project;
- BMW's Centres of Excellence at partner schools;
- Youth Development Sports Coaching;
- BMW House at the SOS Children's Village;
- Public Private Partnership for the construction of a community based
Multipurpose Centre in Soshanguve for the treatment and support of those living
with HIV/AIDS.

BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.
ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW
Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial
service organizations for the BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the ROLLS-ROYCE
brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a
technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the
country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's
global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all
Z4 Roadster and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization
is represented in the U.S. through networks of 340 BMW passenger car centers,
327 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 148 BMW motorcycle retailers, 76 MINI
passenger car dealers, and 25 ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding
Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America,
is

located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet
at:

www.bmwusa.com
www.bmwmotorradusa.com
www.miniusa.com
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

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Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its products is available
to journalists on-line at the BMW Group PressClub at the following address:
www.press.bmwgroup.com.

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