BMW AT THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW: TWO EXCITING CONCEPTS, FOUR NEW M MODELS AND ALL-WHEEL DRIVE ARE HIGHLIGHTED

Woodcliff lake, New Jersey, March 12, 2001... BMW will showcase two exciting
concepts at the New York International Auto Show-the X coupe and the Z9
convertible. Four new models from BMW M will also take center stage. The new
M3 coupe and convertible, as well as the 2001 M roadster and coupe, will join
the M5, to bring the number of M models to five. The X5 4.6is Sports Activity
Vehicle, which will be available this fall, raises the performance bar for
vehicles of this type considerably. Also featured will be two of the three 3
Series models available with all-wheel drive-the 330xi sedan and the 325xi
sport wagon.

X coupe concept: Unique Concept in a Bold Design

The X coupe very deliberately plays the role of automotive iconoclast. It does
not shy away from what might be considered paradoxical or contradictory: a
coupe that can go off-road... a sports coupe with a diesel engine...
asymmetries on its exterior and interior. From a pure styling standpoint, the
X coupe is dramatically different from anything BMW has ever created and hints
at future BMW design.

The X coupe's bold look is a study in tension that is heightened by the
asymmetrical design. This styling concept is also seen in the interior where
the driver's "work space" is clearly delineated from the passenger's space. A
variety of textures, including flexible surfaces, combine with solid aluminum
switches and levers to create and look and feel unlike anything else.

The drivetrain is equally unique with a full-time all-wheel drive system from
the X5, 20-inch wheels and tires, and a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder
turbodiesel engine.

Z9 convertible concept vehicle

The Z9 convertible concept offers a glimpse at a different direction of BMW
interior and exterior design. The interior features iDrive, an ergonomic
concept designed to make operating the myriad functions inside the car easier.

The design strategy for this open-air 2+2 is "Simplification" and it signals
the future of BMW design. The exterior is highlighted by large wheels and
tires-20-inch front wheels sporting 245/45 tires with 21-inch rears with 285/40
tires.

The interior of the Z9 convertible highlights iDrive, a system designed to
minimize driver distractions. At the heart of iDrive is The Control Center, a
color monitor placed within the field of view of the driver and passenger.
Functions are called up using a rotary-push knob on the center console between
the driver and passenger. Commands are executed by moving the controller back
and forth, left and right or diagonally, rotating it and pressing on it.
iDrive will be used in the next generation 7 Series.

Four Exciting New Models from BMW M

The exciting new M3 will be available in two versions, coupe and convertible.
Both feature a 3.2-liter, 333 horsepower, engine. It features six
electronically controlled throttle butterflies, a sophisticated intake system
and a high pressure version of Double VANOS variable valve timing. Both use a
six-speed manual transmission. The M3 coupe will accelerate from 0 - 60 mph in
under 5 seconds. Traction is enhanced by the new M Variable Differential Lock
and Dynamic Stability Control.

Like other 3 Series convertibles, the M3 convertible uses a fully automatic
soft-top with heated glass rear window. Front seats include integrated
seatbelts for comfort and easier rear seat access. Rear seat access is further
enhanced with redundant seat controls.

The M roadster and coupe benefit from a significant power increase, using a
version of the M3 engine for 2001. In these cars it produces 315 horsepower.
This represents a 75 horsepower increase from their predecessor models. Both
models feature a five-speed manual transmission and limited slip differential.
To complement its greater performance, the M roadster receives the
firmer suspension tuning of the M coupe.

X5 4.6is: Taking the Performance of BMW's
Sports Activity Vehicle to New Levels

The X5, particularly the X5 4.4i, has been lauded for its dynamic driving
character. The X5 4.6is will, when it arrives this fall, raise the stakes yet
again. It's 4.6 liter V8, with 347 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque
(European ratings), should power the newest X5 from 0 - 60 mph in under 6.5
seconds and give it a top speed of nearly 150 mph. To complement all this
power the 5-speed STEPTRONIC automatic will use more dynamic programming. With
the shift lever in "D" the shift programming will be very close to the Sport
mode in the X5 4.4i. The Sport mode in the X5 4.6is, then, is even more
aggressive.

The performance potential of this latest SAV is made immediately apparent by
the 20-inch wheels and tires accented by more prominent wheel openings. The
front is set off by a body-colored bumper/spoiler and standard xenon
headlights. The rear view features a distinctive body-colored rear apron with
dual chrome oval tailpipes. The standard sports seats are trimmed in Nappa
leather with "online" Alcantara center sections. Cosmos Black panels trim the
dash, sport steering wheel and center console.

Three New All-Wheel Drive Models

All-wheel drive is available in three models of the 3 Series for 2001-two
sedans, the 325xi and 330xi, and the 325xi sport wagon. Using a version of the
all-wheel drive system in the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle, power is split 38%
front and 62% rear. This ensures that the dynamic driving character, for which
the 3 Series is famous, remains undiminished. In slippery conditions, power is
diverted to the wheels with greatest traction using a sophisticated version of
BMW's Dynamic Stability Control system, known as DSC-X. All three models are
available with a choice of 5-speed manual or 5-speed STEPTRONIC automatic
transmission.

BMW Group in America
BMW of North America, LLC was established in 1975. Since then, the company has
grown to include marketing, sales and financial service organizations in the
United States for the BMW and MINI brands; a South Carolina manufacturing
operation; DESIGNWORKS/USA, an industrial design firm in California; a
technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the
country. The BMW Group is represented in the U.S. through a network of more
than 340 car, 315 Sports Activity Vehicle and 160 motorcycle retailers. BMW US
Holding Corp., the Group's 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 World
Wide Web on the BMW homepage at http://www.bmwusa.com and www.miniusa.com.