FIRST BMW MODELS FOR MODEL YEAR 2000 MAKE THEIR DEBUT AT NEW YORK AUTO SHOW

BMW took the wraps off its first two models for the 2000 model year today at
the New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
The
3 Series coupes-323Ci and 328Ci and the restyled Z3 models-Z3 roadster 2.3 and
Z3 roadster 2.8 were shown for the first time in North America. Along with
their unveiling, BMW also announced the base prices for the first BMW models
for the 2000 model year. Virtually all represent a significant decrease on a
comparably-equipped basis vs. their predecessors. They are:
* 323Ci $ 28,990
* 328Ci $ 33,990
* Z3 roadster 2.3 $ 31,300
* Z3 roadster 2.8 $ 36,900
* M5 $ 69,400
* 740i $ 62,400
* 740iL $ 66,400
* 750iL $ 92,100

The new coupes-The "Athletes" of the 3 Series

The 3 Series coupes are the second models to be introduced in the latest
generation of BMW's most popular model range-the 3 Series-and will go on sale
in July. The first models-the 323i and 328i sports sedans were introduced last
summer.

The new coupes are endowed with all the attributes of the newest generation of
3 Series models, plus compared to the previous generation models they replace,
a significant number of new standard features. With base prices of $28,990 and
$33,990 respectively, the 323Ci and 328Ci models are priced substantially lower
than their comparably equipped predecessors.

While all 3 Series models are characterized as sporty and dynamic, the new
coupes, in particular, present a very athletic personality thanks to their
classic coupe proportions. While sharing a family resemblance to their sedan
brethren, virtually every body panel of the coupe is unique. In its exterior
dimensions, the coupe is longer, wider and lower than its sedan sibling. The
extended length of the doors and the lower rake of the windshield give the
coupe an appearance which is elegant, yet decidedly athletic. Compared to the
sedans, there are also subtle modifications to both front and rear of the car.
The proportions of the signature quad round headlights and kidney grille are
new, while the exterior mirrors, turn signal indicators and front spoiler with
its large air scoop and integrated round foglights give the coupes a purposeful
and dynamic appearance. At the rear, the coupes are distinguished by their own
unique tail light styling.

Also unique to the coupes is a feature which allows easy access to the rear
seats. When the front seat backs are folded forward, the front seats
automatically move forward and upward to provide more entry room. Similar to
previous BMW coupes, such as the timeless 6 Series, the rear seat is contoured
in a body-hugging "deep-dish" configuration, adding exclusivity as well as
sportiness. Other interior distinctions for the coupe models are the inner
door panels with their sweeping armrests and the design of the instruments,
with their "italicized" numbering.

The 3 Series coupes have all the basic ingredients to provide an exhilarating
driving experience. They are the only coupes in their category to offer the
combination of rear wheel drive, manual transmission and a weight balance of
51% front and 49% rear. Combined with a standard sport suspension as well as
16-inch light alloy wheels (17-inch light alloys are optional) and large,
ventilated four-wheel disc brakes, the new coupe's technical specifications are
a perfect match for their eye-catching looks.

Engine choices range from the 170-horsepower 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder of
the 323Ci to the 193-horsepower 2.8-liter inline six of the 328Ci. Both
engines are available with a choice of transmissions-sporty 5-speed manual or,
for the first time in a 3 Series model, the optional STEPTRONIC
5-speed automatic, which allows drivers the choice of manual or automatic
shifting.

Like all BMW models, the new 3 Series coupes are endowed with an equal balance
of active, as well as, passive safety features. In addition to dual front
airbags and standard door-mounted side airbags, the coupes are also equipped
with BMW's exclusive Head Protection System, designed to offer increased
protection to the head and neck of the driver and front seat passenger in a
side-impact collision. On the active safety front, the new coupes are equipped
as standard with the newest generation of BMW's cornering stability
system-Dynamic Stability Control (DSC III). DSC is an
electronically-controlled system utilizing sophisticated technology to help a
driver maintain vehicle stability when a vehicle loses traction while cornering.

Restyled Z3 Roadsters Get New Contours
and More Standard Features

Since its inception in 1996, the Z3 roadsters have become one of the most
popular two-seat sports cars in America. For the 2000 model year, the Z3
roadsters will get new features and styling refinements to keep them fresh in
appearance and exhilarating in performance.

Exterior styling changes focus on the rear of the car, where the curve of the
rear fenders and wheel arches has been accentuated. Together with the new
design of the tail lights, the roadsters take on a more aggressive, sporty
appearance. New designs for the standard 16-inch light alloy wheels on both
models and for the optional 17-inch wheels on the Z3 roadster 2.8 distinguish
the 2000 models from their predecessors. New colors and combinations are
available with the addition of six new exterior colors and three new interiors.

Interior changes include a redesigned center console, incorporating new and
repositioned controls and the addition of an analog clock. A lined soft-top
provides a quieter environment in which to enjoy the upgraded standard sound
system with larger, more powerful speakers and subwoofer. Upgraded trim and
dashboard materials and a new, sportier
3-spoke steering wheel complete the interior revisions.

The Z3 roadster 2.3 is powered by a 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower inline
six-cylinder engine, while the Z3 roadster 2.8 gets even more power in the form
of a 2.8-liter, 193-horsepower inline six. Both cars are available with a
choice of transmissions-sporty 5-speed manual or optional
electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic.

Active safety features (those which help a driver avoid an accident in the
first place) and passive safety features (those which help protect occupants if
an accident is unavoidable) play a prominent role in the protection afforded
the occupants of the Z3 roadsters. Both occupants benefit from such passive
safety features as front airbags with smart technology, door-mounted side
airbags and rollover protection bars. Active safety features include standard
antilock braking system (ABS), All Season Traction (AST) and Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC III). Dynamic Stability Control helps the vehicle maintain
stability during cornering and emergency maneuvers and is a new feature on
model year 2000 Z3 roadsters.

The new Z3 roadsters will go on sale in April.

New M5 Will Be Most Powerful M Car Ever

The new M5, the most powerful M car ever built, is the newest product from BMW
M-the division of BMW responsible for developing ultra high performance
versions of its production models. Powered by a
5-liter V-8 engine, the M5 is the flagship model for BMW's M brand. At
$69,400, the M5 offers a combination of performance, luxury and practicality
that is not available in any other car at any price.

M5 purchasers will also be entitled to attend free of charge, a special M
driver training course to be conducted behind the wheel of an M5 at the new BMW
Performance Center, adjacent to the manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South
Carolina. In addition, those who wish to take delivery of their M5 at the
Spartanburg plant can do so at no additional charge.

This ultra high-performance four-door sedan is the first M car to offer a V-8
engine, providing drivers with superior power and acceleration. With an output
of 400 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 369 lb-ft. of torque @ 3,800 rpm mated to a
six-speed manual transmission, the M5 accelerates effortlessly at any speed.

The new M5 is easily distinguished from other 5 Series sedans due to its
re-styled front air dam incorporating a large air scoop and oval fog lamps.
Giving the car a distinctly aggressive look, the quad exhaust tailpipes
highlight the striking rear of the M5. Newly designed light alloy wheels that
measure 8 x 18 inches in the front and 9.5 x 18 inches in the rear have a new
chrome satin finish. The M5 is fitted with ultra low-profile 245/40 ZR 18-inch
tires in the front and 275/35 ZR-18 inch tires in the rear.

The newest M car combines characteristics that seem at first
contradictory-power, dynamic road performance and supreme driving pleasure on
the one hand, while offering luxurious comfort, everyday efficiency and
5-passenger spaciousness on the other.

The M5 will be available with two interior choices-sport or exclusive. Both
interiors feature sports seats designed specifically for the M5. Additional
interior highlights include the specially designed instrument package
incorporating a tachometer featuring a variable rpm redline, which increases as
oil temperature increases, and an integrated oil temperature display. The shift
lever of the six-speed manual gearbox is illuminated from the inside,
displaying the double-H shift pattern in the dark.

In addition to the M5, the full line of high performance M cars will be on
display. The M3 convertible and M3 coupe offer six-cylinder power and the road
capabilities that BMW's M brand is known for, and which makes them competitive
with many sports cars costing far more.

The M roadster, with a 3.2-liter, 240-horsepower six-cylinder engine under its
long hood, sets the standard in the two-seat roadster segment. The M coupe, an
authentic GT sports car, is one of the boldest shapes currently on the road.

The M5 will go on sale in October, 1999 as a model year 2000 vehicle.

Model Year 2000 7 Series Sedans:
New Innovations, More Standard Features, Same Price

The flagships of BMW's model line-the 7 Series sedans-will get numerous
additions to their already extensive level of standard equipment for the 2000
model year, while prices will remain at 1999 levels. This represents a
significant increase in the value of these award-winning sedans-in fact more
than $4,400 additional value for the 740i and 740iL models.

Much of the equipment which is already standard on the V-12-powered 750iL will
be included in a standard Premium Package on the V-8-powered 740i and 740iL
models. The Premium Package consists of the BMW On-board Navigation System,
Xenon gas-discharge headlights, Premium audio system with DSP (Digital Sound
Processing) and six-disc CD-changer. Additional features which will be
standard for the 2000 model year are rain-sensing windshield wipers and
headlight washers.

Two new packages will be available as optional equipment for the 740i and
740iL. The Adaptive Ride Package will include Electronic Damping Control (EDC)
and Self-Leveling Rear Suspension. The Cold Weather Package is revised for the
2000 model year and will include heated seats in both front and rear, heated
steering wheel, and ski sack, which allows skis to be carried inside the car
via trunk access through the rear center armrest.

Newly available individual options include 18-inch M Parallel Spoke alloy
wheels and the Active Comfort Seat, designed to keep drivers more alert on long
trips where typically there is not a lot of opportunity to move around. The
periodic movement of the seat bottom through hydraulic adjustment helps relieve
tension in the muscles of the lower back.

The twelve-cylinder 750iL will add to its impressive array of standard
equipment the rain-sensing windshield wipers and the Active Comfort seat. Two
new exclusive exterior color and interior trim packages called High Line will
be available at no additional charge on the 750iL and will be optional on the
740iL. The sporty 18-inch M Parallel Spoke alloy wheels will be available as
an option on the 750iL as well.

Also new for the 2000 model year, will be the availability of two light-armored
7 Series models-the 740iL Protection and the 750iL Protection. Both models
offer their occupants a level of protection that will resist bullets up to .44
caliber magnum. The use of lightweight aramide-fiber mats to line the
passenger compartment provide this protection without the kind of weight
penalty typical of vehicles armored with steel plates. This means that there
is virtually no performance penalty for the 7 Series Protection vehicles vs.
the non-armored models. Further benefits are that these Protection models are
factory-built, so unlike aftermarket conversions, do not have to be dismantled
and rebuilt in order to provide the protection features. And like all BMW
models, they carry the full 4-year/50,000 mile limited warranty and can be
serviced at any authorized BMW Center. The base price for the 740iL Protection
is $99,400 while the 750iL Protection is $124,400. These prices are
approximately $33,000 more than t

heir non-armored counterparts.

Finally, all 7 Series models except the light armor 740iL Protection and 750iL
Protection will be available with a new system to provide head protection in
side impact collisions for rear seat occupants. This option will include both
door-mounted side airbags and separate inflatable head protection.

The 2000 model year 7 Series sedans will go on sale in April.

BMW of North America, Inc. was established in 1975, at which point the company
assumed marketing and distribution responsibilities for BMW automobiles in the
U.S. from the previous private distributor. Motorcycle marketing and
distribution were added in 1980. Since then the company's North American
operations have grown to include marketing, sales and financial-services
organizations in the United States and Canada. BMW is represented in North
America through a network of BMW Centers in the U.S. and Canada, including more
than 375 for automobiles and 190 for motorcycles. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the
brand's North American headquarters, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.