Press Kit MY 2001: BMW Z3 SERIES: NEW ENGINES, A NEW TRANSMISSION AND UPGRADED STANDARD EQUIPMENT ADD EXCITEMENT TO CLASSIC SPORTS CARS

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey...One might say that BMW's taut little roadster, the
Z3, launched a whole movement and initiated a welcome revival of the
traditional sports car when it was introduced in 1996. Until that time, small
sports cars were simply being neglected by most carmakers, and very
particularly by carmakers known for elevated quality standards. The Z3
definitively changed that state of affairs.

Since the Z3's debut, direct competitors of BMW have joined the segment of
high-quality, yet not prohibitively priced, sports cars. BMW itself has
steadily evolved the Z3 from the Z3 into a Series, moving from the initial
4-cylinder roadster to a line of 6-cylinder roadsters and a unique coupe. Along
the way, Z3 design and technology have been updated and product content
expanded.

For 2001, this successful line of sports cars takes another significant
evolutionary step with the introduction of new engines, a new and sportier
automatic transmission, and further equipment upgrades. Each of the three Z3
models for 2001 also has a new name:

- Z3 roadster 2.5i - replacing the 2000 roadster 2.3, this most affordable Z3
model has 14 more horsepower (184 hp) under its long hood and newly standard
foglights and cruise control; it offers a new Sport Package as well, combining
special wheels and sport seats at value pricing. At $31,870 including
destination charge, the 2.5i base prices exactly like its 2000 counterpart.
(When adjusted for added equipment, all 2001 prices are actually down - not
even considering the engineering improvements.)

- Z3 roadster 3.0i - superseding the 2000 roadster 2.8, this more powerful
roadster is even stronger for '01. Its engine is enlarged from 2.8 to 3.0
liters, and develops fully 32 hp more than before (now 225 hp). Its standard
wheels and tires are upgraded from 16-in. to 17-in., the front brakes are
larger, and exterior styling is freshened. At $38,470, this top roadster model
is up just 3.6% over its predecessor.

- Z3 coupe 3.0i - BMW's interpretation of the classic Gran Turismo sports coupe
has the same new 3.0-liter engine as the roadster 3.0i, as well as the new
17-in. wheels/tires and larger front brakes. Interior design upgrades
introduced in the roadsters for '00 now appear in the coupe as well, and it has
its own distinctive new front-end look. At $38,270, the coupe 3.0i is up only
3.1% from the '00 coupe 2.8.

All three new models share certain significant enhancements:

- New-generation inline 6-cylinder engines, in two sizes, with significant
engineering refinements.

- New automatic transmission - a 5-speed STEPTRONIC unit replaces the former
4-speed automatic.

- Wheel selections - new choices for every model.

- Chrome interior trim - formerly optional on all models; now standard on 3.0i
roadster and coupe.

- Standard cupholders - these were a BMW Center-installed accessory last year.

* Please find the details in the attached file: "MY2001 Z3 Story."

**Other files available to download will provide information about:
- "MY 2001 Z3 Highlights"
- "MY 2001 Z3 Features"
- "MY 2001 Z3 Specifications"
- "MY 2001 Z3 Pricing."

*** Photos will be available shorthly.