MINI OFFERS LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON 2005 MINI COOPER S AND MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE

Enhanced Performance and Convenience Offered With New Options;
Updated Pricing for 2005 Model Year Takes Effect

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - December 8, 2004... MINI USA announces the availability of
a limited slip differential and an automatic transmission as new options for
the 2005 MINI Cooper S. In addition, a number of product enhancements and
price adjustments across the 2005 model range take effect. Product changes are
effective on cars produced January, 2005 and later, with new pricing effective
on cars wholesaled after January 1st.

Limited Slip = Performance Grip
The MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper S Convertible can now be optioned with a new
limited slip differential, a performance feature coveted by motoring
enthusiasts. The limited slip differential helps to divert more torque towards
the drive wheel with better traction, ensuring power is transmitted to the road
more effectively. This helps to increase traction under acceleration or during
cornering, resulting in improved handling and increased stability.

The unit, manufactured by GKN Driveline, is a torque-sensitive differential
that manages torque output under acceleration and offers a 30% slip rate. This
means, there is no loss of torque if the difference in grip between the two
wheels is 30 % or less. The system also allows the threshold for Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) to be increased without impeding the system's safe
intervention in slippery situations. All of this benefits the enthusiastic
driver of a MINI Cooper S at its performance edge. The limited slip
differential is priced at $500 and is only available with the manual 6-speed
transmission.

Automatic for the (Performance Minded) People
For the first time, the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper S Convertible will be
offered with a six-speed automatic transmission including Steptronic mode and
Steptronic shifting paddles on the steering wheel. Unlike the MINI Cooper
Continuously Variable Transmission, this new automatic transmission has fixed
gear ratios which result in quick gear changes and a dynamic driving experience
tuned specifically to match the MINI Cooper S' sporty character. This new
automatic transmission is built by Aisin and features the following gear ratios:

Transmission type
AISIN Automatic
Gear ratio 1st / 2nd / 3rd
4,044 / 2,371 / 1,556
Gear ratio 4th / 5th / 6th
1,159 / 0,852 / 0,672
Reverse gear ratio
3,193
Final drive ratio
3.683

The unit also features Adaptive Transmission Control which allows the
transmission to adapt to one?s driving style. For example, the transmission
will build the revs longer between gear changes if it 'knows' the driver enjoys
taking the car to its limits. The automatic transmission is priced at $1,350.

The MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper Convertible will continue to be offered with
the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Steptronic. The CVT works
without holding to specific gear ratios, allowing the unit to variably adapt to
the driving situation at any given instance. The unit offers smooth in-town
'gear changes' for leisurely driving and more dynamic responsiveness for
spirited driving. The CVT transmission is priced at $1,300.

Pricing Changes and Product Enhancements for January, 2005
Separately, MINI USA announces a price adjustment effective for models
wholesaled to dealers from January 1, 2005 onward. The base MSRP for the MINI
Cooper and MINI Cooper Convertible increases by $501. The MINI Cooper S and
MINI Cooper S Convertible base MSRP both increase by $500. With new product
enhancements for the 2005 models, MINI continues to offer customers a
compelling price/value combination and premium positioning.

New enhancements available for January, 2005 models onward include; a new 17"
Web-Spoke alloy wheel and performance run-flat tire package. The package is a
$1,100 stand-alone option on the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper S Convertible,
or is a $500 upgrade when the sport package chosen on the S models.

A number of new convenience items are available, including an auto dimming
interior rear view mirror for $200 and rain sensing front windshield wipers
with automatic on/off headlights - also for $200. These features are also
packaged together with the universal garage door opener - which also remains an
independent option for $200 - to create a new convenience package, available
for $400.

Please refer to the accompanying price sheet for additional changes and the
latest 2005 pricing and option packages effective January 1, 2005.

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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