Official Press Release - THE NEW BMW 3 SERIES *UPDATED PHOTO GALLERY*

[tdc]

GREATER PERFORMANCE, GREATER SAFETY, GREATER COMFORT - THE NEW BMW 3 SERIES
10/26/2004

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - October 26, 2004... Sport sedan enthusiasts everywhere will soon
have cause to celebrate an automotive landmark. Next spring the all-new BMW 3 Series will make
its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show, followed by its North American debut at the New York
Auto Show.
As with its predecessors, the fifth generation BMW 3 Series raises the sport sedan benchmark -
decisively and significantly. Continuing to improve a concept that BMW pioneered more than
forty years ago, the new 3 Series offers greater performance, safety and security as well as
greater comfort and convenience.

Groundbreaking six-cylinder with light-weight magnesium crankcase
The new 3 Series will enter the U.S. market in summer of 2005 with a choice of two in-line
6-cylinder engines, continuing a 3 Series tradition. The all-new 3.0-liter unit in the 330i offers a
significant increase in performance. It is rated at 255-horsepower (SAE), a 30-horsepower increase
over its predecessor.

In BMW's ongoing pursuit of weight reduction, this engine is the first in large-scale series production
to use magnesium which, compared to aluminum, is 30 percent lighter. Magnesium is used in
the crankcase, the crankshaft bearings and the cylinder head cover.

This engine is also the first six-cylinder to use BMW VALVETRONIC. With infinitely variable valve
lift in place of the traditional throttle butterfly, this system improves both throttle response and
fuel efficiency. Like previous BMW engines which have incorporated VALVETRONIC, the gains
are impressive. In the case of the 330i, horsepower increases by 13%, while fuel consumption decreases
by 12%. This unique technology works in tandem with BMW's double-VANOS variable valve timing
for both intake and exhaust camshafts. The new 330i will accelerate from 0 - 60 mph in approximately
six seconds.

Six-speed transmissions on both models
Both models will be offered in the U.S. with a choice of a standard six-speed manual transmission or
optional six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission. The benefits of a six-speed manual in terms
of acceleration, cruising comfort and fuel efficiency have been demonstrated in the previous 330i.
These same benefits have also been proven on other BMWs which offer the new six-speed STEPTRONIC
automatic. Those benefits will now be available to all 3 Series drivers.

Starting the engine at the touch of a button
The 3 Series is the latest
BMW to feature the convenience of a start button. After firing up the engine at the touch of a button,
all other functions operate seamlessly.

The standard for handling and agility is raised once again
Reflecting BMW's rich heritage, the new BMW 3 Series continues some long standing traditions - engine
mounted longitudinally up front, drive power to the rear wheels and near perfect 50:50 balance of
weight over the front and rear wheels. These have contributed to the 3 Series well-earned reputation
as the best handling sports sedan on the market.

Several enhancements will ensure that this new 3 Series lives up to its reputation. Like other BMWs,
the new 3 Series gets a double-pivot front suspension for improved responsiveness. The newly
developed suspension is made of aluminum to further improve responsiveness and comfort by reducing
unsprung weight.

A new five-link rear suspension contributes to the improvement in handling and comfort. The new
rear suspension is made of lightweight steel, which also contributes to the overall reduction of
unsprung weight.

Active Steering: unique in this segment
The new 3 Series becomes the first car in its class to offer anything approaching the benefits
of BMW's unique Active Steering. This stand-alone option provides a more direct steering ratio
at low speeds for greater maneuverability and a progressively less direct ratio as vehicle speed
increases to improve high-speed stability. This solves the traditional trade-off between agility, stability
and comfort with non-active steering.

In the new 3 Series, BMW Active Steering has been enhanced to provide an additional active safety
benefit. Whenever the driver applies the brakes hard on surfaces with varying frictional coefficients -
such as intermittent mud, ice or snow - Active Steering will intervene to help stabilize the vehicle even
more quickly and seamlessly.

Latest generation DSC offers additional benefits
BMW's latest Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) incorporates new features which provide the driver
with even more benefits. A new brake-drying feature can improve braking in wet weather, detected
using the rain sensor and/or wiper activity, by gently rubbing the brake pads on the rotors to help keep
the pad surface dry. A new Brake Standby feature can reduce braking response time by readying
the brakes for application whenever the driver abruptly lifts off the accelerator pedal. By
anticipating a sudden stop, Brake Standby can shorten stopping distances. The new Starting Assistant
feature is designed to prevent rollback when starting off on a grade without having to use the brake
pedal or handbrake.

All of these features will ensure that the BMW 3 Series will maintain its leadership, not only in
handling and responsiveness, but in active safety as well.

The BMW 3 Series - the quintessential sport sedan
The design of the new 3 Series is at once bold, dynamic and elegant. Positioned right in the
epicenter of BMW's modern design spectrum, the 3 Series fits comfortably between the sportiness
of the Z4 and the elegance of the 7 Series.

Compared to the outgoing model, more generous exterior dimensions ensure even greater spaciousness
and comfort for all passengers. At 178.0 inches, the length increases by 1.9 inches. The width at
71.5 inches increases by 3.1. Vehicle height is 55.9 inches, an increase of 0.24. The wheelbase
is 1.4 inches longer at 108.7.

Body shell improvements: lighter, stiffer, safer
Not only is the body shell of the new 3 Series larger it is also designed for greater stiffness,
leading to improved comfort and safety. A new joint and crossbar concept for the car's load-bearing
structure increases body stiffness by 25 percent without increasing the car's weight, thanks to
intelligent lightweight engineering through the use of more highly developed steel and molding
technologies.

The safest 3 Series ever, particularly in side impacts
The new 3 Series is designed to achieve the best results in the very demanding EuroNCAP
crash test. It is also one of the first cars in the world fully prepared for the demanding U.S. side
impact standards, as well as the high-speed rear impact test.

The list of passive safety features includes intelligent front driver and passenger airbags,
hip/thorax side airbags and the BMW Head Protection System in curtain form.

Proven technology for an extra measure of safety and security
Two-stage Adaptive Brakelights enlarge the brake light area in hard braking or whenever ABS is
activated. This brighter warning can help following drivers to react more quickly. Runflat tires
come standard. In the event of a puncture, the driver can continue for up to nearly three hours at
speeds up to 50 mph, allowing him or her to get the tire repaired or replaced in a safe and secure
area by skilled personnel.

The new 3 Series will be available with optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights. The previous BMW 3
Series was the first vehicle to offer these lights, which turn slightly whenever the front wheels turn.
Greater illumination around bends improves visibility, particularly on winding roads.

Interior: Modern and purposeful
The new interior reflects the modern ambience seen in other recent BMW designs. The interior is
more spacious and more luxurious for drivers and passengers alike. The driver is also offered an
environment that is designed to enhance the driving experience. As before, an onboard navigation
system will be available. In the new 3 Series the system will include BMW's iDrive control system for
convenient operation.

Get in and go without a key
The optional Comfort Access makes the conventional ignition key a thing of the past. A uniquely coded
transmitter, referred to as the ID Sensor, enables the driver to enter the car with the ID Sensor in a
pocket and start the engine by pressing a button, without ever touching the ID Sensor. The ID Sensor,
in conjunction with Key Memory, sets the driver's preferences for power seat position, mirrors, automatic
climate control and, if equipped with optional iDrive, the radio station presets.

Luxury class infotainment systems
The new 3 Series is able to take advantage of the full range of BMW's information and
entertainment features. The DVD-based onboard navigation system provides quick and accurate route
planning and destination information. The standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system can be upgraded
to include the Logic7 surround sound system, as offered in the 7 Series. The listening experience can
be enhanced further with the availability of SIRIUS satellite radio. The available Premium Package
will include BMW Assist which provides emergency calling and BMW Roadside Assistance. Subscribers
may also take advantage of a whole range of travel-related services.

The new BMW 3 Series will once again raise the sports sedan standard.

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.

[tdc]

Click on the image for the full gallery of photos...

[Sulax34]

It looks good from that picture, and the new 3.0 liter engine sounds impressive, its a shame that they are making it larger to help differentiate it from the 1 series. Does anybody have any idea how much it'll actually weigh (approximately)? Also i-drive is optional isn't it?

[CMT]

Yay.

However I have no doubt that it drives exceptionally well.

[midtown328i]

Autoweek also has some specs on it and an article.

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101090

[Sulax34]

I noticed a confusing statement in the autoweek article, where it states that a 240 turbocharged I6 will be offered to bridge the gaps between the regular 3 series and the ///M. That doesn't make sense considering the 3.0 I6 is 255 hp. Just a typo, or am I missing something? Also, 3200 lbs isn't that bad weightwise considering its a little larger.

[midtown328i]

I hope there is some truth to what they said about them making a Turbo 3 series. Easy power gains! And you wont have to spend 7-10k just to have turbo.

[iluv2xlr8]

After reading the press release and seeing the lastest picture I no longer despise this car. In fact I think I link it. Mechanically I feel this car is far superior to the e46 330. Now I just need to get aclamated to the design and I think I have a new car!

[M34EVER]

no coupe pics

[tdc]

Coupe isn't being released until next year at the earliest. And I've yet to see a REAL photo of the coupe.

BMW seems to be doing a really good job of keeping it under wraps.

[E46_328Ci]

Barf.

[ArcticFlow]

oh god damnit! that looks just like the 5-series, the E46's look good as they r now, Aargh why must they change the body style to THAT!?? that is hideous, burn that piece of shit.

[mad-ass]

it looks like 7th generation Accord..HATE

[ne0]

Nice post, Tom. BMW is definitally looking to fulfull their goal of adding more safety with all their efforts and improvements listed in the article.

[95325is]

it is just like all the new bmw that came out it will take alittle bit to get use to