Press Release

BMW Announces Debut of New M3 Sedan at San Francisco Auto Show

11/22/96

New BMW M3 Sedan to be Introduced at San Francisco International Auto
Show

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Nov. 21 -- The new four-door
version of BMW's high-performance M3 model will make its North
American debut at the San Francisco International Auto Show, November
24 to December 1, 1996.

The M3 is based on BMW's popular 3 Series model range, but is further
modified to increase its performance by BMW M, a special division of
BMW which is devoted to special high-performance models, competition
activities, BMW Exclusive Edition models and other colorful
endeavors. Two years ago, BMW M launched a second generation of its M3
model, and it was a revolution on four wheels: Here was an automobile
with all the practicality of the 3 Series Coupe, yet endowed with even
greater measures of six-cylinder performance, road-gripping handling,
powerful braking and sporty, yet restrained and tasteful styling. As
the basis for BMW's U.S. motorsport program, the M3 earned BMW the
manufacturer's championship in the 1996 IMSA GTS-2 roadracing series.

In the time span since that introduction, the M3 Coupe has been
upgraded with an available Luxury Package, an available 5-speed
automatic transmission, a larger displacement 3.2-liter engine and
(for 1996) an extensively further refined sports chassis as well as
standard All Season Traction. (On the M3, AST is accompanied by a
limited-slip differential for an ultimate combination of traction
control and sporting handling.)

For 1997, there are still more new touches, such as the standard M
Double- Spoke II alloy wheels, which continue the beefy 17 x 7.5
in. front/17 x 8.5 in. rear sizes introduced in 1996. As before,
high-performance, low-profile 225/45ZR-17 front tires and 245/4OZR-17
rear tires are standard.

For those attracted to the idea of an ultimate sports sedan (always a
BMW specialty), the introduction of the first M3 Sedan will be of
intense interest. Technologically, this is essentially the same
automobile as the Coupe; it just offers the specific practicality of a
four-door sedan. But because it is a sedan, it also carries the
distinction of being the fastest accelerating (0-60mph) four-door
offered in the U.S. The Sedan also distinguishes itself by offering
the 5-speed automatic transmission (which was available in 1995, but
not on the 1996 or 1997 M3 Coupe), standard 8-way sports seats
(instead of the sportier 12-way seats of the Coupe) and a fascinating
new metallic copper color called Byzanz. Like the Coupe, the Sedan is
available in a Sports (standard) version or with the optional Luxury
Package, which includes:

     -- Distinctive front spoiler and side sills
     -- Distinctive M Contour II wheels (same size as standard wheels)
     -- 8-way power sports seats
     -- Premium Nappa leather upholstery, including door (and in the Coupe
	rear side-panel) inserts
     -- High-gloss walnut trim on dash, center console and doors
     -- Cruise control
     -- Onboard Computer

An extensive selection of stand-alone options is also available for
both M3 models, including a wing-type rear spoiler, special
forged-alloy wheels and a 320-watt Harman Kardon audio system.

BMW entered the North American market in 1975. Since then the company
has grown to include marketing, sales and financial services
organizations in the United States and Canada; a South Carolina
manufacturing operation; a design firm in California; and various
other operations throughout the U.S. and Canada. BMW is represented in
North America through a network of more than 375 automobile and 190
motorcycle retailers in the United States and Canada. BMW (US) Holding
Corp., the brand's North American headquarters, is located in
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW products is available to consumers via the World
Wide Web on the BMW homepage. The address is: http://www.bmwusa.com.