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BMW Announces Prices for New M Models; M Roadster and M3 Convertible to Debut in Spring

29 December 1997

BMW Announces Prices for New M Models; M Roadster and M3 Convertible to Debut in Spring

    LOS ANGELES, Dec. 29 -- BMW of North America president Victor
H. Doolan announced today at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show the pricing for
two new M models that will arrive in showrooms next spring.  The M roadster
will have a base MSRP of $42,200 and the M3 convertible will be priced at
$45,900.
    The M roadster, based on BMW's popular Z3 two-seat sports car, will get
all around high-performance upgrades in the fashion established by BMW M, the
subsidiary of BMW responsible for the development of all M cars and individual
models.  These include installing the 240-horsepower, 3.2-liter inline six-
cylinder engine of the M3, with corresponding upgrades to the suspension,
brakes and wheels/tires to support the increase in engine performance.  This
pure sports car will only be available with a 5-speed manual transmission.
    The M3 convertible will join the family of M3 models which already
includes the M3 coupe and sedan.  This four-seat, open-air model will
incorporate all the M3 performance equipment as well as features such as a
fully-automatic convertible top and BMW's Rollover Protection System.  The M3
convertible will be available with a choice of transmissions -- 5-speed manual
or 5-speed automatic.
    Both models come standard with BMW's Coded Driveaway Protection System to
help prevent thefts by automatically disabling the engine management system
each time the key is removed from the ignition.  Like every 1998 BMW model,
the cost of scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes
first) is included in the purchase price of the M roadster and M3 convertible.
    Commenting on the pricing announcement, Mr. Doolan added, "Our M models
have always been considered among the most exciting cars to drive.  At these
prices, they can also be considered among the best values in this segment as
well."
    BMW of North America, Inc. was established in 1975, at which point the
company assumed marketing and distribution responsibilities of BMW automobiles
in the U.S. from the previous private distributor.  Motorcycle marketing and
distribution was 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; 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.

SOURCE  BMW of North America, Inc.