BMW 3 Series Achieves Highest Score in Vision Total Quality Index

27 April 1999
BMW 3 Series Achieves Highest Score in Strategic Vision Total Quality Index(TM) in Near-Luxury Segment
    WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., April 26 -- The BMW 3 Series sedans
have achieved the highest customer satisfaction ranking in their segment from
Strategic Vision, who announced the results of their 1999 Total Quality
Index(TM) today.  The 3 Series sedans received a high score of 906 in the very
competitive "Near-Luxury" category, representing a significant achievement for
the 323i and 328i sedans in their first model year.
    "We're pleased by the results of this survey," said BMW of North America
president Victor Doolan.  "The Total Quality Index(TM) is more than a
measurement of defects in an automobile.  It takes into account the total
ownership experience -- the enjoyment of driving the vehicle, the purchase or
leasing experience and the emotional aspects of the car/driver relationship.
With so many good cars to choose from, the fact that the 3 Series has achieved
this honor, tells us that both the vehicle and our retailers are exceeding our
customers' expectations."
    In summing up the results of the survey, Strategic Vision commented on the
3 Series: "The new '3' excels in style, roadability, innovation and
craftsmanship.  Offering the highest standards, they make their owners feel
delight, personal satisfaction, esteem and pride in cars that are fun to drive
and 'a leader.'"
    The BMW 323i sedan is equipped with a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline
six-cylinder engine, while the 328i sedan has an even more potent
193-horsepower 2.8-liter inline six.  Both models are available with a choice
of manual or automatic transmission.  In addition to their 4-year/50,000 mile
limited warranty, the cost of scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 36,000
miles is included with the purchase or lease of any new BMW model.
    BMW of North America, Inc. was established in 1975, when the company
assumed marketing and distribution responsibilities of BMW vehicles in the
U.S. from a private distributor.  Motorcycle marketing and distribution were
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; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations
throughout the U.S. and Canada.  BMW is represented in North America through a
network of 375 automobile and 190 motorcycle retailers in the United States
and Canada.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the marque'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.