Press Release
BMW Announces New M3 Sedan
12/24/96
New BMW M3 Sedan to be Introduced at Washington Auto Show WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Dec. 19 -- The new four-door version of BMW's high-performance M3 model will make its North American debut at the Washington Auto Show, December 26, 1996 to January 1, 1997. 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 Head 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 245/40ZR-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 (0-60 mph) 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. SOURCE BMW of North America, Inc.