First BMW Models for Model Year 2000 Make Their Debut in New York
30 March 1999
First BMW Models for Model Year 2000 Make Their Debut at New York Auto Show
New 3 Series Coupes and Restyled Z3 Roadsters Are Unveiled
Prices Are Announced for 7 Series, M5, 3 Series Coupes and Z3 Roadsters
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., March 30 -- BMW took the wraps off its
first two models for the 2000 model year today at the New York International
Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The 3 Series coupes-323Ci
and 328Ci and the restyled Z3 models-Z3 roadster 2.3 and Z3 roadster 2.8 were
shown for the first time in North America. Along with their unveiling, BMW
also announced the base prices for the first BMW models for the 2000 model
year. Virtually all represent a significant decrease on a comparably-equipped
basis vs. their predecessors. They are:
-- 323Ci $28,990
-- 328Ci $33,990
-- Z3 roadster 2.3 $31,300
-- Z3 roadster 2.8 $36,900
-- M5 $69,400
-- 740i $62,400
-- 740iL $66,400
-- 750iL $92,100
The new coupes -- The "Athletes" of the 3 Series
The 3 Series coupes are the second models to be introduced in the latest
generation of BMW's most popular model range -- the 3 Series -- and will go on
sale in July. The first models -- the 323i and 328i sports sedans were
introduced last summer.
The new coupes are endowed with all the attributes of the newest
generation of 3 Series models, plus compared to the previous generation models
they replace, a significant number of new standard features. With base prices
of $28,990 and $33,900 respectively, the 323Ci and 328Ci models are priced
substantially lower than their comparably equipped predecessors.
While all 3 Series models are characterized as sporty and dynamic, the new
coupes, in particular, present a very athletic personality thanks to their
classic coupe proportions. While sharing a family resemblance to their sedan
brethren, virtually every body panel of the coupe is unique. In its exterior
dimensions, the coupe is longer, wider and lower than its sedan sibling. The
extended length of the doors and the lower rake of the windshield give the
coupe an appearance which is elegant, yet decidedly athletic. Compared to the
sedans, there are also subtle modifications to both front and rear of the car.
The proportions of the signature quad round headlights and kidney grille are
new, while the exterior mirrors, turn signal indicators and front spoiler with
its large air scoop and integrated round foglights give the coupes a
purposeful and dynamic appearance. At the rear, the coupes are distinguished
by their own unique tail light styling.
Also unique to the coupes is a feature which allows easy access to the
rear seats. When the front seat backs are folded forward, the front seats
automatically move forward and upward to provide more entry room. Similar to
previous BMW coupes, such as the timeless 6 Series, the rear seat is contoured
in a body-hugging "deep-dish" configuration, adding exclusivity as well as
sportiness. Other interior distinctions for the coupe models are the inner
door panels with their sweeping armrests and the design of the instruments,
with their "italicized" numbering.
The 3 Series coupes have all the basic ingredients to provide an
exhilarating driving experience. They are the only coupes in their category
to offer the combination of rear wheel drive, manual transmission and a weight
balance of 51% front and 49% rear. Combined with a standard sport suspension
as well as 16-inch light alloy wheels (17-inch light alloys are optional) and
large, ventilated four-wheel disc brakes, the new coupe's technical
specifications are a perfect match for their eye-catching looks.
Engine choices range from the 170-horsepower 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder
of the 323Ci to the 193-horsepower 2.8-liter inline six of the 328Ci. Both
engines are available with a choice of transmissions-sporty 5-speed manual or,
for the first time in a 3 Series model, the optional STEPTRONIC 5-speed
automatic, which allows drivers the choice of manual or automatic shifting.
Like all BMW models, the new 3 Series coupes are endowed with an equal
balance of active, as well as, passive safety features. In addition to dual
front airbags and standard door-mounted side airbags, the coupes are also
equipped with BMW's exclusive Head Protection System, designed to offer
increased protection to the head and neck of the driver and front seat
passenger in a side-impact collision. On the active safety front, the new
coupes are equipped as standard with the newest generation of BMW's cornering
stability system -- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC l11). DSC is an
electronically-controlled system utilizing sophisticated technology to help a
driver maintain vehicle stability when a vehicle loses traction while
cornering.
Restyled Z3 Roadsters Get New Contours and More Standard Features
Since its inception in 1996, the Z3 roadsters have become one of the most
popular two-seat sports cars in America. For the 2000 model year, the Z3
roadsters will get new features and styling refinements to keep them fresh in
appearance and exhilarating in performance.
Exterior styling changes focus on the rear of the car, where the curve of
the rear fenders and wheel arches has been accentuated. Together with the new
design of the tail lights, the roadsters take on a more aggressive, sporty
appearance. New designs for the standard 16-inch light alloy wheels on both
models and for the optional 17-inch wheels on the Z3 roadster 2.8 distinguish
the 2000 models from their predecessors. New colors and combinations are
available with the addition of six new exterior colors and three new
interiors.
Interior changes include a redesigned center console, incorporating new
and repositioned controls and the addition of an analog clock. A lined
soft-top provides a quieter environment in which to enjoy the upgraded
standard sound system with larger, more powerful speakers and subwoofer.
Upgraded trim and dashboard materials and a new, sportier 3-spoke steering
wheel complete the interior revisions.
The Z3 roadster 2.3 is powered by a 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower inline
six-cylinder engine, while the Z3 roadster 2.8 gets even more power in the
form of a 2.8-liter, 193-horsepower inline six. Both cars are available with
a choice of transmissions-sporty 5-speed manual or optional
electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic.
Active safety features (those which help a driver avoid an accident in the
first place) and passive safety features (those which help protect occupants
if an accident is unavoidable) play a prominent role in the protection
afforded the occupants of the Z3 roadsters. Both occupants benefit from such
passive safety features as front airbags with smart technology, door-mounted
side airbags and rollover protection bars. Active safety features include
standard antilock braking system (ABS), All Season Traction (AST) and Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC 111). Dynamic Stability Control helps the vehicle
maintain stability during cornering and emergency maneuvers and is a new
feature on model year 2000 Z3 roadsters.
The new Z3 roadsters will go on sale in April.
New M5 Will Be Most Powerful M Car Ever
The new M5, the most powerful M car ever built, is the newest product from
BMW M -- the division of BMW responsible for developing ultra high performance
versions of its production models. Powered by a 5-liter V-8 engine, the M5 is
the flagship model for BMW's M brand. At $69,400, the M5 offers a combination
of performance, luxury and practicality that is not available in any other car
at any price.
M5 purchasers will also be entitled to attend free of charge, a special M
driver training course to be conducted behind the wheel of an M5 at the new
BMW Performance Center, adjacent to the manufacturing plant in Spartanburg,
South Carolina. In addition, those who wish to take delivery of their M5 at
the Spartanburg plant can do so at no additional charge.
This ultra high-performance four-door sedan is the first M car to offer a
V-8 engine, providing drivers with superior power and acceleration. With an
output of 400 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 369 lb-ft. of torque @ 3,800 rpm
mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the M5 accelerates effortlessly at
any speed.
The new M5 is easily distinguished from other 5 Series sedans due to its
re-styled front air dam incorporating a large air scoop and oval fog lamps.
Giving the car a distinctly aggressive look, the quad exhaust tailpipes
highlight the striking rear of the M5. Newly designed light alloy wheels that
measure 8 x 18 inches in the front and 9.5 x 18 inches in the rear have a new
chrome satin finish. The M5 is fitted with ultra low-profile 245/40 ZR
18-inch tires in the front and 275/35 ZR-18 inch tires in the rear.
The newest M car combines characteristics that seem at first contradictory
-- power, dynamic road performance and supreme driving pleasure on the one
hand, while offering luxurious comfort, everyday efficiency and 5-passenger
spaciousness on the other.
The M5 will be available with two interior choices -- sport or exclusive.
Both interiors feature sports seats designed specifically for the M5.
Additional interior highlights include the specially designed instrument
package incorporating a tachometer featuring a variable rpm redline, which
increases as oil temperature increases, and an integrated oil temperature
display. The shift lever of the six-speed manual gearbox is illuminated from
the inside, displaying the double-H shift pattern in the dark.
In addition to the M5, the full line of high performance M cars will be on
display. The M3 convertible and M3 coupe offer six-cylinder power and the
road capabilities that BMW's M brand is known for, and which makes them
competitive with many sports cars costing far more.
The M roadster, with a 3.2-liter, 240-horsepower six-cylinder engine under
its long hood, sets the standard in the two-seat roadster segment. The M
coupe, an authentic GT sports car, is one of the boldest shapes currently on
the road.
The M5 will go on sale in October, 1999 as a model year 2000 vehicle.
Model Year 2000 7 Series Sedans:
New Innovations, More Standard Features, Same Price
The flagships of BMW's model line -- the 7 Series sedans -- will get
numerous additions to their already extensive level of standard equipment for
the 2000 model year, while prices will remain at 1999 levels. This represents
a significant increase in the value of these award-winning sedans -- in fact
more than $4,400 additional value for the 740i and 740iL models.
Much of the equipment which is already standard on the V-12-powered 750iL
will be included in a standard Premium Package on the V-8-powered 740i and
740iL models. The Premium Package consists of the BMW Onboard Navigation
System, Xenon gas-discharge headlights, Premium audio system with DSP (Digital
Sound Processing) and six-disc CD-changer. Additional features which will be
standard for the 2000 model year are rain-sensing windshield wipers and
headlight washers.
Two new packages will be available as optional equipment for the 740i and
740iL. The Adaptive Ride Package will include Electronic Damping Control
(EDC) and Self-Leveling Rear Suspension. The Cold Weather Package is revised
for the 2000 model year and will include heated seats in both front and rear,
heated steering wheel, and ski sack, which allows skis to be carried inside
the car via trunk access through the rear center armrest.
Newly available individual options include 18-inch M Parallel Spoke alloy
wheels and the Active Comfort Seat, designed to keep drivers more alert on
long trips where typically there is not a lot of opportunity to move around.
The periodic movement of the seat bottom through hydraulic adjustment helps
relieve tension in the muscles of the lower back.
The twelve-cylinder 75OiL will add to its impressive array of standard
equipment the rain-sensing windshield wipers and the Active Comfort seat. Two
new exclusive exterior color and interior trim packages called High Line will
be available at no additional charge on the 750iL and will be optional on the
740iL. The sporty 18-inch M Parallel Spoke alloy wheels will be available as
an option on the 75OiL as well.
Also new for the 2000 model year, will be the availability of two
light-armored 7 Series models -- the 740iL Protection and the 75OiL
Protection. Both models offer their occupants a level of protection that will
resist bullets up to .44 caliber magnum. The use of lightweight aramide-fiber
mats to line the passenger compartment provide this protection without the
kind of weight penalty typical of vehicles armored with steel plates. This
means that there is virtually no performance penalty for the 7 Series
Protection vehicles vs. the non-armored models. Further benefits are that
these Protection models are factory-built, so unlike aftermarket conversions,
do not have to be dismantled and rebuilt in order to provide the protection
features. And like all BMW models, they carry the full 4-year/50,000 mile
limited warranty and can be serviced at any authorized BMW Center. The base
price for the 740iL Protection is $99,400 while the 750iL Protection is
$124,400. These prices are approximately $33,000 more than their non-armored
counterparts.
Finally, all 7 Series models except the light armor 740iL Protection and
75OiL Protection will be available with a new system to provide head
protection in side impact collisions for rear seat occupants. This option
will include both door-mounted side airbags and separate inflatable head
protection.
The 2000 model year 7 Series sedans will go on sale in April.
BMW of North America, Inc. was established in 1975, at which point the
company assumed marketing and distribution responsibilities for BMW
automobiles in the U.S. from the previous 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. BMW is
represented in North America through a network of BMW Centers in the U.S. and
Canada, including more than 375 for automobiles and 190 for motorcycles. 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.