BMW at the Mondial de L'Automobile Paris: The BMW Z9 Convertible Concept Car and New 2001 BMW Innovations

The BMW Z9 Convertible Concept Car.
Presenting the Z9 convertible at the Paris Motor Show today, BMW is offering a
glimpse of how sheer driving pleasure will be enhanced to an even higher
standard in the future. The "heart" of this particularly impressive 2+2-seat
convertible is an interior which makes motoring more simple and pleasant than
ever before. Relieved of the usual chores, the driver is able to concentrate on
the basic functions of motoring while benefitting from all the features of
cutting-edge automotive technology. This is the result of BMW's trendsetting
iDrive ergonomics concept first presented in its fundamental configuration in
the Z9 gran turismo at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show.

A future-oriented design philosophy both for the body and the interior.
Like its predecessor the Z9 gran turismo coupé, the Z9 convertible once again
represents BMW's design philosophy of the future. With its classic silhouette
that combines a long engine compartment with a short rear end, this unique
convertible conveys all the dynamism of BMW design. From the front to the rear,
all the car's lines and surfaces create a feeling of excitement and tension.
You might well say without exaggeration that the energy of this unique car
literally "flows" from front to rear. The strategy pursued while creating this
design was to highlight and reinforce BMW's philosophy that "dynamism defines
design".

At very first sight the interaction of the interior and exterior colours
clearly reflect the outstanding character of this concept car: The dark
anthracite gold metallic of the body accentuates the light cream and
silver-grey interior, BMW focusing in particular on the area of the car the
customer will experience much more intensively day in and day out than its
exterior: the interior forming the very "heart" or centre of sheer driving
pleasure. The interior design is "open" and light, following lines clearly
inspired by the world of architecture.

In technical terms the Z9 convertible follows in the footsteps of its coupé
predecessor. Measuring 4,760 mm or 187.4" in length, it is slightly shorter
than the coupé, but exactly as wide with an overall width measuring 1,970 mm or
77.6". Thanks to the open roof, the Z9 convertible measures exactly 1,280 mm or
50.4" in height, 60 mm or 2.4" less than the gran turismo. Wheelbase, finally,
is 100 mm or 3.9" shorter at precisely 2,950 mm or 116.1".

Unlike the Z9 gran turismo, the laminated carbon outer skin of the convertible
rests on an extra-strong frame that guarantees superior stiffness. Power is to
be provided by BMW's proven 4.4-litre V8 developing maximum output of 210 kW
(286 bhp) and maximum torque of 440 Nm (324 lb-ft). 285/40 tires running on
21-inch rims at the rear convey this superior power to the road, while the
front tires measure 245/45 and run on 20-inch rims. Extra-large sports brakes,
finally, ensure optimum stopping power.

iDrive: a new definition of active motoring.
iDrive introduces a new definition of active motoring, occupant- and, in
particular, driver-oriented ergonomics of the revolutionary standard typical of
BMW.
With up to 700 different control functions now conceivable, any conventional
arrangement or concept would clearly lead to an unmanageable inflation of knobs
and controllers. A further point is that modern driver assistance systems as
well as numerous communication and comfort functions covering new and
increasingly comprehensive purposes and applications have been introduced in
the cockpits of modern cars increasingly in recent years. Now, benefitting from
the digitalisation of electronics and communication technologies, this trend
will continue at an even-faster pace. Any attempt to operate and control all
options and functions in future by means of "hard keys", that is physical
switches and control units, would by far exceed the space available around the
driver. The result would inevitably be a cockpit completely overloaded with
knobs and instruments, making it impossible for the driver to perform the
necessary functions even if the standard of ergonomics were improved to the
highest level possible.

A thorough analysis - for sheer driving pleasure also in future.
Recognising this problem and its consequences, BMW has consistently re-analysed
all features of the man/machine interface - the function and information
channels between the driver and his car - in the process carefully checking
their structures from the ground up. The amazingly simple result is that the
innumerable functions and the flow of information to which the driver requires
access have to be tailored to each specific driving situation in accordance
with their significance, that is according to current requirements. A further
point is that this re-configuration must be intuitive, allowing the driver to
perform the necessary functions without having to search for a long time and
therefore without being distracted from his actual job - and, of course, from
the motoring pleasure he wishes to enjoy.

The optimum solution: functions exactly where they are needed.
The result of this new perspective is to structure the functions on three
levels, depending on the frequency of the applications involved and their
relevance to motoring. The basic functions most significant for motoring and
safety on the road are moved to the direct vicinity of the driver. All driving
functions are in the area around the steering wheel, offering the driver
direct, immediate access. Basic functions frequently used and therefore also
requiring rapid access come on a second level and are controlled by
conventional switches on the instrument panel - for example the lights switch
or basic comfort functions such as the temperature setting on the automatic air
conditioning.

Enhanced comfort, communication and driver assistance functions account for the
largest share of new options and features in a modern car. It is these
functions and settings, however, that are only rarely adjusted while driving -
although the information they provide must be rapidly available at any time.
These requirements are therefore perfectly fulfilled by the Control Centre that
comprises all of these functions in a logical, ergonomically optimised
arrangement. The monitor directly in the driver's line of vision provides all
the information required at any time, without taking the driver's attention
away from the road.Through its simple and intuitive control, the operation unit
in the centre console gives the driver direct access to the many function,
information and communication options he will be enjoying in future.

A detailed look at the Z9 convertible: consistent driver orientation for
extra safety and comfort on the road.
A detailed look at the Z9 convertible reveals the options and possibilities
offered by this new dimension of driver-oriented ergonomics: The area around
the steering wheel allows active motoring without the slightest impairment,
since the driver, using the control units on the steering wheel, has all
functions relevant to motoring right there at his fingertips for direct,
convenient control. On the steering column there are four levers for the
direction indicators, screenwipers, Cruise/Control, and the automatic
transmission with the selector lever for direct activation of the P, R, N, and
D functions. A corresponding display between the speedometer and the rev
counter then presents the transmission program currently in use.

Pressing the new Steptronic buttons once in the thumb area of the multifunction
steering wheel, you then switch from automatic to manual transmission control,
pressing the button a second time in order to shift gears. Further displays for
the navigation system and Active Cruise Control (ACC) are integrated in the
speedometer and rev counter, consistently supplying the driver with the most
important information of relevance on the road, without requiring him to take
his eyes off the traffic around him for an extended period of time.

Other elementary functions required in motoring at short notice, but not
calling for the driver's permanent attention, are integrated in the centre
console, offering easy access to both the driver and the front passenger:
rotary knobs for the heating and ventilation system separated for each side of
the passenger compartment as well as switches for hazard warning flashers, rear
window heating, and volume control.

The Controller: one control unit for hundreds of functions.
One of the most important elements within the Z9 convertible's innovative
control and display concept is the Control Centre made up of the Controller and
Control Display and serving to operate a whole range of different functions.
The Controller is a particularly handy, easy-to-use control and operation unit
at the front end of the centre armrest allowing the same intuitive control as
the gearshift lever on a conventional car. All the driver has to do in order to
enter his commands is press the Controller forwards and backwards, to the left
and to the right, and in the four diagonal directions, or to turn and press
down the Controller in order to select and operate the various menu functions.

Like a gearshift lever, the Controller has specific functions whenever moved
from its central position to one of its operating positions. Using the
Controller, the driver is able to choose 8 function areas in exactly the same
way as if he were shifting gears: communication, climate control, entertainment
and the drive mode in the four main directions, information, configuration,
vehicle functions and the help mode when moving the Controller diagonally. All
8 areas are presented graphically in the Control Display within perfect view of
the driver and front passenger in the top centre of the instrument panel.
Conducting a dialogue mode, the driver is therefore able to directly choose all
of the 8 function areas, each of which is shown permanently on the outer frame
of the screen. Then, turning and pressing the Controller, the driver is able to
select the desired settings within the function area he has activated. This
rotary knob/ push button control mode was already introduced by BMW with the
first navigation

system and is acknowledged to this day as highly user-friendly within the car.
A further benefit of this control system for the driver is that the system is
already pre-set to the menu used last whenever the driver selects the same
function area again.

iDrive: sheer driving pleasure for the future.
iDrive is a major step from purely physical ergonomics in the cockpit towards
an all-round driving philsophy arranging all modern comfort, communication and
driver assistance systems directly around the driver for his maximum
convenience. And at the same time iDrive offers new freedom and motoring
pleasure, enabling the BMW driver to enjoy all the highlights of active
motoring without in any way foregoing the motoring comfort he rightly expects
today. And last but certainly not least, iDrive gives free reign to BMW's
engineers in their active quest to integrate future technologies within this
flexible system to the advantage and pleasure of the BMW driver.

By creating the Z9 convertible, BMW has built a car with technical features
serving more than ever before to give the driver exactly what he wants at the
wheel of his BMW: sheer driving pleasure at its very best.

BMW Innovations for the 2001 Model Year.
- New six-cylinder engines
- Facelift for the 5 Series
- Optional all-wheel drive also on the 325i and 330i

New six-cylinder engines.
As of autumn 2000, BMW rounded off the latest generation of its straight-six
petrol engines.now displacing 2.2, 2.5, and 3.0 litres. Featured in over 21
models worldwide on the 3 Series, 5 Series and Z3, these new, larger and more
powerful engines set a new standard in terms of performance, fuel economy, and
drive comfort.

The new six-cylinder petrol engines are based on the 3.0-litre power unit
which already made its debut in June. The specifications of these two engines
are as follows:
- 2.2-litre: 168 bhp @ 6250 rpm, 155 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
- 2.5-litre: 184 bhp @ 6000 rpm, 175 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
- 3.0-litre: 225 bhp@ 5900 rpm, 214 lb-ft @3500 rpm

The new engines are featured in the following models:
- 320i, 325i and 330i (sedan, coupé, touring, and convertible)
- 520i (not available in North America), 525i and 530i
- Z3 roadster 2.2i and Z3 roadster 3.0i

The significant increase in output and torque on all models result primarily
from consistent fine-tuning on the entire intake and exhaust system, with air,
fuel and exhaust flow being optimised in every respect. A further point is that
the torque curve is a lot "beefier" on all models, with a minimum of 85 per
cent of the engine's maximum torque remaining consistently available between
1500 and 6000 rpm. Yet another significant advantage is that this increase in
output and torque comes on the same amount of fuel as before, or even with a
reduction in fuel consumption of up to 0.5 litres/100 km on the automatic
transmission models thanks to optimisation of the entire drivetrain.

Facelift for the 5 Series.
The most striking visual features characterising the discreet facelift on the 5
Series are the new headlights and other exterior lights, and the modified
kidney grille. Each of the headlights in brilliant look is surrounded by a
light conductor ring providing the parking light function and accentuating the
characteristic look of BMW's dual round headlights. Behind the clear glass
cover on top of both lights, round direction indicators now come at the side of
the headlights, matching round foglamps in clear glass look standard from now
on all 5 Series and replacing the former rectangular foglamps.

Greater clarity: brilliant look, light-emitting diodes and light conductors.
The rear lights also in brilliant look come with new light conductor technology
specially developed for this purpose. Four red light-emitting diodes on each
side feed light into four horizontally arranged light rods, speading out the
light consistently over the entire rear lights area and at the same time
reducing the dazzle effect. A significant advantage in terms of safety is the
much longer service life of these light-emitting diodes compared with
conventional bulbs and the redundancy ensured in the event of an LED failure.

Greater class and style: wider range of chrome and paintwork.
The BMW kidney grille now comes with the wider chrome surrounds already
featured on the 5 Series as well as additional chrome-plating on the vertical
slats of the 8-cylinder models. The front air dam has also been redesigned,
together with the round foglamps. From now on all impact strips around the body
come in body colour, with discreet chrome trim on the 8-cylinder models. A
further feature on the 540i is the high-gloss black shadow line paintwork on
the mirror triangles, B-pillars and window guides. On the touring, the load
sill cover on top of the rear bumper comes in body colour, and new aluminium
wheels fitted as standard round off the car's refined and highly attractive
looks.

Greater safety: C-pillar airbags.
As of September the 5 Series sedan and the X5 can be ordered with side airbags
at the rear that include C-pillar airbags (HPS for rear passengers). This
increases the number of airbag systems available in the 5 Series to a maximum
of 10.

Greater comfort: features and equipment optimised to the last detail.
Ultra-sound Park Distance Control (PDC) now incorporating distance sensors not
only in the rear bumper of the 5 Series, but also in the front bumper, ensures
an even higher standard of comfort and reduces parking damage to a minimum. The
optional active seat with periodical, hydraulic movement of the seat bottom to
avoid back tension is available in future for the driver and front passenger
without requiring the purchaser to order comfort seats).

And in the 5 Series touring, the trunk partition net is now a standard feature.
Even better climate control inside the car, finally, is ensured by the new
solar sensor on the automatic air conditioning unit that, controls the output
of cold air and air throughput as a function of solar and thermal radiation.

The new 6.5-inch screen for the navigation system and on-board computer now
comes in a clear 16:9 ratio, as with the 7 Series. New screen display
technology ensures a clear contrast even with the screen exposed to direct
light, enabling the driver to read information quickly and reliably under all
conditions.

Optional all-wheel drive also on the 325i and 330i.
Following the introduction of the 330xi in June 2000, optional all-wheel drive
is now also available on the 2.5-litre engine. The model designation is the
325xi. All-wheel drive on the BMW 3 Series features the technology already
introduced successfully on the BMW X5: Under normal driving conditions this
permanent all-wheel drive system delivers 62% of the engine's power to the rear
and 38% to the front wheels, thus minimising the effect of the drive power on
the steering and retaining the neutral driving behaviour typical of BMW. Coming
from the gearbox, engine power goes through the power divider with its
integrated central differential and from there through the usual drive shaft to
the rear wheels. The connection to the front wheels, in turn, is provided by a
propeller shaft running parallel to the engine from the power divider to the
front and extending into the front axle differential and wheel drive shafts.
Ground clearance has been increased by 17 millimetres, enabling the driver to
take even rough tr

acks in the forest or on other offroad terrain without damaging the car's
underfloor.

ADB-X replaces all lock differentials in the BMW all-wheel-drive system.
Contrary to conventional four-wheel-drive systems on the market, BMW's
all-wheel-drive system does not require any mechanical locks, but rather uses
the benefits of DSC Dynamic Stability Control that combines an additional
function with BMW all-wheel drive: the electronic ADB-X differential lock. As
soon as ADB-X recognises that a wheel is about to spin, it slows down the wheel
automatically by applying the brakes. This, in turn, re-directs the power flow
to the wheels which still have traction and appropriate grip on the road, at
the same time reinstating traction on the wheel that is spinning. ADB-X offers
the same effects as conventional differential locks without their usual
disadvantages such as friction losses, extra weight and additional space
requirements.

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