The new BMW 520d

BMW UK has announced the first details of the new entry point for the 5 Series
range - the new BMW 520d Saloon and Touring. With executive levels of comfort,
sprightly performance, frugality and best-in-class cost of ownership, the new
520d may be the entry-level model, but remains an aspirational car for business
users and private buyers alike.

See attached download document for more complete table showing basic
performance data in addition to OTR price.

Model / Price OTR

BMW 520d Saloon / £25,925
BMW 520d SE Saloon / £26,235
BMW 520d M Sport Saloon / £29,345
BMW 520d Touring / £27,925
BMW 520d SE Touring / £28,235
BMW 520d M Sport Touring / £31,345

Powered by the same 1,995cc diesel engine as the benchmark compact executive
BMW 320d, the new 520d Saloon offers 163hp at 4,000rpm and 340Nm of torque at
2,000rpm. This powers the car from standstill to 62mph in 8.6 seconds and on
to a top speed of 139mph. But these levels of performance are not at the
expense of consumption and emissions, with the EU4-rated BMW 520d delivering
47.9mpg on the combined cycle and 158g/km emissions.

The 2.0-litre diesel engine is mated to a sharp-shifting six-speed manual
transmission as standard or, in early 2006, customers will be able to specify
an optional six-speed automatic gearbox. The manual transmission fully
exploits the combination of diesel power and the 5 Series' pin-sharp chassis to
ensure the 520d remains a true driver's car.

Customers ordering a standard car receive 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control,
DSC traction control and eight airbags as standard. The SE specification
matches the 523i SE and receives 17-inch alloy wheels with Run-flat tyres, Park
Distance Control and automatic dimming rear view mirror. In turn, the
specification of the M Sport variant matches the 523i M Sport and includes
18-inch alloy wheels, sports seats and body styling enhancements. Exterior
paint, interior upholstery and optional equipment choices reflect the existing
5 Series variants.

The new 520d will appeal to both private buyers and business users. With the
entire 5 Series range benefiting from low insurance ratings and BMW's unique
Service and Maintenance packages that offer three or five year protection for a
one-off payment from £395, the range makes sound financial sense. However,
with the 520d's price entry point of less than £26,000 and unprecedented
residual values expected, buyers can have piece of mind that they will have
made a sound investment.

The introduction of the new 520d in September 2005 is set to build on the
current sales success of the 5 Series range. With over 8,300 5 Series models
sold in the first six months of 2005, it outsold its nearest competitor, the
Mercedes Benz E Class, by nearly 2,000 units, the new Audi A6 by 2,600 units
and the Jaguar S-Type by nearly 4,800 cars.

Ends