The new BMW 130i and M Sport models

Following February's announcement of the much-anticipated six-cylinder BMW
130i, BMW UK has confirmed the September 2005 introduction of the most potent 1
Series to date - the new 265hp BMW 130i.

Taking BMW's lightweight magnesium-alloy six-cylinder 258hp petrol engine as a
basis, BMW engineers have wrung every last drop of power from the revolutionary
powerplant, making the BMW 130i six-cylinder the most powerful engine in its
class and the most powerful six-cylinder engine under a BMW bonnet, bar the
M3. It is also the only car in its segment to offer a front-engine,
rear-wheel-drive layout - the optimum set-up for on-road dynamics.

Taking BMW's renowned attention-to-detail to the extreme, the 1 Series
engineering team have exploited the 1 Series' exemplary air flow and cooling to
extract even more performance out of the car at full throttle. As a result,
the 130i now delivers 265hp, seven horsepower more than the 330i, 530i and
630i. Similarly, torque has also been uprated to 315Nm from 300Nm.

The improvements in engine output enable the car to deliver a class-leading
zero to 62mph time of 6.1 seconds while top speed remains limited to 155mph.
Consumption is still frugal with the 130i recording 30.7mpg on the combined
cycle, while the EU4 compliant power train produces just 221g/km.

The exciting performance figures of the BMW 130i are due in part to the VANOS
and VALVETRONIC valve opening and valve lift control mechanisms on the 2,996cc
engine that ensure optimum combustion and engine breathing at all times. An
electrically driven water pump also cuts down on internal engine friction and
improves efficiency. Power is transmitted to the road via a standard six-speed
manual gearbox.

Additionally, for the first time on a 1 Series, customers are able to specify
Active Steering. BMW's innovative steering system varies the steering ratio
depending on road speed and has been tuned specifically to the 130i.

Model / OTR Price
BMW 130i SE / £24,745
BMW 130i M Sport / £26,515

M Sport models:

Complementing the class-leading performance of the BMW 130i is the announcement
of a new range of M Sport models across the 1 Series range and on other BMW
variants.

At the front, M Sport models have a lower front spoiler styled for increased
aerodynamic efficiency while at the side, sculpted sills change the profile of
the car. At the rear, a venturi cut-out in the rear bumper further accentuates
the sporting theme. Bespoke 17- or 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, M Sports
suspension and high-gloss Shadow Line finish the exterior package.

Standard interior trim for M Sport models includes Sports seats in an exclusive
cloth / leather combination, M leather steering wheel, M doorsill finishes and
an Individual anthracite headlining.

Similar M Sport interior and exterior enhancements will be available from
September 2005 on 3 and 5 Series and X3 models and the new styling is expected
to be offered on more models in the future.

Ends

Note to Editors:
In its first year, the new BMW 1 Series is proving to be a real sales success
in the ultra competitive Compact segment. Since its September 2004 launch and
with just the five-door variant available, over 18,600 1 Series cars have been
sold.