BMW 330 Coupé diesel - the perfect package?

March 2003 will see BMW stake new ground in its product line-up with the
production of its first ever diesel Coupé, the BMW 330Cd.

The 330Cd features an uprated version of BMW's acclaimed 3.0-litre diesel
engine and will arrive in the UK in 2004. The new 3.0-litre unit will also slot
into the 330d Saloon and Touring models next spring in the UK when the
following range of styling and performance enhancements will also hit the UK
showrooms:

· Introduction of the BMW 330Cd (lhd - March 2003; rhd - 2004)
· Uprated 6 cylinder diesel engines
· New six speed manual transmissions added to the range
· New six-speed SSG transmission available on BMW 330Ci/325Ci Coupé and
Convertible
· Styling enhancements on Coupé, Convertible and Compact
· DSC standardised across the range

BMW 330Cd:
BMW's first ever diesel Coupé will feature the perfect marriage of an uprated
version of the muscular 3.0-litre diesel engine to the dynamic poise and
handling of the renowned 3 Series Coupé chassis.

The new, lighter engine in the BMW 330Cd offers an extra 20 bhp, increased
low-down torque (max 410 Nm available at 1,500 rpm), improved top speed and
0-62 performance. Improved fuel consumption makes the package even more
unbeatable.

The uprated 3.0-litre diesel will also be added to the 330d Saloon and Touring.

See downloadable release for new 6 cylinder diesel engine specifications:

The combustion process and oil filtration systems within the new 3.0-litre
engine have also been refined, resulting in reduced contamination and extended
oil change intervals of over 25,000 miles.

Six speed manuals/DSC as standard:
All BMW 3.0-litre petrol and diesel body styles will receive a new six speed
manual transmission that offers improved fuel consumption and greater
flexibility for the driver. The six speed box will also come as standard on the
new 330Cd, current 320d Saloon and Touring, and 320td/325ti Compacts.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is standard on all six cylinder 3 Series models
and the electronic driver aid will now come as standard on all four cylinder 3
Series models. DSC monitors lateral and longitudinal forces on the car as well
as throttle and steering inputs from the driver and any wheel slippage. It then
compares the intended trajectory of the car to its actual course. If necessary,
the system can adjust the dynamic attitude of the car by applying braking
forces to individual wheels and controlling throttle inputs. DSC can be
disengaged by the driver on all BMWs if preferred.

Restyled Coupé, Convertible and Compact:
All Coupé, Convertible and Compact models have been re-styled to present an
even sportier and dynamic appearance following the design tweaks applied to the
Saloon and Touring models in 2001.

BMW Coupé and Convertible models feature a new, smoother, bonnet and a
distinctive new front spoiler, punctuated with new front light housings and
side indicators on new front wings.

The redesigned front incorporates a 60mm wider kidney grille. At the rear, new
light clusters with LED technology and a re-designed rear apron with
colour-coded Park Distance Control feature on both Coupé and Convertible, with
a new wider boot grab handle applied to the Coupé and Compact models. Compacts
also feature a redesigned rear light cluster and sporty new side sills.

New six speed SSG available:
BMW 330i and BMW 325i Coupé and Convertible owners will be able to specify a
new, six speed Sports Sequential Gearbox (SSG). The transmission currently
features five gears and offers drivers a distinct reference to Formula 1
technology through the paddle-shift transmission. The new SSG will offer an
even sharper shift quality than currently available on these models enabling
the driver to shift gears in a split second with two paddles on the steering
wheel or via a reassuringly shortened gear stick that feels particularly sporty.

Pricing of the 2003 3 Series model range will be announced early next year.

North American International Motor Show 2003, Detroit:
The revised 3 Series Coupé and Convertible, along with a brand new concept
Sports Activity Vehicle, the BMW xActivity, will be unveiled at January's
Detroit show. Also on display will be new technology from the BMW Group in the
form of adaptive headlights and rear brake lights with two-stage braking.

US versions of the Coupé and Convertible will feature two-stage brake lights
which increase in intensity if rapid pressure is applied, for example in
emergency braking, allowing the driver behind the extra split seconds to react
to the braking action. Homologation has only been achieved so far for the US
market, but is being progressed for the UK and Europe.

Adaptive headlights are also displayed which increase visibility through bends.
A system of sensors offer information to the car's on-board computer, which
then calculates the course of the road via data on steering angle, yaw angle
and speed. Two swivelling bi-xenon headlights are then directed to follow the
course of the road offering far greater illumination in the direction of travel
than fixed headlights. This technology will be available on BMW cars in 2003.

Ends

For further information please contact:

Mark Harrison BMW Corporate Communications Manager
Tel: 01344 480113 Email: mark.harrison@bmw.co.uk
Duncan Forrester BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel: 01344 480855 Email: duncan.forrester@bmw.co.uk