BMW ANNOUNCES 3 SERIES COMPACT PRICES AND TWO NEW MODELS

BMW has today announced the prices of the new 3 Series Compact. The
entry-level 316ti will be priced from £16,265 and the more powerful 325ti SE
will cost £22,640. Both of these models will be on sale in the UK from August
16, 2001. Two additional models, the 318ti and the 320td, will join the new 3
Series Compact range from September. Prices and specification for these models
will be announced later.

The new Compact is the second generation of compact hatchback saloons from BMW
following the success of the original Compact launched in 1994.

It is an all-new car from the ground up. With a body shortened by 21 cm versus
the Saloon, a sports tuned suspension, a quick steering rack and the most
advanced engine technology in the market, the new 3 Series Compact offers a
unique combination of sporting performance and practicality.

BMW 316ti Compact:

The new four cylinder 316ti Compact is faster, more economical and better
equipped in every respect than its predecessor. Producing 116 bhp and 180 Nm
torque (133 lb-ft), the 316ti knocks one second off the 0-62 mph sprint at 10.9
seconds and achieves an increased top speed of 125 mph. The new Compact
exceeds the already high standards set by the former model.

The 316ti will be the first production car in the world to feature Valvetronic
engine technology. Built in the UK at the Hams Hall engine plant near
Birmingham, this newly built state-of-the-art engine plant will build all the
four cylinder petrol engines worldwide for the new Compact.

Valvetronic technology eliminates the need for a throttle butterfly. Instead,
fully variable intake valves control the airflow giving the optimum fuel/air
mixture for any given driving conditions. The result is at least a ten per
cent improvement in fuel consumption and a corresponding reduction in
emissions, whilst actually improving performance and speed of engine response.
Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is extremely efficient recording 40.9
mpg.

BMW 325ti SE Compact:

The 325ti SE is the top of the range model within the Compact range. It is
powered by BMW's 2.5 litre straight six power unit producing 192 bhp at
6000rpm. Maximum torque is 245 Nm (181 lb-ft) at 3,500 rpm. The 325ti SE
reaches 62 mph from zero in 7.1 seconds and has a top speed of 147 mph. With a
power to weight ratio of 129 bhp per tonne, dynamic rear wheel drive and
perfect front to rear weight balance, the 325ti SE has typical BMW poise and a
prodigious performance. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 31.7 mpg.
Both the 316ti and the 325ti SE comply in full with the EU3/D4 emission
standards.

Two new engines to follow:

In September two new models will join the Compact line up - the 318ti petrol
and 320td diesel. The 318ti is powered by the second four-cylinder Valvetronic
engine to be produced at Hams Hall. It is a 2.0 litre unit producing 140 bhp
and 148 lb ft (200 Nm) of torque. Fuel consumption is a frugal 39.2 mpg. Even
more parsimonious is the 320td, returning an amazing 51.4 mpg on the combined
cycle. But economy does not come at the expense of power and performance. The
new 320td engine, now with common rail, develops 148 bhp and 243 lb ft (330 Nm)
of torque, 18% more than the existing 320d engine.

Creatively Compact:

With a choice of 18 interior colours and 11 exterior colours the Compact allows
a greater degree of individuality than any of its competitors.

Although the Compact is currently the smallest car in the BMW line up it now
has all the option choices associated with its bigger brothers.

Satellite Navigation including television, Bi-xenon headlights, park distance
control, tyre defect indicator and an automatic transmission with Steptronic
are all available on both the 316ti and the 325ti SE.

Completely new for the Compact is the revolutionary new parcel shelf.
Incorporating a luggage compartment, umbrella holder, safety nets and hooks to
hold shopping bags, this parcel shelf ensures that the contents of the boot
will arrive as neatly as they were packed.

Ends