BMW Announces 1999 3 Series Sedan Pricing
11 June 1998
BMW Announces 1999 3 Series Sedan Pricing All-New Engineering and Design, Priced for Outstanding Value
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., June 11 -- In August, BMW Centers
across the U.S. will begin receiving their first shipments of the new
1999 3 Series sedans. As the latest in a long line of the company's signature
sports sedans, these new four-door models are not merely all-new in
engineering and design; they are also priced to offer BMW customers a
remarkable value in terms of price and product content. In short, the new 323i
sedan and 328i sedan are outstanding new cars, priced for outstanding value.
As the new "entry level" of BMW's sports sedans, the 323i sedan is
base-priced at just $26,400, or $26,970 including destination charges. So far
so good, especially when you consider that this is the lowest-priced BMW six-
cylinder sports sedan since 1991.
Another comparison puts the new 323i's value in an even more impressive
light. Its predecessor, the 1998 318i, had a base price of $26,150, so
nominally the new model is priced just $250 above its four-cylinder
forerunner. For this increment the new model offers:
-- An all-new body, with new styling, increased rigidity, enhanced passive
safety, more rear seating space and lower interior noise levels.
-- A new-generation six-cylinder engine, delivering 170 horsepower vs. the
predecessor's four-cylinder engine of 138 hp. New engine technology
includes an aluminum cylinder block, steplessly variable valve timing
on both camshafts, and emission control to Low Emission Vehicle (LEV)
limits.
-- Extensively refined suspension, brake and steering, including 4-wheel
vented disc brakes and Cornering Brake Control, a technology that
enhances driving stability.
-- A wide range of new luxury and convenience features.
-- New safety features, including a standard inflatable Head Protection
System for driver and front passenger, enhancing safety in side
impacts.
-- Reduced extent and frequency of periodic maintenance.
These are just the highlights. Suffice it to say that this new '99 323i
sedan, on a comparably equipped basis, is base-priced 6.4% under its
predecessor. And this "comparably equipped" comparison refers only to features
and equipment as such -- not the dramatic range of inherent advances built
into the new model, such as the greater rigidity, refined suspension or
increased passenger space.
Pricing for the "upper" model of the new Series, the 328i sedan, is also
impressive. As before, the 328i's role in the line is to offer yet more
performance, further upgraded chassis equipment, additional luxury and
convenience features, and a selection of options that can take it further
upscale if the owner so desires.
This the new 328i does, and then some. The 1998 328i had a base price of
$33,100; the '99 model comes in at $33,400. For this extremely modest
increment of $300, the new 328i offers all the key advances listed for the
323i, except that its new engine remains a 2.8-liter 6-cylinder unit.
Naturally, the new 328i engine incorporates the same technology advances as
that of the 323i; stronger torque in the low-to-medium speed range, quieter
operation and the low-emission status are among its benefits. Again on a
comparably equipped basis, the '99 328i comes in at 5.2% less than its
predecessor.
Complementing the attractive base prices is an appealing range of optional
equipment. Some highlights:
-- Each model offers a Premium Package and a Sports Package, each composed
to offer the buyer a logical group of upgrade features. New rain-sensing
windshield wipers are included in the 328i Premium Package.
-- Both offer a brand-new 5-speed automatic transmission compared to the
previous 4-speed unit. Besides the 5th gear, it incorporates new, state-of-
the-art technology for smoother operation and higher efficiency.
-- The BMW On-Board Navigation System makes its first appearance in the 3
Series, as an option that will be priced several hundred dollars less than
when first introduced in BMW's larger models.
-- Xenon headlights, including auto-leveling of the lights, is another new
option that will offer a new standard in this class in forward illumination.
-- With the Head Protection System and front-seat side-impact airbags
standard, both models can be equipped optionally with rear-seat side-impact
airbags.
-- 328i buyers can specify Park Distance Control. Ultrasonic sensors in
the rear bumper activate a warning signal in the cabin as the rear of the
vehicle approaches obstacles, helping the driver maneuver in tight places.
Whether the topic is base prices or options, the thrust is the same: With
these two new 3 Series sedans, BMW has maintained its long-standing tradition
of endowing new models with ground-breaking design and engineering advances --
while finding ways to offer the customer more value for his or her money.
Helping make this remarkable accomplishment possible were a leaner project
team and better internal communications at BMW's Research and Engineering
Center in Munich, Germany.
Better cars at better prices: It's an unbeatable combination, and BMW
believes that these new "Threes" will be even more unbeatable than their
award-winning predecessors.
BMW of North America, Inc. was established in 1975, at which point the
company assumed marketing and distribution responsibilities of BMW automobiles
in the U.S. from the previous private distributor. Motorcycle marketing and
distribution was added in 1980. Since then the company's North American
operations have grown to include marketing, sales and financial services
organizations in the United States and Canada; a South Carolina manufacturing
operation; a design firm in California; and various other operations
throughout the U.S. and Canada. BMW is represented in North America through a
network of more than 375 automobile and 190 motorcycle retailers in the United
States and Canada. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the brand's North American
headquarters, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW products is available to consumers via the World
Wide Web on the BMW homepage. The address is: http://www.bmwusa.com.
