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Two BMW Models Recognized as Exciting Automobiles

18 September 1998

Two BMW Models Recognized as Automobiles That Most Excite Their Owners

  BMW M3 and 318ti Receive J.D. Power and Associates 'APEAL' Awards in Entry
                        Luxury and Sporty Car Segments

    WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Sept. 17 -- The BMW M3 models and the
318ti both ranked highest in their respective categories J.D. Power and
Associates' APEAL study, released today.  The BMW M3 ranked as the "most
appealing entry luxury car" and the 318ti as the "most appealing sporty car."
This marks the fourth consecutive year that BMW automobiles have received
awards based on this prestigious study.
    According to J.D. Power and Associates, the APEAL Study (APEAL stands for
Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout) is the first study of
significance to measure how owners feel about their car -- a quantifiable
measurement of the intangibles that form the relationship between a vehicle
and its owner.  Specifically, the study analyzes such areas as styling, engine
and transmission performance, comfort and convenience, ride and handling,
seats, heating, cooling and ventilation, cockpit layout, instrument panel and
sound system.
    "We believe this shows what our owners have been telling us for years -
that our products lead their segments and delight their owners with
exceptional performance and design.  We're extremely pleased that the APEAL
study is able to tap in to this enthusiasm," commented Victor Doolan,
president of BMW of North America.
    BMW entered the North American market in 1975.  Since then, the company
has 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.