BMW Models That Most Excite Their Owners
25 September 1999
BMW 3 Series and 7 Series Receive J.D. Power and Associates 'APEAL' Awards in Entry Luxury and Premium Luxury Segments WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.-- The BMW 3 Series and 7 Series both ranked highest in their respective categories in the J.D. Power and Associates' APEAL study. The BMW 3 Series ranked as the "most appealing entry luxury car" and the 7 Series as the "most appealing premium luxury car." This marks the fifth 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 what excites and delights 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. "The new 3 Series has received many awards since its introduction. This one is most significant because it reflects the enthusiasm of the people who own and drive them," said Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW (US) Holding Corp. He further stated, "We're delighted that against the top competitors in the premium luxury category, the 7 Series sedans continue to delight their owners in every way." The current generation of the 3 Series was introduced as a 1999 model with two six-cylinder sedans -- 323i and 328i. The sedans were joined by a pair of stylish coupes this summer, launching the 2000 model year. Next spring the 3 Series will gain two more members of the family with the addition of a sport wagon and convertible. New for the 2000 model year is the addition of standard Dynamic Stability Control and optional 5-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmissions. In its sixth model year, the 7 Series reflects significant luxury and convenience. All models benefit from standard features such as Xenon headlights, Dynamic Stability Control and BMW's On-board Navigation System. The value of all BMW's has been enhanced for model year 2000 with the addition of Full Maintenance coverage for three years or 36,000 miles on all models except the 75OiL, which continues to receive coverage for four years or 50,000 miles. Full Maintenance covers virtually all maintenance items with the exception of tires and gasoline. 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 marque's North American headquarters, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.