Munich. Safety has always been a core development objective at MINI. Numerous five-star ratings in the Euro NCAP crash tests provide impressive proof of this commitment. At the heart of this is a consistently advanced safety concept of the highest standard, delivering an exceptionally high level of protection straight from the factory.

Integrated safety at MINI: Sensors, cameras and radar systems working together.
The integration of up to twelve ultrasonic sensors, five cameras and five radar systems forms the technological foundation for a wide range of driver assistance systems and safety functions. All MINI models come equipped as standard with a comprehensive package of active safety features. These systems support the driver by identifying potentially hazardous situations at an early stage and, ideally, helping to avoid accidents altogether.

Standard equipment includes Lane Departure Warning with active steering intervention, Front Collision Warning with approach warning and automatic braking intervention, including during turning maneuvers and in complex junction situations, continuous information on applicable speed limits, as well as cruise control with braking function. In addition, all MINI derivatives are equipped with the Driving Assistant, which includes functions such as Lane Change Warning with collision warning in the blind-spot area, Exit Warning, Rear Collision Warning for approaching vehicles, and Rear Cross Traffic Warning to support safe reversing out of parking spaces.

MINI Pre‑Crash technologies: Occupant protection activated before an accident.
Integral safety in the current MINI models also incorporates intelligent Pre-Crash functions that actively prepare the vehicle ahead of a potential collision. Based on comprehensive driving dynamics data, sensor input and environmental information, the system detects critical situations at an early stage and initiates targeted, reversible protective measures. These include the automatic closing of windows and sliding roofs, as well as the anticipatory positioning of seat backrests.
Through this preventive interaction, MINI further enhances occupant protection even before an accident occurs. As a result, every MINI offers a high level of active safety as standard – in urban environments and beyond.

For the MINI Cooper family, the MINI Aceman and the MINI Countryman, the Driving Assistant Plus is available as an option. It enables partially automated driving and includes features such as the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, and the automatic Speed Limit Assistant. The radar- and camera-based system supports the driver in maintaining lane position, distance and speed.

With the Driving Assistant Professional, the MINI Countryman further expands this range with additional safety and comfort features such as the Lane Change Assistant and Active Lane Guiding. When route guidance is active, the system alerts the driver to upcoming lane changes or exits. After the indicator is activated, the vehicle supports the lane change by adjusting the speed and applying a gentle steering input towards the target lane, including stabilization.  Additional features include side collision protection for motorway driving and traffic light recognition for urban use.
With this combination of standard and optional functions, a new level of driver assistance is achieved. MINI combines a high degree of safety with enhanced comfort and everyday convenience.

MINI parking assistance systems: Precision and safety in urban environments.
The range of functions designed to ensure safe and relaxed driving is complemented by high-performance parking assistance systems. From the factory, features of the Parking Assistant such as the Parking Maneuver Assistant, Reversing Assistant, Active Park Distance Control and the Reversing Camera support safe and confident maneuvering. Depending on the model, enhanced systems are also optionally available.

Within the Parking Assistant Plus, four surround-view cameras generate 360-degree views of the vehicle’s surroundings, which can be used both for the Anti-Theft Recorder and for particularly precise parking maneuvers. Remote-controlled parking via smartphone and the MINI App becomes possible with the Parking Assistant Professional.

Passive safety at MINI: Body structure, airbags and restraint systems.
All current MINI models come equipped with a comprehensive package of passive safety features as standard, providing effective protection in frontal, side and rear impacts. A particularly rigid body structure, precisely defined crumple zones and state-of-the-art restraint systems form the foundation for the high level of safety.

Depending on the model and market, up to nine adaptive front and side airbags are deployed. In Germany, for example, the MINI Countryman is equipped as standard with seven airbags, including a central airbag designed to enhance the protection of both front-seat occupants. The MINI Cooper family as well as the all-electric MINI Aceman additionally feature two side airbags in the second row of seats.

A key element of passive safety is the seat belt system. MINI combines adaptive force limiters and automatic belt tensioners to create a finely tuned overall system that adapts to different collision scenarios depending on the situation.
In the all-electric MINI Cooper models and in the MINI Aceman, buckle-mounted belt tensioners are also used. This technology specifically improves restraint in the pelvic area. Another important safety feature is the Seat Belt Reminder, which is activated as standard on all seats. The second row of seats is likewise equipped with belt force limiters and automatic tensioners.

For almost all MINI models, the comprehensive safety concept also includes an active bonnet. In the event of a collision with a pedestrian, the bonnet is raised in a targeted manner, helping to reduce the risk of injury.

MINI’s safety commitment: Standard across all models and independently confirmed.
The intelligent combination of vehicle structure, state-of-the-art airbag and seat belt technology, and well-engineered protection systems for all occupants, paired with numerous Driving Assistant Systems, reflects MINI’s high standards in terms of safety. The repeated five-star Euro NCAP ratings are testament to this consistently rigorous development work.

In case of queries, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Julian Kisch, Press Spokesperson, Product Communications MINI
Phone: +49-151-601-38072
E-mail: julian.kisch@mini.com

Micaela Sandstede, Head of Communications MINI
Phone: +49-176-601-61611
E-mail: micaela.sandstede@bmw.de

Woodcliff Lake, N.J.: October 16, 2015 … BMW, one of the world’s most successful premium carmakers, also boasts an excellent position in the all-wheel-drive market, a segment it first entered 30 years ago. Around one in three BMW’s sold around the world is now equipped with xDrive, BMW’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system. BMW’s success in this segment has been driven not only by the ever-popular BMW X models but also by all-wheel-drive models based on the other model series ranging from the BMW 1 Series to the BMW 7 Series. At the same time, BMW continues to refine this technology and take it in new directions. By offering BMW xDrive in combination with a hybrid drive and with a transversely mounted engine, the company has repeatedly demonstrated its proficiency in the all-wheel-drive field, proficiency that will secure BMW’s position at the forefront of this sector well into the future. Globally, BMW offers more than 110 models – featuring either transmission type – with BMW xDrive in 12 different model series, as well as the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 sports car and the compact BMW 225xe with electrified all-wheel drive.

The focus from day one: traction and dynamics.

BMW’s first foray into the all-wheel-drive market came with the unveiling of the BMW 325i “Allrad” at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in 1985. The newcomer didn’t immediately reveal its inner qualities, positively surprising journalist on the track. This very first BMW all-wheel-drive system improved traction and increased dynamic handling through corners, particular in harsh weather conditions. German car magazine Auto Zeitung reported “The new BMW is the new champion when it comes to handling.”

The intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system takes typical BMW driving dynamics to new levels. The current generation of this system is controlled by the Integrated Chassis Management (ICM) system, which ensures that xDrive always responds appropriately at the earliest possible moment, based on reliable sensing and monitoring of the current driving situation. The interventions may be performed either entirely by BMW xDrive, or by xDrive in combination with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Dynamic Performance Control (DPC). The resulting fast and precise control of drive power distribution ensures typical BMW handling characteristics even under extremely dynamic cornering.

The all-wheel-drive system is biased towards the typical BMW rear-wheel-drive characteristics. This means, on the all-wheel-drive models a greater share of the drive power is sent to the rear wheels, even under normal driving conditions. This maintains the typical BMW precise steering response, with virtually no torque steer. For crisp turn-in and high cornering stability, the latest-generation BMW xDrive system starts increasing the amount of torque sent to the rear wheels as soon as the vehicle enters a corner.

BMW all-wheel-drive technology: continuous evolution since 1985.

The full-time all-wheel-drive system featured on the BMW 325i “Allrad” of 1985 split the drive power in a ratio of 37 to 63 percent between the front and rear wheels. In response to wheel speed differences, visco locks in the transfer case and rear differential were capable of providing a virtually rigid connection between the front and rear wheels, in order to improve traction and stability. This model’s name was soon changed to BMW 325iX, and from 1988 it was offered in a “touring” version.

1991: BMW 525iX.

In 1991, BMW introduced an all-wheel-drive system to the BMW 5 Series model line. For the first time, the power split was now electronically controlled. The newly developed system featured multi-plate clutches that allowed the default 36:64 front-to-rear power split to be varied seamlessly and automatically in line with driving conditions. Initially a hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch was used at the rear axle, which was later replaced by an electronically controlled selective braking intervention. The system monitored the driving situation using wheel speed signals from the Anti-lock Braking System, supplemented with information about brake status, engine speed and throttle valve position.

From the outset the all-wheel-drive system of the BMW 525iX was a class apart. The electronic control system delivered a very fast and precise response, resulting in safe, neutral handling characteristics even in difficult driving conditions, such as on wet roads or snow. In the BMW 5 Series, too, the first all-wheel-drive models were offered in both sedan and touring (Sports Wagon) versions.

1999: Introduction of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).

In the run-up to the new millennium, a highly innovative vehicle concept from BMW made its sensational debut. The BMW X5, the first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), impressed customers with driving dynamics that were unmatched among other all-terrain vehicles of the time. The outstanding all-wheel-drive system played a big part in this. A planetary gear system split the drive power in a ratio of 38:62 percent between the front and rear wheels, while electronic control systems such as DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ADB-X (Automatic Differential Brake) and HDC (Hill Descent Control) ensured the new BMW X5 was both sporty on the road and equipped to handle challenging conditions off the beaten track.

In the years following the successful launch of the SAV concept, there was no let-up in the fast pace of all-wheel-drive development at BMW. The following year, 2000, a model-specific version of the BMW X5’s all-wheel drive technology became available for the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series.

2003: BMW xDrive makes its debut in the BMW X3 and BMW X5.

BMW kept up the momentum by launching the SAV concept in another vehicle segment. The new BMW X3 was more compact than the BMW X5 and offered even more agile handling. It set new benchmarks and remained the only premium model in its class for years to come.

The newly developed BMW intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which was introduced in the same year in both the BMW X3 and the BMW X5, soon extended BMW’s lead in the AWD segment. Based on an extremely fast-acting electronic multi-plate clutch in the transfer case, xDrive worked in tandem with the Dynamic Stability Control system (DSC) to continuously adapt the drive power split to the current driving situation. In addition to wheel speed, for the first time the electronic control system also took into account Dynamic Stability Control data, for example about steering angle, accelerator position and lateral acceleration. This is what makes BMW xDrive the world’s first, and only, “intelligent” all-wheel-drive system. Unlike conventional all-wheel-drive systems, which only react when at least one wheel is already spinning, xDrive is able to detect a risk of oversteer or understeer at the very first sign, and proactively corrects this by redirecting the flow of drive power.

In the years that followed, the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system was fitted not only on the X models but also on the xDrive versions of the BMW 3 and 5 Series Sedan and Touring models. By the time the second generation of the BMW X3 was introduced in 2010, more than 600,000 units had already been sold worldwide. Sales of the BMW X5 – which entered its second generation in 2006 – had topped the one million mark.

2008: Sports Activity Coupe with DPC and hybrid drive.

With the two Sports Activity Vehicles now firmly established in their respective segments, BMW presented the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe in 2007. Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), the all-new BMW X6 elevated the typical dynamic character of the BMW X models to a new level of intensity. For the first time, the intelligent all-wheel-drive system was combined with Dynamic Performance Control (DPC), which varies the drive power split between the rear wheels when cornering to ensure unrivalled agility and stability, even under sudden throttle changes or on overrun. In 2009, the BMW Active Hybrid X6 demonstrated the perfect combination– between BMW xDrive and hybrid propulsion. Meanwhile, in the same year, BMW M GmbH added two very special models to its range of high-performance sports cars. With an M-tuned BMW xDrive system, including Dynamic Performance Control, the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M boasted performance that was previously unknown in the all-wheel-drive market.

2009 also saw the arrival of a new X model, the BMW X1. For many years to come, the BMW X1 was destined to remain the only vehicle of its kind in the premium compact segment. Its intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system, like that of the new BMW X3 (2010), was also combinable with Performance Control. This system selectively brakes the wheel on the inside of a turn while simultaneously increasing engine power, resulting in quick and precise turn-in to corners and taking the agile handling of both models to new levels.

BMW xDrive available across model series.

The steady advance of the BMW X models has been accompanied by an increase in the number of xDrive versions offered across other BMW model series. Designed to improve cornering agility, traction and precision, BMW xDrive provides an enhanced driving experience and an optimal combination of dynamics and comfort. In 2009 the intelligent drive technology was incorporated into the BMW 7 Series. In spring 2012, the first all-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible were offered in the sporty BMW 6 Series. BMW xDrive can also be ordered on the current BMW 3 and 5 Series and, since 2013, on the BMW 4 Series Convertibles, Coupes and Gran Coupes.

Development and Progress.

In 2014, BMW launched the BMW X4 entering into the premium mid-sized segment. The new Sports Activity Coupe offers a unique blend of driving excitement, sophisticated style and contemporary practicality. BMW xDrive comes standard and is available in a wide range of engine versions. In 2014 BMW also presented the third generation of the BMW X5, the second generation of the BMW X6, and an M Sport versions of both models. BMW xDrive also made its debut in the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer – the first time BMW combined its intelligent all-wheel-drive system with a transversely mounted engine.

With the unveiling of the BMW i8 in 2014, the BMW Group took a bold new step in new directions – which also extended to the all-wheel-drive system. This 2+2-seater sports model is powered by a highly advanced plug-in hybrid drive system that pairs an internal combustion engine driving the rear wheels and a high-performance electric motor driving the front wheels.

BMW xDrive meets BMW eDrive.

BMW’s latest all-wheel-drive models bring technology advances that are firmly focused on the future of mobility. The BMW i8 was followed by the international launch of the first production plug-in hybrid model from the BMW core brand: the BMW X5 xDrive40e. Thanks to full-time BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive and eDrive BMW EfficientDynamics technology, this Sports Activity Vehicle combined sporty performance with efficiency. Intelligent hybrid power management synchronizes the operation of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor to maximize efficiency at all times, while also responding perfectly to the driver’s demands. The drive from the two power units is transferred to the road via the full-time BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

BMW 7 Series: Integral Active Steering combinable with BMW xDrive.

In September 2015, the sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series made its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). This high-end BMW luxury model pioneers groundbreaking innovations on all fronts and will be available with BMW xDrive. The new luxury sedan will also be the first model to allow intelligent all-wheel-drive to be combined with Integral Active Steering.

More Information as well as images and video:

http://www.bmwusanews.com

Twitter.com/BMWUSANews

BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 and X4 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 148 BMW motorcycle retailers, 124 MINI passenger car dealers, and 36 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

#     #     #

Journalist note: Information about BMW and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com.

#     #     #

Ten Year Collaboration to expand with new pilot project

National Harbor, MD – June 15, 2011…  Today at the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles Conference the BMW Group delivered the keys to a new BMW X3 to the William Lehman Injury Research Center for use as an accident research vehicle. The keys to the specially-marked X3 were hand-over to Jeffrey S. Augenstein MD, PhD, FACS, Professor of Surgery, William Lehman Injury Research Center by Klaus Kompass, Vice-President of Vehicle Safety for the BMW Group. Also announced was a new milestone in post crash safety research. In the latest project BMW will transmit crash data directly to a trauma center. In case an accident happens involving a BMW equipped with enhanced Automatic Collision Notification (eACN) in the vicinity of the Ryder trauma center in Miami the crash data would be displayed in real time in the trauma resuscitation area. This technology allows the trauma surgeon to be better prepared in respect to diagnosis and treatment.  Further, the WLIRC just started a field trial funded by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and supported by BMW to understand and show the importance of advanced telematics data in improving dispatch and field triage decision.

“This marks the next step in the important collaboration between the BMW Group and WLIRC that began in 2001,” noted Klaus Kompass. “Our collaboration resulted in the milestone development of BMW’s enhanced Automatic Collision Notification system.  Now first responders to a crash scene can arrive better prepared already knowing the likelihood of severe injury. At BMW we are constantly working on active safety systems that help the BMW driver avoid a crash, should one occur to reduce the likelihood of injuries, and if the people inside are injured, to support the best rescue. We know that every second counts.”

"The collaboration between BMW and the William Lehman Injury Research Center (at the Ryder Trauma Center) continues to benefit the team of engineers and doctors, working side by side in crash investigations, to improve the diagnosis and treatment of severely injured crash occupants," noted Dr. Augenstein.

The WLIRC and BMW have collaborated on research and development of the enhanced Automatic Collision Notification system since 2001. For the last five years the WLIRC and BMW have been engaged in real world accident research in the US in order to aid work being done by  BMW Group engineers in Munich, Germany where ongoing accident research  has been conducted for over 35 years.

Today, this ground-breaking technology is available in all BMWs equipped with BMW AssistTM. In a severe collision not only will BMW Assist transmit the vehicle’s location to the emergency call center, it also provides an assessment of the risk of severe injury to the driver or passengers, through a specially-developed algorithm, in order to better prepare first responders before they arrive on scene and support their triage decision.   According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the decision to take injured occupants to a trauma center rather than to a regular hospital if telematics suggest the risk of severe injury, can make a siginificant difference in treatment, recovery and survival. 

 “Knowing not only the precise location of a crash but also the potential for life threatening injuries immediately will propel emergency services to the scene armed with the necessary life-saving tools,” states Dr. Augenstein. “When fully implemented, a trauma system based on enhanced Automatic Collision Notification will save thousands of lives. BMW has taken a leadership position in this effort. BMW is due a tremendous amount of credit for spearheading this life-saving safety initiative.”

WOODCLIFF LAKE, NEW JERSEY, APRIL 26, 2001...BMW's "Ultimate Driving
Experience," the multifaceted landmark program designed to teach participants
to become safer, more confident drivers, kicked off this year in Phoenix, at
the Arizona State Fairgrounds from March 15 - 18. The Ultimate Driving
Experience -- which this year will showcase the new 3.0 engine offerings and
all-wheel drive of the X5, the world's first Sports Activity Vehicle,
300i/330xi and 530i simultaneously -- includes three custom-designed driving
courses, a 6,500-square foot indoor display area of current and late-model
BMWs, an interactive café and a lifestyle boutique complete with X5 signature
accessories and BMW gifts and casual wear.

The heart of the Ultimate Driving Experience is the Adult Autocross program
featuring a fleet of over 20 X5, 330i/330xi and 530i vehicles. This two-hour
advanced driving course provides participants with hands-on professional
instruction behind the wheel of the vehicles. The course begins with an
overview of the differences between a BMW SAV and a typical SUV. After a
classroom session on driving dynamics, participants hone their defensive
driving skills on a specially designed autocross course. The course gives
participants the opportunity to put the vehicles through the paces: full
throttle acceleration through straight-aways; performance cornering into tight
turns; and putting the vehicle's ABS system to the ultimate test: sudden stops
at high speed. After several trial runs through the course, participants can
join the X5 Team Challenge, a competitive relay challenge against another team
in which drivers will be judged on braking, turns, and slaloming skills.

After the class is over, drivers can choose to participate in a variety of
"Xtra Events" courses, all designed to demonstrate the X5's superior handling
and safety features -- particularly in comparison to traditional SUVs. "Xtra
Events" offered include the following:
* Hill Descent Control demonstrated by a pulse-pounding incline descent
* Teeter-Totter Balancing Tests, in which drivers ascend a see-saw platform and
inch forward to witness the X5's near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution balance
* Skid Control Tests, in which road surfaces are made purposefully slick to
demonstrate the X5's Dynamic Stability Control system
* An indoor navigational system dashboard for a hands-on tutorial of BMW's
On-Board Navigation System

In addition to the Adult Autocross program, the Ultimate Driving Experience
includes a special program designed to specifically address the needs of the
community:
* The Ultimate Drive for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. During
the Ultimate Driving Experience, the majority of the BMW model line-up for 2001
-- including the new 3 Series coupe and sedan, the 5 Series sedan and sports
wagon, the elegant 7 series and, of course, the X5 -- will be available to test
drive on a public roads route, off-site from the main activities. For every
mile test driven, BMW will donate $1 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer
Foundation. To date, BMW has raised over $4 million for breast cancer
research.

The Ultimate Driving Experience Pavilion also offers a wealth of attractions
for participants after their drives. The BMW Gallery showcases current model
BMWs, as well as a listening wall sponsored by Harmon Kardon that simulates the
stereo system experience. At the Internet Café, drivers can re-fuel on light
snacks while visiting the company web site and "building" their own BMW to
their exact specifications. Shoppers can browse through the stylish
casualwear, accessories and gift items at the BMW lifestyle shop while
engineering buffs will love perusing BMW technology first-hand through the
interactive mechanical displays scattered throughout the Pavilion. Other
sponsors of the UDE include Gear for Sports and Michelin.

"We are excited to begin our fourth year of the Ultimate Driving Experience
program which has become one of the automotive industry's premier consumer
driving events," said Tom Purves, CEO of BMW (US) Holding Corp. "We continue
to attract tens of thousands of eager participants across America and provide
them with hands-on driving and instruction in a fun, safe and controlled
environment."

BMW Group in America
BMW of North America, LLC was established in 1975. Since then, the company has
grown to include marketing, sales and financial service organizations in the
United States for the BMW and MINI brands; a South Carolina manufacturing
operation; DESIGNWORKS/USA, an industrial design firm in California; a
technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the
country. The BMW Group is represented in the U.S. through a network of more
than 340 car, 315 Sports Activity Vehicle and 160 motorcycle retailers. BMW US
Holding Corp., the Group's headquarters for North, Central and South America,
is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the World
Wide Web on the BMW homepage at http://www.bmwusa.com and www.miniusa.com.

Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its products is available
to journalists on-line at the BMW Group PressClub at the following address -
https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, December 14th, 2000... The BMW X5, the world's
first light truck equipped with a head protection system, demonstrated the
importance of such systems in a recent side-impact crash test conducted by the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The test involved ramming an X5
sideways at 18 mph into a stationary pole.

While the impact speed of this test might seem low, according to Brian O'Neill,
President of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, "impacts into rigid
objects such as poles or trees at 18 mph are, in fact, very severe." After the
test O'Neill observed, "these tests demonstrate that people can survive serious
side impact crashes in the real world because head airbags prevent their heads
from striking rigid objects." He went on to note that, "side airbags with head
protection represent a very important safety development that will save lives
and prevent major head trauma in a range of serious side impact crashes."

Nearly 10,000 deaths occur each year in side impact crashes, according to the
Fatality Analysis Reporting System of the U.S. Department of Transportation,
and more than half of these deaths involve head injuries. Thirty eight percent
of single-vehicle side impact crash deaths occur when vehicles strike trees or
poles on the dead occupants' side. In two-vehicle side impact crashes, 38
percent of car occupant deaths occur when a pickup or SUV strikes the car.

"At BMW, we are very dedicated to the safety and well-being of everyone who
rides in our vehicles," said Tom Purves, Chairman of BMW US Holding Corp.,
"which is why BMW was the first manufacturer to offer a head protection system
in our automobiles and first again in a light truck. We are pleased that in
side impact tests conducted twice by the Institute, BMW's HPS has proven itself
to be so effective."

The benefit of BMW's HPS was first demonstrated by the IIHS in 1998 in a side
impact test of an HPS-equipped BMW 5 Series. After that test the International
Brain Injury Association awarded BMW its "Safe Car of the Millennium" in
recognition of the BMW Head Protection System.

This is the second recent crash of the X5 performed by the IIHS. In a recent
40 mph frontal offset crash test, a BMW X5 not only achieved the best results
of any SUV ever tested by the Institute, but the best results of any vehicle
they had tested to date.

BMW IN AMERICA

BMW of North America, Inc. was established in 1975. Since then, the company
has grown to include marketing, sales and financial service organizations in
the United States; a South Carolina manufacturing operation; DESIGNWORKS/USA,
an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Palo Alto and
various other operations throughout the country. BMW is represented in the
U.S. through a network of more than 340 car, 315 Sports Activity Vehicle and
160 motorcycle retailers. BMW US Holding Corp., the Group's headquarters for
North, Central and South America, 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.

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, November 14, 2000... The BMW X5 performed better
than any SUV ever tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in its
40 mph offset crash test. Based on the results, the X5 has been rated a "Best
Pick" by the Institute - the third BMW to receive this distinction. Not only
is the X5 the best SUV ever tested it is, in fact, the best vehicle yet tested.

In the test, the X5 was crashed into a deformable barrier with only the left
side of the vehicle striking the barrier. This type of crash introduces
significant twisting forces to the already severe impact. "The performance of
the BMW X5 in our high-speed offset test was outstanding," noted Brian O'Neill,
president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, "the occupant
compartment, or safety cage, sustained very little damage. Measured intrusion
into the compartment was less than in any other vehicle the Institute has
tested. With exemplary performance in earlier tests of the 5 and 3 Series, and
now the X5, BMW has set the standard for all other manufacturers to aspire to."

"As the first manufacturer to offer a head protection system in a light- truck,
as we were with passenger cars, we're very pleased by the performance of the X5
in the IIHS test," said Tom Purves, Chairman of BMW (US) Holding Corp., "HPS
is, however, just one element of BMW's Fully Integrated Road Safety Technology
philosophy."

Putting safety 'F.I.R.S.T.', the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle is designed to the
same high standard of crashworthiness as BMW passenger cars. In addition to
HPS, all X5s benefit from two-stage, differentiated deployment SMART front
airbags and front side-impact airbags. These are all made more effective by
the extraordinarily rigid unitized chassis of the X5, backed up by carefully
designed deformation zones which absorb and deflect impact energy.

Equally important is the ability to avoid an impact altogether. Its
combination of responsiveness and agility, coupled with state-of-the-art
electronic safeguards such as Hill Descent Control and Dynamic Stability
Control (BMW's electronic stability enhancement system), make the X5 a very
stable and predictable vehicle.

BMW is widely recognized as a safety leader. As the first manufacturer to
offer a head protection system, BMW was given the "Safe Car of the Millennium"
award by the International Brain Injury Association.

More details on the test may be found at the Insurance Institute for Highway
Safety website at www.highwaysafety.org.

BMW IN AMERICA

BMW of North America, Inc. was established in 1975. Since then, the company
has grown to include marketing, sales and financial service organizations in
the United States; a South Carolina manufacturing operation; DESIGNWORKS/USA,
an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Palo Alto and
various other operations throughout the country. BMW is represented in the
U.S. through a network of more than 340 car, 315 Sports Activity Vehicle and
160 motorcycle retailers. BMW US Holding Corp., the Group's headquarters for
North, Central and South America, 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.

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, September, 13th, 2000... The BMW X5 Sports Activity
Vehicle far outperformed a number of SUV's in a recent 5 MPH bumper test
conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The X5 received a
rating of "acceptable" by the institute. In fact, it is the only utility
vehicle ever tested to date to achieve a rating that high.

Of the performance of the 2001 BMW X5 in this test, IIHS president Brian
O'Neill noted that it "is the only SUV in this group with halfway decent
bumpers. The rear bumper is good. It allowed only about $200 damage in the
pole impact, which usually is the toughest of our four bumper tests. The X5
also performed well in the rear-into-flat-barrier test."

Although it is a light truck the X5 utilizes the same bumper technology as BMW
passenger cars including collapsible tubes, front and rear, which are designed
to limit body damage up to 9 MPH. Mr. O'Neill noted "the bumpers on most
SUVs... don't have anything effective to absorb energy," adding that,"the BMW
X5 does."

"BMW is pleased with the performance of the X5 in this test," said Karl-Heinz
Ziwica, General Manager, Environmental Engineering for BMW of North America.
"Our engineers take this aspect of vehicle performance into consideration and
design for superior incremental crash protection, even at speeds higher than
the test speed used by IIHS. Our primary focus is on excellent overall crash
protection, particularly at higher speeds. With the latest IIHS bumper test of
the X5, BMW is gratified to see that our ongoing efforts in this area continue
to pay off."

BMW IN AMERICA

BMW of North America, Inc. was established in 1975. Since then, the company
has grown to include marketing, sales and financial service organizations in
the United States; a South Carolina manufacturing operation; DESIGNWORKS/USA,
an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Palo Alto and
various other operations throughout the country. BMW is represented in the
U.S. through a network of more than 340 car, 315 Sports Activity Vehicle and
160 motorcycle retailers. BMW US Holding Corp., the Group's headquarters for
North, Central and South America, 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.