BMW dominates What Car? Car of the Year 2004 and Fleet Excellence Awards

BMW has won four trophies in this year's What Car? awards and five categories
in the Fleet Excellence awards.

What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2004
Last night's ceremony saw BMW gain honours in more categories than any other
manufacturer with wins in the Executive, Performance, Roadster and Small
Executive categories.

· BMW 5 Series reclaims its Executive Car crown
· BMW M3 tops Performance Car class for fourth year in a row
· BMW Z4 wins Roadster category on its debut
· BMW 320dES is best Small Executive car

BMW 5 Series - Best Executive Car
Launched in September 2003, the new BMW 5 Series has once again taken BMW's
executive saloon to the head of its class. This latest award means that the 5
Series has won What Car?'s Best Executive Car title in eight of the last nine
years - the old model having won in seven consecutive years between 1996 and
2002, prompting What Car? to create a Lifetime Achievement award in 2002 for
the model.

The new BMW 5 Series has immediately reclaimed its title. In What Car?'s
October 2003 edition, the 520i SE beat the Mercedes E200K Classic, Jaguar
S-type 2.5 V6 and Volvo S80 2.5T S with What Car? testers noting:

"The 5 Series has improved in two key areas that really matter to executive
buyers. Its creamy smooth ride and outstandingly quiet cabin truly satisfy and
are enough in themselves to put the BMW back on top of the executive pile.
Attractive contract hire rates, excellent residual values and masses of
interior space complete the package."

BMW M3 - Best Performance Car
The M3 has retained its Performance Car title in 2004. Describing the M3 as the
consummate supercar in every sense of the word, What Car? highlighted its
blistering performance and handling but also praised its 'stealth appeal'. This
refers to the subtle styling cues that What Car? describes as far more measured
than many steroid-fed rivals.

It is the fourth consecutive What Car? award for the M3 and caps a year in
which it was joined by the limited-production run lightweight M3 CSL model.

The BMW M3 CSL, which shed 110kg from the standard M3, has a power to weight
ratio of 3.85 kg/bhp, 0-62 mph figures of 4.9 seconds and a limited top speed
of 155 mph. However, this can be de-limited for those holding a racing licence.
Its pure sports car credentials have been confirmed by the M3 CSL's ability to
master the Nurburgring 'Nordschliefe' in under eight minutes.

BMW Z4 - Best Roadster
In the six months since launch, BMW?s Z4 has established itself as a sales
success. By the end of 2003, a total of 4,454 customers had taken delivery of
the new model with waiting lists stretching into the summer of 2004. In
December 2003 BMW added to the Z4's appeal by launching an entry-level
2.2-litre variant, complementing existing 2.5 and 3.0-litre models.

In awarding the Z4 its Best Roadster accolade, What Car? pointed to the car's
near-perfect weight distribution, tenacious grip and superbly weighted
steering. Judges commented:

"This is a modern roadster that's equally happy thrashing down a twisting
country lane as it is pootling around town. You'll end up with a smile on your
face after doing both."

BMW 320dES - Small Executive Car
Not long after being named What Car?s diesel car of the year in November 2003,
the BMW 320dES has won another What Car? accolade, Small Executive car of the
year.

Featuring Euro IV compliant engines, the BMW 320dES emerged as the best
all-rounder in its class thanks to a combination of competitive pricing, high
standard specification, strong performance and superb economy. It is a package
that includes:

· Lowest 15 per cent company car tax liability for 153 g/km C02 emissions

· 49.6 mpg on the combined fuel consumption cycle

· 0-62 mph in 8.8 seconds and top speed of 137 mph

· Free five year / 60,000 mile service and maintenance package

· Standard sports suspension, CD player, alloy wheels, M Leather steering
wheel, anthracite headlining, colour coded door handles and storage compartment
package

Research from Glass's Market Intelligence Service confirmed the appeal of BMW's
320d Saloon, particularly for the corporate market. In a comparison of
whole-life costs based on ownership for three years and 60,000 miles, the 320d
reported lower costs than all other models surveyed. This included the Audi A4
1.9Tdi SE saloon, Mercedes-Benz C200 CDI, Ford Mondeo 2.0TDCi 130 Ghia
hatchback and Vauxhall Vectra 2.0Dti hatchback.

In 2003, a total of 45 per cent of all new 3 Series Saloons were diesel models.
This rose from 11 per cent in 2000, a clear testament to the car's abilities
and benefits.

Fleet Excellence recognised
The four What Car? awards come hot on the heels of five honours for the BMW
Group at this year's Fleet Excellence Awards 2004, held on 20 January 2004.
These awards are based on votes cast by readers of key fleet publications Fleet
Management and Fleet Week.

The new BMW 5 Series picked up two trophies, winning the best Executive car
category and as top choice for user choosers. Described by judges as a 'sublime
combination of ride and handling clothed in a forward looking body,' the new 5
Series won twice as many votes in the User Chooser category as its nearest
rival.

Mirroring What Car? success, the BMW Z4 took the prize for best Sporting Car
while the BMW Group secured further success for the MINI Cooper with a win in
the Supermini category. In the Large 4x4 category the X5 triumphed, with judges
praising its handling:

"In the medium term, the X5?s status as the best-handling on-road large 4x4 in
the market looks to be unchallenged and should ensure votes continue to pour in
next year for this seemingly unassailable masterpiece."

On success at the Fleet Excellence Awards 2004 Bernard Bradley, BMW (GB) Ltd
General Manager Corporate Sales commented, "Five awards for the BMW Group is a
stunning result and we're delighted with this glowing endorsement from those
who work in the fleet sector. What is really encouraging for BMW is the breadth
of our success, particularly with two brand new models instantly winning the
praise of fleet managers.

"We are also delighted to be 'highly commended' as Manufacturer of the Year.
This is surely an indication that BMW's strengths in new product are now
reflected in a corporate sales structure that is delivering real benefits to
our customers."