1999 BMW E36 3 SERIES: AWARD-WINNING COUPES AND CONVERTIBLES WITH SPORTY NEW FEATURES

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey,  ... With the advent of the new E46 3 Series sedans, the award-winning E36 3 Series carries forward the illustrious tradition of BMW's compact, sporty coupes and convertibles for 1999. Following on an extensive round of evolutionary refinements plus the introduction of the 323is coupe and 323i convertible for 1998, the 1999 changes are modest but effective. This Series consists of five models:

318ti Sport - 3-cloor, 4-cylinder coupe. Its new Sport designation signifies that its formerly optional Sport Package has been made standard.

323is coupe - New last year, this 2-door model with 2.5-liter 6-cylinder engine continues as a value leader among BMW's sports coupes.

323i convertible - Also new last year; 4-seat convertible with same 2.5-liter engine as 323is coupe.

328is coupe - Higher-performance companion to the 323is coupe, with   2.8-liter engine and upscale equipment.

328i convertible - 4-seat convertible with same 2.8-liter engine as in 328is coupe.

318ti SPORT: COMPACT CLASSIC

As BMW's most affordable model, the 318ti has carved out a fascinating niche for itself. It is a shortened version of the E36 3 Series, featuring a 3-cloor configuration for maneuverability and modest weight; a free-revving 4-cylinder engine; a roomy interior with variable cargo area; and equipment that is straightforward, yet anything but austere.

Through last year the 318ti was available with two option packages, Active and Sport, plus a wide variety of stand-alone options. For 1999, there is just one version, now called 318ti Sport because the Sport Package has been made standard. Fewer single options are available now, but these still include such attractive features as the California Roof (a power-operated canvas roof section) and a BMW Center-installed GPS navigation system.

Standardizing the Sport equipment focuses on one of the 3-cloor BMW's strongest attributes: sportiness. Included are a sport suspension system exhibiting BMW's acclaimed expertise at combining responsive handling with a civilized ride; 16-inch alloy wheels with W-rated performance tires; foglights; BMW M aerodynamic body components and side trim; sport seats; attractive leather/cloth upholstery and other leather interior trim; and, new for '99, an M 3-spoke sport steering wheel. Production will be in small numbers, so 1999 is an opportunity for enthusiasts to acquire a rare,, very special small BMW.

Indeed, many critics have found the "ti", particularly the Sport version, to be one of the most enjoyable BMWs in terms of pure driving fun. "This car can cut flawless arcs through nearly every curve," glowed Car and Driver magazine in a June '97 test for "The Best Handling Car for Less than $30,000." In January '98, Automobile magazine declared, "A 318ti with the Sport Package costs upward of $26,000, but it's worthwhile for a car with the 318t!'s mechanical integrity, angular good looks, hatchback versatility and standard traction control." For 1999, BMW has actually reduced the Sport's price by $1,030 to $23,300.

323is COUPE AND 323i CONVERTIBLE: VELVETY 6-CYLINDER POWER AND SPIRITED HANDLING AT SURPRISINGLY MODEST PRICES

When BMW transformed its most attainable 2-cloor coupes and convertibles from 4 to 6 cylinders last year, new levels of performance, refinement and value kicked in; the new323is coupe was priced only $1,000 higher than its 4-cylinder predecessor, the new 323i convertible only $1,550 higher - and the latter included the bonus of 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes as well as the larger, smoother and more powerful engine. For 1999, those prices - $28,700 for the 323is coupe, $34,700 for the 323i convertible - are unchanged.

A few details have changed for 1999; the available Sport Package includes new and sportier Double Spoke alloy wheels and the M 3-spoke sport steering wheel. The Radio Data System (RDS) has replaced the former Weather Band feature in the standard audio systems, and the standard steering wheel's center hub is newly designed. But like the prices, the essentials are unchanged, and these two "little sixes" are BMW classics that connoisseurs of taut design, strong and refined performance, and quality workmanship may want to snap up. "We can't find a downside to the lessexpensive engine," reported Car and Driver in March '98, referencing these models' 2.5-liter engine to the 2.8-liter of their more powerful stablemates the 328is coupe and 328i convertible. "it revs with the same growl and urgency we've come to love in BMW sixes."

Besides the silky-smooth, great-sounding 6-cylinder engine, these two models are rich in qualities that pervade the entire BMW line: solid construction, elegant design, precision handling and comprehensive standard equipment. Among the standard features are side-impact airbags, automatic safety-bell tensioners and force limiters, all-speed traction control, speedcontrolled windshield wipers, central locking system, power/heated outside mirrors, height-adjustable front seats, 1 -touch open/close power windows,automatic climate control with dual temperature settings, and a 1 0-speaker audio system. The 323is coupe is a 5-seater and comes standard with split fold-down rear seats for cargo- and people-carrying versatility. The 323i convertible is a
dashing 4-seater that sits lower to the ground and has a fully padded softtop for snug comfort in any weather. Both come with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission; both offer a Sport and a Premium Package to tailor them to individual tastes. Stand-alone options include an upgrade audio system by Harman Kardon; leather upholstery; and an 8-function Onboard Computer. Additionally, the convertible can be ordered with a swift, silent power top, an automatically deploying Rollover Protection System, and a
beautifully integrated removable hardtop.

328is COUPE AND 328i CONVERTIBLE:
TOP OF THE E36 3 SERIES

Except for differently designed alloy wheels and the model designation on their trunklids, these two models (in standard form) look the same as their 323 counterparts from the outside. But for customers who want more power and more luxurious equipment, the 328is coupe and 328i convertible may be the irresistible upgrades.

Starting under the hood, the 328 models feature a 2.8-liter, 1 90-hpversion of the 6-cylinder engine (323 models: 2.5 liters, 168 hp) and a heavier duty manual transmission, Eight-way power seats and a fold-up front center armrest add luxury to the cabin, and the coupe's Premium Package adds wood interior trim. The Sport Package for both models is upgraded for '99,
adding an aerodynamic body treatment and special exterior trim; thus with this Package, the 328s take on visual distinction from their 323 counterparts. Both the Premium and Sport Packages for the coupe include leather upholstery too.

The 328i convertible gets a valuable equipment upgrade, with leather upholstery now standard. And to complement this, its Premium Package adds a rich treatment of Yew hardwood interior trim. Other features that distinguish the 328i convertible from its 323i counterpart include the power top and Rollover Protection as standard equipment.

Prices for the 328 models are $33,200 for the 328is coupe and $41,500 for the 328i convertible - both unchanged, even with the convertible's new standard leather.

All E36 3 Series models have essentially the same front suspension system as that of the new E46 line: a space-efficient MacPherson -strut system well known for the way it bites into curves and soaks up bumps. The 318ti Sport has a compact semi -trail i ng-arm rear suspension system that saves space in the rear end; the 6-cylinder coupes and convertibles have a multi-link system that matches the sophistication of their smooth and powerful engines. All have 4-wheel disc brakes, with ventilated discs at the front of all 6-cylinder models plus ventilated rear discs on the two convertibles. And of course all have that inimitable BMW feel of structural strength, firm yet supple handling and ride, and delightful maneuverability.

There won't be a lot of ballyhoo surrounding the five E36 3 Series models for '99. But those who appreciate precision machinery in compact format will understand: They all incorporate classic BMW performance, driving pleasure and quality, and represent outstanding value in every respect.

BMW strives to produce its motor vehicles and other products with the utmost attention to environmental compatibility and protection. Integrated into the design and development of BMW automobiles are such criteria as resource efficiency and emission control in production; environmentally responsible selection of materials; recyclability during production and within the vehicle; elimination of CFCs and hazardous materials in production; and continuing research into environmentally friendly automotive power sources. Tangible results of these efforts include the recycling of bumper cladding into other vehicle components; water-based paint color coats and powder clearcoats; and various design and engineering elements that help make BMWs easier to dismantle at the end of their service life.

BMW of North America, Inc. was established in 1975, at which point the company assumed marketing and distribution responsibilities for BMW automobiles in the U.S. from the previous private distributor. Motorcycle marketing and distribution were 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. BMW is represented in North America through a network of BMW Centers in the U.S. and Canada, including more than 375 for automobiles and 190 for motorcycles. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the brand's North American headquarters, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.