BMW Announces 1998 Prices and Two New 3 Series Models
5 September 1997
BMW Announces 1998 Prices and Two New 3 Series Models; New Standard Equipment Across the Model Range Means More Value for BMW Drivers
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Sept. 5 -- BMW of North America, Inc.
has announced prices for its 1998 model range, consisting of 17 models in four
distinct model Series. This pricing applies to 1998 models produced on
September 1, 1997 or later. Despite increased standard equipment across the
model range, four models -- 318ti, Z3 1.9, Z3 2.8 and 528i -- have no price
increase and the model line as a whole has a sales-weighted price increase of
just 0.7%. Adding the value of new standard equipment gives a sales-weighted,
across-the-board price decrease of 0.4%. BMW of North America president
Victor Doolan commented, "BMW was the first European manufacturer to address
the price/value issue beginning in 1989. Since then, we have been committed
to providing BMW drivers with the best combination of driving enjoyment and
cost of ownership in the luxury/performance segment. Every 1998 BMW includes
the cost of scheduled maintenance for 3 years/36,000 miles, making BMW
ownership easier than ever."
NEW 323is COUPE AND 323i CONVERTIBLE DELIVER MORE PERFORMANCE AND
GREATER VALUE
The biggest news in the 3 Series for model year 1998 is the replacement of
two four-cylinder models by two six-cylinder models and better value than ever
across the line. The new 323is coupe and 323i Convertible replace the 318is
and 318i Convertible. With a base price of $29,270* for the 2.5-liter 323is
coupe, BMW offers a six-cylinder model for less than $30,000 for the first
time in five model years. The base price of the new 323i Convertible will be
$35,270*. The base price of BMW's least expensive 3 Series model -- the 318ti
-- remains unchanged at $21,960*. Other 3 Series prices increase only
marginally, despite notable new standard features like side airbags (on all
models except 318ti), rear head restraints, rollover protection system on the
328i Convertible, and a front armrest on the M3. New Premium Packages for all
models except 318ti and M3 offer even more value by grouping popular equipment
and offering it at prices well below stand alone option costs.
NEW OPTIONS AND STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR Z3 ROADSTERS
Still among the hottest selling cars in the country, the Z3 roadster 1.9
and 2.8 continue to offer an unbeatable combination of value and performance
with additional standard equipment, but no increase in base prices. Even with
the addition of new rollover bars, the base prices remain unchanged at
$29,995* for the Z3 1.9 and $36,470* for the Z3 2.8. The six-cylinder Z3 2.8
also gets the Harman Kardon sound system as standard equipment. A new
optional Premium Package for both models includes wood trim, a power top and,
on the 1.9, leather seats, which are standard on the 2.8.
STANDARD HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM HIGHLIGHTS NEW EQUIPMENT FOR 5 SERIES MODELS
For 1998, the 5 Series gains the unique new Head Protection System (HPS)
as standard equipment, along with other added-value improvements and packages.
Even with the new equipment, the base price for the 528i remains unchanged at
$39,470*. The Premium Package, which includes metallic paint, wood trim,
leather upholstery and cross spoke alloy wheels also remains unchanged at
$3,450. New for the 528i is a Sport Package with metallic paint, leather
upholstery, sport suspension, shadowline exterior trim, 17" cross-spoke
composite wheels and technical surface interior trim for $3,450. The 540i
Automatic gets the new, third generation Dynamic Stability Control (DSC III)
as standard equipment. Reflecting the added features, the 540iA base price
increases by 1.2% to $51,070*. For 1998, customers who desire the sport
equipment previously only available on the 540i 6-speed, can order it on the
540iA with the new Sport Package. The 540i 6-speed gets added standard
equipment to enhance its aggressive, sporty character, including new electric
sport seats. Base price for the 1998 540i 6-speed is $53,870, with the entire
1.8% increase derived from added content.
DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL III TOPS LIST OF NEW STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR
FLAGSHIP MODEL LINE
Beginning with September production, the 1998 7 Series receives additional
new features that further enhance customer value. The third generation of
BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC III) system tops the list of new standard
features. An automatic tilt wheel and the Battery Safety Terminal round out
the improvements. Price increases reflect the new safety features with base
prices of $61,500* (+0.7%) for the 740i, $65,500* (+0.7%) for the 740iL and
$92,100* (+0.9%) for the 750iL. These changes are further proof of BMW's
commitment to maintaining the 7 Series position as the leader in the Prestige
Sedan Segment.
BMW ON BOARD NAVIGATION SYSTEM GETS NEW FEATURES
AND LOWER PRICE
For 1998, the BMW On Board Navigation System gets the addition of an
enhanced emergency call system. Now, when the driver of the vehicle places an
emergency call to BMW's Roadside Assistance service provider, the location of
the vehicle is automatically transmitted at the beginning of the call(1). The
price of the navigation system will be reduced by $300 to $2,500 for the 540i
and 7 Series models and $2,690 for the 528i.
BMW IN NORTH AMERICA
BMW of North America, Inc. was established in 1975, at which point the
company assumed marketing and distribution responsibilities of BMW automobiles
in the U.S. from the previous private distributor. Motorcycle marketing and
distribution was 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; 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.
* Base prices include $570 Destination & Handling charge
(1) Requires BMW integrated mobile telephone
BMW 1998 Model Year Retail Pricing
Base Price USA Port of Entry
318ti coupe $21,960.00
318i sedan $26,720.00
323is coupe $29,270.00
323i convertible $35,270.00
328i sedan $33,670.00
328is coupe $33,770.00
328i convertible $42,070.00
M3 coupe $40,270.00
M3 sedan $40,270.00
Z3 1.9 roadster $29,995.00
Z3 2.8 roadster $36,470.00
528i sedan $39,470.00
540i automatic $51,070.00
540i manual $53,870.00
740i sedan $62,070.00
740iL sedan $66,070.00
750iL sedan $92,100.00
Please note all prices include $570.00 destination and handling charge.
The dealer's ultimate cost may vary due to incentives, allowances and
other programs or payments.
SOURCE BMW of North America, Inc.
For a complete listing of new car prices, factory codes on options,
total MSRP, and dealer invoice cost, check out The Auto Channel's New Car
Buyers Guide.
