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What's new from BMW?
By Laura
Bruce • Bankrate.com
 At
BMW, bigger is better for 2003. The folks who created a retro splash with the
reintroduction of the Mini Cooper will try to outdo themselves in 2003
with a brand new, bigger version of the two-passenger Z3 roadster, ingenuously
renamed the Z4.
BMW is also beefing up its mid-size 5 Series, which debut in 2003.
As if the automaker isn't classy enough, beginning in 2003, BMW
takes ownership of Roll-Royce.
Z4
The Z4 will have a more spacious cabin, increased luggage space and a wider
wheelbase. BMW promises improved ride and handling from major suspension revisions,
including the new trapezoidal-link rear suspension.
Z4 owners will have to choose between the 3.0i engine with 225
horsepower and a top speed of 155 mph, or the 2.5i with 192 horses and a maximum
speed of 146 mph.
The new Z4 has one especially nifty new option -- a DVD-based
satellite navigation system that retracts fully into the instrument panel.
The estimated price range for the Z4 is $32,000 to $39,000
Mini Cooper
The 1967 Mini was the role model for its updated version, which took America
by storm in 2002. The new mini is about 18 inches longer than the original,
a whole lot peppier and safer with its six airbags.
No significant changes to the standard Mini or the "S"
Mini are planned for the coming year, but the manufacturer has confirmed that
a convertible version is on the drawing board.
The estimated price range of the Mini Cooper is $16,300 to $19,300
3 Series
No significant changes are planned for the most popular BMW line, although in
the 325 series the navigation system will be upgraded from CD-ROM to DVD, and
a moon roof will be standard in the sport wagon.
Z4 |
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The 2003 325 sedan gets a third rear head rest and three-point
seatbelt. All-wheel drive is available on sedan and wagon only. The 3 Series
includes the 325i/325Ci and 330i/330Ci coupes, convertibles, sedans and wagons.
Starting in 2003, BMW will be selling three Super Ultra Low Emission
Vehicles in California, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont. The SULEV models
will be the 325i sedan, sport wagon and coupe equipped with automatic
transmission.
The estimated price range for BMW's 3 Series is $28,100 to $55,100
5 Series
The new 5 Series is expected to be bigger -- longer, higher and wider than the
current versions of BMW's midsize sedan. It's also reported to have a sportier
look, while pricing is expected to remain about the same. But you'll have
to wait; the new generation 5 Series arrives in 2003 as 2004 models.
Until then, no significant changes are planned for the 5 Series,
which includes the 525i, 530i, and 540i sedans, 535i
and 540i sport wagons, and the M5 sedan.
The moon roof is standard on six-cylinder models, 525i sedan,
sport wagon and 530i sedan.
The estimated price range for BMW's 5 Series is $37,000 to $71,000
-- Posted: Oct. 1, 2002
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