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.October 20, 2004
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This Week:

• GM Europe Announces Major Restructuring Initiative

• Kalbfell To Leave BMW Group

• Jaguar Shows Significant Improvement In 2004 J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Study 

• MINI Cooper Most Appealing Compact Car For Third Year In A Row

• Sign on the Dotted Line: Chrysler's 2005 Limited Edition Signature Series Offers Customers Tremendous Value and Savings

• Welcome Home For New Ford Dagenham Plant Manager

• BMW Financial Services Breaks Ground For New Location

• Nissan North America Begins Production of 2005 Frontier

• Mercedes-Benz A-Class now equipped with new side airbags offering double protection

• The first BMW Convertible with Diesel Power: The 320Cd Convertible

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The first BMW Convertible with Diesel Power: The 320Cd Convertible

Economy, driving dynamics, and the wonderful thrill of driving in the open air - all this is taking on a new dimension in the guise of the BMW 320Cd Convertible. Indeed, BMW's first-ever diesel-powered convertible is a particularly good example of how elegance, sportiness and efficiency may be combined in perfect harmony.

BMW's two-litre diesel has already achieved great success in other models in the BMW 3 Series, accounting for 80 per cent of all BMW 3 Series sold in some markets such as France.

Photos: BMW

The drivetrain as such has been carried over from the 320Cd Coupé and modified for the BMW 3 Series Convertible. The differences lie in engine management as well as the drivetrain itself with a 'shorter' final drive and an exhaust system tailored to the Convertible. The chassis and suspension have also been converted appropriately.

The sporting cruiser

The 16-valve power unit develops maximum output of 110 kW/150 bhp at 4,000 rpm, giving this elegant four-seater a top speed of 211 km/h or 131 mph. Supreme driving pleasure is also ensured by the harmonious surge of power and the bullish torque of the direct-injection engine developing 295 Nm or 217 lb-ft at just 1,500 rpm before reaching its maximum torque of 330 Nm/243 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm.

The enthusiast opting for a sporting style of motoring in this new Convertible will certainly enjoy life in this car, the 320Cd Convertible reaching 100 km/h in just 9.7 seconds. And the interim sprint in, say, 4th gear from 80?120 km/h (50-75 mph) is even more impressive, taking just 7.5 seconds.

Fitted as standard, the six-speed manual gearbox comes with short and sporting gear ratios for a particularly dynamic or, alternatively, a very relaxed and laid-back style of motoring in this elegant Convertible. Top speed comes in sixth gear.

Regardless of whether the driver is driving with the roof down or closed, diesel combustion noise is reduced to a minimum, thus creating the acoustic impression of a petrol engine under virtually all driving conditions.

Elegant and economical all in one

The dynamic performance offered by this high-tech power unit in the open-air 3 Series is only one of the engine's benefits. Because despite this remarkable performance, the new BMW Convertible is also very economical, consuming just 6.3 litres/100 km of diesel fuel in the composite EU cycle (44.8 mpg Imp) and thus offering a cruising range on one tank of up to 1,000 kilometres or 620 miles.

Benefitting from modifications within the engine, the 320Cd Convertible outperforms the EU4 emission standard even without a particle filter.

How about a bit more?

Very well equipped even in standard trim, the 3 Series Convertible can of course be upgraded to an even higher level by adding a whole range of attractive options. BMW's new Diesel Convertible also comes in the two Exclusive and Sports Editions offering the customer an attractive package of special features in each case. Inter alia, the Edition models feature 17-inch light-alloy wheels, special metallic paintwork and upholstery, as well as special add-on features such as chrome trim and interior panels. Further, even more refined features are then added individually for specific markets. In the German market, for example, the low-priced Exclusive Edition comes with Adaptive Headlights, a multifunction steering wheel, xenon lights for the high and low beam, seat heating, and a rain sensor.

Changing times in the passenger car market

BMW's 320Cd and 330Cd Coupés have already proven that a modern diesel power unit can also be successful in vehicle segments previously the stronghold of the petrol engine: Demand for such dynamic but at the same time very economical cars has increased significantly in recent years. Particularly in Western Europe, the share of diesels in the new car market is continuing to grow - which is precisely why BMW is offering a diesel-powered convertible for the first time in the history of the Company. The 320Cd Convertible is in fact intended exclusively for European markets and will be introduced at the beginning of the new open-air season in spring 2005.

Apart from classic convertible countries such as Germany and Great Britain, countries with a large share of diesel models such as France, Italy, Belgium, and Spain will be the main sales markets.

(Oct 15, 2004)