Woodcliff Lake, NJ – November 14, 2011… BMW raised the performance benchmark once again with the introduction of the 4th generation M3 Coupe and Convertible in 2008. Both share the unique, high-revving, 414-horsepower V-8 engine and choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed M Dual Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic.

Racing provided the reason for the original M3’s 1986 creation as the company had to produce road-going homologation versions of its 3 Series Coupe to enter the motorsports version in the German Touring Car Championship. Popularity, proven by strong sales demand, provided the impetus to continue developing the M3, making it both a better performer and more inviting road car as it evolved along with the underlying 3 Series, the company’s most popular, upon which it is based.

The fourth generation BMW M3 Coupe differs greatly in looks as well as technical features from the latest 3 Series Coupe upon which it was developed. Apart from the car’s unique design as well as its drivetrain and suspension technology, conceived from the start for performance, lightweight technology came right at the top of the brief given to the engineers at BMW M. And the car’s power-to-weight ratio of 8.4 pounds per horsepower shows how well this goal was achieved.

Now, buyers of the M3 will enjoy the fuel-saving benefits of Auto Start/Stop, a feature which instantaneously stops the engine at red lights and anytime the vehicle isn’t moving. It immediately re-starts the engine when the driver lifts his or her foot from the brake pedal, or turns the steering wheel to begin a turn from a stop. Furthermore, M3 Coupe buyers can now choose a Competition Package which reduces vehicle ride height by 10mm and includes unique 19” wheels with wider offset for enhanced stability, standard Electronic Damping Control with enhanced programming, and higher-threshold programming for the M Dynamic Mode.

Performance and handling for both M3s are ensured by an M-tuned chassis and suspension, with available Electronic Damping Control, standard compound cross-drilled brakes and the powerful M variable differential lock. Standard M Drive allows a driver to configure the M3 to exacting preferences via the M Button on the steering wheel.

Front to back, the design of the 2012 BMW M3 Coupe evokes a purposeful, sporting message in a package engineered, as are racing vehicles, for structural rigidity at the lightest most efficient weight thanks to the use of the most modern components and computer-aided design.

The M3 Coupe is unique in Its segment by its standard carbon-fiber roof. The M3 Convertible features a retractable hardtop. The hardtop folds tightly into the luggage compartment in under 23 seconds, and a moveable partition provides excellent luggage space.

The M3 continues its winning ways on the track. In 2010 BMW Team Rahal Letterman Racing won the American Le Mans Series GT Championship with a pair of M3s. In 2011 BMW Team Rahal Letterman Lanigan, finished the season with Championships in the Manufacturer, Driver and Team.

The fourth generation M3 continues its very proud, competitive legendary and history with powerful and responsive engines, improved handling/suspension/braking systems, aerodynamic body enhancements, and interior/exterior accents with the tri-color "M" (Motorsport) emblem.

Please refer to MY 2011 Press Kit for detailed information by following this link –

M3 Convertible: http://www.bmwusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=185&mid=

M3 Coupe: http://www.bmwusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=188&mid=

2012 model year updates with specific standard, option and package changes.

• The M3 Coupe & Convertible gain standard anti-theft alarm system, floor mats, as well as iPod/USB Adaptor, Bluetooth, and BMW Assist.

Optional Equipment Changes:

• Stand Alone Options for the 2012 M3 Coupe and Convertible have been adjusted to reflect the new standard equipment and the new Navigation package, which is priced at $1,350 to adjust for standard BMW Assist, Bluetooth, and iPod/USB Adaptor.

Packages Changes:

• The former Convenience Package and Premium Package 2 are now combined into a single Premium Package. This change bundles the most-common M3 options and packages together, and the power rear sunshade has been added to a package on the M3 Coupe for the first time.
• The 2012 M3 Convertible will offer a new BMW Individual Composition Package for the first time. The package is priced at $5,000 and includes the buyer’s choice of three unique metallic exterior colors (Ruby Black, Azurite Black, and Moonstone), three unique leather colors with additional leather surface area (Champagne, Platinum, and Rust Brown), as well as Individual Piano Finish Black interior trim.
   

BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 138 BMW motorcycle retailers, 103 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at: www.bmwgroupna.com

Journalist note: Information about BMW and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com.