BMW Performance Center Launches X Driving Experience

New Program Features X3 and X5 Sports Activity Vehicle Driving Adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Carolinas

SPARTANBURG, S.C., July 21 -- Enthusiasts seeking high performance driving adventures need apply to the X Driving Experience, the newest offering this summer from the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, S.C. Featuring the updated 2004 X5 and the new X3 Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV), the X Driving Experience begins at the BMW Performance Center and then rolls through the Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains with breath-taking sights and all-wheel driving lessons to satisfy high- spirited drivers -- at any pace.

"We're providing customers with a memorable travel experience while they sharpen their driving skills. The new X Driving Experience takes participants through a picturesque route in the Blue Ridge Mountains as they learn the advanced features of our Sport Activity Vehicles and experience the improved traction and stability of BMW's innovative xDrive all-wheel drive system," said Diane Nevelle, manager of driving programs and events at the BMW Performance Center.

The first X Driving Experience takes place August 24-26, with additional dates to be scheduled for 2005. The first day offers both paved and "off road" driving lessons on the Performance Center's professional course. Steering, braking and defensive driving exercises will be done on the wet skid pad, water walls and slalom, featuring lessons in vehicle control at varying speeds, accident avoidance maneuvers and an autocross lesson that demonstrates weight transfer and balance.

Using BMW's specially built 'Other Roads' course, participants will discover that the SAVs combine the capability of an SUV with the driving character of a true BMW.

Participants can experience the advanced technological handling of the X5 4.4i model's new V8 engine, featuring VALVETRONIC mated to the six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission, as they navigate the SAV through a winding 1.4 mile route with gravel, water and dirt trails that simulates a variety of road conditions.

The all-new X3 delivers the BMW SAV concept in a smaller, more nimble package. This SAV has its own unique character for participants to discover during the X Driving Experience. The BMW X3 is offered with either a 2.5 liter or a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and both come with either a standard six-speed manual or five- speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission. Participants will revel in the power of the X3's 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine on both the paved and 'Other Roads' course.

Traction and stability for the SAVs are improved thanks to BMW's new xDrive all-wheel drive system, which is standard on all models. This advanced technology allows for handling the challenges of the 'Other Roads' route, where participants take on rock angles up to 45 degrees, learn safe river- crossing techniques and rely on BMW's Hill Ascent Control and Hill Descent Control for driving and proper vehicle balance on uneven surfaces.

Participants will put their first day of lessons to the test as they cruise the Blue Ridge Mountains to a secluded mountain lodge in North Carolina, learning more advanced driving techniques with guidance and instruction from BMW's certified driving instructors. These lessons, combined with the professional course experience, will provide enthusiasts with a thorough understanding of vehicle dynamics.

Dinner will be served under a canopy of stars that evening while guests enjoy the incredible sights of Reems Creek Valley. A hearty breakfast starts off the final day of the program, followed by more driving adventures on the Blue Ridge terrain back to the BMW Performance Center.

The X Driving Experience has a maximum of 10 participants. The cost is $3,450, including meals and overnight accommodations. Gift certificates are available for the driving programs. For more information or to register, contact the BMW Performance Center at 888-345-4BMW (4269).

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, the MINI brand, and the ROLLS-ROYCE brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm 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 Z4 Roadster and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 340 BMW passenger car centers, 327 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 148 BMW motorcycle retailers, 76 MINI passenger car dealers, and 25 ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.