BMW got 7 All-Star awards
.

1. 3 Series coupe: Editor's Choice All-Star - "Best Coupe "
2. 3 Series coupe: Reader's Choice All-Star - "Best Coupe "
3. 3 Series sedan: Reader's Choice All-Star - "Best Luxury Sedan Under $40,000"
4. 528i sedan: Editor's Choice All-Star - "Best Luxury Sedan Under $40,000"
5. M5: Editor's Choice All-Star - "Best Sports Sedan"
6. M5: Reader's Choice All-Star - "Best Sports Sedan"
7. X5 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicle: Reader's Choice All-Star - "Best Small/Midsize Sport Utility Vehicle"

For the eighth time, spanning two model generations, the BMW 3 Series - both the sedan and coupe -- continue the tradition by cinching three All-Star spots for 2000. In choosing the new BMW 3 Series coupe, the editors of Automobile Magazine commented, "If you are looking for the real-world definition of the term 'performance coupe', look no further . The BMW 3 Series coupe is as pure a distillation of that concept as you'll find." Apparently the readers couldn't agree more, bestowing upon the 3 Series coupe a Reader's Choice All-Star for "Best Coupe".

An All-Star winner last year, the 3 Series sedan tops the All-Star list for "Best Luxury Sedan Under $40,000" as voted by the readers. The 3 Series sedan continues to define the term "sport sedan," combining performance, handling and quality in a roomy, yet agile package which represents value without compromise.

Value and performance are clearly recognized as winning attributes of the BMW 528i sedan as judged by the editors of Automobile Magazine. With a base price of $38,900, the 528i sedan was named an All-Star for "Best Luxury Sedan Under $40,000." This is the third year in a row a 5 Series has graced the All-Star list. As one editor declared, "This combination of impeccable luxury and driving pleasure makes the 528i not only the best sedan you can have for less than $40,000, but one of the best sedans you can buy period."

Perhaps the most exciting performance-oriented All-Star winner for BMW is the new M5. With close to 400-horsepower surging under the hood and sport- tuned suspension keeping it glued to the ground, the M5 is essentially a thinly-disguised 4-door race car that is capable of, not only blistering performance, but also the highest levels of comfort - all without compromise. With praise from both the editors and the readers, the M5 took home both the Reader's Choice and the Editor's Choice All-Star award for "Best Sport Sedan"

In its first year of production, the readers of Automobile Magazine have awarded the BMW X5 4.4i a Reader's Choice All-Star for "Best Small/Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle". With its balanced combination of all-wheel-drive technology plus suspension, braking and engine response, the all-new X5 is the world's first Sports Activity Vehicle, (SAV). Delivering all-roads capabilities, the X5 sets new on-road standards for vehicles that can also venture off the pavement. With such responsive handling and a potent 4.4- liter V8 engine, the readers of Automobile Magazine have recognized that the X5 stands above the crowd.

(April 20, 2000)