1999 BMW 323 and 328 Sedan...Continued

Front-seat side-impact airbags became standard in the 3 Series in 1998; in the 1999 3 Series sedans, rear-seat side-impact airbags also become available as an option. Both models also incorporate as standard BMW's Head Protection System. The HPS anchors an inflatable tubular restraint inside the interior trim of the windshield pillar and above the front door on each side of the car. In a severe side impact, it pops out of the trim to form a straight tube where the head of an occupant -- of large or small stature -- could strike the side of the car. BMW also includes a dual-threshold deployment system for airbags and front safety belts.

The stability enhancing traction control system continues as standard on the new 1999 3 Series sedans. In addition to standard antilock braking system (ABS), the new sedans have Cornering Brake Control (CBC).

Applying the brakes can upset a vehicle's stability. A light brake application tends to make the car's nose tuck in; a harder application may nudge the vehicle toward the outside of the curve. CBC counteracts these tendencies by modulating individual wheel brake action; for instance, it can cause brake pressure at the outside front wheel to build up more rapidly, pulling the car into line. Xenon headlights, first introduced on the top-of-the-line BMW 750iL, will be optional on these new 3 Series models, offering a standard of night visibility previously unavailable.

When their ancestor, the BMW 1600-2 sports sedan, was introduced in 1966, BMW was already engineering its automobiles for safety. Rollcage construction and energy-absorbing crush zones were engineered right from the start. Padded dashboards were standard in 1968 and 3-point front safety belts were added in 1969. Today, however, design for safety is fundamental and all encompassing, and it is a given that a new vehicle generation will offer advances in safety over its predecessor, no matter how good the predecessor. So it is with these new 1999 models, successors to the 1998 318i and 328i sedans.

The performance sports sedans have become much more popular than the traditional two-seat convertibles and coupes. The major distinguishing features are a combination of high performance engines, suspensions more tuned to handling than comfort, and seating for more than two occupants.

The Ultimate Driving Experience is a traveling event designed to introduce BMW's new 3 series. BMW prospects and owners are invited to experience the new 3 series on an Autocross course with professional drivers to learn advanced driving techniques. This experience gives participants hands-on driving instruction in a safe, fun and controlled environment. In addition, participants are raising funds for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. BMW donates one dollar to the foundation for every test mile driven. The program also is dedicated to educating teenage drivers on weekends via a four-hour driving instruction course. Take advantage when it comes close to you.