BMW Assist and Hands-Free calling now available on every BMW

BMW Assist is standard on all 2004 5 and 7 Series cars, and optional or included with the Premium Package on the X5, Z4 and 3 Series (produced effective September 2003), even the upcoming X3. BMW pays for the first year of service; annual renewals thereafter cost $240. BMW Assist customers have 24-hour access to Emergency and Roadside Assistance at just the push of a button or even automatically in the event an airbag deploys or a severe rear impact occurs. BMW Assist uses advanced technology to bring the focused attention of a response specialist to the BMW driver's aid. Combining a built-in wireless device for communication and a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to determine the vehicle's location, the BMW Assist system conveniently delivers both occupant security and premium concierge services to enhance the BMW driving experience at an affordable price. The services are described in detail below.
Automatic Collision Notification. The BMW Assist system automatically transmits location coordinates and vehicle information to the BMW Assist response center after an airbag deploys or a severe rear impact occurs. A response specialist speaks with the customer through the BMW Assist hands-free communication system. Based on the occupants' response, or even if they cannot respond, the specialist will coordinate the dispatch of emergency personnel to the vehicle's location through the local 911 center.

Emergency Request. A push of the conveniently located "SOS" or "Emergency" button initiates the same services as described above. In addition to contacting the 911 center, the response center can notify the subscriber's emergency contacts upon request as well as link to BMW Roadside Assistance.

Enhanced Roadside Assistance. If the subscriber experiences a flat tire, runs out of gas, or has any serious vehicle malfunction, a push of the "Roadside Assistance" button transmits the location coordinates and vehicle information. Then, the BMW Assist response center links the information and subscriber to BMW Roadside Assistance for an accurate dispatch.

Concierge. For help buying concert tickets, making dinner reservations, or finding the perfect gift, among many other possibilities, the subscriber calls a personal assistant by dialing a toll-free number from any phone, any time.

Owners' Circle. The subscriber becomes a member of BMW's award-winning customer web site located at www.bmwusa.com with online access to their Owner's Manual, maintenance history, BMW Financial Services, and more.

Customer Relations and your BMW center. The subscriber can contact these resources at the touch of the iDrive controller in the 5 and 7 Series to get answers to questions or to conveniently schedule a service appointment.

Hands-free calling

For vehicles equipped with BMW Assist. Every 7 Series owner receives a Motorola CPT9000 handset, which can be activated on their choice of the Verizon Wireless, Alltel, AT&T Wireless or Cingular networks. The phone can be docked in the center console for recharging, access to an external antenna and safe hands-free operation through the innovative iDrive system, steering wheel controls and speech recognition system. Hands-free calling can be extended to the BMW Assist system through a BMW center-installed integration kit on the new 5 Series. Similar kits will be available for all models in the first quarter of 2004.

For vehicles not equipped with BMW Assist. The Bluetooth TM Universal Hands-free Phone System can currently be installed by BMW centers into the following vehicles:

• 3 Series Sedans and Sport Wagons produced since March 2002
• 5 Series Sedans and M5s produced from March 2002 to June 2003, and
• X5 Sport Activity Vehicles produced since April 2002.
  
  

This innovative offering allows the customer to operate a Bluetooth phone in a truly wireless hands-free mode, even dialing numbers through its own advanced voice recognition system, stored by either number or name. Steering wheel controls and display of dialed and incoming call numbers and names (if stored in the phone's address book) enhance safety and ease of use. Bluetooth wireless technology will be extended to other models in 2004.