That work on the 5-series will involve what BMW calls a "discreet facelift," a Head Protection System for the rear-seat passengers, and Park Distance Control, which is meant to tell you how close you are to running into something.
Starting in September, Nickel notes, a 5-series sedan and the X5 SUV will come with C-pillar airbags whenever they order side bags at the rear. "This means the total number of airbag systems now available in the 5-series is 10.
Along with an optional all-wheel-drive system, the 2001 3-Series models (and the Z3 roadster) get Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Braking Control.
Also new for 2001: the 5-speed Steptronic is optional on the Z3; the 320i sedan comes standard with 15-inch wheels; the 325i sedan comes standard with 16-inch aluminum wheels; and the 325i coupé and cabriolet will feature 16-inch aluminum wheels in V-spoke design this August, thus standing out clearly from the respective 320i models.