Each year the world's bravest drivers come together to compete in the Paris-Dakar Rally, a grueling 7,000 mile trek across every imaginable terrain, from Paris, France, to Dakar, Senegal, Africa. They do battle in trucks, cars, motorbikes and ATVs, all striving for the honor of being called the ultimate off-road champion.

Formula One racing!

In 2004 their journey took them through five countries, two continents and contrasting extremes of heat and cold, mountains and sea level, desert and farmland.

Two BMW X5 diesel models finished fourth and eighth in the world’s most rigorous off-road event, with a first place finish overall in the diesel category.

Luc Alphand, multiple men’s downhill skiing champion and Le Mans racer, not only finished fourth overall in his X5 but also took two outright stage victories in this year’s marathon.

BMW has won the event 6 times in the bike category.

Paris Dakar 2004

BMW "X-raid" X5

Featuring the BMW Variable Twin Turbo Diesel Motor

Technical Data

Engine: 3 litres Bi-turbo-diesel
6 cylinders, 24-valve, DOHC
Bi-turbo with intercooler
Displacement: 2926 cc
199 kW / 270 HP at 4000 rpm
Body: Kevlar and carbon compound
Space frame with subframe in the front and back
Tyres: 235/85 R16
Rims: Magnesium
Spare Wheels: 3+1
Tank capacity: 360 litres
Instruments: Motec, GPS – ERTF / Easy Trip
Dimensions:
Overall length: 4,750 mm
Overall width: 1,960 mm
Height: 1,907 mm
Weight: 1,900 kg

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