A RECORD waiting list for new BMW cars has prompted the second plea for extra British-market supplies in six months. The urgent call went out from BMW (GB) after some corporate customers were found to be waiting up to next February to take delivery of latest 5 series models, it was revealed this week.

Sales for the 5 are showing a 35% increase year to date, and Touring versions are also forward sold for the year. Demand is also expected to be high for the latest lead-in Touring version of the 3 series. Priced at £17,665 on the road, the model costs just £890 more than the saloon on which it is based and is offered with automatic air conditioning for an extra £500.

Meanwhile, BMW (GB) has supplied a 16-strong fleet of specially-prepared R1100RS motorcycles to the Metropolitan police. The machines, worth a total of £166,000, have gone to the special group which escorts members of the Royal family, visiting heads of state and VIPs.