2014 BMW M3 Sedan
| ---- Specifications ---- | |||||
| Price | -- | Production | -- | ||
| Engine | 3 liter inline-6 | Weight | 3351 lbs | ||
| Aspiration | twin-turbochargers | Torque | 406 lb-ft | ||
| HP | 431 hp @ 5500-7300 rpm | HP/Weight | 7.8 lbs per hp | ||
| HP/Liter | 123.6 hp per liter | 1/4 mile | -- | ||
| 0-62 mph | 4.1 seconds | Top Speed | 155 mph (electronically limited) |
(from BMW Press Release) The new BMW M3 Sedan
The launch of the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe sees BMW M GmbH revealing a new interpretation of the high-performance sports car – and carrying the BMW M philosophy over into the fifth generation of the M3. More than 40,000 examples of the fourth-generation BMW M3 Coupe were built, and now the BMW M4 Coupe is poised to continue this success story. The “M4” badge is a reference to the model series that provides the basis for the new M model – and, for the first time, the Coupe will be introduced at the same time as the four-door variant. Logic dictates the latter will be christened the BMW M3 Sedan.
The high-revving six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology newly developed for the new BMW M4 Coupe produces a maximum output of 431 hp. Its peak torque of 550 Newton metres (406 lb-ft) is available across a wide rev band and outstrips the figure recorded by the outgoing BMW M3 by roughly 40 per cent. And yet the engine also achieves a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of around 25 per cent. The BMW M3 Sedan covers the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h / 62 mph in 4.1 seconds (with the optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission).
One of the primary objectives in the development of the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe was to ensure the new cars offered impressive race track capability. Hence the presence of a track-specification cooling system, which ensures that the optimum temperature balance for the engine, turbochargers and transmission is maintained at all times.
Sophisticated cooling concept for maximum performance.
The exceptional performance potential of the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe places extremely exacting demands on temperature management in the engine and peripheral assemblies. In order to ensure optimum operating temperatures in everyday use, on short journeys around town and out on the race track, the BMW M GmbH engineers have developed an extremely effective cooling system. For example, alongside the two ultradynamic turbocharger units, the air intake system of the six-cylinder engine also includes an indirect intercooler, maximising charge pressure and engine output. As well as a main radiator, the track-ready cooling concept also comprises a water cooler repositioned to the side for the high- and lowtemperature water circuits, and the engine and transmission oil (if the M Double Clutch Transmission is specified). These ensure a consistent temperature balance and therefore high performance on the track as well as the road. An additional electric coolant pump cools the turbocharger bearing mounts when the car is stationary.
Six-speed manual gearbox with throttle blipping.
The engine’s power is transferred to the road via a standard six-speed manual gearbox with robust double-plate clutch. This unit is considerably more compact than its predecessor and 12 kilograms lighter. As a means of increasing shift comfort, the manual gearbox uses innovative new carbon friction linings in its synchroniser rings. Dry sump lubrication provides an efficient supply of oil to all parts of the engine. The gearbox blips the throttle on downshifts – previously a feature reserved for the M Double Clutch Transmission. This engagement speed control function improves the smoothness of the transmission, helps to enhance stability and was originally developed by motor sport engineers.
Electric Power Steering with three settings.
The electromechanical steering system in the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe represents a new development from BMW M GmbH and the critical component in the link between driver and car. It offers the gifts of direct steering feeling and precise feedback. The integrated Servotronic function electronically adjusts the level of steering assistance according to the car’s speed, providing optimum steering characteristics at all speeds. The steering for the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe also offers the driver three settings as standard, which can be selected at the touch of a button. COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes allow the level of steering assistance to be adapted to suit the situation at hand and the driver’s personal tastes.
“Together, the rigid front and rear structures, precise axle kinematics and an impressively responsive electromechanical power steering system help to deliver the outstanding steering and handling characteristics of the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe,” sums up Biermann.
The optional Adaptive M suspension likewise comes with COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes, enabling the driver to choose between a more comfortable damper setting for urban driving, for example, a stiffer set-up for dynamic driving on country roads, and a third option that minimises body movements and maximises dynamic performance for use on the track. With their supreme dynamic attributes in mind, the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe also come as standard with BMW M compound brakes boasting impressive feel, outstanding stopping power and high resistance to fade. Far lighter than conventional equivalents, these brakes contribute to a substantial reduction in unsprung masses and therefore help to enhance dynamic performance. Even lighter BMW M carbon ceramic brakes can also be specified as an option, their further optimised performance attributes equipping them even more effectively for track use and giving them even greater durability.
BMW M3 Sedan also gets CFRP roof for the first time.
On the outgoing models, the CFRP roof was confined to the Coupe version. Now, for the first time, the four-door BMW M3 will get this striking design and functional feature as well. The CFRP roof brings weight savings of five kilograms in the case of the BMW M3 Sedan and more than six kilograms in the case of the BMW M4 Coupe. It also lowers the vehicle’s centre of gravity, which has a positive impact on driving dynamics.
Made from aluminium rather than conventional steel, the front side walls and the bonnet (with power dome) make an important contribution to the models’ lightweight design concept, while at the same time improving axle load distribution.
The interior design: flawless ergonomics in a sporting ambience.
Climbing into the BMW M3 and BMW M4, drivers will be greeted by the interior architecture familiar from the BMW 3 Series and BMW 4 Series, complete with unimpeachable ergonomics and clear driver focus. In keeping with the character of the two models, however, the interior fulfils an even more sharply defined sporting brief. To this end, the host of traditional BMW M equipment details includes M door sill finishers, an M driver’s footrest, M gearshift lever, M-design circular instruments with white graphics, M leather steering wheel with chrome trim, colour contrast stitching and electroplatedlook shift paddles (if the M DCT gearbox is specified).
The front seats also represent an evocative expression of BMW M’s motor sport genes. Taking visual inspiration from the bucket seats fitted in racing cars, the seats feature a full-size single-piece back panel. This means the construction of the seats is very flat, while the high, width-adjustable side bolsters and low-set seat surface allow an ideal seating position and provide excellent support. Despite their undeniably sporty design, the BMW M sports seats can be specified as an option with comfort-enhancing features including electric adjustment and heating. On the seat surface, the stitching, upholstery segmentation and perforation lend the seats a slim-fitting feel. Illuminated for the first time, the BMW M logo on the seat backrests adds a new and exclusive highlight.
Equipment: Extensive standard equipment joined by a host of options that enhance dynamics and comfort.
The new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe leave the factory with a thorough selection of equipment on board which reflects their character as extremely performance-oriented cars offering excellent everyday usability. In addition, customers can choose from an extensive range of optional equipment to give the high-performance sports cars an even more uncompromising sporting edge or push their comfort levels to the maximum. And for customers keen to place a very personal stamp on proceedings, the wide-reaching spectrum of BMW Individual items – including BMW Individual paint finishes, BMW Individual Merino leather and BMW Individual interior trim elements – will be another avenue well worth exploring.
Carbon roof as a visible sign of the commitment to lightweight design.
The CFRP roof, which was fitted to the Coupe version only of the outgoing BMW M3, is a standard feature of both the new BMW M3 Sedan and the new BMW M4 Coupe. The “exposed” styling of the carbon-fibre construction accentuates not only the exclusivity of the two models and their direct links to motor sport, it also emphasises clearly the lightweight design philosophy underpinning the cars.
Interior with exquisite materials and motor sport ambience.
The BMW M3 and BMW M4 also stand out with an interior that is exclusive and functional in equal measure. For example, the M Sport leather multifunction steering wheel is fitted as standard, as are bucket-style M sports seats and the BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite. Like the front seats, the distinctively contoured backrests of the rear seats also offer exceptional lateral support. They are made from a lightweight composite material and can be folded in a 60:40 split. This gives the BMW M3 and BMW M4 a degree of variability and everyday usability that is well beyond the norm for highperformance sports cars of their level.
Drivers of the BMW M3 and BMW M4 can look forward to piloting their car from behind a double-spoke M leather steering wheel. The M logo, chrome trim and colour contrast stitching are central elements of the cabin’s racing ambience. Both models come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission is available as an option. M DCT allows the driver to change gears using either the selector lever on the centre console or the shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. Innovative driveline and chassis technology deliver unbeatable dynamics.
The optional M DCT Drivelogic changes gear with no interruption in the flow of power, enabling it to reduce shift times, while a Launch Control system optimises acceleration off the line. M DCT additionally features the Smokey Burnout function, which allows the driver to indulge in a degree of rear wheel spin while the car is moving at low speeds.
The standard-specification Active M Differential at the rear axle guarantees optimum traction, while the likewise factory-fitted electromechanical M Servotronic steering with three settings delivers sporty, direct responses. Both the new BMW M3 and new BMW M4 are equipped as standard with BMW M compound brakes, but customers can also order their car with even lighter and more effective BMW M carbon ceramic brakes, which come with the additional visual highlight of gold-painted callipers.