M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe Announced | BMW
CAR / NEWS
April 2, 2015

M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe Announced | BMW


BMW M3 Sedan | BMW M3 Sedan

BMW M4 Coupe | BMW M4 Coupe


M3 Sedan, M4 Coupe Announced



BMW has announced the new fifth-generation M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe.




Text by HORIGUCHI Yoshihiro (OPENERS)









Finally Adopting Inline-6 Turbo



Previously appearing as concept cars, and most recently,Tokyo Motor Showat the " Concept M4 Coupeconcept M4 Coupe" was exhibited, and now the fifth-generation "M3 Sedan" and "M4 Coupe" have finally been announced. These are hot models packed with technology from M, which handles BMW's motorsport.


Replacing the naturally aspirated V8, the 3-liter inline-six twin power turbo, finally equipped with a supercharger for the M3, delivers a maximum output of 431ps and a maximum torque of 550Nm, a 40% improvement over the previous generation. According to BMW, despite having two single-scroll turbos, it delivers linear power up to a high 7,600rpm, while the maximum torque is generated across a wide range from 1,800 to 5,390rpm, boasting characteristics of both naturally aspirated and turbo engines. This is a new generation power source.




BMW M4 Coupe | BMW M4 Coupe 50


BMW M4 Coupe | BMW M4 Coupe 63





The transmission is either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed M DCT (dual-clutch). The M DCT features launch control and a "smoky burnout" function that allows wheelspin at low speeds. It also includes "stability clutch control," which disengages the clutch when understeer occurs in coordination with the stability control.


The rear is equipped with an electronically controlled multi-plate LSD, the "Active M Differential." The lock ratio is flexibly controlled from 0 to 100% to ensure optimal traction at all times.


0-100 km/h acceleration for both the M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe with the 7-speed DCT is 4.1 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (280 km/h with the M Driver's Package).


Furthermore, the structure, which rigidly connects the rear axle to an aluminum subframe for more precise handling, is a feedback from the race field. In conjunction with this, the differential is mounted with double rubber bushings to ensure comfort is also achieved.


Forged 18-inch wheels are standard. The tires are staggered, with a front width of 255mm and a rear width of 275mm, typical for rear-wheel drive. Additionally, 19-inch wheels are available as an option.









BMW M3 Sedan | BMW M3 Sedan

BMW M4 Coupe | BMW M4 Coupe


M3 Sedan, M4 Coupe Announced (2)








Thorough Weight Reduction and Aerodynamic Improvements



Along with the power increase, thorough efforts were made to reduce weight and improve aerodynamics throughout the entire vehicle.


Aluminum is used for the front body sides, hood, suspension, and subframe, while the roof is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The roof, which is 5kg lighter for the sedan and 6kg lighter for the coupe, not only reduces weight but also lowers the car's center of gravity, improving stability and handling.





Furthermore, the driveshaft, which transmits the immense power from the transmission to the differential, is also made of CFRP. Compared to metal, its torsional rigidity is increased, it is over 40% lighter, and its inertia is reduced, resulting in a more direct engine feel.


In addition, by using lightweight materials for parts of the chassis, wheels, and trunk lid, the coupe is ultimately 80kg lighter than the previous generation.


BMW M3 Sedan | BMW M3 Sedan 10





The adoption of a downsized engine, weight reduction, and the fuel-saving technologies such as the start-stop function and brake energy recovery system found in the base "3 Series" are also carried over, resulting in significant fuel efficiency improvements. According to European measurements, fuel consumption is 8.3 liters per 100 km, which is approximately 12 km/l, and CO2 emissions are 194 g/km. This is a 25% improvement compared to the previous generation.




















Spec | Specifications


BMW M3 Sedan

Body Size | Length 4,671 x Width 1,877 x Height 1,424 mm

Wheelbase | 2,812 mm

Tread Front/Rear | 1,579 / 1,603 mm

Minimum Ground Clearance | 120 mm

Weight | 1,520 kg (1,560 kg)

Engine | 2,979cc Inline-6 Direct Injection DOHC Turbo

Bore x Stroke | 84.0 x 89.6 mm

Compression Ratio | 10.2

Maximum Output | 317 kW (431ps) / 5,500-7,300 rpm

Maximum Torque | 550 Nm / 1,850-5,500 rpm

Transmission | 6-speed MT / 7-speed M DCT

Gear Ratio | 1st gear 4.110 (4.806)

2nd gear 2.315 (2.593)

3rd gear 1.542 (1.701)

4th gear 1.179 (1.277)

5th gear 1.000 (1.000)

6th gear 0.846 (0.844)

7th gear -.--- (0.671)

Final Drive Ratio | 3.462 (3.462)

Drivetrain | FR

Front Suspension | Double-joint spring strut

Rear Suspension | 5-link

Tires Front/Rear | 255/40R18 95Y / 275/40R18 99Y
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated disc / Ventilated disc

Minimum Turning Radius | 6.1 meters

Trunk Capacity | 480 liters

0-100 km/h Acceleration | 4.3 seconds (4.1 seconds)

0-1000m | 22.2 seconds (21.9 seconds)

Top Speed | 250 km/h (limiter controlled)

Fuel Consumption (NEDC Value) | 8.8ℓ /100km (8.3ℓ /100km)

CO2 Emissions | 204 g/km (194 g/km)

*Values in parentheses are for the 7-speed M DCT



BMW M4 Coupe

Body Size | Length 4,671 x Width 1,870 x Height 1,383 mm

Wheelbase | 2,812 mm

Tread Front/Rear | 1,579 / 1,603 mm

Minimum Ground Clearance | 121 mm

Weight | 1,497 kg (1,537 kg)

Engine | 2,979cc Inline-6 Direct Injection DOHC Turbo

Bore x Stroke | 84.0 x 89.6 mm

Compression Ratio | 10.2

Maximum Output | 317 kW (431ps) / 5,500-7,300 rpm

Maximum Torque | 550 Nm / 1,850-5,500 rpm

Transmission | 6-speed MT / 7-speed M DCT

Gear Ratio | 1st gear 4.110 (4.806)

2nd gear 2.315 (2.593)

3rd gear 1.542 (1.701)

4th gear 1.179 (1.277)

5th gear 1.000 (1.000)

6th gear 0.846 (0.844)

7th gear -.--- (0.671)

Final Drive Ratio | 3.462 (3.462)

Drivetrain | FR

Front Suspension | Double-joint spring strut

Rear Suspension | 5-link

Tires Front/Rear | 255/40R18 95Y / 275/40R18 99Y

Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated disc / Ventilated disc

Minimum Turning Radius | 6.1 meters

Trunk Capacity | 445 liters

0-100 km/h Acceleration | 4.3 seconds (4.1 seconds)

0-1000m | 22.2 seconds (21.9 seconds)

Top Speed | 250 km/h (limiter controlled)

Fuel Consumption (NEDC Value) | 8.8ℓ /100km (8.3ℓ /100km)

CO2 Emissions | 204 g/km (194 g/km)

*Values in parentheses are for the 7-speed M DCT