BMW M4

The BMW M4 is a high-performance version of the BMW 4 Series automobile developed by BMW's motorsport division, BMW M GmbH.

BMW M4
Overview
ManufacturerBMW M GmbH
Production2014–present
AssemblyGermany: Regensburg
Body and chassis
ClassCompact executive car (D)
Body style
LayoutFront-engine rear-wheel-drive
Chronology
PredecessorBMW E92/E93 M3

Part of the renumbering that splits the 3 Series coupé and convertible models from the 4 Series (to further differentiate it from the 3 Series), the M4 replaced the M3 coupé and convertible models. Upgrades over the standard BMW 4-Series include: a powerful and responsive, twin turbocharged engine; improved handling, suspension, and braking systems; aerodynamic body enhancements; interior/exterior accents with the tri-colour "M" (Motorsport) badging; reduced weight compared to the standard 4 Series and its predecessor with an all-new stiffer chassis and extensive use of carbon fibre, especially on the roof of the car.

F82/F83 generation (2014–present)
F82/F83
BMW M4 Convertible
Overview
Production2014–present
DesignerFlorian Nissl
Christopher Weil
Body and chassis
Body style2-door coupé (F82)
2-door retractable hard-top convertible (F83)
Related
Powertrain
Engine3.0 L S55B30T0 twin-turbocharged I6
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,812 mm (110.7 in)
Length4,671 mm (183.9 in)
Width1,870 mm (74 in)
Height1,383 mm (54.4 in)
Curb weight1,617 kg (3,565 lb) (Manual)[1]
1,642 kg (3,620 lb) (DCT)
Chronology
PredecessorBMW E92/E93 M3

On 25 September 2013, BMW released the technical specifications of the M4. It is powered by the S55B30 engine, which is developed and engineered by BMW M GmbH. This 3.0-litre inline-6 engine has been built specifically for the new M4/M3, having a redline of 7,600 rpm with the rev limiter actuated at 7,300 rpm. The engine uses two mono-scroll turbochargers with a peak boost pressure of 18.1 psi (1.2 bar). The power is rated at 317 kW (431 PS; 425 hp), however this is achieved not at a specific engine speed, but is instead rated throughout the range of 5,500–7,300 rpm. The engine's torque is rated at 550 N⋅m (406 lbf⋅ft) throughout the range of 1,850–5,500. Two transmission choices are available, the 6-speed manual and the 7-speed M-DCT transmissions. The 7-speed M-DCT transmission accelerates the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds) and the 6-speed manual transmission from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds.[2] The weight of the M4 equipped with a manual transmission is 1,572 kg (3,466 lb) and with the M-DCT dual-clutch transmission, the car is some 40 kg (88 lb) heavier, losing some 80 kg (176 lb) as compared to the E92 M3.[3]

As per its E92 predecessor, the roof of the coupe model is constructed from carbon fibre (except if the optional sunroof is fitted).[4] Carbon fibre is also used for the bootlid and engine brace.[5] For the first time in a M3/M4 model, an electric power steering unit is used.[6] The steering system is specifically tuned for both the M3 and M4, however it has been criticised for lacking in feel.[7] The 18 inches (460 mm) and 19 inches (480 mm) wheel options are available with lightweight forged alloy wheels being standard. The M compound brakes come standard (with blue brake calipers), while carbon ceramic brakes (with gold brake calipers) are available as an option.

The M4 features Active Sound, live amplification of the engine's natural sound inducted into the passenger cabin via speakers in the car. BMW claims this technology has been used so that the well insulated cabin can reduce road/wind noise but still provide the driver with the sporty sound of the M powered engine. There are no artificial sound or any pre-recorded track in the system. This system was first implemented in the M5 (F10).

The M4 is based on the F32 4 Series[8] however 50 percent of its components are unique as compared to the 4 Series.[9]

The convertible variant of the M4 was announced along with its coupe sibling, also internally known as F82 or F83 M4. It shares almost everything with the coupé version, but weighs more due to its folding metal roof.[10] The convertible weighs 1,750 kg (3,858 lb) (manual), 1,691 kg (3,728 lb) (M-DCT). The three-piece retractable hardtop folds in 20 seconds.[11] The only significant difference between the two is the weight due to its retractable hardtop. As with any convertible car, the driver will experience its stiff ride due to added rigidity.[12] Like its hardtop counterpart, the F83 M4 uses carbon fibre reinforced plastic to lighten and stiffen the car.

Because of its extra weight it accelerates slower, taking it 0.3 seconds longer to 100 km/h (62 mph); 4.6 seconds with the manual and 4.3 seconds with the M-DCT transmission. The dynamic differences between the two variants are marginally small.[13][14]

Starting from the 2019 model year (production from 07/2018 onward) BMW removed the carbon fibre driveshaft so as to be able to fit an Otto Particulate Filter (OPF), necessary to comply with WLTP emissions regulations.[15]

Convertible (F83)
Coupé (F82)
The S55B30T0 Inline-6 engine
Interior

Competition Package

During February 2016, BMW announced the M3/M4 Competition Package. With this package, the M4 boasts 331 kW (450 PS; 444 hp)[16] and a revised suspension for better handling. New springs, dampers and anti-roll bars complement the included Adaptive M Suspension. BMW also re-tuned the electronic differential and the Dynamic Stability Control to match the upgraded hardware. The interior remains largely unchanged, but Competition Package cars get new lightweight sport seats along with the M-striped woven seat belts. The exterior includes the M Sport exhaust with black chrome tailpipes and high gloss Shadow Line exterior trim. Gloss black trim is added to the kidney grille, side gills, and model badge on the trunk.[17]

With the competition package the coupe version accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.0 seconds, while the convertible version does the run in 4.2 seconds, both using the dual clutch transmission.[17]

M4 GTS
BMW M4 GTS

BMW introduced the M4 GTS concept in August 2015 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.[18] In 2016, BMW introduced the production version of the car which was a track-focused version of the standard M4 coupé itself with a limited production run of 700 units. It is powered by the same 2,979 cc (3.0 L; 181.8 cu in) twin-turbocharged straight-six engine as in the normal M4, but the power output has been raised to 368 kW (500 PS; 493 hp) at 6,250 rpm and 600 N⋅m (443 lb⋅ft) of torque at 5,500 rpm[19] largely due to a nozzle water injection system that is the first to be used on a production automobile in almost twenty years. In addition to the increased engine power, the M4 GTS is 27 kg (60 lb) lighter than the standard M4 Coupé with the DCT transmission, so the weight now stands at 1,585 kg (3,494 lb). The 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time is reduced to 3.8 seconds, while the top speed stands at 305 km/h (190 mph). The M4 GTS has, according to BMW, lapped the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife track in 7 minutes and 28 seconds, 24 seconds faster than the base M4 and 20 seconds faster than the M3 GTS. This equates to the same time as a Porsche Carrera GT.[20]

M4 DTM Champion Edition
M4 DTM Champion Edition

The BMW M4 was first launched in 2014 as the DTM Champion Edition, following the victory of Marco Wittmann in the 2014 DTM season. The model is based on Wittmann's 2014 M4 DTM in color. The 2014 Champion Edition is limited to 23 units, Wittmann's race number.[21]

After winning the 2016 season, BMW once again released a DTM Champion Edition of the M4. The M4 DTM Champion Edition uses the engine from the M4 GTS with 368 kW (500 PS; 493 hp) 600 N⋅m (443 lb⋅ft) and water injection. All performance data are identical to those of the GTS. It is limited to 200 units and is only available in white in keeping with the DTM car.[22] The biggest visual difference to the GTS lies in the smaller spoiler, as well as the omission of the orange design elements.[23]

M4 CS

In early 2017, BMW announced M4 CS in limited run of 3,000 units globally. The M4 CS sits between the M4 Competition Package and the M4 GTS. The M4 CS utilises the same engine as the standard M4 which generates 338 kW (460 PS; 453 hp) and 600 N⋅m (443 lb⋅ft) of torque.[24]

BMW M4 CS

Motorsport

The BMW M4 DTM competes in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters since 2014. Marco Wittmann won the 2014 and 2016 championships.

The M4 GT4, aimed at amateur drivers, debuted at the 2017 24 Hours of Nürburgring. It features a 3.0 L turbocharged straight-six engine rated at 317 kW (431 PS; 425 hp), and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.[25]

M4 DTM of Timo Glock competing at Hockenheim in 2016
M4 GT4

References
  1. "The new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe". press.bmwgroup.com. 12 December 2013. p. 11. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
  2. "A closer look at the 2015 BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe: Twinturbocharged performance is gonna cost you". Autoweek. 2014-01-14. Retrieved 2017-01-07.
  3. "The new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe". press.bmwgroup.com. 12 December 2013. p. 11. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
  4. "2017 BMW M4 Review". www.motor1.com. Retrieved 23 November 2019.
  5. "BMW M4 Coupe and Convertible – Overview". www.bmwusa.com. Retrieved 23 November 2019.
  6. "BMW M4 Coupe and Convertible – Features and Pricing". www.bmwusa.com. Retrieved 23 November 2019.
  7. "2016 BMW M4 Review". www.motortrend.com. Retrieved 23 November 2019.
  8. Tingwall, Eric (2013-09-25). "10 Things You Need to Know About the 2015 BMW M3 / M4". caranddriver.com. Hearst Communications, Inc. Archived from the original on 2016-03-05.
  9. "Official BMW M3 M4 Specs: 430HP, 369+ LB-FT, Under 3306 Pounds, Bi-Turbo Inline 6 Cyl".
  10. "BMW M4 Performance, Engine, Ride, Handling". www.whatcar.com. Retrieved 23 November 2019.
  11. "Ragtop Rocket". Autoweek. 64 (9): 8. 28 April 2014.
  12. Stevenson, Mark. "2018 BMW M4 Convertible Test Drive Review: Best Casual M Car?". Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  13. LeBlanc, John. "First Drive: 2015 BMW M4 Cabriolet". Retrieved 25 January 2019.
  14. Gall, Jared. "2015 BMW M4 Convertible Manual". Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  15. "BMW To Ditch Carbon Fiber Driveshafts On M3, M4 As Of November". motor1.com. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  16. "The BMW M Competition Package: Extra power and performance". www.bmw-m.com. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  17. "New Competition Package Wrings More Out Of BMW M3 And M4". Motor Authority. Retrieved 2016-03-14.
  18. "BMW premieres M4 Concept GTS at Monterey". Roundel: 34. October 2015.
  19. "2016 BMW M4 GTS". automobile-catalog. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
  20. "The new BMW M4 GTS". press.bmwgroup.com. 14 April 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
  21. "BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition: Sondermodell 2014". autozeitung.de (in German). Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  22. "The BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition". www.bmw-m.com. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  23. "BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition: Sondermodell zum Wittmann-Titel". auto motor und sport (in German). 17 October 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  24. "BMW M4 CS". www.bmw-m.com. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  25. GT4 racer is the hardest BMW M4 yet - Stephen Dobie, Top Gear, 25 May 2017
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