The BMW M4 is a high-performance version of the BMW 4 Series automobile developed by BMW's motorsport division, BMW M GmbH, that has been built since 2014.
As part of the renumbering that splits the coupé and convertible variants of the 3 Series into the 4 Series, the M4 replaced those variants of the BMW M3. Upgrades over the standard BMW 4 Series include an upgraded engine, suspension, exhaust system, brakes and weight reduction measures including increased use of carbon fiber, such as on the roof of the car, and the door cards.[1]
The M4 also had a Competition Sport Lightweight (CSL) version that was 100kg lighter than the standard M4.
First generation (F82/F83; 2014)
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. The power is rated at 317 kW, 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 Nm 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 kph in 4.1 seconds) and the 6-speed manual transmission from 0 to 100 kph in 4.3 seconds.[3] The weight of the European specification M4 equipped with a manual transmission is 1572 kg and with the M-DCT dual-clutch transmission, the car is some 40 kg heavier, losing some 80 kg as compared to the E92 M3.[4]
As per its E92 predecessor, the roof of the coupe model is constructed from carbon fiber (except if the optional sunroof is fitted).[5] Carbon fiber is also used for the boot lid and engine brace.[6] For the first time in a M3/M4 model, an electric power steering unit is used.[7] The steering system is specifically tuned for both the M3 and M4, however it has been criticized for lacking in feel.[8] The 18 in and 19 in 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[9] however 50 percent of its components are unique as compared to the 4 Series.[10]
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.[11] The convertible weighs 3858 lb (manual), 3728 lb (M-DCT). The three-piece retractable hardtop folds in 20 seconds.[12] The only significant difference between the two is the weight due to its retractable hardtop. Like its hardtop counterpart, the F83 M4 uses carbon fiber 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; 4.9 seconds with the manual and 4.4 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 fiber driveshaft so as to be able to fit an Otto Particulate Filter (OPF), necessary to comply with WLTP emissions regulations and this also meant that the M Performance Exhaust was no longer able to be offered on these cars by BMW.[15]
Design Variants / Editions
M4 Competition Package
In February 2017, BMW announced the M4 Competition Package. The M4 Competition Package increases power output by 14 kW to 331 kW and has a revised suspension for better handling.[16] 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.
There is a convertible version, and that does the run in 4.2 seconds, both coupé and convertible forms using the dual-clutch transmission.[17]
Second generation (G82/G83; 2020)
The second iteration of the BMW M4 (codenamed G82) is largely based on the standard 4 Series (G22 generation), which was previewed by the BMW Concept 4. It is a high performance version of the standard G22 4 Series. Prototypes of the BMW M4 have been seen tested on the Nürburgring beside the G80 BMW M3. The first units were assembled in November 2020, with global deliveries starting in early 2021.[33]
The more notable upgrades for the G82 M4 is a power output of 473 HP which is a 35 kW increase over the previous M4, as well as adopting the twin-kidney grille from the 4 Series.[34]
The convertible version of the new M4 was introduced in May 2021. Like the standard new-generation BMW 4 Series Convertible, the M4 Convertible (internal designation G83) has a folding soft top. It normally opens/closes in 18 seconds, at speeds up to 50 km/h. The convertible is available as a Competition model with the M xDrive. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, but with the optional M Driver's Package, it can increase to 280 km/h. As for acceleration on 0-100 km/h, it is 3.6 seconds.
For the North American market, only the manual transmission will be available in the standard M4 while the M4 Competition only is available with an automatic transmission.
Motorsport
M4 DTM
The naturally-aspirated BMW M4 DTM competed in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters from 2014 to 2018. Marco Wittmann won the 2014 and 2016 championships.
M4 GT4
The BMW M4 GT4 is a competition version of the road car, sharing the 3.0 L turbocharged straight-six engine and 7-speed dual clutch transmission. Reuse of these elements of the road car, and of shared electronics systems including the TCS, are aimed at cost, maintenance, and driveability, with further race engineering reused from the GT3 version.[58][59] Chassis are homologated under the SRO GT4 category, aimed at amateur drivers, with the engine trimmed to 317 kW in line with the Balance of Performance regulations. The car debuted at the 2017 24 Hours of Nürburgring
External links
References
- BMW M BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupé. Trainer presentation User Manual www.manualsheaven.net^
- Horatieu Boeriu. Interview with Florian Nissl, BMW M3 and M4 Designer bmwblog.com, 2014-01-16, retrieved 2022-09-01^
- A closer look at the 2015 BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe: Twinturbocharged performance is gonna cost you