The new six cylinder in-line engine: High revving Turbocharged unit combines the best of both worlds.
The new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe from BMW M GmbH see a return to a six-in-line engine configuration, as used on the second and third generations of this iconic sports car. “When developing a new model we first think about what requirements the vehicle will be expected to meet, then decide which concepts and technologies will best meet these goals,” says Albert Biermann. The new turbocharged engine combines the best of both worlds – reaching a maximum 7,600 rpm, it is unusually high-revving for a turbocharged engine, resulting in linear power delivery over a wide engine speed range and a characterful engine note, while M TwinPower Turbo technology ensures that peak torque is on top over a broad rpm range. A further hallmark of this engine is its outstanding efficiency.
The new engine sees a slight power upgrade over the previous V8 to 431 hp, which is delivered between 5,500 and 7,300 rpm. Peak torque has been increased by roughly 40 per cent to 550 Newton metres, and is maintained over a very wide rev band (1,850–5,500 rpm). The standard sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe 4.1 seconds respectively. Top speed is 250 km/h / 155 mph (electronically limited), or 280 km/h / 174 mph if the optional M Driver’s Package is specified. The new powerplant also boasts excellent fuel economy: the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe achieve consumption in the EU cycle of 8.3 l/100 km (34 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 194 g/km, an improvement of more than 25 per cent over the previous model’s figures. Regulated pollutant emissions are EU6-compliant.
Instantaneous response, courtesy of M TwinPower Turbo technology.
The M TwinPower Turbo technology comprises two fast-responding mono- scroll turbochargers, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-VANOS continuously variable camshaft timing. VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS work in tandem to seamlessly control intake valve lift. The result is smooth and efficient power delivery, very sharp response and reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
The six-cylinder engine features a closed-deck crankcase design which is very rigid and allows cylinder pressures to be increased for improved power output. And instead of liners, the cylinder bores feature a twin-wire arc- sprayed coating, which results in a significant reduction in engine weight.
A further technical highlight is the forged, torsionally rigid crankshaft which, as well as providing increased torque-carrying capacity, is also lighter in weight. This significantly reduces rotating masses, resulting in improved throttle response and acceleration.
Track-ready engine oil supply system for outstanding performance.
On the track, the exceptional driving dynamics of the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe place extra demands on the engine oil supply system, whose design reflects the extensive motor sport experience of BMW M GmbH. The low-weight magnesium oil sump, for example, features a special cover to limit movement of the oil under the effects of strong dynamic lateral acceleration. Under extreme longitudinal acceleration and deceleration, an oil extraction pump and a sophisticated oil return system situated close to the turbocharger likewise help to maintain stable oil circulation. Oil is therefore supplied continuously to all engine components in all driving situations – whether in everyday motoring or during hard driving on the track.
An engine sound in keeping with the motor sport attributes of the BMW M3 and BMW M4 is provided by an innovative flap arrangement in the twin-pipe exhaust system. The electrically controlled flaps just before the rear silencer minimise exhaust back-pressure and produce a BMW M sound which is striking and unmistakable over the entire engine speed range, as well as giving precise feedback on engine load. The different selectable drive modes, which offer drivers a choice of preconfigured, perfectly balanced vehicle set-ups,
also feature different engine sound profiles.
