|
Price |
|
-- |
Production |
|
-- |
|
Engine |
4
liter V8 |
Weight |
3649
lbs |
|
Aspiration |
natural |
Torque |
295
lb-ft @ 3900 rpm |
|
HP |
420
hp @ 8300 rpm |
HP/Weight |
8.7
lbs per hp |
|
HP/Liter |
105
hp per liter |
1/4 mile |
-- |
|
0-62 mph |
4.8
seconds |
Top Speed |
155
mph (electronically limited) |
(from BMW Press
Release) The new BMW M3.
• Fourth-generation of the BMW M3, all-new, unique
high-performance sports car from BMW M GmbH with unprecedented
design and technology, developed on the basis of the BMW 3
Series Coupé.
• Unique character and supreme driving dynamics secure leading
position in the market segment, unique combination of engine
power and low weight ensured by intelligent lightweight
technology, power-to-weight ratio 3.8 kg/hp.
• First-ever BMW M3 with an eight-cylinder power unit, all-new
V8 displacing 4.0 litres and developing maximum output of 309
kW/420 hp plus peak torque of 400 Nm/295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm,
maximum engine speed 8,400 rpm, optimum power and torque
throughout the entire engine speed range.
• Individual throttle butterflies, variable double-VANOS
camshaft control, Brake Energy Regeneration, engine weight 15
kg/33 lb less than the six-cylinder in the former model.
• Acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, top speed limited
electronically to 250 km/h (155 mph), average fuel consumption
in the EU test cycle 12.4 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 22.8
mpg Imp).
• Manual six-speed gearbox with integrated, temperature-related
oil cooling, mass inertia-optimised double-plate clutch.
• MDrive for setting and retrieving the driver’s specific
configuration of the engine control map, suspension and DSC
set-up, as well as the Servotronic control map as an additional
option.
• All-new suspension with special, weight-optimised components
as well as axle kinematics characteristic of BMW M for a highly
dynamic driving experience, forged aluminium track control arms,
compound high-performance brake system, optional Electronic
Damper Control (EDC) with three freely available control maps.
• First production vehicle in its segment with carbon-fibre-reinforced
roof, carbon fibre serving to reduce the weight of the vehicle
and enhance agility by lowering the centre of gravity, carbon-fibre
roof in visible technology symbolising exclusivity and a direct
link to motorsport.
• Authentic BMW M design underlining the athletic look of the
car, aluminium engine compartment lid with a striking powerdome
as a clear signal of supreme power and performance,
characteristic front end with large air intake scoops, muscular,
powerfully flared wheel arches.
• Air intake gills in the front side panels, M-specific
side-sills accentuating the concept of rear-wheel drive,
discreet spoiler lip reducing lift forces at the rear, roof in
clearly visible carbon-fibre look, dual tailpipes typical of BMW
M.
• High-quality, sophisticated and perfectly appointed interior
with a wide range of customisation, innovative colour and
materials concept, four seats, BMW Individual high-end audio
system tailored to the car as an option, model-specific
paintwork and equipment variants highlighting
the exclusivity of the new BMW M3.
The new BMW M3.
Entering each new season
in motorsport, we feel new and fresh ambition, query formally proven
recipes for success, and focus on new records and outstanding
achievements. And precisely this also applies to the debut of the
new BMW M3: Having completed its test cycle with flying colours, the
new high-performance sports car from BMW M GmbH is ready and waiting
to take over pole position. Indeed, with its superior power,
performance and dynamism, the new BMW M3 ensures truly unique sheer
driving pleasure of the highest calibre.
The new, 309 kW/420 hp
V8 power unit offers enormous muscle and performance at all times.
And the aesthetic design of the new car typical once again of BMW M
spells out supremacy of the highest standard.
The new BMW M3 sets the
foundation for continuing an exceptional career in motorsport. So
every enthusiast sharing the passion for supreme performance may be
sure that this model is able to master even the greatest challenge
on and off the race track. And last but certainly not least, the new
BMW M3 offers the supreme standard of reliability and everyday
driving qualities so typical of all high-performance cars from BMW M
GmbH.
The all-new “heart” of
the latest BMW M3 is the eight-cylinder power unit which, through
its high-speed engine concept alone, comes with all the DNA of the
current Formula 1 engine raced by the BMW Sauber F1 Team. Applying
this high-speed concept characteristic of all BMW M power units, the
new V8 develops maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp from engine capacity
of precisely 3,999 cc. Further equally impressive factors are the
engine’s peak torque of 400 Newton-metres or 295 lb-ft as well as
maximum engine speed of 8, 400 rpm.
Truly unprecedented,
however, is the thrust and pulling force generated through this
unique potential, conveying the supreme power of the engine through
the variable M differential lock to the rear wheels. Precisely this
is why the new BMW M3 is not only outstandingly responsive in its
acceleration, but also completely shattering in the way it develops
its power: Acceleration to 100 km/h comes in just 4.8 seconds, and
the car continues this mind-boggling performance with fascinating
consistency all the way to its top speed of 250 km/h or 155 mph,
where the engine electronics set an artificial limit to the ongoing
power and performance of the new BMW M3.
Brand-new in technology and
design.
Within the BMW M GmbH
model range, the BMW M3 has always been that very special model
living up in full to its motorsport heritage. Indeed, this already
applied to the very first BMW M3 launched in 1986 and continued
throughout the two subsequent model generations. And now this
supremacy comes out once again most clearly in the 2007 version of
the BMW M3.
Although the latest
generation of the BMW M3 was based in its development on the new BMW
M3 Coupé, the new high-performance model differs from the “regular”
coupé in terms of both looks and technical features. Apart from the
car’s unique design as well as its drivetrain and suspension
technology conceived from the start for supreme performance,
lightweight technology came right at the top in the brief given to
the engineers at BMW M. And just how consistently this development
target has been translated into reality in terms of intelligent
lightweight engineering is borne out by the car’s power-toweight
ratio of only 3.8 kg (8.4 lb) per horsepower.
One of the reasons for
this low weight is that the new BMW M3 is the first production car
in its segment to boast a roof made of carbon-fibre-reinforced
plastic (CFP). And in all, the new BMW M3, with the exception of
just a few components, is indeed completely new in its engineering
and design concept, clearly reflecting the successful tradition of
BMW M GmbH.
Apart from the
load-bearing structure of the car, only the two doors, the bootlid,
the windows, the headlights and rear lights have been carried over
from the 3 Series Coupé. All other body components, by contrast,
were specially developed for the new BMW M3.
The unique character of
the new BMW M3 is obvious at first sight: Over and above the engine
compartment lid with its striking powerdome and the two air intake
openings, the function-oriented design of the front and rear air
dams, the so-called gills in the front side panels, the side-sills
also in distinctive design, the roof made of clearly visible carbon
fibre, as well as the exterior mirrors and light-alloy wheels in BMW
M design clearly characterise the new model from the ground up. The
exterior, in turn, through its athletic and aesthetic appearance,
powerfully underlines the sporting qualities of the car.
The exterior paintwork
likewise adds an individual touch, offering the connoisseur not only
numerous additional colours, but also four special paintwork options
exclusive to BMW M.
The interior: tailor-made for
optimum driving pleasure.
In designing the
interior, the specialists at BMW M GmbH have succeeded in offering
the occupants maximum driving pleasure in an ambience tailored to
their specific needs and wishes. This applies particularly to the
driver, with all controls and instruments relating directly to the
active driving experience in the car adapted to the supreme
performance of the BMW M3 and re-designed from the ground up
wherever appropriate.
Double circular
instruments with white illumination and red needles, the M leather
steering wheel and the newly designed centre console all
characterise the cockpit of the new BMW M3. The door cutout trim
embellished by the characteristic M logo, the support for the
driver’s left foot made of brushed metal, the special design and
colour of the inner door panels, as well as the trim strip made of
high-quality, sophisticated materials exclusive to BMW M such as
leather in carbon design or aluminium, all serve to underline the
supreme and truly unique position of the new BMW M3.
The first-ever eight-cylinder to
power a BMW M3.
After 15 glorious years
in the world of motoring, the straight-six power unit lauded time
and again as the Engine-of-the-Year in the two former model
generations of the BMW M3 is now giving way to a truly worthy
successor: The new BMW M3 comes for the first time with an
eight-cylinder power unit. And the specifications of this all-new
high-performance engine clearly prove the competence and skill of
the engine development specialists at BMW M GmbH gained in a long
history of racing success: Displacing 3,999 cc, the new V8 develops
maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp, together with peak torque of 400
Newton-metres or 295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm. Perhaps an even more
outstanding fact is that some 85 per cent of the engine’s peak
torque remains available throughout the enormous speed range of 6,
500 rpm.
The eight-cylinder
nevertheless owes its most striking and distinctive forte to the
high-speed engine concept so typical of BMW M: Revving all the way
to 8,400 rpm, the new power unit offers supreme muscle and
performance at all times. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels by
a six-speed manual gearbox interacting with brand-new final drive.
This combination alone provides an acceleration and power potential
reminiscent in its spontaneity and endurance to the dynamic
potential of a thoroughbred racing car.
Over and above specific
output of 105 hp per litre, average fuel consumption in the EU test
cycle of 12.4 litres/100 km (equal to 22.8 mpg Imp) offers a clear
expression of the engineering skill so characteristic of the engine
specialists at BMW M GmbH.
Weighing a mere 202 kg
(445 lb), the V8 power unit featured in the new BMW M3 is a genuine
lightweight. Even compared with the six-cylinder power unit in the
former model, engine weight is down by some 15 kg or 33 lb.
Production of components using
know-how carried over from Formula 1.
The engine block
featured on the new eight-cylinder comes from BMW’s light-alloy
foundry in Landshut near Munich, which also builds the engine blocks
for the supreme racing machines entered in Formula 1 by BMW Sauber.
The crankcase is made of a special aluminium/silicon alloy
eliminating the need for conventional cylinder liners, since the
cylinder surface is formed instead by exposing the hard silicon
crystals integrated in the alloy. The iron-coated pistons thus run
directly in these uncoated, honed cylinder bores.
With the high speed of
the engine and high compression forces obviously exerting extreme
loads on the crankcase, the crankcase is compact and particularly
stiff in its bedplate structure, ensuring very exact support of the
crankshaft. Made as a complete forging, the crankshaft is very
stable in terms of flexural and torsional stiffness, but
nevertheless weighs a mere 20 kg or approximately 44 lb.
Valve control by double -VANOS
operating at low oil pressure.
The V8 power unit of the
new BMW M3 features BMW’s variable double-VANOS camshaft control.
Keeping valve timing extremely short and quick, this superior
technology reduces charge cycle losses and, in the process, improves
engine output, torque and responsiveness, with an equally positive
impact on both fuel economy and emissions.
A low-pressure version
of BMW’s double-VANOS has been developed especially for the new
eight-cylinder, ensuring extremely fast valve timing even under
normal engine oil pressure.
A separate throttle
butterfly for each cylinder is the most supreme and sophisticated
technology not only on racing engines when it comes to providing
immediate engine response. So precisely this is why the new power
unit on the BMW M3 comes with eight individual throttle butterflies,
two actuators operating four butterflies on each row of cylinders to
provide particularly smooth engine repose at low speeds combined
with an immediate reaction whenever the driver requires supreme
engine power and equally supreme performance.
Two volume
flow-controlled pendulum-slide-cell pumps supply the eight-cylinder
with sufficient lubricant at all times, delivering precisely the
amount of oil the engine requires under current running conditions.
Wet sump lubrication optimised for driving dynamics ensures a
reliable supply of oil even in an extreme brake manoeuvre, with the
system combining two oil sumps with one another – a small oil sump
in front of the front axle subframe and a large oil sump further
behind. A separate oil reflow pump extracts oil from the front oil
sump and delivers it to the rear sump again in a smooth process
geared to current requirements.
New engine management and Brake
Energy Regeneration.
The electronic
management of the V8 power unit coordinating all engine functions
with optimum efficiency and precision, is yet another new
development. A further point is that the control unit masterminds
all the M-specific functions of the clutch, transmission, steering,
and brakes. And last but not least, the engine control unit performs
a wide range of onboard diagnostic functions, as well as other
control operations involving, say, various ancillary units on the
engine.
A particular highlight
in engine management is ion flow technology serving to detect the
risk of the engine knocking as well as mis-firing and mis-combustion.
Contrary to conventional technologies, this new technology monitors
the engine and performs its function precisely where things count
most, that is within the combustion chamber. To do this, each
cylinder is checked via the spark plug for any possible knocking,
and is then controlled accordingly. At the same time the system
checks the ignition and recognises any mis-firing, the spark plug
thus serving as an actuator for the ignition and as a sensor
monitoring the combustion process. In this way the spark plug is
able to distinguish between mis-combustion and mis-firing, also
facilitating the process of engine diagnosis for highly efficient
service and maintenance through its dual function.
Intelligent energy
management featuring Brake Energy Regeneration likewise serves to
further enhance the efficiency of the V8 power unit in the new BMW
M3. In this case the power required for the on-board network is
generated specifically during overrun and during application of the
brakes, serving to charge the car’s battery at exactly the right
time without taking up any of the energy contained in the car’s
fuel. As long as the engine is “pulling” the car, therefore, the
alternator generally remains disengaged. Apart from particularly
efficient generation of electric power, this also serves to provide
more drive power and traction for supreme acceleration at all times.
Aluminium suspension for driving
pleasure of the highest standard.
Smoothly and efficiently
sharing out steering and drive forces on the front and rear axle,
the chassis and suspension of the new BMW M3 provides the ideal
foundation right from the start for particularly dynamic performance
and driving characteristics. The chassis of the new BMW M3 is indeed
a brand-new development from the ground up, seeking to cope from the
start with the significant increase in drive power and save a lot of
weight in the process.
Precisely this is why
nearly all components on the newly developed front axle are made of
aluminium, among them the spring struts even stiffer than before,
the swivel bearings, the central subframe and an additional thrust
plate enhancing crosswise stability of the entire front section.
Indeed, the engineers at BMW GmbH have even succeeded in saving
additional weight on the high-performance brake system with its
compound brake discs.
The five-arm rear axle
of the BMW M3 in lightweight technology is also a brand-new
construction from the ground up, with the exception of one single
track control arm. The particular design and construction of all
aluminium arms in forging technology, in conjunction with the
aluminium dampers, serves to reduce weight on this part of the car
alone by 2.5 kg or 5.5 lb.
Anti-roll bars optimised
for their function and minimum weight are featured both front and
rear. The change in axle geometry in both cases – featuring two
additional longitudinal bars, apart from other new or modified
components – offers new axle kinematics tailored to the high power
of the car and its particularly sporting and dynamic overall
character.
The new final drive on
the BMW M3 comes complete with a Variable M Differential Lock
providing up to 100 per cent locking action in a completely variable
process whenever required and thus ensuring optimum traction on all
surfaces. Responding to differences in speed between the right and
left rear wheel, the Variable M Differential Lock also offers ideal
support further enhancing the positive features and characteristics
of rear-wheel drive.
The result of these many
improvements on the chassis and suspension also comes out clearly on
the race track, the new BMW M3 significantly outperforming the lap
times of all model generations on the Nordschleife of Nürburgring,
where all BMW M Cars are put through their paces for their ultimate
test.
MDrive button for the ambitious
driving enthusiast.
Enjoying the qualities
of the new BMW M3, the driver is able to configure several driving
parameters indivdually according to his particular requirements,
thus adjusting the car’s behaviour and performance to his personal
preferences. One option, for example, is to completely deactivate
the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) via the car’s set-up. Electronic
Damper Control (EDC), in turn, which optimises both vertical
vibration behaviour as well as the car’s dive and roll in bends and
when applying the brakes and accelerating by adjusting damper
forces, comes with three different settings – Normal, Comfort, and
Sports – the driver is able to pre-select at the touch of a button.
Three control maps are
also available for precise, on-demand management of the engine.
These management functions operate not only on the position of the
throttle butterflies in the intake manifold, but also on further
factors and parameters significantly changing the behaviour and
response of the engine.
The optionally available
MDrive configuration enables the driver to pre-select the response
of the Servotronic power steering. In the process, MDrive is able to
follow two control maps varying steering forces between the Normal
and Sports setting as a function of road speed.
Athletic body design as a visible
expression of superior power.
The exterior of the new
BMW M3 was designed and developed from the start to give the car a
truly unique and sporting look. So applying the principle of "form
follows function”, the designers at BMW M GmbH, in giving the body
of the car its particular look and appearance, have succeeded in
finding a perfect match of supreme technology, on the one hand, and
authentic sporting design, on the other.
Reflecting this clear-cut principle, the engine compartment lid made
of aluminium features an impressive powerdome right in the middle.
Together with the recesses right next to the powerdome providing
space for additional air intake openings, this special design
feature clearly hints to the supreme potential of the eight-cylinder
power unit within the engine compartment. The contours of the
powerdome and air intakes follow the forward-pointing arrow shape of
the engine compartment lid, blending harmoniously into the overall
design of the front end even longer than on the “regular” BMW 3
Series Coupé.
Front end designed for maximum air
intake.
The front end of the car
boasts three large air intake scoops beneath the radiator grille
serving to feed intake and cooling air to the engine. The air intake
scoops border on either side on large, vertical bars and further
enhance the characteristic design language of the car. Together with
the double kidney
grille so typical of BMW and the low-slung headlight units with
their xenon main beams, the air intakes give the new BMW M3 a highly
dynamic appearance right from the start.
Primarily, however, the
particular design and structure of the front end is determined by
the supply of air required for the high-performance power unit:
Almost the entire front end opens up to supply the naturally
aspirated engine with a sufficient flow of air. So it is only
consistent that the new BMW M3, like BMW M Cars in general, does
without the foglamps so characteristic of the “regular” models in
the range.
In their function and
size, all the air intakes are precisely defined according to
technical requirements. Their arrangement and dimensions are geared
precisely to the cooling and intake air required by the engine and
its ancillary units.
Light and shade effects creating a
firm and taut side-line.
The powerfully chiselled
front wheel arches on the new BMW M3 stand out clearly as a symbol
of supreme agility and driving stability. Together with the weight-optimised
18-inch light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design again so typical
of a BMW M, the wheel arches accentuate the particularly wide track
of the car.
Forged light-alloy
wheels measuring 19 inches are available as an option. And looking
through the spokes of the wheels, regardless of the version chosen,
the beholder will immediately admire the compound high-performance
brakes developed exclusively for BMW M Cars.
Both front side panels
come with a particular sign of distinction to be seen only on a BMW
M Car – the air intake “gills”, as they are called by the designers.
The elaborately modelled contours of the car highlight the course of
the profile line extending back along the side. The chrome trim
distinguishing between the various sections, in turn, further
enhances the three-dimensional structure of this particular element,
accommodating both the long and sweeping direction indicator as well
as the M3 logo.
The exterior mirrors
developed exclusively for the new BMW M3 also serve to enhance the
car’s aerodynamic qualities. The most characteristic feature on the
mirrors is the double arm finished in black and reminiscent in its
design of the wings of an aircraft. Through their horizontal contour
edge and their particular shape narrowing to the outside, the
exterior mirrors not only accentuate the sporting look of the car,
but also help to reduce air drag thanks to their particular shape
optimised in the wind tunnel.
Two surface elements
literally twisting around one another form the significantly flared
side-sills and generate a smooth but interchanging flow of light
serving to give the car an even lighter and more sporting look from
this angle by making the side panels look even lower. In their
design, the side-sills correspond with the particular shape and
appearance of the clearly contoured profile line along the body. A
further point is that the distinctive contrast of light and shade
generates a feeling of tension on the likewise muscular, widely
flared side panels and the wheels beneath, thus giving particular
emphasis to the significance of rear-wheel drive in the outstanding
performance it gives the new BMW M3.
Discreet spoiler lip and rear
diffuser for optimum aerodynamics.
Seen from the rear, the
new BMW M3 again boasts superior and powerful proportions. At the
same time the rear end design of the car takes up the characteristic
look of the front end, the side-line moving down smoothly and gently
and the rear wings extending into a carefully chiselled concave
panel underlining the concept of rear-wheel drive and visualising
the superior dynamics of the car.
A discreet spoiler lip on the lid of the luggage compartment also
referred to in racing terms as the “Gurney Flap” optimises the
streamlining of the new BMW M3 and serves to further reduce lift
forces at the rear.
The contours of the
diffuser split up into individual sections by carefully modelled
bars beneath the rear bumper again takes up the shape and design of
the air intakes at the front. The air flow duct and the dual
tailpipe moved far towards the centreline of the car appear to
visually contract the rear end in the lower middle section, building
up a feeling of superior tension in the eyes of the beholder
extending all the way to the horizontally flowing lines of the
bumper.
As yet another feature
typical of BMW M Cars, the four tailpipes are circular in shape and
cut off in a straight line at the rear, giving the rear end an even
more muscular stance and again focusing the beholder’s attention on
the powerful wheels of the car.
Roof in high-tech carbon-fibre:
low weight, big effect.
Carbon-fibre has made
its way successfully into Formula 1 as an extremely stable, but
nevertheless very light material. So it is only consistent for the
designers and engineers responsible for the new BMW M3 to use
precisely this material originally applied in aerospace in order to
further lower the centre of gravity of the new BMW M3 – carbon-fibre-reinforced
plastic (CFP) is used where it counts most, on the outer skin of the
car, saving about 5 kg or 11 lb in the process. With this weight
being saved at the highest point on the body, the effect on driving
dynamics is of course particularly positive.
To enhance the high-tech
character of the car also in visual terms, the roof is finished only
in clear paint, thus proudly maintaining and demonstrating the woven
structure of the carbon fibre. A further point is that the dark look
of the roof makes the roof pillars look even lower from the side,
creating the impression as if the entire car were resting in an even
lower and more dynamic position on the road.
The production technology developed especially for the CFP roof is
currently applied exclusively by BMW’s specialists at the Company’s
plant in Landshut just north of Munich. Originally, this technology
was developed for the production of very special cars built in
limited editions for the most demanding connoisseurs. And now,
thanks to the unique know-how of BMW’s production engineers at the
Landshut Plant, new ways and means of using and processing CFP have
been developed, opening up the door to the use of this material in
far larger numbers, for example on the roof of the new BMW M3.
Special M body colours adding a
further touch of exclusivity.
The new BMW M3 is
available with a choice of no less than four M metallic paintwork
options giving particular emphasis to the interaction of the body
surfaces, the contours and proportions of the car. Coming with a
light shimmering effect, Melbourne Red, for example, combines unique
brilliance and colour depth. Jerez Black, on the other hand, boasts
blue pearl pigments to again provide unique highlights and
unprecedented appeal. Powerful Interlagos Blue, in turn,
incorporates red colour pigments to provide a highly attractive
interaction of blue and violet from various angles. The fourth
colour already well known from the BMW M5 and BMW M6 is Silverstone,
a light silver colour with a slight touch of blue.
In addition, the new BMW
M3 is available in both Alpine White and Black as well as Sparkling
Graphite and Space Grey metallic, all body colours highlighting
either the technical and sporting character of the car or its
superior and elegant look.
Another feature typical of BMW M:
rev counter with variable warning zones.
The exterior
impressively symbolises the outstanding performance and sporting
qualities of the new BMW M3. The interior, in turn, supplements this
supreme flair, seeking to offer the driver an unparalleled driving
experience and all the other occupants a beautiful ambience tailored
to their needs. Well-conceived and sophisticated ergonomics within
the interior serve to ensure a complete symbiosis of man and
machine, the driver and passenger coming together to form one
complete whole.
In its design, however,
the new BMW M3 differs on some essential points from the
“underlying” BMW 3 Series Coupé, making the new BMW M3 a truly
unmistakable car right from the beginning as soon as you get inside.
Indeed, door entry trim embellished with the M logo shows the driver
and passengers from the start that this is a very special car.
The dual dials
(speedometer/fuel gauge and rev counter/oil temperature) typical of
BMW from the start come in this case in specific BMW M
configuration, again visualising the supreme power and performance
of the eight-cylinder. The numbers stand out in white from the black
background, the indicators in the traditional red colour of BMW M
GmbH are particularly clear and easy to monitor
A special feature typical of a BMW M Car is the rev counter with its
variable warning field informing the driver while the engine is
warming up of the speed range currently available as a function of
engine oil temperature. In this process, the borderline between the
pre-warning zone shown in yellow and the actual warning area shown
in red moves as a function of increasing oil temperature in the BMW
M3 all the way to the maximum permissible speed of 8,400 rpm. The
digital instruments presenting the time, the exterior temperature,
trip mileage and telltales are housed in between the two circular
instruments.
The BMW M leather steering wheel serves as the perfect interface
between man and machine. The steering wheel rim offering simply
perfect grip also thanks to special contours allows precise movement
of the steering wheel according to the driver’s commands. The
cross-brackets on the steering wheel, in turn, house the remote
control buttons for the audio system and mobile phone as well as the
optional MDrive button serving to call up the particular set-up of
the car saved in advance within the system. A further button is
freely programmable by means of iDrive.
An integrated footrest
gives the driver’s left foot a secure position whenever he is not
required to operate the clutch pedal. The trim made of brushed
aluminium and the anti-slip cover in the middle highlight the
sporting character of this functional element, allowing the driver
to keep his left leg in a particularly comfortable position while
driving steadily at a consistent speed.
Newly designed centre console and
enhanced iDrive.
The control area in the
cockpit directly in front of the driver merges into the newly
designed centre console between the front seats oriented in its
entire geometry to the driver through its discreet sweeping
arrangement. On all trim versions of the new BMW M3, the console is
finished in black leather, harmoniously extending the instrument
surrounds and control area in both the right colour and design.
Three function switches
(Power, DSC and, as an option, EDC) face towards the driver,
enabling him to conveniently activate or deactivate the various
electronic driving programs. The intuitive user guidance provided by
the iDrive control concept and enhanced in this case by MDrive
reflects the control philosophy already boasted in the BMW M6.
Quality craftsmanship and
sophisticated materials.
Apart from the clear
design and optimum ergonomics of all controls and instruments, the
choice of colours and materials within the interior of the new BMW
M3 seeks to support the driver in concentrating on driving
conditions and the traffic around him.
Regardless of the colour
chosen, the footwells and parcel shelf as well as the upper half of
the instrument panel are finished in dark Anthracite. At the same
time the dark roof lining and dark trim on the A-pillars further
accentuate the clear orientation to the driver so typical of BMW M.
This dark colour scheme around the windscreen helps the driver
furthermore to concentrate his eyes and all senses on the road,
giving him a particularly good feeling of through, consistent
control over his vehicle.
The colour scheme
surrounding the front passenger and the passengers at the rear
likewise enhances their feeling of travelling in a genuine sports
car: Through the use of black leather on the upper levels both the
door panels and the rear side panels appear to be lower and even
more dynamic in their dimensions, the dark areas seemingly “flowing”
around the driver and passengers.
The sporting ambience
within the interior is upgraded even further by an exclusive
impression of quality provided by high-class materials and perfect
finish in top-class craftsmanship. A double-clip seam accentuating
the demanding character of the car and its high standard of
production separates the upper section of the door and side linings
from the interior elements kept in the trim colour chosen by the
driver.
All four seats in the
new BMW M3 offer both supreme comfort on long distances and
excellent side support in fast bends. As an option, both the driver
and the front passenger are able to choose special seats with
adjustable backrest width. The rear seat bench comes complete with
through-loading available as an option with a ski-bag retrofittable
if desired. And last but not least, the partition between the two
rear seats designed as an extension of the centre console houses an
additional storage box for extra convenience.
Wide range of customisation within
the interior
The new BMW M3 is
available in three exclusive equipment and trim variants differing
significantly from the “regular” BMW 3 Series Coupé in their
material, colour and finish. The sporting, “basic” trim is a
combination of cloth and leather called “Speed”. Newly developed,
fully tanned Novillo leather then comes as an option offering a
particularly smooth and velvety surface in elegant and sporting
style. Apart from classic Black, Novillo leather is also available
in Palladium Silver, Bamboo Beige, and Fox Red.
As a further option,
Novillo leather can be extended to the lower section of the
instrument panel, the cover on the glove compartment, and the side
covers on the centre console.
Four exclusive trim
strips extending throughout the entire width of the dashboard
beneath the Control Display and instrument cluster, provide further
options in customising the new BMW M3. The “basic” trim comes in
Titanium Shadow, with Aluminium Shadow and special leather tanned in
carbon design as well as high-class wood in fine-grain surface
design and platane wood in Anthracite all being available as an
option. In each case, the trim strip gives the interior of the new
BMW M3 its own very special touch ranging from cool high-tech to
sporting elegance.
BMW Individual high-end audio
system for perfect music enjoyment.
The new BMW M3 comes as
standard with a high-class audio system. Various navigation systems,
the BMW Online mobile internet portal, BMW Assist telematics
service, and BMW TeleServices serving to transmit service-relevant
data to the driver’s BMW Service Partner are all available
as optional extras.
As yet a further option the new BMW M3 may also be fitted with a BMW
Individual high-end audio system specially developed by BMW M GmbH
and tailored exclusively to this special car. In this case up to 16
high-performance loudspeakers with neodym magnetic drive and
extremely stiff hexacone
membranes, a digital nine-channel amplifier with maximum output of
825 Watt and precisely acting frequency switches, guarantee
unparalleled quality of sound.
A feature truly unique in the automobile is DIRAC live technology
serving to process signals. DIRAC technology corrects the impulse
response by the loudspeakers and thus ensures linear,
precisely timed playback within the car. The clean impulse quality
generated in this way in the playback process gives not only the
drier, but rather all occupants in the new BMW M3 an extremely
versatile and realistic experience of sound. Sound quality truly
perfect in all situations is also ensured by speed-related volume
control and speed-related equalising.
The BMW Individual
high-end audio system is controlled and masterminded by the iDrive
Controller, with its basic functions also being controlled whenever
required, as with all entertainment systems, via the audio control
elements in the centre console.
