M4 (F82)

Maximum output significantly exceeds that of the previous model

In 2011, BMW announced the sixth generation of the 3 Series, the F30. However, there was no two-door model in the lineup. After the Concept 4 Series Coupe was announced in December 2012, sales began in 2013 as the F32 4 Series Coupe. Then, in September 2013, BMW M announced the F82 M4 along with the F80 M3.

The engine is a 2979cc inline-six DOHC intercooled twin-turbo “S55B30” unit, rather than the previous naturally aspirated V8. Based on the N55 inline-six, it was designed and developed by BMW M. In addition to the existing double-VANOS and Valvetronic systems, it also features a highly rigid closed-deck cylinder block, lightweight crankshaft, reinforced pistons and connecting rods, a mono-scroll twin turbocharger with a maximum boost pressure of 1.2 bar, an active exhaust, and an intercooler. This significantly outperforms the previous model, producing a maximum output of 431 PS/5500-7300 rpm and a maximum torque of 550 Nm/1850-5500 rpm. Other notable features include improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions by more than 25%, as well as improved throttle response.

The car is available with either a standard 6-speed manual or an optional 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, with the 6-speed manual achieving a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.3 seconds, while the 7-speed dual-clutch, which is about 40kg heavier, achieved an even faster time of 4.1 seconds.

Electronic devices also available

The chassis is based on the F32 4 Series, which is slightly larger than its predecessor, with a wheelbase of 2,812 mm, and is slightly wider with a total length of 4,671 mm, total width of 1,870 mm, and total height of 1,383 mm due to the wider tread.

Additionally, aluminum is used for the front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension control arms, and CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) is used for the roof, strut tower bar, propeller shaft, and rear trunk hood structural materials. Furthermore, thorough weight reduction efforts have been made on each part, including the aluminum bonnet and side panels, resulting in a vehicle weight of 1,497 kg, approximately 80 kg lighter than the previous M3 Coupe.

In addition, the car is equipped with a full range of electronic devices, including the Active M Differential, which can freely adjust the locking ratio of the left and right rear tires from 0% to 100%, and the M Servotronic, which can adjust the electric power steering in three stages.An interesting feature is that it is the first to feature the active sound system, which was adopted in the F10 M5 and amplifies the engine sound through speakers and delivers it inside the car.

The M4 also released the F83 “M4 Convertible” at the same time as the coupe. It is basically the same as the coupe, but the electric hardtop, which can be opened and closed in 20 seconds, uses CFRP, just like the coupe. However, the vehicle weight is 1750 kg with the 6-speed MT, which is 178 kg heavier, and the 0-100 km/h acceleration is 4.6 seconds with the 6-speed MT and 4.4 seconds with the 7-speed DCT, which is slower than the coupe.

Active in the motorsports scene

Another M4 variation was the 3.0-liter inline-6 ​​twin-turbo engine, which was tuned to a maximum output of 500 PS and a maximum torque of 600 Nm by adopting water injection and other features. The M4 GTS, equipped with a lightweight transmission, titanium exhaust, KW suspension, and a roll cage, was released in a limited run of 700 units.

In 2017, the company released the M4 Competition Package, which features a straight-six engine fine-tuned to 450 PS and reinforced suspension including springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars.

Meanwhile, in the motorsports scene, the M4 DTM began competing in the DTM in 2014. It won the championship in 2014 and 2016, and the M4 DTM Champion Edition, a limited edition car based on the M4, was released in 2014 with 23 cars, and in 2016 with 200 cars based on the M4 GTS.

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