THE NEW BMW M3 SEDAN

M3 Sedan Comes to America in 2008 Woodcliff Lake, NJ - October 6,
2007... BMW raises the performance benchmark once again with the
introduction of the 2008 M3 Sedan. Sharing the M3 Coupe's high-revving
414-horsepower V8 and balanced chassis that is designed to be
"faster than its engine", the motorsports arm of the German
auto maker, BMW M GmbH, is pleased to offer the most powerful,
highest-performing M3 ever with four doors. Originally offered in 1986
as a homologation special to allow BMW's entry into the German Touring
Car Championship, the M3's popularity and steadily increasing sales for
each iteration motivated the company to continue developing this unique
combination of driving dynamics, comfort and luxury in a compact
machine and offer a new version each time the underlying 3 Series was
reborn. Americans were first introduced to the M3 sports sedan concept
in 1988. The first M3 produced 192 hp from its 2.3-liter four-cylinder
engine during its 1988-1991 model year run. A legend was born and
Americans embraced the high-rpm, naturally-aspirated M concept. The
next generation arrived in 1995 with a 3.0-liter (and later, 3.2-liter)
240-hp inline-six powerplant. In 1997 the first M3 Sedan joined the
family and the first M3 Convertible followed shortly thereafter. The
most-recent version, available as either a coupe or convertible from
2001-2006, again was offered with six-cylinder power, this time
providing 333 hp from its 3.2 liters. This vehicle was BMW's first use
of SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) for the US market. The all-new 2008
M3 Sedan and M3 Coupe that arrive in spring 2008 will feature the first
V8 in a series-production BMW M3. It will also feature
driver-adjustable settings for crucial dynamic controls including
steering, damping and stability (and an available
steering-wheel-mounted "MDrive" button to store the
preferences) and a sumptuous interior that can be optimized to a
driver's desires including the comprehensive entertainment/navigation
system operated through BMW's latest iDrive controller. Lightweight,
efficient V8 at the heart of the BMW M3 The move to eight cylinders in
the fourth generation BMW M3 provides a powerplant offering the
seemingly disparate characteristics of more power, increased efficiency
and reduced weight when compared with the previous six-cylinder M3
engine. Displacing 3,999 cubic centimeters (4.0 liters), the new
light-alloy engine produces 414 hp at 8,300 rpm and 295 pound-feet of
torque at 3,900 rpm with 85 percent of the maximum torque available
consistently through 6,500 rpm. This power output represents a
15-percent increase over the six-cylinder from the last generation M3
and it comes with an eight-percent fuel-economy improvement when
compared to its predecessor. Compression ratio is dialed in to 12.0:1
and redline is set at 8,400 rpm. The V8-power unit within the engine
compartment of the new BMW M3 Sedan boasts the company's variable
double-VANOS camshaft management. Offering extremely fast and
responsive valve timing, this technology reduces charge cycle losses
and improves the output, torque and response of the engine, with a
positive influence on fuel economy and emission management. A separate
throttle butterfly for each cylinder - eight in this instance - is a
feature adapted from BMW M's racing heritage and provides immediate
reaction to the gas pedal at all times. Two stepper motors operate the
four throttle butterflies on each row of cylinders, giving the engine a
particularly sensitive response at low speeds together with an
immediate reaction whenever the driver presses down the accelerator for
extra power and performance. A volume flow-controlled, pendulum-slide
cell pump supplies the engine with lubricating oil, delivering the
quantity required by the engine. Wet sump oil lubrication, optimized
for dynamic performance, ensures consistent oil supply to the high-rpm
engine at all times, particularly in extreme braking maneuvers. The
system features two oil sumps-a small oil sump in front of the front
axle subframe and a large oil sump behind it. A new, comprehensive
electronic management system coordinates all engine functions with
optimum efficiency and maximizes operational integration with the
clutch, gearbox, steering and brakes. In addition, the engine control
unit performs a wide range of on-board diagnosis functions and
masterminds the ancillary engine units. A highlight of the engine
management system is the use of ion-current technology to determine
engine knock as well as misfire and poor combustion events within the
cylinders. Contrary to conventional methods, this monitoring and
control function is performed precisely where the phenomena
occurs-within the combustion chambers. The spark plug in each cylinder
senses and controls the risk of knocking, at the same time monitoring
the correct ignition and recognizing any misfiring. In other words,
the spark plug acts as an actuator for the ignition and as a sensor
monitoring the combustion process, and is therefore able to distinguish
between a misfire and poor combustion. This dual function of the spark
plugs facilitates the diagnostic procedures required in service and
maintenance. And the increased performance with better economy comes
from the lightweight engine. At 445 pounds, it is seven percent or 33
pounds lighter than the previous model's Inline-6. Lightweight
components do not stop with the alloy engine block. The crankcase is
made of a special aluminum-silicon alloy eliminating the need for
cylinder liners. Despite the need to resist high combustion pressures
and engine speeds-this is the "fastest" production engine
ever produced by BMW as it can reach 8,400 rpm-the engineers managed to
keep the compact and rigid crankshaft weight down to 44 pounds. Manual
transmission, twin-disc clutch and Variable M Differential Lock Power
from the BMW M3 Sedan's V8 is transmitted to the rear wheels through a
close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox. The performance parameters of the
M3 dictated heat management as a key design factor for both the
transmission and clutch. The transmission features integrated
temperature-dependent oil cooling management, while internal
ventilation maximizes heat dissipation for the twin-disc clutch. The
new final drive comes with a Variable M Differential Lock generating up
to 100 percent locking action with fully variable action whenever
required, ensuring optimum traction on all road surfaces. Engineering
a chassis which is "faster than the engine" Providing
sure-footed responsive handling for a high-performance, powerful and
luxurious sedan, while keeping mass under control, presented numerous
challenges for the BMW M3's engineers. The result is a new, aluminum
chassis developed specifically for this model. The design begins with
placing components in such a way as to create a 50/50 front/rear weight
balance. Virtually all of the front-end components are aluminum,
including the front struts, swivel bearings, central subframe and an
additional thrust panel below the engine serving to maximize lateral
stiffness of the entire front section. From the rear axle subframe
through the transverse arms and track arms, on to the wheel mounts
re-configured in their kinematics and stiffness and even the mounting
points for the longitudinal arms are now even lighter, all the way to
the aluminum dampers. Virtually every detail on the five-arm rear axle
made of aluminum is new for this model. These weight-reduction measures
and materials help reduce weight by approximately 5.5 pounds when
compared to the previous M3. Both the front and rear axles feature
hollow anti-roll bars optimized for their function and weight.
Incorporating two additional longitudinal reinforcement bars, axle
kinematics are perfectly tailored to the overall character of the car.
The result, in terms of both stability and weight, conforms to the
balanced performance concept of the BMW M3 Sedan. Compound brake system
A suitably stout braking system for a car with this much performance was
specifically developed for the new M3. Featuring large compound disc
brakes and electronic anti-lock, stopping power for the new BMW M3 is
strong, precise and consistent. The internally-vented, cross-drilled
cast iron discs measure14.2 inches in diameter at the front and 13.8
inches in the rear. They are connected to a floating aluminum hub by
cast-in stainless-steel pins. This configuration reduces the thermal
loads on the discs, thus increasing their performance and service life.
An electrically-driven pump provides the system's vacuum power. Service
- and safety - is enhanced thanks to an ongoing wear indicator which,
through a dash display, allows the driver to monitor the condition of
the brake linings. Brake service can thus be administered when
necessary without guesswork. Standard M-style light-alloy spoked
wheels measure 18 x 8.5 inches with 245/40 low-profile tires at the
front and 18 x 9.5 with 265/40 tires at the rear, can be supplemented
by optional 19-inch versions in comparable widths and design.
Servotronic steering with two manually adjustable control maps
Rear-wheel drive keeps the rack-and-pinion steering of the BMW M3 Sedan
free of drive forces. A further enhancement is hydraulic Servotronic
power assistance controlling steering forces as a function of road
speed. There is also a choice of two different control maps activated
through normal and sport modes with a console-mounted button. In Sport
mode the BMW M3 provides direct and immediate response with a
relatively high steering effort. In the Normal mode, power assistance is
comfort-oriented and requires less steering effort. Latest-generation
of Dynamic Stability Control The electronic Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) monitors driving conditions and intervenes through the
application of brakes and reduced engine power to stabilize the BMW M3
and help avoid major over- or under-steer situations. In addition to
engine controls and the ABS, other systems integrated in the DSC are
Automatic Stability Control (ASC), which prevents the wheels from
spinning on surfaces with reduced traction; the Start-Off Assistant,
which prevents the car from rolling back when setting off on a grade,
as well as Cornering Brake Control (CBC), which prevents the car from
spinning or swerving out of control when applying the brakes in a bend.
The latest version of DSC includes additional functions for even greater
driving safety. Whenever the driver is likely to apply the brakes in
full within the next few seconds, the system builds up pressure in the
hydraulic brake circuit and pre-loads the brake pads to ensure an
immediate response. The Dry Braking feature removes water film from
the discs in wet conditions, thus reducing the chance of water
interfering with the braking process. Electronic Damper Control
recognizing the driver's style of motoring The optional Electronic
Damper Control (EDC) allows the driver to tailor the vehicle's chassis
dynamics to his or her preference through one of three modes: Sport,
Normal and Comfort. The response of all dynamic driving systems is
carefully tailored to the power and performance of the new BMW M3, with
electronic intervention of the various systems naturally taking the
dynamics of the car into account. Indeed, the driver even has the
option to individually configure specific parameters, thus adjusting
the response of the car to his personal preferences. MDrive
personalizes the driving characteristics of the new BMW M3 The new M3
provides several standard and optional driver-controlled systems to
tailor the driving characteristics to a driver's personal preferences.
The driver can choose, with conveniently located buttons: - DSC on or
off (for a very competent, performance-oriented driver) - EDC in Sport,
Normal or Comfort modes - Servotronic in Sport or Comfort modes -
Throttle response either direct/sporting or comfort oriented A push of
the MDrive button on the steering wheel can instantaneously activate
the above driver-selectable configurations, turning the new BMW M3 into
his or her personalized Ultimate Driving Machine. The settings are
stored through menus shown on the dash-mounted screen and controlled by
the iDrive (located in the center console). Storing one's overall
preferences under the MDrive allows the driver to modify any of the
adjustable settings, yet return to his or her optimum with a simple
press of the MDrive button. This feature requires the Navigation/iDrive
option. Athletic, sporting stance separates new BMW M3 Sedan from the
pack Front to back, the design of the new BMW M3 Sedan evokes a
purposeful, sporting message. The front end, though clearly a BMW
based on the double-kidney shaped grill, flat headlight units with
standard Xenon headlamps, boasts three large air intakes below the
grill. Since the structure and configuration is determined to primarily
feed air into the engine compartment, the BMW M3 Sedan, like BMW M cars
in general, intentionally forgoes fog lamps featured on 3 Series
models. The "face" of the new BMW M3 also includes a power
dome in the middle of the aluminum hood which, though longer than that
of the 3 Series Sedan, blends harmoniously with the overall design.
The two front side panels boast a special sign of distinction
characteristic of a BMW M Car and referred to by the designers as
"gills," which incorporate the tri-color (blue/purple/red M3)
logo. Rear-view mirrors developed for the new BMW M3 fulfill an
important aerodynamic function helping reduce air resistance. Further
down the side-line, the pronounced side-sills, give the BMW M3 a light
and sporting look. The new BMW M3 Sedan looks muscular from behind,
its design taking up the particular look of the car's front end. A
discreet lip spoiler on the trunklid optimizes the car's streamlining
and reduces lift on the rear axle. In its contours, the split diffuser
beneath the rear bumper takes up the shape of the air intakes at the
front of the car as the air guide and the dual tailpipes move towards
the centerline of the car, visually contracting the rear end at the
lower center point. A further feature is the circular shape of the four
straight tailpipes in typical BMW M style. The four metallic paints
reserved for BMW M cars (Melbourne Red, Jerez Black, Interlagos Blue
and Silverstone) highlight the body, contours and proportions of the
four-door with particular intensity. In addition to these unique hues,
the BMW M3 is available in Alpine White, Jet Black, or Sparkling
Graphite Metallic. Interior design oriented an active driving
experience with luxury The interior of the BMW M3 has always been a
place designed for performance driving, but without compromising the
comfort of the driver and the passengers. The new BMW M3 Sedan
continues this tradition with the latest innovations. The five seats
are surrounded by powerful contours and flowing lines highlighting in
particular the concave and convex surfaces. The horizontal lines
dominating the area around the dashboard as well as the harmonious
surfaces of the side linings give the interior a dynamic note. The
cockpit control area tapers out between the front seats into a newly
designed center console which discreetly "swings" towards the
driver. Finished in black leather, the console harmoniously continues
the instrument surrounds and the control area in terms of both color
and shape, comprising three function switches (Power, DSC, and optional
EDC) for activating and deactivating the electronic driving programs on
the side facing the driver. Apart from the clear design and optimum
ergonomic arrangement of all controls and instruments, the choice of
colors inside the new BMW M3 Sedan helps the driver concentrate on
driving. Regardless of the upholstery and trim color, the footwells,
parcel shelf, headliner, A-pillar trim and the upper part of the
instrument panel are all finished in Anthracite. This uniform, dark
color scheme around the windshield helps the driver focus on driving.
There is no question as to the heritage of the vehicle upon opening the
door of the new BMW M3 thanks to the M car logo in the door sills. The
unique nature of the vehicle carries to the dash where the dual
circular instruments typical of BMW - the speedometer and fuel gauge as
well as the tachometer and oil temperature display - are in specific M
style. A feature typical of BMW M cars is the variable warning zone on
the tachometer that informs the driver of the recommended engine speed
depending on the engine oil temperature. The borderline between the
yellow pre-warning zone and the red warning zone moves up as a function
of increasing oil temperature to the maximum limit of 8,400 rpm. The
digital displays presenting the time, the outside temperature and
odometer, as well as the various warning lights, are positioned between
the two circular instruments. The M3's leather steering wheel, with
its thumb contours resting firmly in the driver's hands, provides an
optimum grip for precise movement of the steering wheel. The spokes
within the steering wheel incorporate the remote control buttons for
the audio system and mobile phone, as well as the optional MDrive
button. An additional auxiliary button may be programmed through the
optional BMW iDrive system. As an option, both the front seats are
available with backrest-width adjustment, while the rear seats may be
equipped with folding seatbacks which provides the 15.8 cubic foot
luggage compartment even greater capacity. A premium AM/FM/single-disc
CD audio system comes standard with an auxiliary input jack. Individual
entertainment options include SIRIUS satellite radio, HD radio and a
USB-enabled port for control of an Apple iPod or iPhone media player.
These three options can be bundled together in the Technology Package,
should one choose to have them all together. For vehicles equipped
with Navigation, the comprehensive information and entertainment
systems are controlled by the refined BMW iDrive. Selecting the
Navigation/iDrive option also brings the performance-oriented,
steering-wheel-spoke-mounted Mdrive button. Safety begins with the body
structure and continues inside Occupant safety begins with the design of
the new BMW M3's body structure. Together with defined deformation
zones, the use of high-strength steel ensures smooth and direct
transmission of forces in a collision and optimum absorption of loads
acting on the car. The space available for deformation is also used to
avoid any damage to the passenger cell and keep damage to the body
itself to a minimum, even in a severe collision. The electronic
restraint systems are tailored to the ultra-strong structure of the
body. Six airbags as well as the belt latch tensioners and belt force
limiters are activated by the car's central safety electronics as a
function of the type and severity of a collision. Sensors located in
the center of the car within the B-pillars and in the doors
"tell" the safety electronics which component will offer the
occupants optimum protection, with the "proper" restraint
systems being activated in the event of a collision. The driver and
front passenger are protected by frontal and side airbags housed in the
seat backrests. These four airbags are activated in two stages,
depending on the severity of the impact. Through its size alone, the
curtain head airbag protects the car's occupants on both the front and
the outer rear seats. And the risk of leg injury in a head-on
collision, finally, is reduced on the driver's side by defined
deformation of the footrest. BMW Ultimate ServiceTM: Providing owners
with incredible value and peace of mind The BMW 1 Series Convertible
will feature BMW Ultimate ServiceTM, a suite of services that includes
the BMW Maintenance Program (formerly called Full Maintenance),
Roadside Assistance and the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. BMW AssistTM
with TeleService is part of the optional Premium Package or can be
ordered separately as a stand-along option. BMW Ultimate ServiceTM
includes: The BMW Maintenance Program is the only no-cost maintenance
program in the industry that covers wear and tear items like brake pads
and rotors for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. BMW
owners pay nothing for all scheduled inspections, oil changes, brake
pads, wiper blade inserts and other wear-and-tear items. BMW Roadside
Assistance is one of the industry's most comprehensive plans available.
Not only is it no-charge for the first four years, but there is no
mileage limit. BMW drivers enjoy the assurance of on-the-road help 24
hours a day, seven days a week, anywhere in the United States, Canada
and Puerto Rico. This includes everything from flat tire changes,
emergency gasoline and lock-out assistance, to towing, alternative
transportation and even trip-interruption benefits. This service also
includes valuable trip routing advice. BMW New Vehicle Limited
Warranty: All 2008 BMW passenger vehicles are covered by BMW's
excellent Limited Warranty, which includes: • New-vehicle warranty
- four-year/50,000-mile coverage of the vehicle. •
Rust-perforation warranty - 12-year/unlimited-mileage coverage. BMW
AssistTM provides the driver with services that enhance on-the-road
security and convenience, for added peace of mind. It is a part of the
optional Premium package and can also be ordered separately as a
stand-alone option. BMW is the only vehicle manufacturer that offers
this service for four years at no additional cost. Most other
manufacturers cover only the first year of service. The in-vehicle
equipment for BMW AssistTM includes GPS technology and hands-free
communication functions accessed via buttons in the overhead or center
console. Vehicle occupants may request emergency or other services
simply by pressing a button; the BMW AssistTM system then transmits the
location and vehicle information to the BMW AssistTM response center. A
response specialist will then speak with the occupants to coordinate
dispatch, notify emergency contacts on file, and link BMW Roadside
Assistance or emergency services as needed and requested. A severe
accident automatically activates the BMW AssistTM call as well. The
BMW AssistTM Safety Plan also includes Remote Door Unlock and Stolen
Vehicle Recovery services, which can save the owner time and money.
TeleService automatically notifies the BMW center when a vehicle will
need service. This feature allows the Service Advisor to proactively
set up a customer appointment and have the needed parts ready. BMW
AssistTM subscribers can also enroll in the BMW AssistTM Convenience
Plan (available at an additional cost of $199 per year) to avail
themselves to many BMW AssistTM Concierge services, from travel
planning to dining reservations, shopping assistance and event tickets,
as well as receive directions, and traffic and weather information. A
selected destination and its phone number can be sent directly to the
on-board navigation system and Bluetooth®-linked mobile phone,
after a push of the new Concierge button. The Convenience Plan also
includes Critical Calling, a new service that connects the driver in
case their mobile phone is not in the vehicle or its battery is
discharged. After pushing the SOS button, a BMW AssistTM response
specialist will link the driver to his requested party for up to five
minutes and for up to four events per year. As before, the BMW
AssistTM system includes Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity
with hands-free phonebook access and dialing by name or number via the
steering wheel controls. Use of this feature requires a
customer-provided compatible Bluetooth® mobile phone. Performance
with a conscience BMW strives to produce its motor vehicles and other
products with the utmost attention to environmental compatibility and
protection. Integrated into the design and development of BMW
automobiles are such criteria as resource efficiency and emission
control in production; environmentally responsible selection of
materials; recyclability during production and within the vehicle;
elimination of CFCs and hazardous materials in production; and
continuing research into environmentally friendly automotive power
sources. Tangible results of these efforts include the recycling of
bumper cladding into other vehicle components; water-based paint color
coats and powder clear coats; near-future availability of
hydrogen-powered models; and various design and engineering elements
that help make BMWs easier to dismantle at the end of their service life.