THE NEW BMW M3 WITH SEQUENTIAL MANUAL GEARBOX
August 2001 will see the introduction of the second generation of BMW's
Sequential 'M' Gearbox. Available only on the M3, SMG II is a clutchless
manual gearbox drawing on BMW's William F1 transmission technology. With 11
separate programmes which can be operated by two paddles behind the steering
wheel, by the traditional gear selector, or a mixture of both, it can also be
driven in self-selecting mode where the gear changes take place automatically.
The SMG option is priced at £2,400. BMW anticipate at least 50 per cent of UK
customers will request the SMG II option that is available on both the M3 Coupé
and Convertible.
Extreme power at your fingertips:
In 1996, BMW became the first manufacturer to offer a clutchless manual gearbox
on a commercial road car and half of E36 M3 owners specified it. SMG II, the
latest system on the new M3, offers a significant leap forward with this
technology.
Declutching and gear shifting is carried out electro-hydraulically following
computations made by the engine management system and a new transmission
control unit. A tap on the paddle, or a flick of the gear lever delivers
instantaneous changes - it is 'shift by wire'. The fastest gear changes take
place in an astonishing 80 milliseconds. Other similarities to the cockpit of
a Formula 1 car include shift lights in the tachometer which light up to
indicate the optimum shift point.
A system unique to the M3 is 'acceleration assistant'. This system allows the
driver
to use the maximum possible acceleration from a standing start- rather like
launch control in an F1 car. An additional, practical function of the SMG is
the 'climbing assistant', which ensures that car will pull away on slopes
without rolling backwards. This system can be used in both automatic and
sequential mode.
The sophisticated SMG II incorporates 'Drivelogic' which offers 11 different
driving programmes from 'relaxed' or 'winter' mode to 'very sporting'. Such
flexibility really does tailor the M3 SMG to each driver's precise
requirements.
More about the M3:
The new M3, which went on sale in the UK this May priced at £38,500, is the
third generation to wear the famous M3 badge. Using technology derived direct
from Formula One, the new M3 delivers performance with precision handling and
response: it rewards the driver in the style of a thoroughbred sports car yet
provides the comfort, luxury and practicality of a full four seat coupé.
What makes an M Car?:
All BMW M cars have five essential ingredients:
·a high-revving, naturally aspirated engine with exceptional performance
potential
·at least one pioneering technical innovation
·a docile nature for everyday road conditions
·a distinct and individual character
·outstanding value for money in terms of performance
"The new M3 delivers all this in spades", said Jim O'Donnell, Managing Director
of BMW (GB) Ltd. "It behaves like a docile limousine in Hatch End, yet is as
responsive as the most potent sports car at Brands Hatch. There is simply
nothing like the new M3 on the road" he concluded.
Vital statistics:
The latest generation M3 features the all-new S54 engine. Although only 45 cc
or one per cent larger than its predecessor at 3246 cc, the new engine produces
343 bhp at 7900 rpm, a rise of 6.9 per cent. This equates to 106bhp per litre,
the highest specific output ever achieved by a BMW road car engine. The new M3
engine weights six per cent less than its predecessor and has a lower centre of
gravity.
Torque, the value that determines in gear 'thrust' has risen by 4.3 per cent to
365 Nm (296 lbs ft) at 4900 rpm, whilst 80 per cent of this total is available
at just 2000 rpm. This pulling power contributes to the new M3's civilized and
flexible response in normal traffic conditions.
Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph: the 0-62 mph sprint is achieved
in just 5.2 seconds for the coupe (and can be taken back to zero in just 2.6
seconds). Acceleration in fourth gear from 50-75 mph, a typical overtaking
range, is covered in just 5.3 seconds.
Innovation - the variable M differential lock:
All M cars have been equipped as standard with a torque-sensing differential
with up to 25 per cent locking action. This improves traction and rewards the
driver with more delicate balance. However, the standard locking
differential's ability to aid traction in extremely slippery conditions is
limited by the laws of nature.
BMW M, in cooperation with GKN Viscodrive GmbH, has developed an entirely new
system that offers decisive traction advantages, even in the most demanding
conditions. In combination with a finely tuned 'M' Dynamic Stability control
(DSC) system and the M3's 50/50 weight distribution, the variable M
differential lock delivers driving characteristics previously regarded as
impossible with a rear wheel drive sports car.
The new system senses the slightest difference in rotation speed of the rear
wheels and instantly builds up an increasing locking action between them. The
wheel running under less load (such as the inner wheel on a fast bend) cannot,
therefore, lose drive forces. This ensures that the car maintains its forward
progress in all situations.
This 'intelligent' distribution of power between the driven wheels is achieved
by a shear pump 'reading' the loss of load on one wheel and generating pressure
to a multiple plate clutch. This, in turn, conveys drive force to the wheel
with better grip. In an extreme case the drive force may be transmitted to one
wheel then, when the difference in wheel speeds decreases, the locking action
is reduced.
The major advantage for the driver of the new M3 is a significant increase in
handling and driving stability that, in turn, brings added safety and driving
pleasure.
New M Sports seat:
The new BMW M3 offers an entirely new sports seat featuring an optional
backrest width adjustment (Coupé only). The objective in developing these
seats was to enhance side support without making compromises for drivers of
different sizes. Based on the all electrically operated seat of the 3 Series
Coupé, it is carefully padded and upholstered to provide longitudinal and side
support. It is then enhanced by installing air chambers on both sides of the
backrest which are filled with air from an electric pump.
A sporting car that is clean and economical:
Despite the new M3's performance potential, another aspect of its diverse
character is excellent economy and emission management. Reduced friction,
double - VANOS variable valve timing, smoother flow of cylinder charge, precise
engine management and a higher (11.5:1) compression ratio all contribute to an
EC average cycle of 23.7 mpg and extra-urban consumption of 33.6 mpg. The new
M3 easily meets the EU3 and American LEV emission standards and, although
designed to run on 98 RON fuel, adaptive knock control for each of the six
cylinders permits the use of less expensive 95 RON and low sulphur fuels.
Standard specification includes:
. 18" alloy wheels
. Sports suspension
. 6 Speed manual gearbox ( SMG £2,400)
. Sports settings for DSC
. Leather upholstery in M colours
. Rear lip spoiler
. M aerodynamic body styling and mirrors
. Park distance control
. M dynamic throttle control
. Cornering brake control
. M differential lock
. Automatic air conditioning
. M enhanced steering
. ABS
. M Sports seats
. Xenon headlights
. M Sport button (for immediate throttle response)
. Six airbags
. Four exhaust tailpipes
. ISOFIX child seat preparation
Ends
