Additional capabilities and safeguards. Careful development of DRIVELOGIC has resulted in many fine points of the system's operation:
- 1st-gear start in S: As the vehicle comes to a stop in the S mode, DRIVELOGIC automatically selects 1st gear for starting off again; the driver will then effect upshifts as desired.
- 2nd-gear start: A1 can be used as a winter-driving program; it starts the vehicle from rest in 2nd gear to move off gently. (Dynamic Stability Control's traction function also guards against wheelspin.)
- Overspeed protection: If the driver calls for a downshift (S mode) that would overspeed the engine, the command to downshift is ignored.
- In any A program, a floored accelerator can get one or two downshifts depending on conditions, and pleasingly quickly.
- Slip detection: In both S and A modes, this safeguard helps keep the vehicle stable during downshifts, particularly when traction is low. Every 10 milliseconds, the rear wheels are checked by the DSC for slippage. If there is too much decelerative torque on the wheels, clutch engagement and engine speed are automatically adjusted to prevent too abrupt a downshift.
- Double-clutching. Also in both modes, DRIVELOGIC coordinates clutch disengagement, shifting, engine speed and clutch engagement to accomplish smooth downshifts – just as a skilled driver would.
- Hill detection: Depending on gradient, down- or uphill, the A shift programs are modified to ensure optimum gear selection. In S mode, shift times are shortened so that the engine is always "on point" for best acceleration uphill, or engine braking downhill.
- Intuitive shifts: In the A mode under certain circumstances, DRIVELOGIC modifies downshifts. In cornering, uphill driving or braking, for instance, a downshift will occur sooner than if the car were simply being driven steadily on level ground. This feature can seem almost supernatural in vigorous driving on a winding, hilly road: SMG seems to read the driver's mind, magically getting into the right gear before accelerating out of a corner.
- Grade assist: A "hillholder" function, active in both S and A modes. When stopped facing uphill, the driver actuates the left shift paddle. DRIVELOGIC "revs" the engine to about 1500 rpm and slips the clutch so that the vehicle does not roll back. This is available for brief periods only.
- Illuminated upshift indicator: The same orange LEDs that adjust the tachometer warning zone according to engine temperature help indicate to the driver when to upshift. Illuminating in 500-rpm segments, they light progressively as the engine approaches its redline (8000 rpm); given the M3's catapult-like acceleration, this can be an appreciated assistance.
Since the introduction of the BMW M SMG system with DRIVELOGIC, BMW has introduced a less elaborate SMG version, with only two selectable shift programs within each of its automated and sequential modes; this system is now available in the 3, 5, and Z4 Series and will also be available in the upcoming 6 Series.
Chronicle of an SMG shift. To those versed in driving with a manual transmission, shifting comes naturally – one is hardly aware of letting up on the accelerator, depressing the clutch pedal, moving the shift lever, giving gas again and letting up on the clutch – all in coordinated sequence. SMG does all of this for the driver – and under hard-and-fast driving conditions does it more quickly than even the most skillful driver is likely to do. Here's the operating sequence:
1. Via a position sensor, the control system always "knows" which gear is currently engaged.
2. When the driver signals a shift, the system selects the appropriate valves.
3. Hydraulic fluid at high pressure (1200 psi or more) disengages the clutch.
4. The M3's six individual, electronically controlled throttles are closed.
5. Hydraulic cylinders move the transmission's gearsets into the next gear.
6. If it's a downshift, the engine is "revved" to the speed it will reach when the selected lower gear is engaged (the "double-clutch" function).
6. The clutch is re-engaged.
7. The throttles are opened again.
All this occurs – perfectly choreographed and calibrated to the vehicle speed, what the driver is doing with the accelerator pedal, the shift program selected and other factors mentioned earlier – in an interval that may be leisurely or a mere blink of the eye. The driver keeps a firm foot on the accelerator; SMG and DRIVELOGIC do all the work. Many enthusiastic drivers are fascinated by the way SMG works.
"Those same track enthusiasts," noted Road & Track of drivers who enjoy driving on a race track in a March '03 comparison test, "might also like the lightning-quick shifts of the SMG transmission. With paddle-actuated shifts performed faster than any human could do, the Formula 1-derived system takes some of the thinking out of driving fast. Do-it-yourself stalwarts may still prefer the satisfaction of performing their own gearchanges, but there's no denying the system's speed and convenience at the track."
M3 chassis:
the best of 3 Series and BMW M engineering
In developing the M3, BMW M engineers set for themselves the target of making the great-handling 3 Series even more capable. Here's what they did:
Front suspension. While retaining the basic concept of both E36 and E46 3 Series, BMW M stayed close to the E36 M3 in terms of the system's kinematics (its arrangement and movements of components as the suspension works over bumps and in curves). At the same time, the new M3 system takes advantage of E46 developments, including the wider front track and aluminum lower arms. Specifically:
- At 59.4 in., the M3's front track is 1.5 in. greater than that of the 330Ci models.
- As on the 3 Series, weight-saving, strong forged-aluminum lower arms are employed. But these arms are unique to the M3.
To form an ultra-rigid basis for the suspension system, the BMW M engineers created a new thrust plate to handle the immense lateral thrust generated by the M3's tires in cornering. It is made of aluminum 3 mm thick, and attaches in the area between the left and right lower suspension arms. The thrust plate even incorporates an NACA air intake that takes in air to cool the transmission.
The bearings, bushings and cushions on which the suspension arms pivot are also specific to the M3. In contrast to the arc-shaped lower arms of current 3 Series models, the M3's unique lower arms have a "bat wing" shape that achieves even greater strength. As on the regular models, they are made of forged aluminum to keep unsprung weight low and strength high.
Other M3-specific front-suspension components include:
- Unique steering knuckles
- Modified wheel bearings
- Separate top mountings for the springs and shock absorbers; on standard 3 Series models they mount together.
- Subframe – from 3 Series Convertible, even for the M3 Coupe
- Reinforcing braces to the strut towers, visible with the hood open.
Steering. Power assist is calibrated for extra-firm road feel, and steering return action is enhanced by the increased caster.
Rear suspension. The track is also increased here (by 1.6 in.), and both pairs of lateral links (lower and upper) have steel balljoints instead of rubber bushings at their outer ends. There are many other detail distinctions from the standard rear suspension as well.
For the larger, stronger M3 differential, M engineers developed an entirely new mounting system that uses one bushing at the front and two at the rear, just the opposite of the standard 3 Series setup. In BMW's usual "acoustically decoupled" mounting, the differential mounts through these bushings to a subframe, which then attaches to the main structure through four rubber mounts. This subframe is specific to the M3, having been developed to accommodate the larger differential assembly.
BMW M also added a V-brace to stiffen the subframe's attachment to the main structure. This is analogous to the thrust plate at the front, adding rigidity where the suspension joins the vehicle structure.
As the most prominent element of the multi-link rear suspension system, the massive Central Link is retained. The link pivots on a large rubber bushing at its forward end; this element is firmer in the M3 than in "regular" 3 Series models. The axle halfshafts are upsized for extra strength, and the wheel carriers are special to the M3 as well.
Springs and shock absorbers. The M3's coil springs have been carefully calibrated for an ideal blend of firmness and compliance. Its twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers – with hollow piston rods to minimize inertia and mass – are likewise perfectly calibrated for sports-car response. Anti-roll (stabilizer) bars – 26 mm front, 21.5 mm rear –are sized for ideally responsive, yet not nervous, handling. All this has been confirmed and re-confirmed on the BMW Proving Ground's handling course and at the famous Nьrburgring racing circuit in Germany.
Brakes: even more powerful. Powerful brakes are always a BMW strength, and current 330 models achieve outstanding braking ability with front discs of 325-mm/12.8-in. diameter and rear discs of 320-mm/12.6-in. diameter. The M3 goes a step further with 328-mm/12.9-in. rear discs, and the rotors are thicker all around: 28 mm at the front, vs. 22; and 20 mm at the rear, vs. 19. A tandem booster, sized 10 in. / 9 in., provides extra vacuum assist over the 330s' single 10-in. booster. As always on M Cars, all four discs are ventilated for high fade resistance; electronically proportioned for optimum distribution of braking power; and backed up by Dynamic Brake Control, which reinforces the driver's pedal effort in emergency braking. In Car and Driver's May '03 comparison test with two competitors, the M3 Coupe achieved the shortest stopping distance from 70 mph: 161 ft.
Wheels and tires: ultimate grip and style. M3 wheel and tire equipment starts with M Double Spoke wheels, sized 18 x 8.0 front and 18 x 9.0 rear and featuring a rich Satin Chrome finish. Connecting these massive, deep-dish alloy wheels to the road are suitably wide, low-profile, performance tires, sized 225/45ZR-18 front / 255/40ZR-18 rear.
Optional 19-in. equipment consists of even more premium forged/polished wheels, with the same 8.0-in. rim width and a half-inch-wider 9.5 in. at the rear. These carry 225/40ZR-19 front performance tires, 255/35ZR-19 rear ones.
Optimum weight distribution: 50.3% front / 49.7% rear for the Coupe, 49.9/50.1 for the convertible.
Exterior design:
clear distinction from the 3 Series
and a tasteful performance statement
The M3's exterior design continues the established theme of BMW M, which encompasses these consistent criteria:
- Distinguish the M Car from its regular-production counterpart
- Visually emphasize its performance and road capabilities
- Maintain the good taste and timeless esthetics that characterize all BMWs.
The differences between the M3 and the regular-production 330Ci coupe are extensive and purposeful.
Front view. The distinctive bumper/spoiler ensemble features three openings: center, with screen, for the engine oil cooler; sides, for the foglights.
The M3 hood, of aluminum to reduce weight, differs sharply from the 3 Series' steel hood. It features a "power dome" and contours that sweep up from the grilles' flanks to the A-pillars. As on the regular models, Xenon headlights are optional.
Sides. The wheel openings are flared out 20 mm (0.8 in.) more on each side, accenting the 18-in. wheels and tires and keeping them inboard of the sheet metal. Overall width is 70.1 in., 0.9 in. wider than that of the 330Ci.
Other specific side elements include "gills"; the left one ventilates the underhood "electrobox" where electronic components live. Typical M aerodynamic outside mirrors add to the distinctive look. And by pointing toward the rear wheels, unique side sills emphasize BMW's rear-wheel drive.
At the rear. The rear bumper/apron is M3-specific. Rear reflectors are moved from there to the taillight clusters, a lateral ridge stretches all the way across, and openings for the four exhaust outlets line up with the trunklid sides. A discreet spoiler tops the coupe trunklid's top edge; this can be deleted at no extra cost if customers desire. Like other BMWs, M3s now incorporate Adaptive brakelights, which provide extra illumination under hard braking.
Colors. There is a choice of 10 exterior colors, six of them metallic. Among the especially eye-catching M3 selections are Imola Red, Laguna Seca Blue and Phoenix Yellow Metallic.
Interior design and equipment: the ideal driving environment
With the exemplary 3 Series driving environment as its starting point, the M3 cabin – whether Coupe or Convertible – adds features and design details that reinforce and enhance the sporting character of these cars.
The driver's view. In a high-performance sports car, instruments are of paramount importance; the M3's do not disappoint. Among the elements distinguishing the M3 instrument cluster from that of 3 Series models are an M logo in the speedometer and red pointers throughout.
The tachometer scale reaches 9000 rpm. From 4000 to 8000 rpm, there is a variable warning segment: when the engine is cold, illuminated orange LEDs begin at 4000 rpm, reminding the driver not to use anything approaching maximum performance. As the engine warms up – oil temperature is the criterion – these LEDs phase out in increments of 500 rpm until the segment reaches its normal 7500-8000 rpm range, which always remains illuminated. The tachometer's advanced servo-motor operation is revised to keep pace with the M3 engine's rapid climb up the rpm curve. In M3s equipped with the Sequential Manual Gearbox, once the engine is warm these LEDs illuminate progressively as engine revs climb, helping the driver shift right at the redline. Also in the tachometer face is an analog oil-temperature gauge.
Another prominent facet of the driver's command center is the special M sport steering wheel. Incorporating BMW's handy multi-function controls, the wheel has a wide bottom spoke with the M logo, and its leather-covered rim with M-color stitching has thumb contours at 10 and 2 o'clock.
An oval rearview mirror is yet another distinctive M element in the driver's view; electrochromic auto-dimming is standard.
Seats: three choices, all designed for support and comfort. Standard in the M3 coupe are 10-way manual sport seats, with adjustments for –
- Fore-aft
- Cushion height
- Front-of-cushion height (cushion angle)
- Backrest angle
- Thigh support.
The next step up for the Coupe is power sport seats, with 8-way power adjustment and manual thigh support. These are included in the Coupe's optional Premium Package and are available as a stand-alone option as well; they include a memory system for the driver's seat and outside mirrors. Standard in the Convertible are 10-way power sport seats, the added adjustment being a combined one for the head restraint and belt height; the Convertible's front safety belts are fully integrated into the seats, optimizing belt fit on the occupants and easing entry into the rear seats.
Top-of-line M3 seating is provided by the power-adjustable backrest width, optional in the coupe only. Here BMW M has added another dimension to "lateral support without constriction" by equipping the backrest bolsters with inflatable air chambers. An additional power control allows the occupant to "pump up" the bolsters for increased lateral support, or deflate them to reduce it; this effectively adjusts the backrest width to various statures. Included in this option is 4-way power lumbar support, familiar from other BMW models; thus these ultimate sport seats offer a total of 14-way power adjustment. The manual thigh-support adjustment is included in all M3 front seats.
Upholstery and trim. Standard upholstery in the Coupe is an attractive ribbed fabric called M Cloth, combined with Nappa leather trim and available in Anthracite (dark gray) only.
Most U.S. Coupe buyers specify the Nappa leather interior, available in a choice of four colors. This premium leather grade, optional in the Coupe and standard in the Convertible, is applied (with unique stitching) to –
- Seats
- Door panels (complete except upper ledges and outer surfaces of storage pockets at bottom; leather does extend down into the pockets)
- Rear-compartment side panels.
With all upholstery combinations, the Coupe's headliner is in Anthracite color. The convertible's fully automatic, fully lined softtop is available in black or dark blue. Titan Shadow interior trim, with a graphite-like look that complements M3 technology, appears across the instrument panel and on the door and rear side armrests.
Split folding rear seats standard in Coupe. The Coupe's split folding rear seats add a measure of versatility that might be surprising, given the M3's performance and sportiness. They include a fold-up center armrest, and for security can be released only from the trunk. Rear-seat entry and exit are aided by BMW's easy-entry feature, which allows the front seats to be moved forward when their backrests are folded over. In the Convertible this feature is powered, a dedicated button on the backrest's outer edge activating a motor that moves the seat at twice the normal adjustment speed.
Appealing features even in the trunk. In the Coupe trunk, a reversible mat has BMW's usual flock on one side and a non-slip rubber finish on the other. One can set a briefcase there, even a metal one, and know that it will not slide around when the M3 is driven the expected way: vigorously.
In the Convertible trunk, a variable compartment holds the folded softtop but allows increased cargo space when it is raised. Conveniently positioned for raised or folded top via a lever in the trunk, this compartment enlarges the trunk approximately 15% over its capacity with the top lowered.
Safety and security features
Every M3 comes with an exemplary range of safety and security equipment:
- 2-stage front-impact Smart Airbags
- Height-adjustable front safety belts with automatic tensioners and force limiters (coupe)
- Seat-integrated front safety belts with power height adjustment, automatic tensioners and force limiters (convertible)
- Interlocking door anchoring system for side impacts
- Front-seat Head Protection System (Coupe)
- Rollover Protection System (Convertible)
- Front-seat side-impact airbags, door-mounted
- Battery Safety Terminal
- Central locking system with double-lock anti-theft feature, selective unlocking
- Coded Driveaway Protection.
The Convertible's Rollover Protection System automatically deploys structural bars behind the rear seats in case of an impending rollover accident.
As an additional safety feature, rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional for both models, so that customers may choose to have them or not. Vehicles with this option are delivered from the factory with the rear airbags de-activated; customers may have them activated or de-activated at any time, free of charge and regardless of the vehicle's age or mileage.
Thus both M3s address not only the emotional desire to possess a machine of great performance and beauty, but also the very rational demand for safety and security. The Coupe is of the same basic construction as the 3 Series sedan that, along with four other midsize luxury sedans, was tested and ranked by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
In actual 40-mph offset tests of these five models, the 3 Series Sedan earned the Institute's Best Pick rating. BMW's occupant compartment held its shape, with low likelihood of injury. As described above, the 3 Series and M3 Convertibles add their own, Convertible-specific safety features.
Options and accessories:
appealing choices for both models
BMW M offers an appealing range of Packages and stand-alone options to outfit both M3s to individual customers' tastes and priorities.
Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG). Described in detail earlier; an exciting way to drive a high-performance sports car.
Premium Package for the Coupe. Includes Nappa leather upholstery, power sport seats with memory, which includes an automatic tilt-down feature for the right exterior mirror, and a tilt-and-slide power moon roof.
Cold Weather Package. Retracting high-intensity headlight cleaning system, 3-stage heated front seats and a ski bag. The heated seats are also available as a stand-alone option.
Xenon headlights. For even brighter, more daylight-like illumination on both low and high beams. Automatic leveling of the lamps ensures correct aiming whether the vehicle is lightly or heavily loaded.
Park Distance Control. Four ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper help the driver avoid backing into unseen obstacles. PDC is included with the Sequential Manual Gearbox and available as a stand-alone option.
Spoiler delete. The Coupe's rear spoiler can be deleted at no extra cost.
Removable hardtop, Made of aluminum and weighing only 65 lb., the hardtop can be attached or removed by two persons. It includes separately switched left/right reading lights front and rear, retractable coat hooks, and (like the Convertible's softtop) an electrically heated rear window.
Power moonroof. As in the Coupe's Premium Package, but as a stand-alone option.
Power seats with memory (Coupe) – also available as a stand-alone option. Includes an automatic tilt-down feature for the right exterior mirror.
Power-adjustable front seatback bolsters and 4-way power lumbar support, available in the Coupe only.
Nappa leather upholstery, available as a stand-alone option for the Coupe.
Aluminum interior trim, an upgrade over the already attractive Titan Shadow trim.
Harman Kardon premium audio system. Increased audio power, more speakers and upgraded componentry. Speaker configuration differs between Coupe and Convertible.
BMW On-board Navigation System with DVD database.
Rear-seat side-impact airbags, optional to give customers the choice.
Alarm system. Keyless entry and a multi-function, keyhead-integrated remote control are standard; the alarm system is Center-installed.
6-disc CD changer. Choice of trunk or glove-compartment versions; Center-installed accessory.
Like all current models, every new M3 is covered by BMW's 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and comes with the a 4-year/50,000-mile Full Maintenance Program for customer convenience, peace of mind and economic benefit.
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; and various design and engineering elements that help make BMWs easier to dismantle at the end of their service life.
