THE NEW BMW M3 SEDAN

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - 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.