The BMW M4 is a high-performance version of the BMW 4 Series coupes and convertibles developed by BMW’s motorsport division, BMW M.
As part of the renumbering that splits the 3 Series coupé and convertible models from the 4 Series (to further differentiate it from the 3 Series), the M4 replaced the BMW M3 coupé and convertible models. Upgrades over the standard BMW 4-Series include an upgraded engine, suspension, brakes and weight reduction measures including increased use of carbon fibre, such as on the roof of the car.
F82/F83 generation (2014–2020)
On 25 September 2013, BMW released the technical specifications of the M4. It is powered by the S55B30 engine, which is developed and engineered by BMW M GmbH. This 3.0-litre inline-6 engine has been built specifically for the new M4/M3, having a redline of 7,600 rpm with the rev limiter actuated at 7,300 rpm. The engine uses two mono-scroll turbochargers with a peak boost pressure of 18.1 psi (1.2 bar). The power is rated at 317 kW (431 PS; 425 hp), however this is achieved not at a specific engine speed, but is instead rated throughout the range of 5,500–7,300 rpm. The engine’s torque is rated at 550 N⋅m (406 lbf⋅ft) throughout the range of 1,850–5,500. Two transmission choices are available, the 6-speed manual and the 7-speed M-DCT transmissions. The 7-speed M-DCT transmission accelerates the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds) and the 6-speed manual transmission from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds.[2] The weight of the European specification M4 equipped with a manual transmission is 1,572 kg (3,466 lb) and with the M-DCT dual-clutch transmission, the car is some 40 kg (88 lb) heavier, losing some 80 kg (176 lb) as compared to the E92 M3.
As per its E92 predecessor, the roof of the coupe model is constructed from carbon fibre (except if the optional sunroof is fitted).[4] Carbon fibre is also used for the bootlid and engine brace. For the first time in a M3/M4 model, an electric power steering unit is used.[6] The steering system is specifically tuned for both the M3 and M4, however it has been criticised for lacking in feel. The 18 inches (460 mm) and 19 inches (480 mm) wheel options are available with lightweight forged alloy wheels being standard. The M compound brakes come standard (with blue brake calipers), while carbon ceramic brakes (with gold brake calipers) are available as an option.
The M4 features Active Sound, live amplification of the engine’s natural sound inducted into the passenger cabin via speakers in the car. BMW claims this technology has been used so that the well insulated cabin can reduce road/wind noise but still provide the driver with the sporty sound of the M powered engine. There are no artificial sound or any pre-recorded track in the system. This system was first implemented in the M5 (F10).
The M4 is based on the F32 4 Series[8] however 50 percent of its components are unique as compared to the 4 Series.
The convertible variant of the M4 was announced along with its coupe sibling, also internally known as F82 or F83 M4. It shares almost everything with the coupé version, but weighs more due to its folding metal roof. The convertible weighs 1,750 kg (3,858 lb) (manual), 1,691 kg (3,728 lb) (M-DCT). The three-piece retractable hardtop folds in 20 seconds.[11] The only significant difference between the two is the weight due to its retractable hardtop. As with any convertible car, the driver will experience its stiff ride due to added rigidity. Like its hardtop counterpart, the F83 M4 uses carbon fibre reinforced plastic to lighten and stiffen the car.
Because of its extra weight it accelerates slower, taking it 0.3 seconds longer to 100 km/h (62 mph); 4.6 seconds with the manual and 4.3 seconds with the M-DCT transmission. The dynamic differences between the two variants are marginally small.
Starting from the 2019 model year (production from 07/2018 onward) BMW removed the carbon fibre driveshaft so as to be able to fit an Otto Particulate Filter (OPF), necessary to comply with WLTP emissions regulations.
M4 Competition
During February 2016, BMW announced the M4 Competition. The M4 Competition boasts 331 kW (450 PS; 444 hp)[16] and a revised suspension for better handling. New springs, dampers and anti-roll bars complement the included Adaptive M Suspension. BMW also re-tuned the electronic differential and the Dynamic Stability Control to match the upgraded hardware. The interior remains largely unchanged, but Competition Package cars get new lightweight sport seats along with the M-striped woven seat belts. The exterior includes the M Sport exhaust with black chrome tailpipes and high gloss Shadow Line exterior trim. Gloss black trim is added to the kidney grille, side gills, and model badge on the trunk.[17]
With the competition package, the coupe version accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.0 seconds.
There is a convertible version, and that does the run in 4.2 seconds, both coupe and convertible forms using the dual clutch transmission
M4 GTS
BMW introduced the M4 GTS concept in August 2015 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.[18] In 2016, BMW introduced the production version of the car which was a track-focused version of the standard M4 coupé itself with a limited production run of 700 units. It is powered by the same 2,979 cc (3.0 L; 181.8 cu in) twin-turbocharged straight-six engine as in the normal M4, but the power output has been raised to 368 kW (500 PS; 493 hp) at 6,250 rpm and 600 N⋅m (443 lb⋅ft) of torque at 5,500 rpm[19] largely due to a nozzle water injection system that is the first to be used on a production automobile in almost twenty years. In addition to the increased engine power, the M4 GTS is 27 kg (60 lb) lighter than the standard M4 Coupé with the DCT transmission, so the weight now stands at 1,585 kg (3,494 lb). The 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time is reduced to 3.8 seconds, while the top speed stands at 305 km/h (190 mph). The M4 GTS has, according to BMW, lapped the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife track in 7 minutes and 28 seconds, 24 seconds faster than the base M4 and 20 seconds faster than the M3 GTS. This equates to the same time as a Porsche Carrera GT
