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BMW M3 Sedan
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.
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
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.
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.
Compound brake system
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.
MDrive personalizes the driving characteristics of the new BMW M3
Athletic, sporting stance separates new BMW M3 Sedan from the pack
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.
Interior design oriented an active driving experience with luxury
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.
Safety begins with the body structure and continues inside
Technical specification
Engine: V8 3,999 cc
Max Power: 420 hp (309 kW) at 8,300 rpm
Max Torque: 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at 3,900 rpm
Max Engine Speed: 8,400 rpm
Top Speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) [electronically limited]
0-100 km/h (0-62mph): 4.9 s
Length/Width/Height (mm): 4580/1817/1447
Weight (DIN) (kg): 1605
Fuel Consumption
Combined: 12.4 liter / 100 km
City: 17.9 liter / 100 km
Highway: 9.2 liter / 100 km
Wheels
Front: 245/40 ZR18
Rear: 265/40 ZR18
