Tag: F80 M3

BMW Australia is now taking orders for M3 and M4 LCI (life-cycle impulse) models and has taken the knife to pricing, while adding additional standard features as well.

When originally launched down under list pricing for the F80 M3 was $156,900 and the F82 M4 was priced from $166,900. Those prices have now been reduced to $139,900 and $149,900 respectively. Meanwhile, the M4 convertible has also been discounted to $161,900.

Additional standard equipment includes items such as head-up display, adaptive LED headlights, internet connectivity, tyre pressure monitor, full leather merino upholstery and more.

Shawn Ticehurst, BMW Group Australia Head of Product and Market Planning, is very happy with this news.

“More value, more technology and more refinement. That is what we are delivering with this update to the BMW M3 and BMW M4,” Ticehurst said.

“The growth of the BMW M range has been a fantastic success story for our brand, particularly in 2015. And over the first seven months of this year, we have already surpassed our total sales result for 2014.”

We wonder how happy those buyers will be who paid an extra 15-large for lesser equipped M3s and M4s?

Funnily enough, the M3 and M4 are now priced just below the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 range.

The facelifted models will be on sale locally from October. There’s more detail below.

In line with our exclusive information from mid-April BMW has finally released official pricing and specs for the new M3 and M4. You can read the press release after the break. Before you do, a reminder on the manufacturer’s list pricing:

• BMW M3 Sedan: $156,900
• BMW M4 Coupé: $166,900

EXCLUSIVE

Australian pricing details for the new BMW M3 and M4 have found their way to us. According to the material we have these are “indicative prices” only:

• BMW M3 Sedan: $160,000 (estimated)
• BMW M4 Coupé: $170,000 (estimated)

Those estimated figures include GST and LCT and will be finalised towards the end of the month. Build allocations for the Australia-bound F80 M3 and F82 M4 will commence with May 2014 production.

Here’s a selected list of optional equipment, including GST and LCT:

• 19″ M light alloy wheels double-spoke 437 M, Black – $500
• M Carbon ceramic brakes – $15,000
• Adaptive LED headlights – $2,360
• 6-speed manual transmission – No cost option

Further details are available after the break.

BMW has now come good with info on its new M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe. We’re entering the fifth generation of this iconic model, but it’s the first in the “M4” era and also the first time the M3 has featured a turbocharged engine, although returning to a straight six configuration.

For the purposes of ease let’s just refer to the two models collectively as the M3, which is now around 80kg lighter than the outgoing V8 model. The standard 6-speed manual gearbox sheds 12kg and includes automatic throttle blipping for downshifts. While the 7-speed DCT, now 40% lighter, features a “Smokey Burnout” feature. No, that’s not a joke:

The Smokey Burnout function allows the driver to indulge in a degree of rear wheel spin while the car is moving at low speeds.

Sending power to the rear wheels is still a key feature of the M3 and BMW has helped control the car’s 317kW by including an Active M Differential. The system ties in with DSC to ensure wheel spin is reduced. In addition, the M Dynamic Mode allows a degree of hooliganism before DSC intervenes to restore order.

The drive for lower fuel consumption sees electromechanical steering make an appearance on the M3 and it features three settings: Comfort, Sport and Sport+. These settings are also complemented with the optional Adaptive M suspension.

BMW says the tailor-made engine provides “smooth and efficient power delivery, very sharp response and reduced fuel consumption and emissions.” Thanks largely to the design of its mono-scroll turbochargers, direct injection and BMW’s well developed Double-VANOS continuously variable camshaft timing.

Weight reduction has been aided by both the Sedan and Coupe having a carbon fibre reinforced plastic roof. A CFRP strut brace in the engine bay not only increases rigidity but also saves 1.5kg compared with the old M3.

Trivia buffs will take note in the fact that production will be split across two facilities. The M4 Coupe will be built at the company’s headquarters in Munich, while the M3 Sedan will be built 120kms to the north at Plant Regensburg.

Before you sink your teeth into the detailed info below, here’s the key stats:

2014 F80 M3 / F82 M4 key stats

• Engine: 2979cc six cylinder with two mono-scroll turbochargers
• Power: 317kW (431hp) @ 5500–7300rpm
• Torque: 550Nm @ 1800–5500rpm
• Weight (unladen): 1520kg sedan; 1497kg coupé (add 40kg for DCT)
• Brakes (front): Four-piston fixed-calliper disc brakes / inner-vented, perforated
• Brakes (rear): Twin-piston fixed-calliper disc brakes / inner-vented, perforated
• Tyres: 255/40 ZR18 95Y (front); 275/40 ZR18 99Y (rear)
• Wheels: 9.0J x 18 light-alloy (front); 10.0J x 18 light-alloy (rear)
• 0-100km/h: 4.3s (manual); 4.1s (DCT)
• 0-1000m: 22.2s (manual); 219.s (DCT)
• Top speed: 250km/h (limited)
• Fuel consumption (combined): 8.8l/100km (manual); 8.3l/100km (DCT)
• CO2 emissions: 204g/km (manual); 194g/km (DCT)
• Emission rating: EU6

UPDATE: BMW Australia tells us the M3/M4 is due to arrive early in Q3 next year. List pricing yet to be confirmed, but appears anyone fearing a journey beyond a $200K list price can rest easy.