Table of Contents

4th Generation M3 Introduction

Subject Page

The new BMW M3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

E90 M3 Dimensions and Vehicle Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
E92 M3 Dimensions and Vehicle Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

M3 Heritage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
E30 M3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
E36 M3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
E46 M3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
E92 M3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

M3 Concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
M- Specific Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Chassis and Suspension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Engine and Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

V8 with High Engine Speed Concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
A New Dimension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Overview of Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Vehicle Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
The MDrive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Menu Item Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
M Engine Dynamics Control (Power) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
DSC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
EDC-K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Servotronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
"Key-Dependent Settings" Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Initial Print Date: 1/08 Revision Date:

4th Generation M3 Introduction

Model: E90, E92

Production: 2/2008

After completion of this module you will be able to:

• Identify key changes to the M3

• Obtain general information on the new M3

2
4th Generation M3 Introduction
The new BMW M3
A new addition to the ’M’ family has just arrived. The new BMW M3. A simple letter and
number combination which has become synonymous with an extremely powerful and
dynamic performance car.
The M3 is now in its fourth generation with a history of success in the world of motor
sport, winning races across the globe since its beginning back in 1985. Not only has the
race version of the M3 gained a successful motor sports heritage, its on road credentials
live up to the expectations and demands of today’s M3 drivers. The E92 M3 will be
launched in the spring of 2008.
This precisely balanced sports car will set new benchmarks in driving dynamics for sport
coupes. As with its predecessor the focus has been on optimizing the power to weight
ratio whilst maintaining the high engine speed concept. This combination ensures that
both power and driving agility are exceptional, placing the M3 in an even higher level of
sport car competition.

3
4th Generation M3 Introduction
E90 M3 Dimensions and Vehicle Data

805 2761 1014

4580
1447

1540 1539
2005 1817

4
4th Generation M3 Introduction
E92 M3 Dimensions and Vehicle Data

805 2761 1049

4615
1424

1538 1539
TK07-0069

1976 1804

5
4th Generation M3 Introduction
M3 Heritage
E30 M3

1988 - 1991
From 1988, the first M3 generation turned the world of racing upside down. One year
prior, the M3 had been launched as a thoroughbred sports car for the road.
Powered by a four-cylinder four-valve engine, the original M3 showed its sporting ambi-
tions in its exterior design: flared wheel arches and a large rear spoiler gave it lots of road
presence.

Engine Configuration: 4 cylinders, in-line

Capacity: 2.3 liters
0-62: 6.8 sec
Top Speed: 145 mph
Performance: 192 hp @ 6,750 rpm
Torque: 230 Nm (169 lb-ft) @ 4,750 rpm

6
4th Generation M3 Introduction
E36 M3

1995, 1996-2000
Family affair: the second-generation M3 was offered as a complete model series.
First came the Coupé, two years later the Convertible and Sedan. And the engine
received a nice boost, too: the four-valve six-cylinder unit delivered 240 hp.

1995 1996-2000
Engine Configuration: 6 cylinders, in-line 6 cylinders, in-line
Capacity: 3.0 liters 3.2 liters
0-60: 6.1 sec. 5.9 sec.
Top Speed: 128 mph 128 mph
Performance: 240 hp 6,000 rpm 245 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 305 Nm @ 4,200 rpm 319 Nm @ 3800 rpm
225 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm 236 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
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4th Generation M3 Introduction
E46 M3

2001 - 2006
The third generation of the M3 enters the stage: with the M3 Coupé and the high-revving
naturally aspirated engine delivering 333 hp at up to 8,000 rpm, BMW once more intro-
duced a true sports car, which, like its predecessor, was crowned “best handling car”.
From 2001, BMW added the convertible version.

Engine Configuration: 6 cylinders, in-line

Capacity: 3.2 liters
0-60: 4.8 sec.
Top Speed: 155 mph
Performance: 333 hp @ 7,900 rpm
Torque: 355 Nm (262 lb-ft) @ 4,900 rpm

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4th Generation M3 Introduction
E92 M3

2007
BMW M3 Reloaded. With a new naturally aspirated V8 engine, suspension and drivetrain,
a convincing design and best-in-class performance, the latest generation of the BMW M3
is once again making headlines. A true sports car with fantastic everyday usability. The
successor takes over the lead: the new BMW M3.

Engine Configuration: 8 cylinders, V configuration

Capacity: 4.0 liters
0-60: 4.7 sec. (coupé) - 4.8 sec. (sedan)
Top Speed: 155 mph
Performance: 414 hp @ 8,300 rpm
Max Torque: 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) @ 3,900 rpm

9
4th Generation M3 Introduction
M3 Concept
Body
In addition to the sporty and dynamic appearance in both the external design and the
interior, the main features were weight optimization and a reinforced bodyshell for
improved dynamic handling. A further outstanding feature of the E92 M3 is also
once again the sophisticated aerodynamics typical of the M series.

M- Specific Equipment
Exterior: Front zone with generous air inlets, "Powerdome" engine hood with air inlet,
carbon roof, side gills, outside mirrors, sill, wheel rim design, extended wheel
arches, and the boot with spoiler and four exhaust tailpipes all combine to
provide the initial impression.
Interior: Sill trim strips, seats, steering wheel, instrument cluster, switches in the
center console and the gear lever design all increase the anticipation.

Engine
Under the engine hood, the 8-cylinder power pack is the high-speed S65B40.
With individual throttle butterflies, a generous intake air and exhaust manifold, and many
more refined M-specific features such as the MSS60 engine control, the S65B40 is
once again an outstanding highlight of the M series.

10
4th Generation M3 Introduction
Drive
Double-disc clutch, 6-gear manual transmission and the fully variable M limited-slip differ-
ential ensure the forward momentum.

Chassis and Suspension

Front and rear axles with new suspension geometry and M-specific suspension settings
with 18" tires.
Specific objectives of the development were weight optimization, and in particular, control
of the longitudinal and lateral acceleration/power that is generated when enjoying the
pleasure of driving the M3.
The M3 brake with compound brake discs, new high-performance brake pads and stan-
dard M series ABS/DSC guarantee optimum braking efficiency and active safety.

Electrical System
The electrical equipment and bus structure of the M3 are based on the E92.
The optional MDrive menu can be used to preset/configure the standard Servotronic and
the M engine dynamics control (enhanced with "Sport Plus"), the optional electronic
damper control EDC-K (in the E9x series only available in the M3) and the DSC M
dynamic mode.
In the E9x series, the BMW Individual High End audio system is offered for the first time
in the M3.

11
4th Generation M3 Introduction
Engine and Technical Data
V8 with High Engine Speed Concept
It will be the first time that a V8 engine has been fitted in a series production M3. The
main concept behind this high-revving, high performance engine with a sporty sound is
the extremely light, rigid and robust construction which is capable of reaching extreme
engine speeds of up to 8,400 rpm. The engine achieves an impressive 400 hp (roughly
100 hp per liter).
The S65B40 is derived from its big brother, the S85B50. The main changes can be
seen in the engine oil system, VANOS valve gear system and air intake system. Special
consideration has also been given to engine weight optimization.
The engine with all its assemblies is built in the special engine production area of the
Munich BMW plant.
One standard engine is used throughout the world and adapted to suit specific market
requirements.

12
4th Generation M3 Introduction
A New Dimension
The M engineers consider the high engine speed concept to be the most intelligent
strategy of obtaining the maximum thrust from a vehicle.
For example, in a modern formula 1 engine, the crankshaft works at up to 19,000 rpm
(resulting in piston speeds of over 25 meters per second).
The actual thrust at the driven wheels is the decisive factor for car acceleration. This
thrust is achieved by the engine speed, the torque and the short gear ratio.
This concept has been adopted for vehicles in the 'M' range from motor sport. The fully
variable M limited-slip differential means that the thrust is optimally distributed to the live
axle.
Furthermore, the S65B40 also includes the established M-specific features such as dou-
ble VANOS, individual throttle butterflies and high-performance engine electronics
(MSS60 control unit).

S65B40 View of the Intake Manifold S65B40 View of the Intake Flutes

Technical workarounds by increasing the cylinder capacity or boosting become excessive,

thus avoiding the increased engine weight and consumption often associated with these
methods.
The high engine speed concept helps to achieve dynamically agile handling and the max-
imum in sports driving performance characteristics.
A maximum torque of 400 Newton meters at 3,900 rpm is reached. Approx. 85 percent
(340 Nm) can be utilized beyond the enormous engine speed range of 6,500 rpm.
The S65B40 attains 8,400 rpm, and therefore a value that was previously only reserved
for racing car engines or exotic custom vehicles.

Note: For safety reasons, due to the engine dynamics when the vehicle is sta-
tionary (i.e. without a road-speed signal), it is already down-controlled at
7,000 rpm to prevent the engine speed from increasing into an impermis-
sible range.

13
4th Generation M3 Introduction
Overview of Special Features
Body:
• M3 Front and rear apron
• Carbon fiber roof in carbon optic,
if no optional sliding/tilt sunroof (body color)
• Gills in front side panels
• M3 outside mirrors
• Aluminum hood with "Power Dome" and air inlet
• M dome braces, thrust panel and underbody V-brace
• Weight-optimized bumper brackets, front and rear
• Optimized heat isolation package
• Optimized noise isolation package
• Optimized underbody paneling, front and rear

Interior:
• M3 steering wheel
• M gear lever
• M driver foot supports
• M3 seats
• Lighter floor trim (carpet)
• Lightweight design through-loading in rear

Electrics-:
• M3 Instrument cluster
• M-specific switches for gear lever in the center console
• Buttons for the tire pressure system between center air conditioning outlets
• Intelligent alternator control (IGR)
• AGM battery

14
4th Generation M3 Introduction
Engine:
• New high-engine-speed concept V8 engine
S65B40 with MSS60 engine control system
• M3 Air intake guide
• M Individual throttle butterflies
• M Ion-flow combustion monitoring
• M VANOS
• M3 Exhaust system

Drive:
• Dual-disc clutch used in an M3 for the first time
• M 6-gear manual transmission
• Fully variable M differential with locking action

Chassis:
• M3 Rims, tires
• M3 Compound brake system
• Adapted front axle carrier, M front axle components
• Servotronic hydraulic steering, M steering gear ratio
• Adapted rear axle carrier,
M rear axle components
M-specific options:
• MDrive menu
• EDC-K
• 19" M3 rims, tires (optional)
• Seat back width adjustment (passive)
• Enhanced leather interior
• High speed down-control option 7ME "M Driver’s Package"
(280 km/h)

15
4th Generation M3 Introduction
System Overview
Vehicle Electrical System
The vehicle electrical system is based on the E92 series production vehicle system and
has been adapted for the M3.

Vehicle Electrical System and Terminal Status Overview

ASP
2x JB

SBFA FRM CID

US/EU
EDC-K
RAD2
US/EU
KOMBI CON
SMC CCC SZL
2x > 09/07
FS
QLT
DSC
GBFA SMFA SMBF CDC SBX High

IBS
US
GBBF TPMS Antenna TOP-HIFI LWS
High-
Triggers Audio G
4x

SINE USIS US
DSC-SEN
US
SDARS
OC3
DME
US

RLS MRS5 TCU IBOC

FZD US EU

EKP-SG

PDC CAS D-CAN K-Bus (protokoll)

Klemme 30
K-CAN BSD Klemme 30g

8x MOST LIN-Bus Klemme 30g-f

IHKA CA TAGE Klemme R
2x PT-CAN Lo-CAN
Klemme 15
F-CAN

16
4th Generation M3 Introduction
Index Explanation Index Explanation

ASP Outside mirrors IHKR Integrated heating/air conditioning system

CA Comfort Access JB Junction box

CAS Car Access System KOMBI Instrument cluster

CCC Car Communication Computer LWS Steering angle sensor

CDC (Compact) CD changer M-ASK Multi-audio system controller

CID Central information display MRS5 Multiple restraint system, 5th generation

CON Controller OC3 Seat occupancy detector mat (US)

DAB Digital Audio Broadcast PDC Park distance control

DME Digital motor electronics QLT Quality, level, temperature oil sensor

DSC Dynamic Stability Control RAD Radio1 or Radio2

DSC-
DSC sensor RLS Rain light sensor
SEN

SINE Emergency current siren/tilt SBFA Switch block, driver's door

EDC-K Continuous Electronic Damping Control SBX Interface box (ULF functionality)

SBX Interface box High (Bluetooth telephony, voice

EKP Electric fuel pump control unit
High input and USB/audio interface)

FLA High beam assistant SDARS Satellite tuner (US only)

FRM Footwell module SMBF Passenger's seat module

FS MOST direct access SMC Stepper motor controller

FZD Roof function center SMFA Driver's seat module

GBBF Seat belt extender controller, front passenger SZL Steering column switch cluster

GBFA Seat belt extender controller, driver TAGE Outside door handle electronics

High -
BMW Individual High End Audio system TCU Telematics Control Unit
Audio
TOP-
IBOC In Band On Channel (Digital Radio) Top-HiFi amplifier
HiFi

IBS Intelligent battery sensor USIS Ultrasonic passenger-compartment sensor

Integrated automatic heating/air conditioning sys-

IHKA VM Video module (only for US)
tem

17
4th Generation M3 Introduction
The MDrive
The MDrive menu known from the M5/M6 is also available in the M3 if equipped with
the navigation system.
Starting from the iDrive main menu, the MDrive menu can be called up by pressing on
the iDrive controller and selecting M settings.
The overall setting is called up/activated by pressing on the M button on the steering
wheel. Pressing the M button again or restarting the vehicle deactivates the settings.
The settings can, of course, be retrieved again using the M button.
The following is a list of menu items with selection options that are currently available
in the MDrive menu:

• M Engine Dynamics Control (Power)

– "Unchanged"
– "Normal"
– "Sport"
– "Sport Plus"

• DSC
– "Unchanged"
– "OFF"
– "ON"
– "M Dynamic mode"

• Servotronic
– "Normal"
– "Sport"

• EDC-K (only if fitted)

– "Unchanged"
– "Comfort"
– "Normal"
– "Sport"

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4th Generation M3 Introduction
By selecting "Unchanged", when the M button is pressed (i.e. the settings in the MDrive
menu are called up), the current settings of this system are retained.
Example:
The driver has deactivated the Dynamic Stability Control function using the DSC button.
- MDrive setting: M Engine dynamics control "Sport Plus"; DSC "Unchanged";
Servotronic "Sport".
The driver presses the M button on the steering wheel to call up the M settings.
- Only the "Sport Plus" and Servotronic "Sport" settings for M engine dynamics
control are activated. DSC remains deactivated.

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4th Generation M3 Introduction
Menu Item Details

M Engine Dynamics Control (Power)

Apart from "Unchanged", three engine control programs are available;
"Normal", "Sport" and "Sport Plus".
The options determine how spontaneously the engine responds to actuation of the
accelerator pedal. The maximum engine power is not changed.
Using the power button in the center console, the driver can only choose between
"Normal" and "Sport".
"Sport Plus" is only available in the MDrive menu.

DSC
Apart from the "Unchanged" setting, in the DSC submenu, the options "OFF" "ON" and
"M Dynamic mode" can be selected.
If "M Dynamic Mode" is selected, the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) permits higher slip
values at the wheels. The system does not activate the stabilizing function until very
close to the handling limit range, when it influences engine output and/or actively
engages the brakes.
In "OFF" mode, an experienced sports car driver can also completely deactivate the DSC
function.
Using the DSC button in the center console, the driver can switch between "OFF" and
"ON" or if "M Dynamic Mode" is active, between "M Dynamic Mode" and "OFF".
"M Dynamic Mode" is only available in the MDrive menu.

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4th Generation M3 Introduction
EDC-K
If option 223 continuous Electronic Damper Control is fitted together with MDrive, in
addition to "Unchanged", three EDC programs can be selected in the MDrive menu:
"Comfort", "Normal" and "Sport".
The driver can use the EDC button in the center console to switch sequentially between
the three programs.

Servotronic
The settings that can be selected for the Servotronic steering function are "Normal" and
"Sport". Depending on the selection, the appropriate characteristic curve for power
assisted steering is active.
This selection option is only available in the MDrive menu. Without MDrive, the customer
has no option, and a fixed programmed speed dependent characteristic curve is used.

"Key-Dependent Settings" Menu

Under "M settings", the "Key-dependent settings" menu is also available as well as the
MDrive menu.
This allows key-specific settings for certain MDrive menu items.
M engine dynamics control and EDC settings are currently possible, which are assigned
to the specific key used during the configuration (configuration => ZV closing action =>
memorizing).
Under the M engine dynamics control menu item, "Normal" or "Sport" can be selected.
In the EDC menu item, the options "Comfort", "Normal" or "Sport" can be selected.

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4th Generation M3 Introduction
M Drive Bus Diagram

2
DME
14

PT-CAN

DSC

PT-CAN
13

12
FRM
JB/SV

11
CID
K-CAN

KOMBI

MASK/
CCC
9 10

F-CAN

SLZ PT-CAN
K-CAN

8 7 6

5
CON

4
EDC-K

22
4th Generation M3 Introduction
Index Explanation

1 Servotronic valve

2 DME MSS60

3 Junction Box distribution box

4 Electronic Damping Control controller

5 iDrive controller

6 POWER button

7 EDC button

8 DSC button

9 Steering column switch cluster

10 Multi audio system controller/Car Communication Computer

11 Central Information Display

12 Instrument cluster

13 Footwell module

14 Dynamic Stability Control

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4th Generation M3 Introduction