M4 Under 3,300 lbs for real?

[DarkTrigger]

I came across this little article from my May 2013 issue of Automobilmag. 3,300 lbs is z4 28i territory...

[AhsanU]

I somehow massively doubt that it'll be THAT light. But we can always hope.

[Inge_F]

One can only hope.
But for the first time there will be a different internal code between the M and the standard 3-series platform, (f80 vs f30). Lets hope this means that the structures are so different from each other that there will be room for massive weight savings. Why would they else use different codes??

Once again, one can only hope...

[M3takesNYC]

I don't see why not since the current e9x is actually 3550 as weighed by many owners indepedantly through the years. The e46 was 3450 which is much higher than most actually know. So to shave 200 pounds is not super easy, its also not really that difficult for a manufacterer with access to change the sound material, body panels, suspension component materials/subframe material etc

I expect it to weigh 3400 to be honest which with 420 "rated" and more likely 450 true hp as they always underrate engines

[MisterEm]

If it achieves 3300 lb curb weight, this car will break some hearts and egos with that powerband.


OT and a but needs to be said.

Originally Posted by M3takesNYC

The e46 was 3450 which is much higher than most actually know.

Its more than most folks know because that dataset is invalid. 3450 lbs is not what the 46M weighs unless you are smuggling a pair of 3rd graders in the trunk.

Here is real data:

My car came off the factory floor one of the fattest M3 coupes (I called her Miss Piggy back then) you can order and even with additional stereo components STILL did not achieve the weight you claim.

With almost a full tank of gas, sunroof, SMG, PDC, OEM 19" boat anchors, nav and a 12" speaker box + 5 channel amp (+65 lbs) topped out at 3410. ZERO weight reduction - tool box and M mobility kit still in the trunk. I was trying to get it as FAT as possible for my initial weigh in before I put her on a diet.

This weight from the Long-Acre scales (http://www.longacreracing.com/catalo...p?id=1&catid=1 ) was verified by the CCA at several Auto-X events that first year on their scales as well.

Just for reference, non-sunroof 6MT car is right at or below 3300 stock on the same scales. Sunroof (+45), SMG (+15) and NAV (+10) do not add 150 pounds to the 46M's weight. I have removed those components from my car and weighed them and the car afterwards.


Miss piggy today sits at 3290 lbs with the full interior, the same stereo and 1/2 tank of gas.

[HBspeed]

Official BMW Weights:
(with a few official Audi and Porsche weights thrown in for comparison)


DIN curb weight (preliminary as they call it):

E30 M3 at 1,225 kg = 2,701 lbs
Z3MC (S52) 1,345 kg = 2,967 lbs
997.2 GT3RS 1370 kg = 3,020 lbs
E36 M3 at 1,385 kg = 3,053 lbs
Z4M Coupe 1390 kg = 3,066 lbs
997.2 GT3 1395 kg = 3,075 lbs
TT-RS at 1,450 kg = 3197 lbs
E46 M3 at 1,474 kg = 3,250 lbs
E82 1M at 1,495 kg = 3,296 lbs
R8 V8 at 1560 kg = 3,440 lbs
E92 M3 at 1,605 kg = 3,538 lbs
R8 V10 at 1695 kg = 3,571 lbs


EU standard weight:

E30 M3 at 1,300 kg = 2,865 lbs
Z3MC (S52) 1,420 kg = 3121 lbs
997.2 GT3RS 1445 kg = 3,186 lbs
E36 M3 at 1,460 kg = 3,219 lbs
Z4M Coupe 1,465 kg = 3,230 lbs
997.2 GT3 1470 kg = 3,241 lbs
TT-RS at 1,525 kg = 3,362 lbs
E46 M3 at 1,549 kg = 3,415 lbs
E82 1M at 1,570 kg = 3,461 lbs
R8 V8 at 1635 kg = 3,604 lbs
E92 M3 at 1,680 kg = 3,704 lbs
R8 V10 at 1695 kg = 3,737 lbs

EU is DIN + 68kg driver and 7kg luggage.

[MisterEm]

Originally Posted by HBspeed

Official BMW Weights:
(with a few official Audi and Porsche weights thrown in for comparison)


DIN curb weight (preliminary as they call it):

E30 M3 at 1,225 kg = 2,701 lbs
Z3MC (S52) 1,345 kg = 2,967 lbs
997.2 GT3RS 1370 kg = 3,020 lbs
E36 M3 at 1,385 kg = 3,053 lbs
Z4M Coupe 1390 kg = 3,066 lbs
997.2 GT3 1395 kg = 3,075 lbs
TT-RS at 1,450 kg = 3197 lbs
E46 M3 at 1,474 kg = 3,250 lbs
E82 1M at 1,495 kg = 3,296 lbs
R8 V8 at 1560 kg = 3,440 lbs
E92 M3 at 1,605 kg = 3,538 lbs
R8 V10 at 1695 kg = 3,571 lbs


EU is DIN + 68kg driver and 7kg luggage.

3250. I stand corrected. Thanks for the additional BMW data. Jives well with what the corner balance scales show. Generally, the E9X's are in the high 36XX's and E46's in the low 33XX's wet-weight on the same scales.

[NISFAN]

I see in the attached article, they mention CCB in the mix to get to this weight. No doubt CCB will be an expensive option to save the weight. Standard steel braked cars will weigh +30-40lbs

[Inge_F]

Originally Posted by NISFAN

I see in the attached article, they mention CCB in the mix to get to this weight. No doubt CCB will be an expensive option to save the weight. Standard steel braked cars will weigh +30-40lbs

On a M5 it saves 42,8lb, probably a little less on a M3, since the rotors and calipers will be smaller in the first place, (6 piston front cal. on M5, probably 4piston on m3)

[MisterEm]

Originally Posted by NISFAN

I see in the attached article, they mention CCB in the mix to get to this weight. No doubt CCB will be an expensive option to save the weight. Standard steel braked cars will weigh +30-40lbs

Interesting. What does the CCB option cost on the M5? Is that the $6500 "performance upgrade" listed on the build site?

[Capt Slow]

Originally Posted by Inge_F

On a M5 it saves 42,8lb, probably a little less on a M3, since the rotors and calipers will be smaller in the first place, (6 piston front cal. on M5, probably 4piston on m3)

...Don't be so sure of that, check these out:

http://www.f30post.com/goodiesforyou...3/BMW-M4-j.jpg

http://www.f30post.com/goodiesforyou...3/BMW-M4-g.jpg

They are definitely 6 piston front calipers on the front and the rears look to be 4 piston, not those single piston sliders like on the M5/M6 CCB option...

[Inge_F]

Originally Posted by Capt Slow

...Don't be so sure of that, check these out:

http://www.f30post.com/goodiesforyou...3/BMW-M4-j.jpg

http://www.f30post.com/goodiesforyou...3/BMW-M4-g.jpg

They are definitely 6 piston front calipers on the front and the rears look to be 4 piston, not those single piston sliders like on the M5/M6 CCB option...

These are pics of testing of the CCBs, and you are correct, those will be 6 piston at the front and 4 at the rear.
But I was talking about the standard steel brakes, those will probably be 4 piston fixed alu cal. at the front and 2 piston fixed at the rear on the new m3/4. In other words, smaller and lighter then the standars on m5.
Point is that the difference between CCB and steel will be slightly less on M3/4 than it is on M5.
I`m also happy that M gmbh are finally ditching those sliding cals.

[MisterEm]

Originally Posted by Inge_F

These are pics of testing of the CCBs, and you are correct, those will be 6 piston at the front and 4 at the rear.
But I was talking about the standard steel brakes, those will probably be 4 piston fixed alu cal. at the front and 2 piston fixed at the rear on the new m3/4. In other words, smaller and lighter then the standars on m5.
Point is that the difference between CCB and steel will be slightly less on M3/4 than it is on M5.
I`m also happy that M gmbh are finally ditching those sliding cals.

If this is indeed correct, it should be a win-win for both regular M cars ditching the old sliding calipers and those that pony up for the CCB upgrades.

I may be in the minority when I say this, but I could care less how much more power this new M has over the S65 variant (415, 430, 455 blah) ... as all M cars make more power than their predecessor.

I won't consider ordering one until the sedan is independently weighed. Anything south of #3400 and I may tell my son he can pay for his own undergraduate and graduate school like his dad did! Crank HP won't impact that decision, sadly.

I must be getting old...

[NISFAN]

Originally Posted by MisterEm

Interesting. What does the CCB option cost on the M5? Is that the $6500 "performance upgrade" listed on the build site?

Yes something like that....not cheap.

[NISFAN]

Originally Posted by Capt Slow

...Don't be so sure of that, check these out:

http://www.f30post.com/goodiesforyou...3/BMW-M4-j.jpg

http://www.f30post.com/goodiesforyou...3/BMW-M4-g.jpg

They are definitely 6 piston front calipers on the front and the rears look to be 4 piston, not those single piston sliders like on the M5/M6 CCB option...

I do hope that is just a generic CCB test, not real M3/M4 brakes, they look like the brakes you NEED on a heavy car

The M5/M6 CCB's use the exact same calipers as the stock versions, just different pads and discs, and down rated booster. I hope M3 goes the same way

[DUI Elite]

very highly doubt it.

Its larger than the outgoing E92. E92 335's are around what 3700 lbs on a good day?

edit: just saw the weight comparo's. I don't think it'll be under 3500 for sure.

[NISFAN]

Originally Posted by DUI Elite

very highly doubt it.

Its larger than the outgoing E92. E92 335's are around what 3700 lbs on a good day?

F30 is lighter than E90

[DarkTrigger]

Well, going from a v8 to an i6 should reduce some weight.

[hilals]

Can't wait to buy this car, will be a good upgrade from my E90 335XI !

[DiavelM3]

Originally Posted by DarkTrigger

Well, going from a v8 to an i6 should reduce some weight.

The current V8 S65 is already lighter than the previous gen. E46 M3 I6....
But I'm sure they will reduce weight where they can. Target = 300 lbs. less than current E9x

[Inge_F]

Originally Posted by DiavelM3

The current V8 S65 is already lighter than the previous gen. E46 M3 I6....
But I'm sure they will reduce weight where they can. Target = 300 lbs. less than current E9x

No wonder, S54 block was made of cast iron, with the S65 they moved to alu-block, that helps on the weight...

[TheYoungConnoisseur]

Turbos, piping, intercooler etc ads a ton of weight that would offset any differences from losing 2 cyl and some displacement. I seriously doubt it will be 3400 wet regardless.