Weight Distrubtion

[Bimmer4John]

Did anyone notice the weight distribution isn't 50/50 anymore? M4 is 52.3/47.7 and the M3 is just about the same (this is with DCT). Its still close but I wonder if under-steer will be more noticeable. It's getting close to my S4.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...fications.aspx

[dhoggm3]

Interesting that the M3 has a very slightly better weight distribution than the M4, and there's also a significant weight distribution benefit from getting the 6MT.

[ersin]

Originally Posted by dhoggm3

Interesting that the M3 has a very slightly better weight distribution than the M4, and there's also a significant weight distribution benefit from getting the 6MT.

IIRC this was that same way for the E90 vs E92 M3 -- the 4-door had a slightly closer to 50-50 weight distribution. Also, the 6MT is something like 80 lbs lighter than the DCT (can't recall the weight savings exactly) and the transmission is all up front, so the weight distribution difference between 6MT and DCT makes sense.


Cheers.

[swamp2]

Not only is it changing but it is changing for the worse. Best acceleration and handling comes from a fairly significant rear weight bias such as Porsche or Ferrari (or any race cars where enough regulatory leniency permits a more optimal bias).

[pootytang]

^ exactly, what's with the idea that 50/50 is somehow ideal?

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by ersin

IIRC this was that same way for the E90 vs E92 M3 -- the 4-door had a slightly closer to 50-50 weight distribution. Also, the 6MT is something like 80 lbs lighter than the DCT (can't recall the weight savings exactly) and the transmission is all up front, so the weight distribution difference between 6MT and DCT makes sense.


Cheers.

89lb

[swamp2]

Originally Posted by drob23

^ exactly, what's with the idea that 50/50 is somehow ideal?

///Marketing

[Boss330]

Originally Posted by drob23

^ exactly, what's with the idea that 50/50 is somehow ideal?

50/50 isn't "ideal", but for a RWD front engined car such a distribution is usually as good as it gets. Ideally you would want a bit rear biased weight distribution, but hard to achieve on a car based on a production model.

BTW, the E90 M3 had a 52,2/47,8 weight distribution (not far off the worst case scenario M4 DCT at 52,3/47,7).

Not sure that a 0,1% difference will be very noticeable... Especially considering it actually has less weight on each axle.
(based on weight distributions as stated by BMW in both cases)

[Bimmer4John]

Originally Posted by Boss330

BTW, the E90 M3 had a 52,2/47,8 weight distribution (not far off the worst case scenario M4 DCT at 52,3/47,7).

You know I didn't realize the E90/92 M3s had that distribution. I must have been thinking about the normal 3 series.

[Sapper_M3]

Originally Posted by drob23

^ exactly, what's with the idea that 50/50 is somehow ideal?

Optimal handling characteristics are much more involved than looking at front/rear weight distribution and which wheels are driven.

...with that said, as a general rule, if I have the choice between a RWD car with a 55/45 F/R weight distribution and a RWD car with a 50/50 F/R weight distribution (knowing no other factors), I'd of course pick the 50/50 every time. It's a good starting point for a RWD car with good handling characteristics.

[tognettiza]

Interesting that the M3 has a very slightly better weight distribution than the M4

[noro]

Is anyone else surprised by the real weight of the F80 now that's it's up on the configurator? I thought everyone was raving how the car is close to the E46 M3 weight.. it still looks heavier than a 335i.

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by noro

Is anyone else surprised by the real weight of the F80 now that's it's up on the configurator? I thought everyone was raving how the car is close to the E46 M3 weight.. it still looks heavier than a 335i.

read the other thread in this forum, and it explains the difference between the different listed weights.

bottom line, the car is as advertised. approximately 180 lbs less than a comparable e92 m3.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by noro

Is anyone else surprised by the real weight of the F80 now that's it's up on the configurator? I thought everyone was raving how the car is close to the E46 M3 weight.. it still looks heavier than a 335i.

See this post. It seems we are getting ///M cars that are lighter than their regular counterpartss this time around