BMW M4 Competition Coupé

THE DRIVE SHAFT.

Episode 18: BMW M3 and M4 Explained.

The Drive shaft.Episode 18: BMW M3 and M4 Explained.
08. Apr 2021

The epitome of racing feeling in everyday traffic starts a new round. 35 years after the debut of the first BMW M3, BMW M GmbH presents the latest generation of its high-performance automobiles in the premium mid-size segment. Time to introduce the two new vehicles. In the #M3M4explained series, the developers have the floor.

When Torsten designs something, he devotes himself above all to the question of how the engine's torque reaches the wheels as perfectly as possible. The BMW M developer is responsible for the drive shaft of the new BMW M3 and M4 automobiles. In the video, Torsten introduces it and explains its advantages.

BMW M3 Sedan:
Fuel consumption in l/100 km (combined): 9.9-10.2 (WLTP)
CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 226-231 (WLTP)

BMW M4 Competition Coupé:
Fuel consumption in l/100 km (combined): 9.6-9.8 (WLTP)
CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 219-224 (WLTP)

Read more
BMW M3 M4 Explained

BMW M ENTHUSIASTS ASK, BMW M EXPERTS ANSWER.

What is the maximum load of the driveshaft?

 

The maximum peak load at the shaft is about 3500 Nm.

 

What is the weight of the drive shaft?

 

The weight is about 11kg for the RWD, however the drive shaft is longer than the predecessor.

 

What is the weight difference between F8x CFRP and G8x steel driveshaft?

 

The delta is about 3.5 kg.

 

What is the length of the drive shaft?

 

The shaft for the RWD is about 1.5 m.

Read more
BMW M3 Competition Coupé

Out of which material is the driveshaft of the new BMW M3 and M4 exactly made?

It's made from a special high-alloy cardan shaft steel.

Is there any difference between the drive shaft of the manual vs the automatic transmission?

Yes, they have a different length due to different gearbox length.

Is there more power train loss on the M4 with M xDrive compared to the RWD model?

Spoiler alert! Watch out for another episode to come.

Was a different design for the driveshaft considered for markets without particulate filters?

We always planned an identical shaft for worldwide use.

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BMW M4 Competition Coupé

How do you ensure the adhesive capsule (see video) has sealed properly during fitting?

There is enough adhesive in the capsule to fill 3/4 of the remaining volume. The glue displaces the air due to its liquid properties.

What kind of fluid is in the capsule?

It is an anaerobic adhesive.

How has the adhesive been tested? Might it wear down over time and cause vibrations?

It was validated by a huge variety of endurance tests. The adhesive remains stable over time and temperature.

Would the old 90mm shaft be stronger compared to the new 50mm shaft?

Both variants can transfer the maximum forces just as well.

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BMW M4 Competition Coupé
BMW M3 Competition Coupé

The smaller cardan shaft has no effect on the engine torque.

Are all drive shafts individually balanced still using counterweights?

Yes.

What was the problem with CRFP design? Too much deflection or resonance?

Both. A smaller diameter leads to a low natural frequency and this ultimately leads to an impermissible deflection. In terms of design, we at BMW currently always keep a certain safety margin to the natural frequency in order to avoid negative effects for the customer.

How do you balance the need to limit vibrations with transmitting mechanical feel to the driver?

There is a rubber coupling between transmission and drive shaft that is tuned for this vehicle.

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How much force does the crash element take to decouple? Is it then destroyed?

The force to trigger is adapted to the respective vehicle. Once the crash element has been triggered, it is destroyed.

How to replace a defective driveshaft when it is glued to the differential input shaft?

The connection can be loosened by the repair process as specified in the repair manual. Additional cleaning is required.

Did the smaller driveshaft compromise the maximum torque output of the engine?

No, the cardan shaft does not limit the engine torque.

Which CAD and CAM software are you using at BMW?

CATIA V5.

What is your favorite classic BMW?

The one and only: M1.

What car do you drive?

M340i Touring, because the M3 Touring does not yet exist :-).

 

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MORE HIGHLIGHTS:

BMW M3 und M4 explained

M Drift Analyser.

08. Jul 2021
In episode 23, BMW M developer Thomas explains the M Drift Analyser for BMW M3 and M4.
Read article
BMW M3 and M4 explained

Launch Control M Steptronic.

05. Jul 2021
In episode 22, BMW M developer Stefan explains the launch control of the BMW M3 and M4 models with M Steptronic transmission.
Read article
BMW M3 and M4 explained

Launch Control Manual Transmission.

05. Jul 2021
In episode 21, BMW M developer Sebastian explains the Launch Control in combination with the manual 6-speed gearbox for the BMW M3 and M4.
Read article
BMW M3 und M4 explained

M xDrive.

15. Apr 2021
In episode 20, BMW M developer Peter explains the BMW M xDrive all-wheel drive system of the BMW M3 and M4 Competition.
Read article
BMW M3 and M4 explained

Steptronic Transmission

12. Apr 2021
In episode 19, BMW M developer Karsten explains the M Steptronic Sport transmission of the BMW M3 and M4 Competition.
Read article
BMW M3 und M4 explained

M Traction Control.

05. Apr 2021
Just acceleration: In episode 17, BMW M developer Manuel explains the M Traction Control system in the new BMW M3 and M4.
Read article
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  • The models illustrated include optional equipment.

    Due to regular software updates, screen designs in the communication may differ from the actual screen design in your car.

    Official data on power consumption and electric range were determined in accordance with the mandatory measurement procedure and comply with Regulation (EU) 715/2007 valid at the time of type approval. In case of a range, figures in the NEDC take into account differences in the selected wheel and tire size; figures in the WLTP take into account any optional equipment. WLTP values are used for assessing taxes and other vehicle-related charges that are (also) based on CO2 emissions, as well as for the purposes of vehicle-specific subsidies, if applicable. Where applicable, the NEDC values listed were calculated based on the new WLTP measurement procedure and then converted back to the NEDC measurement procedure for comparability reasons. For newly type-tested vehicles since 01.01.2021, the official data no longer exist according to NEDC, but only according to WLTP. For more information on the WLTP and NEDC measurement procedures, see https://www.bmw.com/wltp.

    For further information about the official fuel consumption and the specific CO2 emission of new passenger cars can be taken out of the „handbook of fuel consumption, the CO2 emission and power consumption of new passenger cars“, which is available at all selling points and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.

    All vehicles, equipment, combination possibilities and varieties shown here are examples and can differ in your country. In no way do they constitute a binding offer by the BMW M GmbH. Visit your local BMW website or see your authorised BMW M Retailer for accurate details on the offers in your country.