Greater agility, better handling and exceptional traction: the Active M Differential raises driving fun to a new level.
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THE ACTIVE M DIFFERENTIAL.
THE ACTIVE M DIFFERENTIAL.
01. Aug 2017
The M Differential
It compensates for different rotational speeds of the rear wheels, particularly on curves. The inner curve wheel covers less distance than the outer curve wheel, meaning the outer wheel turns faster when cornering. The drive torque is transmitted from the engine via the transmission and drive shaft to the rear axle differential. The M Differential distributes the drive torque evenly to both rear wheels and compensates for the rotational speed difference.
The Lock
If a vehicle has its driving wheels on surfaces with different friction values, for example, on asphalt and ice, the wheel on the surface with lower friction value spins during acceleration. An open differential can’t set a higher torque on the asphalt either. The Active M Differential, however, transmits the torque to the wheel with the better adhesion, so that a dynamic acceleration is also possible under adverse environmental conditions.
The Active
The M Active Differential continuously determines and sets the current optimal degree of lock. A large number of input variables are used for the determination. The most important are: the driving torque, the individual wheel speeds, the transverse acceleration, the driving speed, the steering angle and the yaw rate. The goal is to achieve the best control and traction – in all possible driving and environmental situations. The degree of lock is set using an electronic-mechanically operated multi-disc clutch.
The advantage
of the Active M differential arises from its variability. Traditional passive locking systems only consider one input variable: the differential speed of the rear wheels or the drive torque. In Active M Differential, the sum of several input variables makes for a distinct advantage. A model-based assessment of the current driving state is continuously generated from a multitude of signals and values measured by the BMW M specific driving dynamics software, from which the optimal locking torque is determined. In addition to the drive torque and the differential speed at the rear axle, it also takes into account the accelerator pedal position, the driving speed, the targeted and actual yaw rate, as well as the transverse acceleration.
Confidence at the threshold
The result is superior traction combined with maximum control. The correct degree of lock allows the driver to quickly sense the traction limit of the rear axle and supports him in finding the best accelerator position. Maximum driving pleasure is guaranteed. The continuous fine-tuning of the locking mechanism to the driver’s requirements, to the road surface and to the driving situation enables confident and easy-to-control driving in all conditions – right up to the threshold.
BMW M3 Sedan:
Fuel consumption in l/100 km (combined): 9.1 (8.3)
CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 209 (194)
The figures in brackets refer to the vehicle with seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic.
Further information about the official fuel consumption and the official specific CO2 emissions for new passenger automobiles can be found in the 'New Passenger Vehicle Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emission Guidelines', which are available free of charge at all sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern, Germany, or under http://www.dat.de/en/offers/publications/guideline-for-fuel-consumption.html. The figures are not based on an individual vehicle and do not constitute part of the product offer; they are provided solely for the purposes of comparison between different vehicle types. CO2 emissions caused by the production and provision of fuel or other energy sources are not taken into account in the determination of CO2 emissions pursuant to Directive 1999/94/EC.
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.