Re: M3 article (in English part1) (archive)

Since it appeared in the middle of the Eighties, the line m3 always symbolized the sportivity way BMW, because on its side, older, M5 always turned to great tourism. For proof, the incomparable sporting prize list of m3, one of the rare cars of its generation to have imposed itself on the highest level, as well in rally as in circuit. Even if, objectively, it should well be admitted that this sporting curriculum vitae vit� except par is to be put in the active first generations of m3, based on the truck E30, the following ones having passably modified their approach of the performance at the same time as the sporting payments became less favorable to them. In short, if, these last years, m3 somewhat deserted the special ones from rallys and the circuits of the world, it less did not continue any to constitute a true commercial success on the road which made badly with certain half-compartments with the prestigious name. The sixth generation, presented this autumn, does not derogate from the rule and perpetuates the formula which made the success of the preceding one. " Never changes has winning TEAM ", were said in German in the text his designers, who left roughly speaking a hull half-compartment E42 and engine 3.2 liters the preceding model. Both being passably modified.

Since the whole beginnings, the heart of one m3 was always its engine. Appeared in 1985 with small 4 cylinders of 2.3 liters already carried to 195 CH, it is entitled today to one 6 cylinders on line of 3.2 liters and... 343 CH. With the base, it is of course about the block of m3 " E36 " developing 321 then CH. An excellent reference. Here, the cubic capacity passes from 3201 to 3246 Cm3 thanks to a slightly higher boring. And, ultimately, one arrives at a fuel rating, completely sizeable for an atmospheric engine of series, of 106 ch/l. This increased power is to be put in the active of a total work on the engine having related to the browsing of the high modes. For proof, the maximum mode is of 8000 tr/min (7400 tr/min before) and the couple with nearly 5000 tr/min (against 3250 tr/min). Here are which could let fear a a little hollow engine in bottom. It of it is obviously nothing, 80% of couple (290 Nm) being already available to 2000 tr/min grace, in particular, with the double VANOS acting on the chocks of camshafts of admission and exhaust and with an electronic management MSS 54 more powerful, smoothing the evolutions of the engine on all its modes. The line of exhaust redrawn is more permeable with gas and a bulky silencer made impossible the installation of a true spare wheel in the trunk. BMW justifies to have privileged the high modes by the fact that such a choice implies a reduction of the moving parts with all the positive influence that that can have on the total weight whereas contrary, to support the couple at all costs supposes the use of parts costaudes, therefore heavy (as well for the engine as for the transmission). It comes out from it an engine polymorphic, at the same time at ease in bottom and ragor in top, calm and posed with 3000 turns, vigorous with 5000 and explosive with 7000. A jewel...

Taking into account the additional equipment (of comfort and security) embarked by new m3, it was essential to seek to limit the weight, everywhere where that was possible. The engine is thus 6% lighter than its predecessor, while the use of aluminium for certain hanging devices and the engine cowling made it possible to remain under the bar of... 1.600 kg (1.570 exactly)! It is still much, certainly, but they are only 55 kg more than the last generation, whereas the more generous increase in the power made it possible to make pass the poids/puissance report/ratio from 4,7 to 4,5 kg/ch (according to standards' HAVE, that is to say with a conductor of 75 kg on board). There is no doubt, one is well in the sphere of the potential fighters. Moreover, m3 does not hesitate to adopt certain elements of the look of them, to begin not the four conduits of exhaust d�boulant under the back shield or by the enormous air intake cut out in the front bumper. The evacuation of the excessive calories being done by side hearing perforating the wings downstream from the nose gear wheels, �.la.mode Z8. Body-build�, the half-compartment m3 offers rebounded wings which increase the overall width of 2 cm and which make it possible to place the large wheels of 18 inches, even 19 in option. As for the ways, they increase straightforwardly by 3,7 cm to front and of 4,2 cm to the back compared to a half-compartment 330 Ci Undoubtedly less discrete on the aesthetic level than its devanci�re, new m3 display its sportivity clearly.

Follow Ups:

Re: M3 article (in English part2) Ced 13:55 10/29/2000 (1)
- Re: M3 article (in English part2) Larry 15:20 10/29/2000 (0)

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