BMW M3 and M4: cooling system

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.

In episode two, Markus, responsible for the development of cooling systems BMW M3 and M4, explains why the high-performance engine with up to 510 hp, the brakes and the transmission remain within the ideal temperature range even under the greatest stress. He also answers questions from the BMW M community.

BMW M3 Sedan [1] :

Fuel consumption combined in l/100 km 10.1

CO2 emissions combined in g/km 230

CO2 class G

BMW M4 Competition Coupé [1] :

Fuel consumption combined in l/100 km 9.9

CO2 emissions combined in g/km 223

CO2 class G

START VIDEO

BMW M ENTHUSIASTS ASK, BMW M EXPERTS ANSWER.

What is the operating engine and oil temperature?

Markus: Water between 90°C-105°C; oil around 100°C.

What is the maximum oil temperature? How much heat can it withstand?

Maximum engine oil temperature is about 130°C.

For the engine oil cooler, how much air flow/vehicle speed does it need to fully work? It has no fan to support.

The oil cooler performance increases with speed. However, while standing still there is sufficent cooling ensured.

Wouldn't it be smarter to place the cooler at a slight angle so you would have more surface for cooling?

Good idea! But for now, it's not possible due to package constraints.

Is the engine oil cooler protected by a bumper?

Yes. It is protected by 2 bumpers, one per side. #bordsteinabfahrtdaempfer

Won't the lip (to create low pressure for the oil cooler) worsen the flow along the underbody?

***SPOILER ALERT*** Watch out for another episode to come …

Can you resume what is cooled? Engine, gearbox, differential?

There is specific cooling for the engine and M Steptronic transmission (water and oil). Manual transmission and Active M Differential are air cooled.

Why does the automatic transmission version have an additional cooler/radiator?

There is an increased cooling requirement for automatic transmission.

On my M2 Competition, the left heat exchanger heats the tire more than the right one. Does this do the same?

No. The new BMW M3 and M4 is completely symmetrical in that regard.

Is there a radiator for power steering?

No, there is no additional cooling for the electric power steering.

Is there still a separation of cooling between turbocharger, intercooler and engine?

Yes. The turbo chargers are still separately cooled.

After how many kilometers should the cooler be replaced?

That completely depends on the actual use conditions. The radiator is not a regular wear and tear component; no scheduled replacement is required.

How many kilometers do you have to warm up before you can go full out?

That completely depends on the actual use conditions, especially outside temperatures. Watch your temperature gauges and the indicated red markings on the tach.

What's the average temp the car runs at, after some laps at the track?

That completely depends on the actual use conditions, especially outside temperatures.

How long have you been working for BMW?

Since 2000.

What did you major in to get into your position in the company?

I am a trained mechanic and majored in automotive engineering.

Which car do you drive Markus?

BMW 325i Coupé (E36).

Your favorite M car ever?

BMW M3 CSL (E46).

^[1]Performance data of petrol engines apply to vehicles using RON 98 fuel. Fuel consumption data apply to vehicles using reference fuels in accordance with EU Regulation 715/2007. Unleaded RON 91 and higher with a maximum ethanol content of 10% (E10) may also be used. BMW recommends RON 95 fuel. For high-performance automobiles, BMW recommends RON 98 fuel.

Range depends on various factors, in particular: individual driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, heating/air conditioning, pre-conditioning.

For plug-in hybrid: Electric drive depending on battery charging level.

For plug-in hybrid: At temperatures below freezing, the fully electric drive system is only available after a few kilometres of driving, once the battery has heated to operational temperature.

For plug-in hybrid: Composed of combustion engine drive and electric drive. Electric drive depending on battery charging level.

For models with Boost function: Temporary uprating <10 seconds in excess of specified nominal value.

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.

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.

Official data for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, power consumption and electric range was determined in accordance with the prescribed measuring procedure and corresponds to European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 in the applicable version. For ranges, data determined as per WLTP takes into account any optional equipment (available on the German market in this case). For vehicles that have been newly type approved since 1 January 2021, only the official data according to WLTP exists. For more information about NEDC and WLTP measuring procedures visit www.bmw.com/wltp

EPISODE 02: BMW M3 & M4 EXPLAINED.

Cooling system of the BMW M3 and M4.

BMW M ENTHUSIASTS ASK, BMW M EXPERTS ANSWER.

More articles

Cooling system of the BMW M3 and M4.

BMW M ENTHUSIASTS ASK, BMW M EXPERTS ANSWER.

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Back to overview.

Ultimate driving pleasure with the high-performance brakes from BMW M.

An interview with photographer Frederick Unflath.