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EPISODE 19: BMW M3 & M4 EXPLAINED.

EPISODE 19: BMW M3 & M4 EXPLAINED.

3 min reading time

The Steptronic Transmission in BMW M3 and M4.

In episode 19, BMW M developer Karsten explains the M Steptronic Sport transmission of the BMW M3 and M4 Competition.

12 April 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.

Karsten always knows what goes round: the engineer, responsible at BMW M for transmission development of the M3 and M4 automobiles, explains the M Steptronic Sport transmission used in the Competition models. In the video he explains all the technical details and how exactly M GmbH has optimised the transmission.

BMW M3 Competition Sedan [1] :
Fuel consumption combined in l/100 km   9.9
CO2 emissions combined in g/km   224
CO2 class   G
EPISODE 19: M3 & M4 EXPLAINED.

EPISODE 19: M3 & M4 EXPLAINED.

Start Video

BMW M ENTHUSIASTS ASK, BMW M EXPERTS ANSWER.

Which has quicker kickdown, DCT or the new transmission?

Due to the possibility of multi-gear change at once the 8-speed M Steptronic is faster most of the time.

Do shift pressures change based on the selected drive mode or are they fixed?

The hydraulic system pressure does not depend on the drive mode.

What are the differences between the transmission programming of the F90 M5 and the G8x M3/M4?

It is a completely different programming which perfectly suits the different engine characteristics of the V8 and I6 engines. Please, have a look at Episode 7 "Drivetrain Competition models".

BMW M3 Competition.

What is the additional weight compared to the manual transmission?

In the car (including the additional oil cooler for the 8-speed M Steptronic) the difference is 23.8kg.

Will excessive use of launch control void the factory warranty on the transmission?

No.

How long is the lifetime of the "small" friction clutches between the planetary gears?

The clutches within the 8-speed M Steptronic are designed for the entire vehicle's life.

Side view of a BMW M4 Competition.

What is the maximum torque the ZF8 can handle vs DCT?

The same transmission is also used in the BMW M5 CS with 750Nm which it handles quite well. The old DCT handled a maximum of 700Nm in last generation's M5.

Top speed at max RPM for each gear?

1st: 57km/h, 2nd: 89km/h, 3rd: 133km/h, 4th: 166km/h, 5th: 217km/h, 6th: 285km/h, 7th/8th: 290km/h (limited Vmax with optional M Drivers Package) Reverse: 40km/h. However, different tire dimensions have an influence on these speeds.

Under light loads will the transmission skip ratios for improved fuel economy?

Yes, it will under certain circumstances.

BMW M3 Competition.

How much torque multiplication is present through the torque converter when unlocked?

The torque multiplication factor is 1.8

Is the external oil cooler only part of the M transmission or is it also part of the AG transmission?

The AG transmission uses an indirect water-oil-cooler whereas BMW M uses a direct air-oil-cooler.

Which transmission is suited better for acceleration at over 200kph? Manual or 8HP?

Given the additional power of the Competition models in combination with avoidance of the power loss during shifting, the 8-speed M Steptronic ones are faster.

Do you design by solidworks software?

We use CATIA V5.

What's your university major?

I graduated in mechanical engineering.

What car do you drive?

Something with lots of room for my family with 3 children ;)

What is your all-time favourite BMW you would own?

For me, that is going to be the BMW M5 (F90).

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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.

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