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EPISODE 04: BMW M3 & M4 EXPLAINED.

EPISODE 04: BMW M3 & M4 EXPLAINED.

3 min reading time

The seats of the BMW M3 and M4.

BMW M developer Bernd explains to us the M Sport seat and the M Carbon bucket seat in the new BMW M3 and M4.

19 January 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 Bernd designs something, it's all about extreme lightness, perfect fit and the best materials. The BMW M developer is responsible for the new M Sport seat and the new M Carbon bucket seat. In the video, Bernd introduces both. His conclusion: "Fits," as they say in Bavaria.

BMW M4 Competition Coupé [1] :
Fuel consumption combined in l/100 km   9.9
CO2 emissions combined in g/km   223
CO2 class   G
BMW M3 Sedan [1] :
Fuel consumption combined in l/100 km   10.1
CO2 emissions combined in g/km   230
CO2 class   G
SEATS. BMW M3 & M4 EXPLAINED.

SEATS. BMW M3 & M4 EXPLAINED.

Start video

BMW M ENTHUSIASTS ASK, BMW M EXPERTS ANSWER.

What are the colour and texture options for both seats?

Bernd: The standard M Sport seats and the optional M Carbon seats are available with Leather Merino in four colours: Black, Silverstone/Black, Kyalami Orange/Black, and Yas Marina Blue/Black. The M Carbon bucket seats feature black Alcantara parts at the side supports for increased grip with the occupant's clothing. Some BMW Individual colours, e.g. Fiona Red/Black, will follow.

Does the BMW M4 come with ambient lighting or does it even have the option?

Interior ambient lighting is a standard feature for all new BMW M3 and BMW M4 models.

The Competition Seats in the BMW M4.

Do the M Carbon bucket seats have memory to save seating positions?

Yes, the electric seat adjustment includes a memory function for the driver's seat.

Is the seat available with manual adjustment?

No. For the moment, all seats available are electric only.

Does the carbon bucket seat have a heating option?

Yes, seat heating for driver and front passenger comes as standard in all new BMW M3 and M4 models, no matter what seat is being optioned.

Seat ventilation and massage are not possible, right?

The standard M Sport seats are available with optional active seat ventilation. The optional M Carbon bucket seats are passively ventilated with its large breakthrough areas anyway. But no massage functions for any of these seats though.

For the standard seat, how does the ventilation actually work, does it blow or pull air?

The active seat ventilation for the standard M Sport seat is a blowing type ventilation.

The Carbon seats in the BMW M4.

The optional M Carbon bucket seats.

How do the side bolsters move?

The side bolsters are inflated or deflated pneumatically.

Are there lateral airbags in the carbon bucket seats?

Yes, there are side airbags integrated in the M Carbon seats.

Do the carbon seats provide more rear leg room?

There is a marginal difference. The effect of your individual seating position on rear leg room will be more influential.

Which seat do you suggest for daily use?

Personally, I would opt for the M Carbon bucket seat. Getting in and out is a little more difficult, but I am more directly connected to the road and feel the vehicle more clearly, which is the deciding factor for me. The standard M sports seat offers a slightly wider fit with higher vibration comfort and additional lumbar and seat depth adjustment, making it more customisable. So in the end, it comes down to your personal taste.

What's the actual function of that carbon part between the legs apart from its good look?

The small carbon part between your legs provides improved fixation for both of your legs while driving with higher alternating lateral g-forces. Additionally, it is a very nice design detail for that seat.

How long does it take to make the M Carbon seats? And are they hand-made?

The seats are mostly hand-made as they are a very complex part. Pre-production of the carbon parts takes about 3 hours (worker time), while final assembly is done in about 120min.

Is it made of artificial fiber or natural fiber?

It is made from artificial carbon fiber.

Seats in the BMW M3.

What is your favorite color for the carbon bucket seats?

I like the all-black variant the most.

Favorite M3 configuration, exterior and interior trim choices?

That would be a Frozen Portimao Blue M3 with Black full leather upholstery and M Carbon seats.

How long have you been with BMW?

I started working for BMW in 1995.

What is your favorite BMW M ever?

The BMW M2 Competition.

What car do you drive privately?

I have a lot of equipment to transport for our band - so there is a spacious VW T4 in the garage and a BMW 3 Series Touring for the smaller gigs.

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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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