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| BMW X4 M40i |
Expertise gained on the race track
Since 1993, this 100% subsidiary of BMW AG has been known as BMW M GmbH. The products and services from the five divisions of BMW M Automobiles and BMW M Performance Automobiles, BMW Individual, M Equipment and Packages, BMW Group Driving Experience, as well as Security, Emergency and Special-Purpose Vehicles are aimed at customers who place high demands on their automobile in terms of performance, exclusivity and individuality. The letter M is synonymous throughout the world with success in motor sport, as well as with the fascination for highperformance sports cars driven on the road.
"BMW M Performance automobiles are constructed exclusively by BMW M GmbH and are positioned between the BMW top models and our M core models. We developed them for customers who, although they place great demands on sporty handling characteristics, are unwilling to forego the practicality of their vehicle in everyday situations. The experience and expertise gained by BMW M on the race track and in the development of high-performance sports cars has also been channelled into the development of BMW M Performance automobiles. Since the introduction of this new product category in 2012, demand has steadily increased. In 2013, around 14,250 BMW M Performance models were sold. In 2014 it was 24,000 vehicles," says Frank van Meel, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW M GmbH.
Drive units
The newly developed M Performance TwinPower Turbo in-line six-cylinder petrol engine for the new BMW X4 M40i combines high performance with exemplary fuel economy. Accordingly, the lightweight, thermodynamically optimised aluminium engine has been constructed with what is known as a closed-deck design. In this type of construction, the water jacket surrounding the cylinders is sealed at the top, which endows the crankcase with an exceptionally high degree of stiffness.
BMW M3 and M4 engine components
The drive unit powering the new BMW X4 M40i is based upon the three-litre, in-line six-cylinder engine in the BMW X4 xDrive35i. In order to fulfil the exacting dynamic demands placed upon BMW M Performance vehicles in all respects, our development engineers have optimised the drive unit using a forged steel crankshaft in addition to components from the high-performance engine fitted to the BMW M3 and BMW M4, which were introduced in 2014. This is how, among other things, pistons with an adapted top ring, crankshaft bearings and high power spark plugs found their way from the six-cylinder inline engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology to the new BMW X4 M40i.
In addition to a higher level of charging pressure and an increase in the amount of fuel injected, the engine has been fitted with an aerodynamically tuned air intake manifold as well as an exhaust system optimised both in terms of back pressure and sound characteristics in order to further increase performance. A separate oil cooler guarantees that the optimum operating temperature of this extremely powerful engine is maintained under all driving conditions.
An exhaust system with intelligent valve control
The distinctive exhaust system fitted to the new BMW X4 M40i is unmistakable with tailpipes on both sides finished in fine Chrome Black. The radical technical changes include, in addition to intelligent valve control, a back pressure-optimized double-flow exhaust system fitted beneath the floor of the vehicle, as well as resonator tuning specific to M Performance. The result is a charismatic sound, individually determined by the driver depending on driving mode and driving situation, perfectly emphasizing the car's sporty character acoustically.
M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology
The new M Performance TwinPower Turbo in-line six-cylinder petrol engine also benefits from TwinScroll Turbo technology, the High Precision Injection system, the Double VANOS variable camshaft control system and Valvetronic, the fully variable valve control system as standard equipment.
This cutting-edge drive technology in the new BMW X4 M40i guarantees the free-revving vivaciousness typical of a BMW M engine and its outstanding power delivery. It also contributes - as is the case with all BMW engines - to the exemplary running smoothness and noticeably reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
In addition, the new three-litre petrol engine powering the new BMW X4 M40i is fitted with Auto Start Stop functionality and Brake Energy Regeneration as standard equipment. A further reduction in fuel consumption is guaranteed by the intelligent energy management system which controls the auxiliary units. In addition to a demand-driven coolant pump and a variable-volume oil pump, these include an electro-mechanical steering system that requires no electrical power at all when driving straight ahead. Additional savings are also made by the air conditioning compressor, which is disconnected when not in use.
The integration of the turbocharger into the exhaust manifold also makes a significant contribution to the highly efficient power optimisation provided by M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology in the new six-cylinder in-line engine in the new BMW X4 M40i. As a consequence, the warm-up phase after a cold start has now been significantly shortened. This quickly minimises the internal friction in the system, thereby considerably reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The location of the catalytic converter in close proximity to the engine and the solenoid-operated charge pressure regulating valve (wastegate) further improve the emission characteristics of this internal combustion engine.