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BMW M Cars Are Done With DCTs, and Soon, Manuals Too The humble torque-converter automatic has, in the end, bested all comers. BY LEWIN DAY|PUBLISHED JUN 14, 2023 7:00 PM EDT https://www.thedrive.com/news/bmw-m-cars-are-done-with-dcts-and-soon-manuals-too?utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR1FNJBnxQSR9LAXCHofQ-aZMIlriJm-A14YQivKiPezopTM3xoGIeRT2XU The dual-clutch transmission was once hot property. It was slicker and faster to shift than a manual transmission without the doddery old reputation of a slushbox auto. Times have changed, though, and BMW has abandoned the DCT, with the three-pedal manual soon to follow. As reported by Top Gear, BMW is going all-in on automatics in the final years before full electrification. The new BMW M2 is likely to be the last manual M car, with its classic six-speed transmission. The alternative choice is an eight-speed automatic. As for the dual-clutch, it's not even part of the conversation. "The double clutch, from BMW M's point of view these days, it's gone," Dirk Hacker said to Top Gear. The Head of Development at BMW M added that "It's now manual or automatic, and automatic electrified for the future.” Above: The dual-clutch gearbox was once seen as the way of the future. BMW The prime reason the dual-clutch was dropped was due to practical concerns. The decision first centered around the M5, where BMW engineers opted for a traditional auto for comfort reasons. The dual-clutch was seen as less desirable due to its comparatively poor handling of low-speed stop-start operations, especially when parking. With that said, Hacker also notes that the modern BMW autos outperform the dual-clutche boxes, too. "In the M4 CSL it's faster shifting, and on the other side, we also use this automatic in the new M4 GTR race car," says Hacker. Fans of taking a shift-your-own adventure ought to purchase a suitable BMW sooner rather than later. Dual clutches are already dead in the BMW line-up. And, when the current crop of manuals leave the market, there won't be more coming down the line. Hacker notes that while EVs with manual gearboxes could potentially be a thing, it's not something BMW will pursue. There's no need to cry just yet; the M2 is still a brilliant three-pedal performance car that you can buy today. There are also hints the world may even see a manual Z4 down the line. However, if you're longing for a new dual-clutch for those blink-and-you'll-miss-it shifts? You're sadly already out of luck. More's the pity.

https://www.bmwblog.com/2022/02/25/bmw-m-50-years-emblem/ Just a opinion on these 50 year hood / boot badges that are popping up on new BMW cars . And they are also available from certain places to buy . Note that these are original badges and cost around $22x including shipping. Thoughts on whether it is idiotic to install these on an older BMW 😅

Big $$$

Is there a perfect middle ground between blistering performance for the track, and for day-to-day use? BMW’s M Division says yes, with the M Performance range. Let’s get this straight: BMW’s M cars are legitimate track stars. Fastidiously engineered for proper racing, and fitted with engines tuned to the heavens of power, it is when these lightning-quick celebrities are zipping and squealing their way around Nürburgring (or Sepang, for those of us here in the Asian tropics) that they truly come alive. But not all who have a penchant for going fast necessarily enjoy the idea of tire-smoking, wheel-spinning driving on a track. Some want more performance - in measured and palatable amounts. To this, BMW’s M division answers the call more than competently with its range of M Performance vehicles. The BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe demonstrates exactly how this delicate balance can be struck, and shows us why this may be the 4 Series that we actually want. Enhanced performance all around: Subtle but potent Automotive journalistic duty binds us to addressing the engine first in any car - performance or not - so that’s where we’ll start. Whereas the BMW 420i and 430i Coupes come with four cylindered 2.0-litre engines, the M440i xDrive Gran Coupe is powered by an incredible 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six enhanced with a 48V mild hybrid system. Here, it’s tuned (with the expertise of BMW M GmbH itself, naturally) to the might of 374 horses and a peripheral-vision-blurring 500Nm of peak torque, good for 0-100km/h in a blistering 4.7 seconds. Doled out in generous servings, such power bumps are carried unremittingly across the M Performance range - from the M135i hot hatch all the way to the top-of-the-line M850i xDrive Gran Coupe luxe tourer - invigorating them with an entire herd of extra raging horses over their non-M badged siblings. But the driver’s experience isn’t just enhanced by raw power. In an M Performance car, you and your front passenger are also hugged by M Sport seats that hold you firmly yet comfortably in place by providing impeccable lateral and lumbar support. Fitted with meatier M Sport brakes that are standard across the range, the cars also beckon to be pushed a bit harder; you know that they can pull back when you want them to. To round it off, a specially tuned Adaptive M Suspension helps them remain planted and unnerved through twists and turns. Here, our M440i xDrive Gran Coupe even features an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with paddle shifters which, on their own, already evoke a quasi-racecar experience. Hidden deeper within, however, is also a playful Sprint function, activated when you pull the left paddle shifter towards the steering wheel for more than a second. A burst of acceleration arrives as Sport+ mode is awakened, and the chassis and drivetrain leap into their sportiest settings. This may surprise the driver at first, but only grows more and more addictive. Finally, in an era where restrictions are clamping down harder than ever, the sound channelled through the standard M Sport exhaust is refreshingly genuine, and genuinely good. Pushed hard enough, there are even the occasional, nice old pops and bangs when you release your foot from the gas pedal. Power and grip where you need it, how you want it But M Performance cars are also crafted to instil you with the unshakeable confidence to unleash every last horse in the stable without ever fearing that they may suddenly break free from their reins and spin you out. As such, alongside every one of its eager M Performance brethren, this BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe also comes with BMW’s fully variable xDrive system. With the system’s ability to transfer up to 100% of drive torque between the front and rear axles, less power is actually sent by default to the front to make the cars rear biased. This means that drivers never lose the well-honed driving pleasure and dynamism long associated with BMWs - a crucial, indelible mark of the marque. Nonetheless, these are ultimately all-wheel drive cars. Together with the M Sport differential on the rear axle, xDrive’s communicative network of intelligent and hyper-alert electronics constantly observes both the driver’s inputs as well as the road conditions, in turn carefully calibrating how the car drives accordingly. Over uneven or slippery surfaces, for instance, xDrive can recognise where there is either more or less traction, and adjust the power sent to each axle in accordance. But then when it senses the driver getting a bit playful - such as during hard cornering - power sent to the inner wheels can be reduced so that your turns are tighter and sharper. Coupled with larger M light-alloy wheels as standard (they’re 19-inches on this M440i xDrive Gran Coupe), grip is fantastic where you want or need it to be. Whether it’s wet or dry, on gravel or tarmac; or whether you’re simply demanding more from your machine, the involvement of four wheels rather than two in M Performance cars provides an additional layer of confidence and assurance. Speed demon meets daily driver There’s absolutely no denying the might and pedigree of BMW’s laser-focused M cars, whose steady eyes never once stray from the track. The sublime rear-wheel drive M4 Competition Coupe, for example, is powered by a racetrack developed version of the M440i xDrive Gran Coupe’s sweet B58 to top an insane 503bhp. It also gets a weight-reducing carbon roof and carbon fibre inserts in the cabin, while its vented M Compound front and rear brakes will firmly hold their ground when you turn the heat up on them through the bends. It’s clear: For the many budding track stars whose palettes are inclined to the most potent of flavours, the answer is M, period. Yet this is also the point when one may ask himself or herself: “What does my daily driver look like? Do I really want such a track-oriented car?” To this, the answer may well and surely still be “Yes”. It may also be a “Hmm, not really.” This, then, is the missing piece of the puzzle that M Performance cars help to fill. Extra power and performance? Check. Extra traction and control to go along with that? Check as well. And they do it in exactly whichever body-style your lifestyle requires too. The M240i Gran Coupe, for instance, is a suitable pocket rocket for those with growing families. The X3 M40i, on the other hand, stands tall before those with a preference for SUVs. Our M440i Gran Coupe, with its two extra doors and rear bench with three full-sized seats, also presents itself as a luxurious grand tourer that endears itself as much to daily use as it does to overtaking manoeuvres and pedal-flooring. Of course - they’re all bound together ultimately by excellent cabin quality and spades of comfort and practicality. The Adaptive M Suspension mentioned earlier isn’t also geared solely towards performance, but is capable of bringing day and night into simultaneous existence within the same car by enabling different drive modes. As you shift between Comfort, Sports and Sports+ settings, electronically controlled shock absorbers on the car are also adjusted accordingly, allowing you to select the exact driving character that you want. Premium performance fo(u)rtified Make no mistake: M Performance cars present undeniably incredible leaps over their non-M badged siblings not just in terms of sheer power but overall performance. But they also take care to manage and translate these leaps into accessible, everyday fun for the driver. The latter quality, wherein the key difference lies, is crucial. If an M Car is said to dial the drama up to the maximum, an M Performance car could perhaps be said to turn the knob back just slightly to the left. After all, the bridge between, say, a 430i Coupe and a M4 Competition, is a surprisingly long one to traverse. For those hesitant to go the entire distance, the M440i xDrive Gran Coupe stands proudly and competently in between - and with five doors too. Perhaps then, this is how M440i Gran Coupe embodies the fundamentals of the M Performance range: Extra performance served subtly, for those seeking thrills but in just the right amounts. Alongside other members of the club, it offers the driver an alternative that is familiar yet exquisite, exciting yet practical - all at once. And for that, we salute all of them.

With its ample functionality, inimitable dynamic capability, and undeniable heritage, the BMW M3 Competition proves that it’s more than just a fast car. It’s easy to get lost in the numbers. With 503bhp, 650Nm of torque, and a sub-4 second 0-100km/h timing, the BMW M3 Competition is a bombastically fast car. However, it isn’t all about speed. Plenty of cars now pack 500+bhp, and 0-100km/h times continue to tumble across the industry, accelerated by the increasing number of electric cars. Owning and living with a fast car isn’t simply just about how quickly you can go in a straight line. Indeed, with something like the BMW M3 Competition, there’s more than meets the eye. 1. Duality and function Going fast is easy. Lump in any big engine, tune it up for maximum power, and you have a simple recipe for going quickly. Making that performance usable, accessible, and available is a much trickier business. The BMW M3 Competition has always been about finding that balance between performance and usability. With this newest generation model, there’s a greater level of day-to-day comfort, even as performance levels have gone up a notch. You can still ferry the family, whether it’s taking kids to school, doing the weekly grocery run, or even going furniture shopping at IKEA. And, a four-door saloon also means that there’s plenty of practicality. You don’t have to worry about squeezing into the rear seats. 2. Precision and joy Of course, with any M car, there is the eternal promise of driving joy, whether it’s simply out having fun on the weekend, or even the occasional foray to the track Going fast? That’s easy. Just stamp hard on the throttle and you’re away. You don’t even need Sport mode. However, M cars are also known for their precise driving dynamics. With this new M3 Competition, the sedan’s dynamic capabilities have been sharpened even further. With adjustments to the car’s suspension, steering setup as well as the on-board electronics, the M3 Competition has been endowed with even more precise handling. This gives you the confidence and knowledge that you have a precise tool of power, with the ability to use all of its 503bhp when the opportunity presents itself. 3. Fraternity and heritage A big part of the M badge is also its extensive heritage. The new M3 Competition builds on five previous generations of performance sedans, stretching back all the way to the original E30 M3 that was first propelled into the world in 1986. With a car like the M3 Competition, you’re buying into the heritage of performance. Naturally, that also comes with a fraternity of fellow drivers. This means the occasional meetup with fellow M enthusiasts for a chit chat over coffee, or else poring over the keen details on each other’s cars. Or perhaps, even some group drives, whether locally or overseas (whenever that happens again). With the new BMW M3 Competition, it’s more than just a fast car. It’s an extremely quick and competent daily driver - whether it’s simply to run life’s errands, chase the joy of dynamic prowess, or simply revel in the fraternity of performance and like-minded friends.

My Germany trip over the wkend http://www.bmw-sg.com/bmw-models/bmw-8-series-1/bmw-sg-m8-reveal/2017/05/31/

[extract] In the automotive world, the most powerful and recognisable alphabet is the letter M. Every auto enthusiasts would know what I am talking about. That letter M I am talking about is from the BMW M division (Motorsport). BMW

BMW M5 M Performance Edition The F10M generation M5 has been on sale recently and already BMW has announced a M5 M Performance edition in the UK. Revealed through a YouTube teaser video, the enhanced M5 will be available in three Frozen (matt) body colours: red, white and blue. Production will be extremely scarce at 30 units; ten vehicles for each color. Though there might not be any performance upgrades, with the stock M5 containing a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine, with a beastly 552hp and 680Nm of torque. BMW M3 M Performance Edition Also revealed through YouTube is the M3 M Performance Edition. Like the M5, a total of 30 examples will be made in a similar red, white and blue colour finishes. Changes seem purely cosmetic as performance is expected to be similar to the standard M3's 4.0-litre V8 with 414 horses. However expect a high-spec equipment list to be offered as standard, and upgraded braking and suspension systems. Check out the blacked out grille as well, though it makes the famed 'kidney-grille' looks bigger. Nonetheless, in my fantasy world where I am King, I'll take the M5 in blue and the M3 in red, thank you.

[extract] The turbocharging of engines in modern cars today is getting pretty common. You can see all sorts of forced induction set-ups, from a small-sized single turbo and up to a twin-turbo set-up. But a triple turbo set-up is something new and two German automakers are venturing into that foray. The rumours of BMW

[extract] BMW M was first started to assist BMW

I had the lucky opportunity of taking the BMW 1-Series M Coupe for a short drive recently, when sgCarMart had the car for a review. And I must say, I'm deeply impressed with this amazing little car. A BMW M car is always special, no doubt. But the 1-Series M Coupe somehow brings back to the brand what it has been missing for a while now. Namely, a small, focused little car, with little frills, leaving the driver to concentrate on the art of just driving. Despite the fact that it's manual only (can be troublesome in Singapore), and that the pedals are a bit too offset to the right, you just never feel bothered about these little niggles when you drive the 1M. Because the rest of the car just feels, so addictive. Yes the power is ferocious, but the car also handles so gamely, at your control. It puts the power back into your hands, and the car goes along with what you ask of it. You want to flick the tail out? Sure, it will do that if you want to. You want it to go round corners quickly? It obeys your request as well. It's just a lovable little car, and whoever gets to own one, will be very lucky indeed. If I have to vote for the car of the year so far this year, this would be it.

So what does the 'M' in a BMW stand for? Marketing. Yes, marketing and not motorsport. The reason is that BMW has stated in a recent report by TheDetroitBureau.com that the BMW 1 series M coupe will only have a one year run. One measly year? One year for a car that enthusiasts deem to be the spiritual replacement to the BMW E30 M3. And it was only launched and previewed in Singapore at the end of January. Of course BMW said that they will only make 2,500units of the car and we all know a manufacturer like BMW would find it easy to produce that many limited run units in a year. But the question is, is the M Division into selling cars that are actually the 'Ultimate Driving Machines' or up to market forces? The reason I stated market forces because the report also stated that BMW admitted that less than a thousand units of the 1 series M Coupe will be produced instead of the 2,500 units that was slated for production. It also looks like M series 'enthusiasts' aren't really interested in being nostalgic with a car that is as small as the E30 M3 and lighter as well as nimbler than the current V8 powered E92 M3. I suppose those that can afford an M series BMW wants more than that and this is the reason the 1 series M Coupe seems to be selling badly. This is usually the case with cars like these. Enthusiasts harp on and on about it but no one actually wants it. Or maybe enthusiasts are those that are already old, dying, with a bad left foot and can only use an automatic or are young and poor? It looks like Sales and Marketing or sales numbers has won instead of actually wanting to carry on building a proper motorsport type of car like this one. One year is too short a time to be just chopping a car from the sales catalog. Whatever the case, expect the 1 series M Coupe to be highly collectible (and ultra rare) after this. news source:autoblog.com

[extract] These are the first photos of the BMW X1 with the M Sport Package. The package will be available later this year for all engine versions of the X1 and comprises of suspension, exterior and interior components specially developed for the SUV. The external enhancements include sports suspension calibration and 17-inch double-spoke M alloy wheels for even sharper driving dynamics. Alternatively, the M Sports package can be supplied with 18-inch double-spoke M alloy wheels. The M Sports package for the BMW X1 also features an M Aerodynamics package, door sills with the

BMW, or more specifically, BMW M, recently previewed the 1 Series M in Singapore. The 1-Series M must be one of the most eagerly-anticipated BMWs of all time. For years, there has been constant rumours and speculation going around as to whether BMW will actually make an M version of its small car, and even debate on what it would be called, since M1 was the name given to BMW's supercar of the 1980s. Now that it's finally here, BMW M fans can definitely rejoice. While us Singaporeans don't get to drive the 1-Series M yet, and therefore make judgement for ourselves, the foreign motoring press seem to be all praises for the baby M car. Some have even likened it to the original BMW M3, which has to be some honour, to be compared to the car that started the entire M revolution. The car certainly has a passive aggressive look to it. Like a wrestler in a suit, it looks subtle enough, yet you know that it has the ability to tear your head off should you choose to provoke it. Just 20 units will be allocated to Singapore, out of the 2500 in total that BMW will make, which guarantees exclusivity for any M collector. One customer at the launch event was so impressed that he ordered one on the spot, making him the first to own the 1 Series M in Singapore. Like all M cars in Singapore, the 1 Series M is available for order at the world's first exclusive M dealership, Munich Automobiles.

[extract] Sometime late last year BMW Group Asia announced that Munich Automobiles Pte Ltd had been selected to specifically market BMW

BMW has released the first teaser video of the hotly-anticipated 1 Series M Coupe. No details about the powertrain or performance specs have been revealed, though in the video M boss Kay Segler leaves no doubt that the 1-Series M Coupe will be a powerful machine that will give its driver "the goose pimples". The video shots suggest that the 1 Series M model will get the usual "M treatment" with extended wheel arches and a bodykit with unique bumpers and side skirts. According to Segler, the smallest ever BMW to wear the M-badge will arrive in showrooms in the first half of 2011. Stay tuned for more to come