2008 BMW M3 - Technology & Specs - First Drive

The science of speed: 10 trick technologies that help make the M3 fast

1) Cast in the same plant that produces blocks for the BMW Sauber F1 cars, the M3 block is made of an aluminum-silicon alloy that means it doesn't need heavy steel liners.
2) At 445 pounds, the V-8 is 33 pounds lighter than the straight six it replaces. The forged steel crankshaft weighs just 44 pounds.
3) Ion flows across the spark plug electrodes are monitored to sense knocking or misfiring, and control the combustion process in each cylinder.
4) The wet sump lubrication system features two sumps -- a large one behind the front axle, and a smaller one up front. The system can handle up to 1.4g lateral acceleration.
5) The alternator generates maximum power when the car is braking or coasting, and no drag during hard acceleration for a quasi-hybrid effect.
6) Speed sensing variable differential lock ensures maximum torque is directed to the driving wheel with the greatest traction at all times.
7) Cast iron vented and cross-drilled discs are located to aluminum carriers by way of stainless steel pins, reducing thermal loads and unsprung weight.
8) The stability control system senses when heavy braking is about to occur and increases pressure in the hydraulic system to pre-load the pads and shorten reaction time.
9) Thermoplastic front fenders save about six pounds; carbon fiber roof lowers the center of gravity.
10) BMW engineers covered more than 600,000 test miles at the Nurburgring Nordschliefe during the car's development.