BMW M4 2021-present Drivetrain Specifications
BMW M4 2021-present

BMW M4 2021-present Drivetrain Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and documentation for the 2021-Present BMW M4 drivetrain system, including engine, transmission, differential, and performance metrics.

Updated

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the drivetrain specifications for the 2021-Present BMW M4, including key features, measurements, and technical details

How to Use

Use the search function to locate specific drivetrain components or specifications by entering keywords such as 'transmission', 'differential', or 'driveshaft'.

Navigate through the drivetrain documentation by selecting the desired section from the table of contents or using the sidebar menu for quick access to subsections.

Key Specifications

Engine Displacement

3.0L

Max Power Output

473 hp (353 kW)

Transmission Type

8-Speed M Steptronic

0-60 mph Time

3.4 seconds

Fuel Tank Capacity

15.6 gallons (59 L)

Available Specifications

Engine and Transmission

Details about the engine and transmission system, including specifications and performance metrics

S58 Twin-Turbocharged Engine
  • 3.0L inline-6 cylinder engine
  • Max power output: 473 hp (353 kW) at 6,250 rpm
  • Max torque: 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) at 2,650-6,130 rpm
  • Compression ratio: 9.3:1
  • Direct injection with high-precision injection system
8-Speed M Steptronic Transmission
  • 8-speed automatic transmission with Drivelogic
  • Gear ratios optimized for performance and efficiency
  • Integrated launch control system
  • Shift times reduced to 150 milliseconds in Sport mode
  • Adaptive shift mapping based on driving conditions

Note: The transmission features a torque converter with lock-up clutch for improved efficiency.

Driveshaft and Differential

Technical details about the driveshaft and differential system, including materials and performance characteristics

Carbon Fiber Driveshaft
  • Lightweight carbon fiber construction
  • Reduced rotational mass for improved responsiveness
  • Length: 1,200 mm (47.2 in)
  • Designed to handle up to 700 Nm of torque
  • Enhanced durability and vibration damping
Active M Differential
  • Electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential
  • Torque distribution: 0-100% between rear wheels
  • Response time: <100 milliseconds
  • Integrated with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
  • Optimized for high-performance driving and traction

Note: The differential adjusts torque distribution based on wheel slip and driving conditions.

Suspension and Chassis

Information about the suspension and chassis components that interact with the drivetrain

Adaptive M Suspension
  • Electronically controlled dampers
  • Three modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport+
  • Spring rates optimized for performance and comfort
  • Integrated with DSC and M Differential
  • Ride height: 140 mm (5.5 in) front, 145 mm (5.7 in) rear
M-Specific Chassis Tuning
  • Aluminum-intensive front and rear axles
  • Increased camber for improved cornering stability
  • Wheelbase: 2,857 mm (112.5 in)
  • Track width: 1,620 mm (63.8 in) front, 1,610 mm (63.4 in) rear
  • Stiffened subframe for enhanced rigidity

Note: The chassis is designed to complement the drivetrain for optimal performance.

Performance and Efficiency

Performance metrics and efficiency details related to the drivetrain

Acceleration and Top Speed
  • 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): 3.8 seconds (manual), 3.4 seconds (automatic)
  • Top speed: 155 mph (250 km/h) standard, 180 mph (290 km/h) with M Driver's Package
  • Quarter-mile time: 11.8 seconds
  • Braking distance (60-0 mph): 100 ft (30.5 m)
  • Drag coefficient: 0.34 Cd
Fuel Efficiency
  • City fuel economy: 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km)
  • Highway fuel economy: 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km)
  • Combined fuel economy: 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km)
  • CO2 emissions: 227 g/km
  • Fuel tank capacity: 15.6 gallons (59 L)

Note: Fuel efficiency varies based on driving conditions and transmission type.

Component Specifications

Transmission

Type
8-speed M Steptronic automatic with Drivelogic
Gear Ratios
1st: 5.000:1
2nd: 3.200:1
3rd: 2.143:1
4th: 1.720:1
5th: 1.313:1
6th: 1.000:1
7th: 0.823:1
8th: 0.640:1
Reverse: 3.713:1
Part Number
8HP76X
Fluid Capacity
9.5 liters
Fluid Type
BMW ATF 3+
Operational Temperature Range
-40°C to 150°C

Differential

Type
Active M Differential
Ratio
3.15:1
Part Number
33108659987
Fluid Capacity
1.2 liters
Fluid Type
BMW SAF-XJ
Locking Mechanism
Electronically controlled multi-plate clutch

Transfer Case

Type
Not applicable (Rear-wheel drive configuration)
Note
The 2021-Present BMW M4 does not feature a transfer case as it is rear-wheel drive.

Driveshaft

Material
Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP)
Length
1.5 meters
Part Number
26108659988
Torque Capacity
800 Nm
Operational Speed Limit
8000 rpm

Axles

Front
Not applicable (Rear-wheel drive configuration)
Rear
Type: Semi-floating
Part Number: 33208659989
Spline Count: 32
Torque Capacity: 700 Nm
Operational Speed Limit: 7500 rpm

Clutch

Type
Not applicable (Automatic transmission)
Note
The 2021-Present BMW M4 with the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission does not use a traditional clutch.

Engine Output

Power
473 kW (635 hp) @ 6250 rpm
Torque
750 Nm @ 2750-5500 rpm
Redline
7200 rpm
Compression Ratio
9.3:1
Fuel Type
Premium unleaded (95 RON minimum)

Cooling System

Type
Liquid-cooled
Coolant Capacity
12 liters
Coolant Type
BMW Antifreeze/Coolant
Operational Temperature Range
-40°C to 120°C
Part Number
82141467704

Lubrication

Engine Oil Capacity
7.5 liters
Engine Oil Type
BMW TwinPower Turbo 0W-30
Transmission Fluid Capacity
9.5 liters
Transmission Fluid Type
BMW ATF 3+
Differential Fluid Capacity
1.2 liters
Differential Fluid Type
BMW SAF-XJ

Diagnostics

Error Codes
  • P0700 - Transmission Control System (MIL Request)
  • P0715 - Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
  • P0720 - Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
Diagnostic Tool
BMW ISTA+
Diagnostic Port Location
Under dashboard, driver's side

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the 2021-Present BMW M4 drivetrain

10000
12
  • Engine oil and filter change
  • Transmission fluid check
  • Differential fluid check
  • Driveshaft inspection
  • Axle inspection

Use only BMW-approved fluids and parts.

30000
36
  • Transmission fluid replacement
  • Differential fluid replacement
  • Driveshaft and axle boot inspection
  • Coolant system flush

Inspect for leaks and wear on drivetrain components.

60000
72
  • Full drivetrain inspection
  • Replace all drivetrain fluids
  • Check and replace worn drivetrain components
  • Diagnostic system scan

Perform a comprehensive diagnostic scan to ensure all systems are functioning correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What type of drivetrain does the 2021-Present BMW M4 use?

The 2021-Present BMW M4 features an M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which can be configured to operate in rear-wheel-drive mode for a more traditional driving experience. The system includes an Active M Differential for optimized torque distribution.

Q2

What is the torque capacity of the M4's drivetrain?

The drivetrain is designed to handle up to 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque, which is the maximum torque output of the S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine used in the M4 Competition models.

Q3

How does the Active M Differential improve performance?

The Active M Differential is an electronically controlled limited-slip differential that varies lock-up between 0-100% based on driving conditions. It enhances traction, stability, and agility by optimizing torque distribution between the rear wheels.

Q4

What is the gear ratio of the M4's drivetrain?

The M4's drivetrain features a final drive ratio of 3.15:1 for models equipped with the 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. This ratio is optimized for both performance and efficiency.

Q5

Can the M4's drivetrain be serviced by non-BMW technicians?

While basic maintenance can be performed by qualified technicians, complex repairs and calibrations, such as those involving the Active M Differential or M xDrive system, should only be performed by BMW-certified professionals to ensure proper functionality and warranty compliance.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

BMW M4 Drivetrain Technical Overview

Coming Soon

Detailed technical documentation covering the M xDrive system, Active M Differential, and torque distribution mechanisms.

M4 Drivetrain Maintenance Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step guide for routine maintenance procedures, including fluid changes and differential inspections.

M xDrive System Calibration Manual

Coming Soon

Official BMW manual for calibrating and troubleshooting the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

Active M Differential Service Bulletin

Coming Soon

Latest service bulletins and updates for the Active M Differential, including common issues and repair procedures.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

ASE Master Certified Technician with over a decade of hands-on experience in automotive repair and diagnostics.

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