While it’s standard fare not to rev out a diesel, this engine is geared in such a way that doing so is completely pointless – there’s next to no sensation in acceleration between 4000rpm and the redline. It is, however a diesel, so torque still comes in a sizeable lump between 2500rpm and 4000rpm, then completely drops off thereafter. While there is still a low rumble of diesel din, it’s so well damped inside the cockpit it feels like you’re driving one of the most refined four-cylinder diesels on the market. The new engine, complete with 187bhp and 295lb ft here, also uses 48-volt mild hybrid technology for gentle e-boost and more prevalent coasting functions, but what you really notice is just how quiet it is on the move.
#EBOOSTR 4 SERIAL NUMBER FULL#
The 440i holds seventh gear all the way to 184mph before shifting up one last time, its halo glaring full blast on the near-empty Autobahn. While the 430i needs to be revved to deliver, the six can play monster mauler or giga purrer - your choice, as it’s a tremendously quick car that leaves our mouth watering for the full-fat M4.
#EBOOSTR 4 SERIAL NUMBER UPGRADE#
The aftermath of pushing the starter button sounds like an instant upgrade from Stereo to Dolby Surround. In Sport and Sport plus, the two-tone exhaust celebrates the extra grunt by staging a barely legal bass-heavy soundfest. While the top speed is again limited to 155mph (there is no driver’s pack available for this model), the acceleration time from 0-62mph improved by 0.4 to 4.5sec. The maximum torque is up to 369lb ft at 1900-5000rpm. The power output of the redesigned 3.0-litre unit went up by 47bhp to a notably more substantial 369bhp at 5500-6500rpm. Together with the M440d due next spring, the M440i is the last of its kind to fly the flag of the iconic six-cylinder engine, now paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system which unleashes up to 11bhp of additional on-demand e-boost power. The redesigned seats - now equipped with motorized safety belts - are supportive instead of generously sized and upholstered, but having two fewer doors impacts access to the cramped and claustrophobic rear seats, and the boot is 40 litres smaller than the 3 saloon (440 litres vs the 3-series’ 480).Įxtrovert types may want to check out the M Performance Parts catalogue which offers bespoke 20in wheels, a choice of aero add-ons, carbon fibre trim bits and a lifetime supply of go-faster black accents. But, yes – the interior is a carbon copy of that in the latest 3, complete with iDrive 7.0, digital instruments and clean, if unexciting cockpit design.