BMW M Division CEO confirms next M3 will get turbo 6-cylinder engine

[bigjae1976]

This is where GM > BMW. They have a car with a 430hp V8 that gets 26mpg on the highway without turbochargers.

I just can't imagine the M3 getting down to 3000 lbs. What makes the M3 so popular is the combination of utility and performance. But the M brand is always evolving...I'm still anxiously waiting to see what BMW will come up with!

[MrHarris]

F30... sounds like a fighter jet.

[The CSL]

They can do what they like with the aspiration, but a V6 is mental.

So it can be placed further back, but then it also sits wider across the nose and like they said, weighs more than an I6 would, so any benefits are cancelled out. The V6 in my Dad's S-Type is extremely wide, for example.

[Lemans_Blue_M]

Originally Posted by The CSL

They can do what they like with the aspiration, but a V6 is mental.

So it can be placed further back, but then it also sits wider across the nose and like they said, weighs more than an I6 would, so any benefits are cancelled out. The V6 in my Dad's S-Type is extremely wide, for example.

It will weigh LESS than a straight six with the same displacement, not more...

That's the primary reason they are considering a V6 in the next generation M3.

[JCtx]

Originally Posted by Lemans_Blue_M

It will weigh LESS than a straight six with the same displacement, not more...

If that's the case, difference would be awfully close IMO, assuming both configurations are all aluminum. A V6 needs 4 cams, but are shorter than the 2 on an I6. You also need 2 heads vs 1. I think the only reason for a V6 is car needs a shorter nose, saving weight there, but the engines themselves would probably weight the same.

As it was commented, I can't imagine a smaller M3, especially with a shorter hood; it'd look like a Honda Civic . I'm not going to buy the new generation regardless, but am very curious what BMW will do about the next M3. Unfortunately, we're not going to know for a while. Take care.

[Lemans_Blue_M]

Originally Posted by elp_jc

If that's the case, difference would be awfully close IMO, assuming both configurations are all aluminum. A V6 needs 4 cams, but are shorter than the 2 on an I6. You also need 2 heads vs 1. I think the only reason for a V6 is car needs a shorter nose, saving weight there, but the engines themselves would probably weight the same.

As it was commented, I can't imagine a smaller M3, especially with a shorter hood; it'd look like a Honda Civic . I'm not going to buy the new generation regardless, but am very curious what BMW will do about the next M3. Unfortunately, we're not going to know for a while. Take care.

Actually you can't make a larger (reliable) inline-six engine without adding both hight and length to that type of engine configuration. The adjacent cylinders are simply too close together. If you built the block out of Aluminum (instead of cast iron), the engine would be much larger than the S54B32 engine in the E46 M3. (assuming at least a 3.5-liter displacement engine for durability) That would place even more weight past the plane the front axle. (the worst possible place to add weight) It would then be nearly impossible to maintain the M3's famous 50/50 weight distribution legacy with a larger inline-six cylinder engine. (with cast iron turbos and steel exhaust piping hanging off it)

Not to mention the space constraints on the exhaust manifold side of the motor. I don't think many of you guys understand how difficult it is to twin-turbocharge an inline-six engine with all that exhaust plumbing in such a small area. The 335i is a pain in the arse to work on, because there is virtually no room on the passenger side of the car. Not to mention the weight balance of a 335i would be magnified in an M3 with larger turbos and larger diameter piping to get the same amount of power we have now.

So the weight would be skewed from the passenger side to the driver side, and the front of the car to the rear. Now you are really taxing your engineering resources to balance out the car because of the engine.

That's Not practical nor cost efficient...

The only practical solution...is the V6 engine.

It is the only engine configuration that guarantees you both symmetry and weight balance. (front, rear, left, right)

Another thing...

You guys are always making the same repetitive arguments...

I have owned every M3 since the E30 S14, and these "discussions" always end up the same way...

"If BMW [insert criticism here], I'll never buy another M3"

The 'anti' this or 'anti' that crowd quickly chimes in on how terrible the NEXT generation M3 will be...and that the BMW executives have gone off the deep end. (what a shocker)

I really wish you guys would wise up, and realize that these people work very hard to build us some pretty amazing cars. Take a deep breath, and reserve judgment until the new car is built. A few of you sound like elitist snobs. I mean seriously...take it down a notch before some of you hyperventilate.

BMW has market forces (and government regulations), that simply cannot be avoided. This can push them into becoming more practical, rather than throwing caution to the wind. BMW is going in another direction out of pure necessity. Nothing more, nothing less.

By the way...this is the same stuff I heard in 2004, 2005, and 2006 when rumors leaked out about BMW using a V8 engine in the next generation M3. (look how that turned out)

You should have heard all the b1tching and griping back then...

It looks like history is once again repeating itself...

[e46e92love]

Originally Posted by PencilGeek

In the interview of the M-Division chief that I read, he said the car would maintain the same hp-weight ratio, but would be many hundreds of pounds lighter. He made a point to say it would have less power, but would maintain the same hp-weight ratio. The weight loss would be in areas that would matter, and he believed would make it a net performance upgrade from the current M3.

PG,

Do you think the next //M3 will be a low revving FI car or do you think they might find a way to develop a high-revver with FI? If the former, would you buy one? Would really love to hear your .02 on the issue.....

Cheers,
e46e92

[e46e92love]

Originally Posted by Lemans_Blue_M

BMW has market forces (and government regulations), that simply cannot be avoided. This can push them into becoming more practical, rather than throwing caution to the wind. BMW is going in another direction out of pure necessity. Nothing more, nothing less.

By the way...this is the same stuff I heard in 2004, 2005, and 2006 when rumors leaked out about BMW using a V8 engine in the next generation M3. (look how that turned out)

You should have heard all the b1tching and griping back then...

It looks like history is once again repeating itself...

Goverment regulations? They didn't seem to stop them from producing a //M SUV that is definitely not getting gas mileage that will avoid regulations, nor a new 7-series that now invokes a gas guzzler.

Seriously, don't quote "regulations" as being a reason when little of BMWs actions point in that direction.

Cheers,
e46e92

[Eau Rouge]

Originally Posted by e46e92love

Goverment regulations? They didn't seem to stop them from producing a //M SUV that is definitely not getting gas mileage that will avoid regulations, nor a new 7-series that now invokes a gas guzzler.

Seriously, don't quote "regulations" as being a reason when little of BMWs actions point in that direction.

Cheers,
e46e92

He is right about the role of regulations in BMW's decisionmaking. You just chose to overlook the arrival of the 1-Series while instead looking at the relative road hog M/SUV model.

A marque such as BMW is not going to turn its back on a market niches such as the SUV segment or the full size luxury sedan that is hugely profitable. As long as individuals are willing and able to pony up the $$ for the upscale models, a demand and supply driven corporation is going to produce the goods to supply the demand.

One would think that someone in BMW would have a strategic vision that would simultaneously enable the business to comply with the totality of future regulations and keep people like us happy with their offerings. So, in my opinion, with one eye on the inevitable requirement that a manufacturer's product lineup must meet a specific numerical fuel efficiency average, BMW is expanding its lineup of relative fuel misers (think 1-series, diesels, FI) which will create MPG/efficiency room for the company to have production options regarding which relatively ineffecient models it deems most worthy of producing. BTW, no, BMW does not pay me rather I pay them when I purchase their cars.

The red tape that is the body of regulations covering the production of automobiles is massive. Have a look. Frequently, Regulations = Weight Increase, and always equate to production cost increases which means we pay more to get out the door.

http://www.business.gov/industries/automotive/

[Eau Rouge]

Originally Posted by Lemans_Blue_M

Actually you can't make a larger (reliable) inline-six engine without adding both hight and length to that type of engine configuration. The adjacent cylinders are simply too close together. If you built the block out of Aluminum (instead of cast iron), the engine would be much larger than the S54B32 engine in the E46 M3. (assuming at least a 3.5-liter displacement engine for durability) That would place even more weight past the plane the front axle. (the worst possible place to add weight) It would then be nearly impossible to maintain the M3's famous 50/50 weight distribution legacy with a larger inline-six cylinder engine. (with cast iron turbos and steel exhaust piping hanging off it)

Not to mention the space constraints on the exhaust manifold side of the motor. I don't think many of you guys understand how difficult it is to twin-turbocharge an inline-six engine with all that exhaust plumbing in such a small area. The 335i is a pain in the arse to work on, because there is virtually no room on the passenger side of the car. Not to mention the weight balance of a 335i would be magnified in an M3 with larger turbos and larger diameter piping to get the same amount of power we have now.

So the weight would be skewed from the passenger side to the driver side, and the front of the car to the rear. Now you are really taxing your engineering resources to balance out the car because of the engine.

That's Not practical nor cost efficient...

The only practical solution...is the V6 engine.

It is the only engine configuration that guarantees you both symmetry and weight balance. (front, rear, left, right)

Another thing...

You guys are always making the same repetitive arguments...

I have owned every M3 since the E30 S14, and these "discussions" always end up the same way...

"If BMW [insert criticism here], I'll never buy another M3"

The 'anti' this or 'anti' that crowd quickly chimes in on how terrible the NEXT generation M3 will be...and that the BMW executives have gone off the deep end. (what a shocker)

I really wish you guys would wise up, and realize that these people work very hard to build us some pretty amazing cars. Take a deep breath, and reserve judgment until the new car is built. A few of you sound like elitist snobs. I mean seriously...take it down a notch before some of you hyperventilate.

BMW has market forces (and government regulations), that simply cannot be avoided. This can push them into becoming more practical, rather than throwing caution to the wind. BMW is going in another direction out of pure necessity. Nothing more, nothing less.

By the way...this is the same stuff I heard in 2004, 2005, and 2006 when rumors leaked out about BMW using a V8 engine in the next generation M3. (look how that turned out)

You should have heard all the b1tching and griping back then...

It looks like history is once again repeating itself...

Indeed!

FWIW, excellent post, am in total agreement.

[The CSL]

Originally Posted by Lemans_Blue_M

It will weigh LESS than a straight six with the same displacement, not more...

That's the primary reason they are considering a V6 in the next generation M3.

The article on page one states BMW's traditional configuration would weigh less.

[Lemans_Blue_M]

Originally Posted by The CSL

The article on page one states BMW's traditional configuration would weigh less.

I saw that article and I respectfully disagree with the author's assesment...

I believe a 3.5-liter 'ish' reinforced Inline-six block built for forced induction will be heavier...and here's why...

The 3.0-liter 335i Inline-six block is substantially heavier than the 3.0 liter Inline-six cylinder block for the regular 3-series cars. (while being exactly the same displacement) The 'regular' 3-series 3.0 liter engines use Magnesium to lighten things up...while the 335i block simply CAN'T use this material. (it would never hold up long term) That means you have to use MORE aluminum to get the job done. So while it's lighter, you have to use more material overall to make sure it holds up.

Inline-six engines REQUIRE more substantial build construction (material thickness) to maintain their balance and structural integrity. Cylinder pressures (with close proximity) will likely reach 1800-2000psi at WOT. (under boost) You are risking gasket failure if you don't move the cylinders farther apart.

But in order to do this...you have to make the block wider, longer and taller.(which adds even more weight)

Not to mention the unique coolant passages that need to be designed into the block to dissipate the intense heat generated by forcing copious amounts of compressed air into the engine. The 335i has a history of overheating problems associated with it's ability to cool the engine down. If built out of Aluminum, the new M3 inline-six engine would require more 'shoring up' than an All-Aluminum 90 degree V6 (wedge) engine of the same displacement. This is due to the advantageous layout of the six individual cylinders.

N/A might be a different story...

Regardless, the weight of an Inline-six engine + the turbocharged components will = weight in all the wrong places.

The reason BMW choose a heavier CAST IRON block for the 3.2liter S54B32, is because it could be made more compact.

So they went with it, even though it was heavier than building it out of Aluminum. The Aluminum block would have caused the design of the car to change. (longer and taller than they wanted) The weight balance of the car would have suffered as a result.

[mav]

Thanks to government regulations and environmentalists, BMW will be going backwards with their next generation M cars. Thankfully the next gen M3 won't be here for another 3 to 4 years. Enjoy your M cars now while you can.

[BMW M Power Mexico]

Originally Posted by Lemans_Blue_M

It looks like history is once again repeating itself...

Thanks for a great well-reasoned post. I mostly agree with you about waiting to see what BMW ends up delivering.

The aspect that worries me most is keeping the linear torque and world-class throttle response that makes current & previous M cars such a joy to drive, especially on the track. I track my cars and believe that no other car is a better all-arounder than an M3.

An important part of that greatness is the engine which works wonders at the track. You can very finely control instantly the amount of power the car is putting to the ground. The engine responds to inputs in a linear - excellent - immediate - way.

No turbo I have ever driven comes close in this regard. New "low lag" designs are an improvement but still far from the throttle response of an M engine.

I've driven the 335i, 135i, X6 3.5i, new TT 750i and also Audis with VAGs 2.0 liter TT motor. All nice but definitely a step behind an M engine in this regard.

Throttle response and linear power delivery is my main concern. I don't care that much if they decide to go to a V6 for packaging reasons. If M loses these qualities they might push me into a P-car. I hope they can pull it off as I love the brand.

[JCtx]

Originally Posted by Lemans_Blue_M

Take a deep breath, and reserve judgment until the new car is built. A few of you sound like elitist snobs. I mean seriously...take it down a notch before some of you hyperventilate.

You need to follow your own advice man . At least in my case, I'll never buy a FI car, be it a BMW, Porsche, or whatever else. Nothing elitist about that; just personal preference.

As far as an all-aluminum I6 having to be larger than the S54 iron block, you're absolutely correct. And I also agree it'd be simply too large, so by process of elimination, seems like the V6 rumor will be true indeed. Later.

[Advevo]

Bmw mexico

exactly my thoughts couldn t agree more.

I have driven lots of turbo s even on trackdays. All overheating and turbo s broke down, turbo lag etc etc.

I love the ///M brand because of there engine s and throttle response and nice balance of the car. Only the weight of the car is the negative part.

But if they go turbo and the throttle response isn t like it is now. I buy a me a GT3. That s not because i am a big fan of porsche but for me it s the only solution then.

Let s just hope they build just one high rev ///M atmo engine for us trackday enthusiasts. And all the big ///M trucks can have those turbo s.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Lemans_Blue_M

The only practical solution...is the V6 engine.

It is the only engine configuration that guarantees you both symmetry and weight balance. (front, rear, left, right)

If you want 6 cylinders, the yes. Or an H6 I suppose (which is basically a 180 degree V6).

But what's wrong with a V8? If they want less displacement, that's fine then they can just debore and/or destroke it.

[e46e92love]

Originally Posted by Eau Rouge

He is right about the role of regulations in BMW's decisionmaking. You just chose to overlook the arrival of the 1-Series while instead looking at the relative road hog M/SUV model.

I doubt BMW released the 1-series here in the U.S. because of regulations; I would think it was to meet perceived (and now we know actual) demand.

Originally Posted by BMW M Power Mexico

Thanks for a great well-reasoned post. I mostly agree with you about waiting to see what BMW ends up delivering.

The aspect that worries me most is keeping the linear torque and world-class throttle response that makes current & previous M cars such a joy to drive, especially on the track. I track my cars and believe that no other car is a better all-arounder than an M3.

An important part of that greatness is the engine which works wonders at the track. You can very finely control instantly the amount of power the car is putting to the ground. The engine responds to inputs in a linear - excellent - immediate - way.

No turbo I have ever driven comes close in this regard. New "low lag" designs are an improvement but still far from the throttle response of an M engine.

I've driven the 335i, 135i, X6 3.5i, new TT 750i and also Audis with VAGs 2.0 liter TT motor. All nice but definitely a step behind an M engine in this regard.

Throttle response and linear power delivery is my main concern. I don't care that much if they decide to go to a V6 for packaging reasons. If M loses these qualities they might push me into a P-car. I hope they can pull it off as I love the brand.

+1

Cheers,
e46e92

[Eau Rouge]

Originally Posted by e46e92love

I doubt BMW released the 1-series here in the U.S. because of regulations; I would think it was to meet perceived (and now we know actual) demand.


Cheers,
e46e92

"Kill two with one stone" goes the old adage.

[Kbueno]

Any more info on this? I thought for sure they'd go twin turbo V8, why re-tool a whole new engine. Is there that much weight savings?

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by 335lvr

Any more info on this? I thought for sure they'd go twin turbo V8, why re-tool a whole new engine. Is there that much weight savings?

I doubt there will be anything but rumors for some time. The main advantage of the six is fuel economy,not weight.

[drivendriver]

Read the latest issue of EVO (latest for the US--probably last month's issue for the UK). There's an article at the end about BMW's future plans. It covers the eco-friendly sports car concept and other things. They seem very confident that the next M3 will have a twin-turbo V6. Or was it a twin-turbo I6? I can't remember now, haha. I only read the article very quickly at Barnes & Noble. Somebody should check it out.