BMW's most succesful engine

[TiAg335i]

Originally Posted by E86S54

the n54 would be a great engine if it didnt have so many problems

id say the s54 is one of their best...not just cuz i have one

What problems? The only problems you are seeing in the forum have nothing to do with the actual engine....i.e. fuel pump.

[MVF4Rrider]

Originally Posted by Ender514

^^^ thats a cool photo

It's also the V10, as opposed to his reference to the V8

[Aurora Bearialis]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

If they shipped engines out like that I could probably put it together with a VERY DETAILED ASSEMBLY MANUAL

[TK-421]

Originally Posted by Berduderunner

S54B32 or N54 IMO

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by MVF4Rrider

It's also the V10, as opposed to his reference to the V8

No I referred to the V10 (you can obviously check the cylinder count too). I said the V8 might be more efficient, but this sound much more unique.

Just clearing things up.

[E86S54]

Originally Posted by TiAg335i

What problems? The only problems you are seeing in the forum have nothing to do with the actual engine....i.e. fuel pump.

hey hey...dont get soo defense..i used to have one...i had a fair amount of problems outside of fuel pumps

[Mikewarlover]

s54 ftw the hp per liter is one of the best in the world. Strong engine with unique sound and its the original I6 at its absolute best!

[JAJ]

I'd have to disagree with all of you and say it was the original 1960's inline four designed by Alex Von Falkenhausen. They built that engine and variants of it for twenty years and it powered the cars that turned BMW from an unknown into the successful giant it is today.

It was a very simple and strong design - I've rebuilt a couple and they're remarkably simple to assemble. How strong? Well it's the same block that became the turbo F1 engine.

The modern BMW engines are superb pieces of engineering, but not one of has stayed in production for 20 years. Yes, that's because of changing standards and so on, but still, the old four-banger made BMW what it is today. It wins!

[mkaaes]

V12 in the Mclaren F1, what a beast of an animal.

[MVF4Rrider]

Originally Posted by JAJ

I'd have to disagree with all of you and say it was the original 1960's inline four designed by Alex Von Falkenhausen. They built that engine and variants of it for twenty years and it powered the cars that turned BMW from an unknown into the successful giant it is today.

It was a very simple and strong design - I've rebuilt a couple and they're remarkably simple to assemble. How strong? Well it's the same block that became the turbo F1 engine.

The modern BMW engines are superb pieces of engineering, but not one of has stayed in production for 20 years. Yes, that's because of changing standards and so on, but still, the old four-banger made BMW what it is today. It wins!

Back in those days, historically most manufacturers evolved engines much slower than today. I owned a '76 2002 way back when and it was in fact a great motor. Today, most BMW owners have no experience with the Bimmers of old. To them, their knowledge of BMW may have started with the 3 series, and possibly beyond the E21? (My relationship with BMW truly began with the 2002, prior to my ownership as a neighbor had one) So I can see why many think the I6 is the most successful BMW configuration to date. But the thread is about the most successful engine, which I interpret as specific engine, not general layout. I don't know what the answer is, but I'm partial to the S54. Aside from all its performance which is well known, it's also so cool to behold. It's one of the best looking modern engines as it's not covered up or hidden like so many motors are today. Pop the hood and all you see is a long exposed great looking engine with six individual throttle bodies and minimal plastic. If you consider form and function as part of your equation, then the S54 is the winner for sure. Form and function is the common denominator for everything in my garage (as well as high performance in class and per dollar).

[Sam12345]

the X6's V8 twin turbo. It is the future of the M cars. I honestly think it will seperate BMW from the competition.

[edl]

I'm with MVF4 - one more vote for the S54.

I've owned the E34 M5, E39 M5, and E60 M5 - of those my favorite motor is the E39 V8. High torque allows excellent drivability. High torque also means monster burnouts! The V10 is pretty hot, but has relatively low torque, narrow powerband, and consumes gas like none other.

However I think the S54 is simply perfect; great horsepower and torque for its displacement, very linear powerband (allows driver to finely control the rearend), beautiful sound, and reasonable consumption. It's pretty much the best NA I6 motor ever built.

Here's a photo of the S54 from my old MC.

[BMWPower06]

S70/2 6.1L 60* ///Motorsport V12 from the McLaren F1 LM for sure. 680HP from only 6.1L and a 7500rpm rev limiter

[likestogofast]

Since this thread does not restrict BMW engines to just automobiles, I would have to mention the BMW 9-801 or the BMW 801 as it became known. 61,000 were produced starting in 1939 for both the Focke Wulf 190 and the Junkers 88. It produced 1,539hp at 2700rpm at sea level. As for reliability... there was no competition, you could shoot the airframe out of the sky, but it is was very rare to take the motor out, even with a quarter of the cyclinders shot out, the 801 could maintain enough power sustain altitude. Chuck Yeager even noted that if Germany had any experienced pilots left, that the P51 Mustang would have met its match with a 801 powered ME 109.

[Streaker]

Originally Posted by JAJ

I'd have to disagree with all of you and say it was the original 1960's inline four designed by Alex Von Falkenhausen. They built that engine and variants of it for twenty years and it powered the cars that turned BMW from an unknown into the successful giant it is today.

It was a very simple and strong design - I've rebuilt a couple and they're remarkably simple to assemble. How strong? Well it's the same block that became the turbo F1 engine.

The modern BMW engines are superb pieces of engineering, but not one of has stayed in production for 20 years. Yes, that's because of changing standards and so on, but still, the old four-banger made BMW what it is today. It wins!

With you I agree, almost all of us have had the legendary M10 motor in one of our BM's and I have had it in three: 2000. 2002 and 318I. Legend has it the blocks were thrown away and urinated on for two years before final machining into what became the F1 engines (helped the stress relief of the blocks).........go figure!

A bit later I see a mention to aircraft engines, although not succesful, I believe the BMW 109-003 turbo jet to be an advance for basic aircraft engines we see on all Boeings, airbusses ect today even though the Junkers 109-004 did better it, it used the 003 principles for blade retention and materials.

[ZJP]

Originally Posted by eyescream

McLaren F1's 6.1L V12.

I agree.

[blue2fire]

Originally Posted by ZJP

I agree.

Me too