When BMW launched the first-generation M3, it was equipped with a four-cylinder engine. The next two generations saw the use of an inline-six, and today the M3’s cylinder count totals eight. The same story can be told for the M5, which has progressed from a six-cylinder all the way to todays V10 setup. But it looks as though BMW’s M line could be returning to its original formula of less cylinders and lighter weight.
In an interview with Auto Motor Und Sport, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said that he would like to see fewer cylinders used in the German automaker’s M line and the rest of its vehicle lineup.
Reithofer directly addressed the company’s diesel V8 — which is popular in Europe — saying that it would likely be replaced by a more efficient twin-turbo inline-six.
Reithofer also indicated that smaller, forced-induction engines could be the future of BMW — such as the new twin-turbo six currently used in the 135i, 335i and 535i.
If BMW can develop smaller engines that maintain or even increase performance while lowering overall emissions and fuel consumption, it should be a win-win for everybody.
03/27, 3:17 PM
posted by:
LaCaLover
It’s fewer cylinders, not less.
03/27, 3:29 PM
posted by:
doublearon21
WOW what an epiphany! The E30 M3 was and still is one of the best M cars around, glad to see they are going back to the way things should be. That new V8 still screams though.
03/27, 3:45 PM
posted by:
global_lightning
Amen. make it a:
- Magnesium block, double-VANOS, direct-injection turbo screamer that revs to 9500 RPM and puts most V8’s to shame
- 6spd DSG transmission
- An all-aluminum chassis with a interior stripped down to two seats. Leave off all the BS that doesn’t contribute to accelerating, turning, or stopping. Target weight: 2500 lbs
03/27, 4:34 PM
posted by:
inspire
Follow Lotus in the philosophy of lightweight chassis. Then do your BMW magic of ride / handling. Engine doesn’t need to be 500+ hp (ie M5 V10) to make it go fast if it’s 2500lb as global_lightning has suggested. Problem is … many the creature comforts / safety features would be “lost”. Has to be some balance between weight / functionality without a sky high MSRP.
03/27, 5:12 PM
posted by:
C6Racer
Thank the lord!
I looked at a new M3 at a dealership the other day and realized how freakin huge those things have become.
03/27, 5:23 PM
posted by:
e46Ne90
key word: light-weight!
03/27, 6:23 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Cut the engine size by half, add turbo’s, then change to FWD, and you’ll have an Audi.
03/27, 6:31 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
get better, Frank.
03/27, 8:42 PM
posted by:
autonut
Those action will bring BMW in the same league as Honda/Acura. And you guys complaining that Honda does not own V-8.
03/27, 10:16 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
If BMW cut the horsepower in half, added turbo’s in a lame-ass attempt to compensate, and then switched to FWD, you’d have an Audi.
03/27, 10:35 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
e46Ne90: the only way to make them lighter and still make it possible for normal sized humans or North Americans to fit inside them is to resort to ridiculously priced metal and alloys in construction which would relegate the average M to the price of a Ferrari.
03/27, 11:56 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
You’ve all made the hardware suggestions … let me suggest a better-looking design in and out.
03/28, 12:19 AM
posted by:
Andre Neves
I have been saying this for years now. There is no need for these larger engines.
Take Porsche for example. They make the most powerful 6s in the world. GT2 is currently pushing 530HP while getting 16/23MPG EPA at the same time. Their GT3/RS is pushing 415 HP for crying out loud…with an n/a 6!!! I remember back in the day when 6 cylinders used to rule the market. From Buick’s Grand National to Lotus’ Espirit. BMW had EXCELLENT 6s in their E36s. Their E46s were technological marvels at the time also(despite the detonation issues).
I say the future of lightweight fast cars is the 6s. Efficiency of a 4, power of an 8, it has always been a perfect balance.
03/28, 12:22 AM
posted by:
brocky
thank you bmw. get back to your roots.
03/28, 8:11 AM
posted by:
V2
Great move by BMW, light cars will always please the enthusiast. I never liked the idea to jump up an extra 2 cylinders on the M3 & M5.
03/28, 8:14 AM
posted by:
CleanGTO
That’s right BMW–get back to your enthusiast foundation! At the rate they were headed, we’d have a V-10 in the M3 by 2012. Lighten those babies up with quick revving 4.
03/28, 9:02 AM
posted by:
JohnnyBlazE
I have an E30, but only the 318is… there is a constant 4pot vs 6pot debate between E30 owners, but the M3 was a 4 pot so go figure… the old 6’s sounded gorgeous though…
03/28, 9:16 AM
posted by:
Madcapp
Good plan
03/28, 9:38 AM
posted by:
global_lightning
Neves,
IIRC, the Lotus Esprit never came with a 6-cylinder.
03/28, 10:30 AM
posted by:
moto-racer13
BMW could easily build high powered engines with less pistons. over 20 years ago BMW built a prototype 4cyl producing over 1000hp. Its just easier and cheaper to make big power using bigger engines. Why do you think Dodge and Chevy use 7-8 litre engines in their car, becuase its cheap and they don’t have the engineering expertise to get big power from small packages.
03/28, 11:05 AM
posted by:
hateful83
A little off subject, but hows about the 1 series. I really dig that car. It’s nice to see an attainable bmw, that at the same time doesn’t compromise.
03/28, 12:46 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
Doesn’t compromise? You’re kidding yourself … it weighs marginally less than a 3 and looks, if that’s possible, worse than the 3.
03/28, 2:27 PM
posted by:
driver54
moto racer, I pulled this quote for you “The turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L Ecotec engine, producing in excess of 800 horsepower, was assembled with parts from the GM Performance Parts catalog”.
03/28, 3:38 PM
posted by:
lyndon_h
M cars should not be nearly 4,000lbs (M5, M6). Put those pigs on a diet and get rid of the heated seats, etc. The M cars have become trophy wife cars, at least in Dallas. The need to weed out the posers.
03/28, 8:50 PM
posted by:
Catiadesigner
Good, the original M3 is still the purest…
03/28, 11:43 PM
posted by:
sportmode
Personally, I don’t think this will ever happen. Given that BMW commits to being a “drivers” car company, They’re a luxury brand as well. More cylinders means a smoother operating engine. You can always get as much horsepower out of an engine with less cylinders as long as you have enough fuel and air. But an engine with more cylinders will produce the same power with much less effort as well as providing a much smoother operation. Yeah, even F1 cars have used 3.8L engines with 12 cylinders, (smaller engines better on weight, aero, fuel, tire wear pattern, etc.) but those engines are far less than smooth for a luxo brand. I used to own a 850ci, and currently own a LT-1 V-8 powered car. My old 12 cylinder 850ci made more horsepower and torque than my LT-1, and you wouldn’t imagine the difference in ride quality. Except some of you who may have driven both cars. I think newer technology will help BMW to aid them in continuing to offer these engines along with having equally efficient cars.
03/29, 12:16 AM
posted by:
nagmashot
This article is PURE RUBBISH…
I have read the German text in the auto motor und sport magazine here it is from the 18.03.2008
http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/news/wirtschaft_-_handel/hxcms_article_510924_13987.hbs
Mr Norbert Reithofer said not a single word about cyl cutting on M models, he droped in the whole interview not a single word about M models at all…