Comments on: New Z4 marks the end of BMW’s 3.2L inline-six

By: 56oval

56oval — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 04:27:42 +0000

At over 100hp per liter from a naturally aspirated engine, the S54 is a masterpiece that few other engines could hope to achieve!

In fact, I’d love to see a list of engines that do over 100hp/liter w/o forced air.

By: A True Gear Head

A True Gear Head — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 22:19:41 +0000

My brothers m3 has 120,000 miles and not one problem with the engine, he just changed the oil every 4k miles and he tracked it on weekends, so please dont bring up the LS, its good I know, but it sounds like any other v8, yawwwnnn

By: C6Racer

C6Racer — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:40:55 +0000

I wonder if BMW used the plastic water pumps in the 3.2 also. Haha

By: Z06ified

Z06ified — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:59:29 +0000

I don’t think the BMW 3.2 is so “tried and true.” The version used in the E46 M3 had its share of major problems, including lunching its main bearings and grenading. The list of failed engines of 2001 – 2004 M3’s is long and troublesome. Don’t believe me? Look online yourself.

The problem led to 2 or 3 recalls, and prompted BMW to extend the warranty of the engine to preserve resale value of M3’s – otherwise their resale value would be in the toilet.

RaineMan – You’re wrong. VERY wrong. Case in point: in 2002, the M3 produced 333hp, and its fuel economy was so poor it got slammed with the gas guzzler tax. I know, I had one on order. In 2002, the GM LS6 in the Z06 produced 405 hp, and got much better fuel economy than the M3, avoiding the gas guzzler tax. The LS6 also has proven to be very durable and reliable over the years, helping the C5 Z06 to be a formidable track car right out of the box. No grenading engines like the E46 M3 had.

By: RaineMan

RaineMan — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:35:54 +0000

Honestly I don’t know if GM has any engine that could match this in terms of power, durability and economy. The LS-series is good… but I don’t think it’s that good.

By: jonmiles

jonmiles — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 02:20:23 +0000

that was the first comment from “howsmydriving” that I actually laughed at

By: A True Gear Head

A True Gear Head — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 02:10:11 +0000

The N54 (engine from the 335/135) is awesome, its a lot easier to get more power out of it than the S54. BMW pretty much did everything they could to get every single hp out of the ol S54, which makes sense why theyre getting rid of it I guess. Hopefully they bring it back its definitely the best N/A engine ever made

By: A True Gear Head

A True Gear Head — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 01:56:59 +0000

Farewell S54!!! Best inline 6 ever made!!! No i take that back, it was the best engine ever made.

By: zoomzoomer

zoomzoomer — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:14:54 +0000

I forgot the 128 and 135 also use those same two motors.

By: zoomzoomer

zoomzoomer — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:14:27 +0000

The 328/528/X3/X5 use a naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter six, the 335/535/X5 si/X6 use a turbocharged version of that same 3.0 motor.

By: A4

A4 — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:11:57 +0000

yes but its not a 3.2
this is a great engine.. i think id rather have this than the 35 series twin turbo motor.

By: RaineMan

RaineMan — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:13:11 +0000

I’d take a 3-series with 0% financing.

But in all seriousness… if the 3.2L is gone… what is the 328i using? Isn’t that still a naturally aspirated inline 6?

By: bmwmpower

bmwmpower — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:51:37 +0000

They’d also be giving away 3-series at employee prices!

By: Borat

Borat — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:04:00 +0000

… and the funny mustache would still be fashionable along with only one nut and Ford foundation would be displaying the cross from Fuhrer presented to grandpa Henry…

By: johnnycanuck

johnnycanuck — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:43:08 +0000

If BMW were GM we’d all be speaking German and some guy named Adolf would be hosting The Price Is Right.

By: sakio327

sakio327 — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:26:30 +0000

If BMW were GM, they would be selling a 9-series SUV with a pickup bed on it.

By: howsmydriving

howsmydriving — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:38:40 +0000

If BMW were GM, this engine would be used until the year 3064.

By: hummah

hummah — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:29:54 +0000

Aww that is rotten! They should keep the old girl around and stick it in a lightened 3-series. Or they could make a silly fast 1-series if they can fit it under the hood. I like the 3.0TT, but the 3.2 is the stuff of legends…

By: bmwmpower

bmwmpower — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:23:47 +0000

Sad day. Long live the S54