Why BMW is the KING of INLINE-SIX ENGINES 👑

Summary

The video highlights BMW's dominance in the world of inline-six engines, tracing its history from the early 1917 Rapp Motorenwerke IIIA to the modern S58 engine. BMW's legacy includes iconic engines like the M30, M88, S50, and the turbocharged N54. The video emphasizes BMW's engineering advancements, including dual overhead cams, VANOS systems, and turbocharging. It also discusses the impressive performance potential of BMW's engines, such as the S55 and S58, which can reach over 1,000 horsepower with modifications. Ultimately, BMW is hailed as the king of inline-six engines.

Takeaways

• 🚗 BMW has a long history of producing inline-six engines, dating back to 1917 with the Rapp Motorenwerke IIIA aircraft engine.
• 🏎️ BMW's first automotive inline-six engine, the M78, was introduced in 1933, followed by many important models like the M30, M88, and S38.
• 🔧 The M30 engine, launched in 1968, was a performance staple and featured advanced designs like aluminum cylinder heads and hemispherical combustion chambers.
• 💥 The high-performance M88 engine produced 273 horsepower and was used in the BMW M1, with racing versions pushing nearly 1,000 horsepower.
• 🛠️ BMW's first turbocharged inline-six engines, the M102 and M106, were introduced in the E23 745i but were not as notable for performance as later models.
• 🚀 The N54 engine, introduced in 2006, was BMW's first mass-produced turbocharged inline-six, known for its performance but also reliability issues.
• 🔄 The S55 engine, based on the N55, powered the F80 M3 and F82 M4 and was capable of producing over 700 horsepower with minimal modifications.
• 💪 The S58 engine, introduced in 2020 in the G80 M3, is capable of producing over 1,000 horsepower with aftermarket upgrades and is considered one of BMW's best modern inline-six engines.
• ⚙️ BMW engines like the S55 and S58 are known for their ability to handle high power output without extensive modifications, making them favorites among tuners.
• 👑 BMW is widely regarded as the leader in producing high-performance and reliable inline-six gasoline engines, with a legacy that continues to the present day.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of BMW's involvement in inline-six engine production?

BMW's history with inline-six engines dates back to 1917 with the Rapp Motorenwerke IIIA, a 19.1L aircraft engine. BMW's first automotive inline-six engine, the M78, was introduced in 1933. This established BMW's long legacy in producing powerful and reliable inline-six engines.

Which BMW engine is considered a Hemi, and what were its key features?

The M30 engine, introduced in 1968, is considered a Hemi due to its hemispherical combustion chambers. It also featured an aluminum cylinder head and became a performance staple in models like the BMW 635CSI and 735i.

How did the M88 and S38 engines differ from earlier BMW inline-sixes?

The M88 and S38 engines, introduced in 1978, featured dual overhead cams, which provided a significant power increase over previous single overhead cam engines like the M30. The M88 powered the BMW M1 and later versions reached nearly 1,000 horsepower in race cars.

What made the S50 engine in the E36 M3 special?

The S50 engine, introduced in 1992 in the E36 M3, was a high-revving, naturally aspirated inline-six with individual throttle bodies, double VANOS, and an iron block with an aluminum head. It was known for its performance, especially in European markets.

What distinguishes the S54 engine in the E46 M3 from the M54?

The S54 in the E46 M3 was an evolution of the S50, using a cast iron block instead of the aluminum block found in the M54. It also featured a forged crankshaft, individual throttle bodies, and a redline around 8,000 RPM, making it more of a performance engine than the M54.

Why is the N54 engine often compared to the Toyota 2JZ?

The N54 is considered BMW's first mass-produced turbocharged inline-six and is compared to the Toyota 2JZ due to its potential for significant aftermarket performance modifications. Despite its reliability issues, the N54 became known for its tuning potential.

How did the S55 engine improve upon the N54 and N55?

The S55 engine, used in the F80 M3 and F82 M4, improved upon the N54 and N55 by reintroducing a twin-turbo setup, enhancing the fuel system, and achieving higher performance levels. It is known for being highly capable of handling extreme aftermarket tuning, reaching over 1,200 horsepower.

What is the main design flaw of the S55 engine?

The main design flaw of the S55 engine is its crank hub, which has been known to spin off the crank, potentially causing catastrophic engine failure due to valve timing issues. However, there are aftermarket solutions to fix this problem.

What are the key advancements of the S58 engine compared to the S55?

The S58 engine, introduced in the 2020 G80 M3, builds on the S55 with larger turbos, a lower compression ratio, an improved fuel system, and a one-piece crank hub, addressing the reliability issues of the S55. It is capable of producing over 1,000 horsepower with aftermarket modifications.

Why is BMW considered the 'king' of inline-six engines according to the video?

BMW is regarded as the 'king' of inline-six engines because of its long history of producing powerful, reliable, and innovative engines. From the early 1900s to modern times, BMW has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance with engines like the M30, M88, S54, and S58.