BMW lagging Mercedes and GM in engine tech

This is so true. BMW's engines are lightyears behind the others. As we can see, BMW finally used a V8 for their M3 after realizing Benz, Lexus, Audi, and Caddy all uses V8s with their performance vehicles.

BMW will always be behind the others just like the past and history shows it all. In the past when Benz and Lexus used inline-6 engines, BMW quickly copied them by killing the inline-4 from the original M3 and installing an inline-6. Now when AMG got the V8s in their C43/C55/C63, RS4 got 4.2L V8, IS-F got V8, and Caddy CTS V-series got V8, BMW quickly went to the Xerox machine and gave a V8 for the M3.

When you're copying others, that means you're always behind them in terms of technical sophiscation, advanced development, and uncanny performance and handling.

"Now when AMG got the V8s in their C43/C55/C63, RS4 got 4.2L V8, IS-F got V8, and Caddy CTS V-series got V8, BMW quickly went to the Xerox machine and gave a V8 for the M3."

Well, this one I have to disagree with. They could've copied the S4/RS4 or CTS-V, but beyond that, the IS-F, C55 and C63 came out too late in the M3's development to be "copied." Actually, the IS-F came out AFTER.

And by the way, your post is BS.

What a ridiculous article..not to mention your response...Yeah their sooo bad they keep winning Engine of the Year awards...Keep trying BMW ;}

Well said ICON, I was just about to say that :)

I don't usualy defend BMW but I applaud them for retaining an in-line 6 engine configuration as that configuration is inherently in balance. 90-degree V6 engines are inherently out of balance -- wake up Mercedes and Audi.

Wow this is a bogus headline, read the article BMW does not adapt one type of engine technology on a diesel engine.

lenkun

Your comments just show a lack of understanding of BMW history, It's Been the one out first with the horse power bumps, and BMW usually get's more power out of smaller engines the most automotive companies. As far a BMW being behind in engine technolgy, take a look at Wards Automotive and you will find BMW win more "Engine of the Year" awards then most other manufactures.

Guys, Do some home work

"usually get's more power out of smaller engines the most automotive companies"

Do you happen to recall the article that was posted on here a while ago in regards to power efficiency and the size an engines as broken down by luxury manufacturer?

I don't, but my guess would be Honda as the winner. on second thought Ferrari.

I think 009 wrote it.

Point is BMW had relatively high displacements (think they were listed as the highest) and lower power efficiencies (in HP per liter) than Mercedes for example. Jaguar as I recall was number 2 in power efficiency but it has smaller engines overall. The analysis also included Audi and a few Japanese makes as I recall.

There is another article along this genre on here, but it isn't the one I am thinking of.

Ah I found it.

Power per Liter (hp)
1st 83.86 Mercedes
2nd 83.25 Audi
3rd 82.64 Jaguar
4th 81.79 Acura
5th 80.64 BMW
6th 80.04 Volvo
7th 78.27 Lexus
8th 76.94 Infiniti

Torque per Liter (ft/lb)
1st 88.89 Mercedes
2nd 83.24 Jaguar
3rd 82.35 Volvo
4th 77.05 Audi
5th 76.38 Lexus
6th 75.50 Infiniti
7th 73.20 BMW
8th 72.99 Acura

Average Engine Displacement across the lineup (liters)
1st 4.3 BMW
2nd 4.2 MB
3rd 4.1 Audi
4th 4.0 Infiniti
5th 3.7 Lexus
6th 3.6 Jaguar
7th 3.4 Acura
8th 3.1 Volvo

Apparently my memory does not serve me as well as I had wanted. The Jaguar thing was for Torque.

Do not know where you found that article, but i can assure you that it is as incorrect as possible.

BMW has way more power to displacement ratios than MB
Pull any engine specs NA-NA or Forced - Forced and as long as the displacements are the same you will notice the BMW engine is more efficient HP/Litre

I keep telling people to do some research instead of relying on others to do it for them.

I would be nice to post a article with the appropriate heading and maybe the users on here should actually spend the time to read the articles before replying.

All flaming aside...238HP from a 1.8L Diesel engine rocks!!! Again for those that did not 'get' the article. BMW lacks behind no company, just does not currently believe in HCCI.

winning international engine of the year definetly does not show that BMW is behind.

Yes- and they've gotten their engines on the top ten year after year. The 5.0L V10 and 3.0 inline six (in any state of tune) are mainstays.