Next-generation Bmw M3 coming with a 3.3-liter V6 engine and 440 hp

It’s not a secret anymore that the next-generation Bmw M3, which will hit the market in 2012, will lose its V8 engine in favor of a smaller and more powerful V6. We found out from our German sources that the next-generation Bmw M3 will receive a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 engine capable to deliver around 440 hp. Still, the new car will also be lighter than the current model.

For those who don’t know, the current Bmw M3 model comes with a 4.0-liter V8 engine delivering 309 kW/420 hp. Power is transmitted via the rear wheels through a standard six-speed manual gearbox, but for those who want more an optional M double-clutch gearbox with Drivelogic is available.
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dlin - 11/4/2010 10:02:59 PM

-4 Boost

BMW is to make money and performance, not to stick to particular engien configuration. BMW will have I4 and I3 later, and would that stop you from buying?

Since current V8 is chopped from V10, we cannot rule out the possibility of chopping off 1/4 out of FI 4.4V8 in X5M. Cheap and easy, and would that stop you from buying?

B7FAN - 11/5/2010 7:47:01 AM

+3 Boost

well you can catch the BMW V6 right next to the "CHICKEN LIP SOUP"....I wish they would keep the 8 cylinder which was specifically made for the M3 thats another classic engine gone to waste.....IM SICK OF BEING GREEN OR TURNING GREEN

dlin - 11/5/2010 10:29:03 AM

-1 Boost

It's not about GREEN, it's about torque and how to justify M3 has less of that than 335.

lewishamiltonpimp - 11/5/2010 5:10:40 PM

+1 Boost

Thought it was an M version of the N54??

2ndbimmer - 11/6/2010 10:25:02 AM

+1 Boost

dlin,
The V8 is NOT chopped from a V10! How do I know, I work for BMW and have talked to engineers at the Performance Center in South Carolina. They have even said, "I don't know where the rumor came from, but for some reason everyone thinks the V8 is a chopped version of the V10 in the M5 and M6."

dlin - 11/6/2010 11:01:09 AM

+1 Boost

Well I wonder where EVERY car magazine got their info....

freeagent - 11/4/2010 5:09:47 PM

+8 Boost

V6? cant be right

MorePower - 11/4/2010 6:00:18 PM

+6 Boost

Inline 6 seems more likely because the 3-Series uses inline sixes. To use a Twin-Turbo V-6 would mean a lot of re-engineering for the platform.

On a sad note, we only knew your M3 V-8 smoothness & auditory delight for one model generation, you will be missed, my gorgeous, chubby, agile footed friend.

tom43 - 11/4/2010 6:03:53 PM

+6 Boost

I don´t know your "german sources", but all german magazines are writing about an I6 engine. And: even BMW does not know today the final specs of EU cycle consumption or 0-60 mph times because the car will not arrive before autumn 2012. Absolutely incompetent article...

iamdabest1 - 11/4/2010 7:39:05 PM

+1 Boost

im pretty sure it will be an I6.. as far as 2012, you are dreaming, the next 3 series will be coming in 2012, the next m3 will most likely come out late 2013 as a 2014 model. dont forget there was no 2007 m3...

bmwdrvr - 11/4/2010 7:42:58 PM

+1 Boost

Several places are saying it will be a V6 to differentiate it from the lesser 3s I hope not though as it wouldnt make sense because would question the existence of the I6 at all if the top performer in the 3 range drops the inline configuration....

valhallakey - 11/5/2010 12:19:15 AM

+1 Boost

With peak hp and torque arriving at lower rpms in a turbo motor it would be foolish to switch to a V6. The only reasons I can think of that they would possible switch to a V6 are packaging, not really a problem in a car as large as the 3 series, or crankshaft issues at high rpm again not a problem in a turbo motor.

sdcarguy - 11/5/2010 7:57:09 AM

+1 Boost

Stop, pause and listen anytime a V8 M3 goes by or its like. Its a sound we will likely not hear too much longer and will fondly remember decades from now.

Designer1 - 11/5/2010 12:19:50 PM

0 Boost

Why did they ever go with a V8, then back to 6? This shows they've made a mistake by doing so.

veyron1001 - 11/5/2010 5:25:21 PM

0 Boost

Why in the hell would an M3 owner want their BMW to sound like a 350/370z? That would devalue the car harshly in its self.

STJ88 - 11/5/2010 6:42:55 PM

+1 Boost

A V6 would be much shorter than a I6, so better weight balans.