Are You Going To Miss BMWs Naturally Aspirated, Big Sixes?

Ah, where to begin? The BMW brand has used the six-cylinder engine as a staple for years. It's almost synonymous with a great BMW.

Think: what great BMW wasn't equipped with an inline six-cylinder powerplant? I am sure there are some, like the E39 M5, but I think it is safe to say that the cult following of a naturally aspirated six is astounding. It's probably because it just sounds so damn good.

I remember hearing my first BMW inline six. It sounded like something from the movies.

I insisted that we keep revving it higher and higher just to hear that beautiful tone. Hell, it's one of the reasons why I became passionate about cars. That sound just makes you feel something.

With that said, can you name your favorite naturally aspirated BMW six? What would you change, if anything?


In the outset of this article – I know that this is a moot point but I will ask it anyway: Will you miss the big, naturally aspirated inline-six cylinder engines of BMW as we see the resurgence of the Turbo Era in road cars? It’s a moot point because, in my opinion, it looks like the forthcoming product line from BMW in the North American market will have no options for buyers to pick up a naturally aspirated inline six cylinder engine. It appears that literally every engine in BMW of North America’s line-up could be be powered via a forced induction engine and that’s a sad possible future  to think about...



[Source: BMWBlog]


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enthusiastx11 - 4/16/2011 12:31:24 AM

0 Boost

not really...i'm addicted to the turbo inline 6. have had 3 of them....

WorldofLuxury - 4/16/2011 4:32:03 AM

+2 Boost

YES!

irishmike - 4/16/2011 8:21:32 AM

+6 Boost

The current in-line 6 is a descendant of the engine BMW put in the 325's it sold in the USA in the '80's. And actually it is older than that.

The so-called big six hasn't been used in a while, but it was a sweetheart. I had a '72 Bavaria with a 3.0. Very smooth and powerful, and yes the sound was intoxicating. I'll always miss that.

rxh8me9000 - 4/16/2011 3:27:19 PM

+2 Boost

I was never a huge fan of BMW's inline 6 motors. My competition package E46 M3 sounded so raspy. I put an aftermarket exhaust and did alot to the motor and eventually ended up putting an active autowerke supercharger and 50 shot. From the front it sounded sick,but the back of the car was too raspy. Check out my vids on youtube......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iosTgr8jJuY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dd4QYIzmMU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68aaJaFYxAY

chris760 - 4/16/2011 3:48:48 PM

+5 Boost

their inline six is classic, it will be missed. something about turbo 4's don't quite match it. sure, if puts of comparable performance but the sounds are not the same.

MorePower - 4/17/2011 6:32:39 PM

+1 Boost

Not going to miss the na versions of the straight six. These engines were very smooth and torquey, but I like the force-induction versions much better.

I will miss the 4 ltr V8 in the M3 and the 5 ltr V10!