Are You Ready? BMW To Begin Introducing 3 Cylinder Engines In 3-Series

Why three cylinders? Why not two or even one? When is the Isetta coming back? While at it, make it a two-cycle and get rid of the starter motor, a hand crank would save on weight and complexity too.

The current vehicle on the US market with a 3-cylinder engine, the Smart ForTwo is not exactly known for its engine, performance or fuel economy.

Nobody buys a Smart ForTwo for engine refinement. They're practical city cars/grocery getters. Engine refinement wasn't a criteria.

Developing a high-tech and refined 3-cylinder engine is something BMW and others can definitely do.

In the US nobody buys a Smart ForTwo, period. Many Smart dealerships opened and then closed -- there has not been much demand. So why is that? Just because a car is intended to be small, economical and with a specific purpose does not mean that the engine should be lousy.

I agree that if anyone, BWM can make a great small engine, just look at their motorcycle K-series motors, but why a 3-cylinder?

Do not worry , those won't come to USA....ha ha...

You were most likely trying to joke but are probably right. There are so many options that the US does not get for engines because most Americans think it's all about displacement.

But in places where gas is up to $8+/gal and not needing a rocket to run errands and other trips is thought about, a 3-cyl can be an entirely viable option.

@ angryinch1

Stop thinking in such narrow minded terms.

There is a market for fuel-efficient luxury cars. Just because one is wealthy doesn't mean one wants a fuel-inefficient cars because one can afford it.

I for one consider fuel economy to be very important, even when I am considering a luxury car. I rank fuel economy ahead of performance since modern cars are far from slow and underpowered to begin with.

So we are paying the same price and getting half of previous BMW? :)

But only the front badge ;) May decide to cut down on the lights as well, leaving you with a single headlight upfront, a taillight in the back, and your hands to signal turns.

Thats the only thing many are looking for.I have seen people driving MBs and BMWs that should have been retired 5 years ago.They keep on driving for the prestige and paying an arm and a leg for repairs.

Not that surprising since the MINI should be getting the engine first. Not sure how likely this motor would be to come to the US.

Most of people that buy BMW's do not buy them for the engine, but for the image. So bring it on BMW.

Maybe, but the BMW owners I know (and I am one) buy them cause they are more fun to drive than any other vehicle in their price range.

Most people that buy BMWs for reasons other than the engine are idiots. BMW is an engine company. Their engines are magnificent. Powerful, economical, silky-smooth, the sound is like a melody. If anyone can pull that off in a three-cylinder block it is BMW. The big question is why? To get that performance the three cylinder will have to spin at a higher RPM that will make it louder and less efficient. At low RPM it will create vibration and noise and have no power. Is it really worth it?

BMW engines have lots of fancy bits, but they are very heavy. The M3 V8 has nearly half the displacement of the LS7, but weighs only 15lbs less.

I wouldn't buy one of their cars with a 4-cylinder engine. The inline 6 and 50/50 weight distribution are thE things that make a BMW what it is.

I like the NA 3.0 I6, too. But comparatively the 2.0T I4 is more powerful (so it's quicker), is lighter, and it actually improves weight distribution because it can be mounted further back (so it handles better). THOSE are what is supposed to make a BMW what it is. Plus it gets substantially better fuel economy. The new turbo 4 is a gem, the only negative is it doesn't have that turbine-like sound of the straight 6. Personally that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make for the drastic improvements in performance and fuel economy.

When will they put Cox glow plug .049 engines in their cars. That is nice and small.

If the 328's performance is any indicatons they should be able to make a 3 cylinder that gets 0-60 in 6-7 seconds, which isn't bad, and fuel economy would be very good. 6 seconds 0-60 and highway mileage in the high 30's to low 40 mpg would be great.