The Real Reason Why The Next M3 Will Switch To A V6?

With the next M3 around the corner, engine rumors are heating up and those with inside sources are saying that BMW will use a V6, the rest of us have You Tube videos to analyze. There are three reasons why BMW would want to switch to a V6 from its traditional inline six cylinder layout: two improve performance, for marketing reasons, and to make Audi fans say I told you so (as in Audi used a turbo V6 in its RS4 many years ago). Clearly the first two reasons are significantly more likely to be true. The new V6 which would likely place the turbos between the cylinder banks could allow for better turbo response and the V6 configuration could make for a shorter engine. Using the V6 instead of an upgraded inline six seen in the 335i also gives the marketing folks the ability to differentiate the M3 from its lesser 3 series siblings. Words such as groundbreaking, bespoke and unique can be used to justify the M3's pricing premium. A different engine removes the 135i (with chip tuning) vs. 1M debate and dilemma and allows for a significantly bigger price cushion between a 335i and an M3. Not as strong of an argument as a high RPM V8 on the current M3 but the next best solution keeping fuel economy in mind.

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dlin - 3/28/2012 11:47:24 PM

+1 Boost

What marketing reasons? So they can say now they have a engine as good as GT-R's? :)

BrownsGoBack - 3/29/2012 2:42:37 PM

+1 Boost

A what?

quizz - 3/29/2012 1:19:31 AM

+4 Boost

Isn't this backwards? Shouldn't the I-6 be the more exotic option and be fitted into the M3 while the V6 (commoner's choice) be fitted in the mainstream models?

The sound of the inline-6 is awesome on startup, and no V6 is ever going to match that rumble, the smooth sound under pedal, etc.

Too bad BMW couldn't make the inline 6 more viable when boosted, because certainly the I6 is better than the V6 when naturally aspirated.

dlin - 3/29/2012 11:26:08 AM

+2 Boost

For me I-6 is only 'smoother', not 'more exciting'. When turbo was added that smoothness is gone anyway, and there's no denying V6 helps packaging, centralizing weight and polar moment, and thus better handling. If BWM can put transaxle in the back like GT-R does, even better! But I don't think they will.

M5twinturbo - 3/29/2012 8:15:09 AM

+2 Boost

Nothing has been confirmed yet, some sites are saying V6 and others I6. Whichever it ends up being will be a world class motor, and of course best in class just like the car it will be housed in..

Yonder7 - 3/29/2012 9:45:31 AM

+3 Boost

Well as Engineer, I can tell you that if they do switch to V6 , they'll have a more efficient engine in all senses and the main plus is for the Weight distribution, cause a shorter engine Will allow them to create a better balanced car an a bigger cockpit ...I is a very clever movement as I always expect from BMW engineering...

BrownsGoBack - 3/29/2012 2:42:14 PM

+1 Boost

I don't believe for a second that they'll go with a V6. And didn't Mercedes announce recently that they're bringing back an inline 6?

ggcrash - 3/29/2012 3:23:43 PM

+1 Boost

Just a thought, I'm not an engineer but would't placing the turbos there (picture), create alot of HEAT especially if BMW places some sort of engine cover there...like they usually do?

dlin - 3/29/2012 3:54:24 PM

+1 Boost

They already did with 5 series, so don't worry about it.

Yonder7 - 3/29/2012 6:26:19 PM

+1 Boost

ggcrash: You are right, but that's their problem If they decide to go with that design. But for sure the car will have more space and better balance if they can figure out how to cool down the engine. V is not as smooth as the In line but is more efficient and lighter which is other plus for the M3.

Yonder7 - 3/30/2012 8:36:56 AM

+1 Boost

blazinboy: I agree but If you are trying to save weight and improve the chassis performance, V6 is one of the options pal.

BimmersNme - 3/30/2012 7:56:24 PM

+1 Boost

Watching the videos of the new M3 testing, if I close my eyes and just listen to the sound of it, it's a V6, IMHO.( I must say I'm not very happy with the switch to a V6, but if it's for the better I'm all for it!

stefx84 - 4/2/2012 5:18:37 AM

+1 Boost

I doubt this. When the new 7 Series came out Autospies also said that they have "inside info" that the E65/E66 760i would be the last BMW to feature a V12 engine. When the new F01 760i came out with an all new V12 Autospies was dead silent about it, not a single word until this day....

If BMW would ever design a V6 it would be for a technical reason of some sort, not marketing.