“BMW’s holdout in-line six is still the gold standard
for power delivery and response”
Jason Cammisa, Automobile Magazine
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Image:- Dr Harald Unger, Department Manager, Design Inline Engines, BMW
Last year saw BMW dominate the top
two positions in this category – a
feat it has repeated this year with the
same contenders. Again, the 3-litre DI
twin turbo has the edge on its diesel
sibling, with its classic in-line six
configuration charming the jury.
As John Carey from Wheels
Magazine stated, “Punching well
above its capacity division, this
downsizing trendsetter hasn’t been
bettered in my opinion. Great power
delivery, superb refinement and not
too thirsty.”
Offering 306bhp from its light
alloy and magnesium straight-six
engine, the engine can accelerate a
1-Series coupe from zero to 62mph
in 5.3 seconds before going on to an
electronically limited top speed of
155mph. Peak torque of 400Nm from
just 1,300rpm through to 5,000rpm
ensures smooth yet rapid progress
and in-gear flexibility.
Jason Cammisa, West Coast editor
of Automobile Magazine in the USA,
was similarly impressed: “With
refinement that no V6 engine can
match, BMW’s holdout in-line six is
still the gold standard for power
delivery and response – not to
mention efficiency.”
Courtesy of high-precision direct
injection for the most efficient burn
of fuel mix, and Bi-VANOS variable
valve technology, combined with
lightweight engineering principles,
the engine ensures frugal motoring
while maintaining its top-end
performance. The 2,979cc engine
posts a 9.2 l/100km (30.7mpg)
figure on the combined cycle and a
CO2 emissions figure of 220g/km.
This engine, and indeed its diesel
equivalent, have beaten off some
stiff competition, including the
popular 3-litre diesel unit favoured
by Jaguar, Ford, Land Rover and PSA;
Audi’s venerable 3-litre diesel; and
Porsche’s characterful 2.9-litre
flat-six. Such company really shows
the quality of this powerplant.
One of Turkey’s leading
automotive journalists, Halit Bolkan,
said that this BMW engine is “a
typical Munich-made miracle”.
Results
points
1. BMW 3-litre DI Twin Turbo (135i, 335i, 535i, X5 35i, X6 35i, Z4)
