BMW M-Series Engine Output
#16
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (2)
I know that sometimes whenever a company screws up on ONE thing, then we automatically consider them to be a failure, regardless of their efforts to correct it, and the idea seems to linger for quite some time and in turn becomes the reputation of the company. I certainly believe that nowadays, the technology is relatively advanced and there isn't anything really critical that can go awry.
Getting back to the M engines, as mentioned, those engines are engineering marvels. How many production motors have individual throttle butterflies for each individual cylinder?? Add to that, BMW's use of Variable valve timing Double Vanos.
The double vanos in BMW vehicles flattens the torque curve, improves low rpm power, and widens the powerband for a given set of camshafts. At the same time, the torque does not fall off as quickly past the horsepower peak like in some othe VVT systems.
Another advantage of double vanos is that the system controls the flow of hot exhaust gases into the intake manifold individually no matter what the operating condition. All of this is the perfect recipe for efficient high performance motors.
#17
Firstly, I am a complete BMW newb. The only thing I know about them are that they require significantly more maintenance than our Lexus. No, I'm not a hater, so no flames please.
In any case, I recall a member mentioning that the whole point behind the M-Series is to be naturally aspirated. But I know the M's are FAST; I think the M3 had 420HP.
So my question is how is it possible to have such high power output if it is naturally aspirated? Sure, it has a significantly higher redline and HP figures are actually peak HP usually at an RPM near redline, but that does not constitute an extra 170HP over our 4.0L V8s, so what piece of knowledge am I missing?
In any case, I recall a member mentioning that the whole point behind the M-Series is to be naturally aspirated. But I know the M's are FAST; I think the M3 had 420HP.
So my question is how is it possible to have such high power output if it is naturally aspirated? Sure, it has a significantly higher redline and HP figures are actually peak HP usually at an RPM near redline, but that does not constitute an extra 170HP over our 4.0L V8s, so what piece of knowledge am I missing?
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
M engines are fantastic, I wouldn't go so far as to call them "marvels". They always have problems and well, they should, they are high strung engines.
Just recently the E39 M5 has huge carbon desosit issues (look at some of those values on Autotrader or read the M5 forums, 6k-12k for a new engine depending if BMW foots some of the bill) or even the E46 first run of engines had huge issues, where BMW replaced the entire engine and offered extended warrenties.
I think the engines are incredible but I am not oblivious there are issues.
Just recently the E39 M5 has huge carbon desosit issues (look at some of those values on Autotrader or read the M5 forums, 6k-12k for a new engine depending if BMW foots some of the bill) or even the E46 first run of engines had huge issues, where BMW replaced the entire engine and offered extended warrenties.
I think the engines are incredible but I am not oblivious there are issues.
#19
Lexus Fanatic
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: California
Posts: 6,084
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
M engines are fantastic, I wouldn't go so far as to call them "marvels". They always have problems and well, they should, they are high strung engines.
Just recently the E39 M5 has huge carbon desosit issues (look at some of those values on Autotrader or read the M5 forums, 6k-12k for a new engine depending if BMW foots some of the bill) or even the E46 first run of engines had huge issues, where BMW replaced the entire engine and offered extended warrenties.
I think the engines are incredible but I am not oblivious there are issues.
Just recently the E39 M5 has huge carbon desosit issues (look at some of those values on Autotrader or read the M5 forums, 6k-12k for a new engine depending if BMW foots some of the bill) or even the E46 first run of engines had huge issues, where BMW replaced the entire engine and offered extended warrenties.
I think the engines are incredible but I am not oblivious there are issues.
#20
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (3)
Just recently the E39 M5 has huge carbon desosit issues (look at some of those values on Autotrader or read the M5 forums, 6k-12k for a new engine depending if BMW foots some of the bill) or even the E46 first run of engines had huge issues, where BMW replaced the entire engine and offered extended warrenties.
I think the engines are incredible but I am not oblivious there are issues.
I think the engines are incredible but I am not oblivious there are issues.
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
^^^ I mean I've driven, ridden in them and as stated before, spoken to multiple mechanics, BMW and independent shops. They really really support BMWs as some of the best if not best engines around.
You just have to have the $$$$ to maintain them. I've driven tons of BMWs or been in one, even an E36 I-4 318 and it never felt underpowered or wheezy.
Look at how they continue to produce I-6 engines, while everyone moves to V-6s..... You have to love the stubbornness.
You just have to have the $$$$ to maintain them. I've driven tons of BMWs or been in one, even an E36 I-4 318 and it never felt underpowered or wheezy.
Look at how they continue to produce I-6 engines, while everyone moves to V-6s..... You have to love the stubbornness.
Last edited by LexFather; 10-20-07 at 12:01 PM.
#22
#23
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (3)
And M3 has more than just bearing issues.
#24
I like the interest in this thread!! I'm even learning much about BMW's here, yeah they were real big about trying to stay away from FI.. now the 335 changed that i guess... OH YAH CHECK THE SIG
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
BMW then dropped turbos for all N/A power and as of late with Benz using Turbo and S/C for unbelievable levels of power, BMWs stance was "we are about purity and will not turbo".
Well with all the power wars, even with the Japanese involved, that had to change.
#26
Lets not pretend everything is fine in german land.
We have our own share of issues (Tranny ES350, rattles in other models), but BMW does as well, and if you check (for instance) 335i, not only it has rattles it also has trannies blown, ecu's being replaced, engines overheating, fuel pumps issues, electrics etc, etc...
Search for "problems" on IS boards and on 3 series boards. I assure you that you will get wastly different results.
There is reason Lexus was 6th in Consumer Reports and BMW was 18th.
#28
Guest
Posts: n/a
lol, not sure what happened, I did not write that, I meant to say I have been in tons/driven tons and the 318 never felt underpowered or wheezy. Weird.
I know much more about BMW than you, so take some time to read my posts in this thread preaching and giving props to the brand.
I know much more about BMW than you, so take some time to read my posts in this thread preaching and giving props to the brand.
Last edited by LexFather; 10-20-07 at 12:03 PM.
#30
Guest
Posts: n/a
Every single post of mine in this thread has been fair to the brand and helping Blitz out about BMW and the "M" engine history.