​Technological highlights: 15 exceptional BMW engines and motors.

BMW stands for “Sheer Driving Pleasure” – on two wheels or four. They could have used “Sheer Flying Pleasure” originally, because shortly after the foundation of the Bavarian Engine Works – or “Bayerische Motoren Werke,” better known to us by the acronym BMW – engineers developed the company’s first engine in 1917: the BMW IIIa aircraft engine. The engine is characterized by its sophisticated technical design, which prevents loss of performance at great heights. With the enhanced Motor IV model, BMW even set an unofficial altitude record of 32,021 feet (or 9,760 meters) in 1919. This pioneering work and the reliability of the assembly enabled the young BMW to take up a leading position right from the start.

Facts and figures: 
Water-cooled, inline 6 cylinder engine with carburetor
Engine displacement of 1,163 cubic inches (19.1 liters)
Power output 140 kW (185 hp)

The legendary engine of the BMW 328 established the reputation that has preceded BMW ever since: the German drive units are considered to be particularly sporty. And in this regard the BMW 6-cylinder engine, as used in the BMW 326 model way back in 1936, is another outstanding example. The engine from the BMW 326 was given a modern aluminum cylinder head and then delivered around 80 hp in the BMW 328 – and above all was able to hit up to 5,000 rpm. Thanks to the rear-wheel drive and the low weight of just over 1,800 pounds (around 800 kilogramm), this sports car was a real driving machine – more than 80 years ago!

Facts and figures:
6-cylinder inline engine
Engine displacement of 122 cubic inches (2.0 liters)
Power output 59 kW (80 hp)

A production engine with turbochargers? 50 years ago, that was as rare as a four-speed manual transmission today. Pithy phrases from days gone by such as, “Turbo on, gas gone” or the “Turbo commemorative second” (for the delay there used to be before the power from a turbocharger kicked in) have also virtually disappeared from automotive vernacular. However, the enthusiasm for turbocharged engines has not. This 122-cubic-inch (two-liter) turbo produced what for 1973 was an incredible 170 hp, which also pushed the BMW 2002 Turbo into the real sports car bracket, with a top speed of 131 mph (211 km/h). This model was also the first mass-produced European car with a turbocharger. Today, the turbocharger is an important technology to make car engines even more efficient.

Facts and figures:
4-cylinder engine with turbocharger
Engine displacement of 122 cubic inches (2.0 liters)
Power output 125 kW (170 hp)

From large-volume power units to small, souped-up engines. Although it’s only the 92 cubic inch (1.5-liter) engine displacement that is “small” here, as the power output of this 1980s BMW Formula 1 engine was enormous. It’s rumored that the power in versions used in training sessions reached up to 1,200 hp. Such an explosion in performance was a challenge for any Formula 1 driver. Especially in the days before electronic driver assistance systems. Time and again, motorsports technology finds its way into mass production vehicles. And so it is that this BMW Formula 1 engine can undoubtedly be seen as the forerunner of today’s downsizing method (shrinking the size of engines without losing performance and simultaneously reducing consumption).

Facts and figures:
4-cylinder engine with turbocharger
Engine displacement of 92 cubic inches (1.5 liters)
Power output up to 1,200 hp (in F1 training sessions)

At that time, the twelve-cylinder engine was the absolute bee’s knees. The BMW V12 engine still stands for perfection in engine smoothness and power in abundance. Especially since the BMW 750i boasted the first German production engine to feature a dozen cylinders since WWII. The BMW 750i’s V12 engine helps the car achieve outstanding driving performance with great comfort and without compromising on understatement. In order to demonstrate the incredible smooth running of the BMW V12 engine, a coin was placed on its edge on the engine. It did not fall over when the engine was running. This set the tone for the electric engines (see below), where “engine smoothness” is one of the salient features.

Facts and figures:
V12-cylinder engine
Engine displacement of 305 cubic inches (5.0 liters)
Power output 220 kW (300 hp)

With the BMW i3, the German automaker proved itself a pioneer in electric vehicles. Drivers of this holistically produced electric car can banish range anxiety (➜ Read more: Busting Electric Car Myths). First-time BMW i3 drivers find it an astonishing experience – driving an EV is fun! Thanks to its excellent acceleration, you win every traffic light start, which puts a big grin on your face. At the same time, you find yourself making an effort to go as easy as you can on battery charges so that you can set new personal consumption records. The joy of making savings can also be a joy of driving!

Facts and figures:
Electric motor
Power output 125 kW (170 hp)
Battery capacity 37.9 kWh

The straight-six cylinder has been a hallmark of BMW for decades – an engine concept that epitomises smooth running, performance and power. And BMW is keeping this tradition alive in the B58 and S58. First launched in 2015, the B58 brings together all kinds of cutting-edge technology, such as an integrated coolant radiator in the intake passage, an optimised combustion process and a closed-deck design for high stability. With superior power delivery and high efficiency, this engine can be found in numerous BMW models – from sporty sedans to powerful SUVs.

For maximum performance, BMW M developed the S58, a highly tuned version of the B58 with a reinforced crankcase, optimised turbocharger system and high-pressure fuel injection. Delivering a power output of up to 405 kW (550 hp), this engine is the secret behind the impressive dynamics in models like the BMW M4 CSL – precise, responsive and with the distinctive sound that has become the hallmark of BMW M engines.

Facts and figures:
B58 – turbocharged six-cylinder inline engine 
3.0 litre displacement 
Power output of up to 285 kW (387 hp)

S58 – high-performance six-cylinder inline engine 
3.0 litre displacement 
Power output of up to 405 kW (550 hp)

The BMW iX is the fifth generation of all-electric drives. The latest incarnation of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) features more powerful electric motors, optimised battery technology and an increased range.

More evolved than ever, the fifth generation of the BMW eDrive technology combines efficiency with dynamics. In the BMW iX M70 xDrive, the electric drive system achieves a peak output of 485 kW (659 hp) and allows for impressive acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Thanks to state-of-the-art high-voltage batteries, the BMW iX offers a range of up to 701 kilometres (WLTP), combining sustainable electromobility with the brand’s signature driving experience.

Facts and figures:
Fifth generation of the BMW eDrive 
Dual electric-motor all-wheel drive 
Power output up to 485 kW (659 hp) 
Battery capacity: 76.6 – 112.8 kWh
Electric range up to 701 km (WLTP)