List of BMW engines
Encyclopedia
Gasoline/petrol piston enginesPetrol engineA petrol engine is an internal combustion engine with spark-ignition, designed to run on petrol and similar volatile fuels....
For information on single, two, three, four, and six-cylinder BMW MotorradBMW Motorrad
BMW Motorrad is the motorcycle brand of the German company BMW, part of its Corporate and Brand Development division. The current General Director of the unit is Hendrik von Kuenheim....
motorcycle engines History of BMW motorcycles.
Straight-4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
- 1960–1987 — 1.5–2.0 L M10/M12BMW M10The BMW M10/M12 was a straight-4 piston engine produced from 1961 to 1987. Displacement ranged from 1499 cc to 1990 cc.The engine was designed by noted engineer and race driver Baron Alex von Falkenhausen. He was asked to design a small-displacement engine, but felt that this would be...
- 1986–1991 — 2.0–2.5 L S14BMW S14The BMW S14 is a 2.3 L DOHC 16-valve I4 piston engine. It was used in the E30 M3. The S14 is essentially a BMW M10 basic engine block casting with modified oil drain back passages and a M88/S38 DOHC cylinder head . It has four separate throttle bodies...
for M3BMW M3The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M. M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46 and E90/E92/E93 3-series, and sold with coupé, sedan and convertible body styles...
(DOHC) - 1987–1995 — 1.6/1.8 L M40BMW M40The BMW M40 is an I4 piston engine. Engine displacement ranges from 1600 cc to 1800 cc.-M40B16:The M40B16 is a 1.6 L version of the M40 producing 102 hp of mechanical power and lbf of torque using Bosch M1.3 fuel injection...
(SOHC) - 1989–1996 — 1.8 L M42BMW M42The BMW M42 is a DOHC 16-valve I4 piston engine first built for the E30 318is and 318i 1991 year model. The engine block is based on the BMW M40, used on the 318i, but had distinctive features such as double overhead cams driven by a timing chain, hydraulic valve lifters, and an increased 10:1...
(DOHC) - 1991–2002 — 1.6/1.8/1.9 L M43BMW M43The BMW M43 is a straight-4 piston engine. Displacement ranges from 1600 cc to 2000 cc.The engine was built solely on Assembly Line 2 at Steyr, and was the successor to the M40....
(SOHC) - 1996–2001 — 1.9 L M44BMW M44The BMW M44 is a DOHC 16-valve I4 piston engine. It replaced BMW's previous multi-valve four-cylinder, the BMW M42 and was related to the lesser 8-valve BMW M43...
(DOHC) - 2001–2006 — 1.6 L TritecTritec engineIn 1997, Chrysler Corporation and Rover Group formed Tritec, a joint venture to design a new small straight-4 engine for small cars. They built a factory in Campo Largo of Curitiba, Brazil, to manufacture the engine. When BMW sold Rover Group, BMW retained the stake in Tritec.It is also called the...
(JV with ChryslerChryslerChrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....
) - 2001–2003 — 1.8/2.0 L N42BMW N42The N42 is a series of I4 automobile piston engines from BMW designed in conjunction with MG Rover engineers with the intention of replacing the larger capacities of K series engines used in Rover products. However, this plan was dropped following the sell off in 2000. The series debuted with the...
(Won International Engine of the YearInternational Engine of the YearThe International Engine of the Year is an annual competition for automotive industry internal combustion engines, judged by a panel of automobile journalists from around the world. It is organised by the United Kingdom's largest technical motoring, aerospace and traffic management publication...
award) - 2004– — 1.8/2.0 L N46BMW N46The N46 is the larger of two modern straight-4 automobile piston engine families from BMW, the smaller being the N45. The series debuted with the E46 316i and 316ti and E87 120i in 2004.-Models:-N46B18:...
- 2004– — 1.6 L N45BMW N45The N45 is a compact straight-4 automobile piston engine from BMW. The series debuted with the E87 116i in 2004. The engine does not have Valvetronic.-Models:...
- 2006 — 2.0L N45BMW N45The N45 is a compact straight-4 automobile piston engine from BMW. The series debuted with the E87 116i in 2004. The engine does not have Valvetronic.-Models:...
- 2006– — N14 1.6 L PrincePrince enginePrince is the codename for a family of modern automobile straight-4 engines developed jointly by BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën. It is a compact engine family of 1.4–1.6 L in displacement and includes most modern features including gasoline direct injection and variable valve timing.For...
(JV with PSA), 90 kW (122 PS), 160 Nm (118 ft·lb) - 2006– — N43BMW N43The N43 family of engines was introduced in 2007. The N43 is a group of 1.6 & 2 L new petrol engines, with a bore×stroke of 84×90 mm, 1,995 cc displacement, and 4 valves per cylinder for the 2.0 litre version...
2.0 L petrol and diesel engines - 2007– — N43BMW N43The N43 family of engines was introduced in 2007. The N43 is a group of 1.6 & 2 L new petrol engines, with a bore×stroke of 84×90 mm, 1,995 cc displacement, and 4 valves per cylinder for the 2.0 litre version...
2.0 L petrol and diesel engines - 2011– — N20BMW N20The N20 is a turbocharged straight-4 automobile engine from BMW. It was launched in 2011 in the new BMW X1 xDrive28i. It is BMW's first straight-4 engine that combines the use of BMW TwinPower turbo technology, high precision direct injection, turbocharging according to the Twin Scroll principle,...
2.0 L single turbocharger petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo, ValvetronicValvetronicThe Valvetronic system is a variable valve timing system to offer continuous and precisely variable intake valve lift, from ~0 to 10 mm, and duration. It typically works in conjunction with the independent Double VANOS system that continuously varies the timing...
, and High Precision Injection - 2011– — N13BMW N13The N13 is a turbocharged straight-4 automobile engine from BMW. It was launched in 2011 in the new BMW 1 Series, 116i/118i models. The N13 engine continues BMW's EfficientDynamics and will replace naturally aspirated BMW N43 four-cylinder engine. Aluminium engine block is from MINI Cooper S and...
1.6 L single turbocharger petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo, ValvetronicValvetronicThe Valvetronic system is a variable valve timing system to offer continuous and precisely variable intake valve lift, from ~0 to 10 mm, and duration. It typically works in conjunction with the independent Double VANOS system that continuously varies the timing...
, and High Precision Injection
Straight-6Straight-6The straight-six engine or inline-six engine is a six-cylinder internal combustion engine with all six cylinders mounted in a straight line along the crankcase...
BMW is best-known for its strong straight-6Straight-6
The straight-six engine or inline-six engine is a six-cylinder internal combustion engine with all six cylinders mounted in a straight line along the crankcase...
engines, which have powered many of the company's best-loved cars, including the E46 BMW M3
BMW M3
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M. M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46 and E90/E92/E93 3-series, and sold with coupé, sedan and convertible body styles...
. BMW is one of the few auto manufacturers to have retained the FR layout for all vehicles, and never adopting the V6 engine
V6 engine
A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
. As of the 2010 model year, Straight-6
Straight-6
The straight-six engine or inline-six engine is a six-cylinder internal combustion engine with all six cylinders mounted in a straight line along the crankcase...
s have been the base engines for BMWs sold in Canada and the US.
- 1933 - 1.2 L M78BMW M78BMW M78 is a reciprocating engine with six straight cylinders produced by BMW. The engine has a cylinder volume of 1.2 litres and 30 effective horse power with 4 000 revs per minute and a torque of 68 Nm at 2 000 rpm....
- 1937 - 2.0 L M328
- 1937 - 3.5 L M335
- 1952 - 2.0-2.1 L M337
- 1968 - 2.5-3.5 L M30BMW M30The BMW M30 is an inline-6 cylinder engine built by BMW and was used in many different models since 1968. It was originally developed in the late 1960s as an extended 2.5-liter version of the robust inline four-cylinder BMW M10 first used in the 'Neue Klasse' BMW 1500, with which it shares a...
SOHC Double CarburetorCarburetorA carburetor , carburettor, or carburetter is a device that blends air and fuel for an internal combustion engine. It is sometimes shortened to carb in North America and the United Kingdom....
(On the Ward's 10 Best Engines of the 20th Century list) - 1977 - 2.0-2.7 L M20BMW M20The M20 is an inline-6 piston engine by BMW.Initially designated M60, the 12-valve, belt driven SOHC design was introduced in the 1977 BMW 520/6 and 320/6 as an entirely new design. With displacements ranging from 2.0 to 2.7 liters, it was the "little brother" to the larger BMW M30 engine. It had ...
SOHC 12v (The original 2.0 and 2.3L versions were designated M60, but all displacements later carried the M20 name. M60BMW M60The M60 is the internal code for the V8 engine manufactured by BMW from April 1992 to 1995. It replaced the BMW M30 inline six - with the exception of the BMW E32, in which the M30B30 continued to be available.-Development:...
is currently used to describe 1st generation 3.0 and 4.0 liter V8's.) - 1978 - 3.5 L M88/S38BMW M88The BMW M88/3 is an in line 6 cylinder piston engine. It was based on the M88/1 that was used in the BMW M1's street version, with double overhead cam and four valves per cylinder. The M88/1 was in turn based on the M49 engine which was used in the BMW 3.0CSi...
for M1BMW M1The BMW M1 is a sports car that was produced by German automaker BMW from 1978 to 1981.In the late 1970s, Italian manufacturer Lamborghini entered into an agreement with BMW to build a production racing car in sufficient quantity for homologation. The result was sold to the public, from 1978 to...
/M5BMW M5The first BMW M5, based on the E28 5 Series, made its debut at Amsterdam Motor Show in February 1984. It was the product of demand for an automobile with the carrying capacity of a saloon , but the overall performance of a sports car. It utilized the 535i chassis and an evolution of the engine from...
/M6BMW M6The BMW M6, also known as the BMW M635CSi, is a high-performance version of the 6-Series automobile, designed by the motorsport division of BMW... - 1980 - 3.2 L M102BMW M102The BMW M102 is an I6 turbocharged piston engine used in the E23 BMW 745i. At 3.2 L, the M102 produced ....
for 7-Series - 1983 - 3.4 L M106BMW M106The BMW M106 motor replaced the BMW M102 motor. The addition of Bosch Motronic engine management and an increased displacement to 3.4 liters produced the same output power as the M102 at lower RPM and with better fuel economy, and at only 6 psi vs. the M102 boost pressure of 10 psi. The M106 motor...
for 7-Series - 1989 - 2.0-3.0 L M50BMW M50The BMW M50 is an I6 piston engine. It was introduced in 1990 to replace the BMW M20 in the new 3-series and was replaced by the BMW M52 in 1995. Displacement ranges from 2.0 L to 3.2 L. It is a DOHC 24-valve engine...
DOHC 24v (with VANOSVANOSVANOS is an automobile variable valve timing technology developed by BMW in close collaboration with Continental Teves. VANOS varies the timing of the valves by moving the position of the camshafts in relation to the drive gear...
on M50TU) - 1994 - 2.0-2.8 L M52BMW M52The BMW M52 is a Straight 6 piston engine. Displacement ranges from 2000 cc to 3200 cc. It is a DOHC 24-valve engine, originally introduced with VANOS Variable Valve Timing. It replaced the BMW M50 engine in 1994 and was replaced in 2001 with the BMW M54 engine...
DOHC 24v with VANOS (Double-VANOS on M52TU) (Two International Engine of the YearInternational Engine of the YearThe International Engine of the Year is an annual competition for automotive industry internal combustion engines, judged by a panel of automobile journalists from around the world. It is organised by the United Kingdom's largest technical motoring, aerospace and traffic management publication...
awards) - 1995 - 3.0 L S50 for BMW M3
- 1996 - 3.2 L S52 for M3BMW M3The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M. M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46 and E90/E92/E93 3-series, and sold with coupé, sedan and convertible body styles...
- 2000 - 2.2-3.0 L M54BMW M54The BMW M54 is a straight-6 engine, debuting in the year 2000. It is an evolution of the BMW M52. The engine has Double VANOS variable valve timing to adjust timing of both intake and exhaust valves.-M54B22:...
aluminium DOHC 24v with Double-VANOS - 2002 - 3.2 L S54 cast iron DOHC 24v (Six International Engine of the YearInternational Engine of the YearThe International Engine of the Year is an annual competition for automotive industry internal combustion engines, judged by a panel of automobile journalists from around the world. It is organised by the United Kingdom's largest technical motoring, aerospace and traffic management publication...
awards) - 2005 - 2.5-3.0 L N52BMW N52The BMW N52 is a straight-6 engine made by BMW, which debuted in 2004 on the BMW E63 630Ci. The N52 is BMW's 12th generation production straight-6 engine.Its crankcase is made entirely of magnesium and aluminum, a first in the world of engine construction...
magnesium/aluminium DOHC 24v with Double-VANOS and ValvetronicValvetronicThe Valvetronic system is a variable valve timing system to offer continuous and precisely variable intake valve lift, from ~0 to 10 mm, and duration. It typically works in conjunction with the independent Double VANOS system that continuously varies the timing...
(Ward's 10 Best EnginesWard's 10 Best EnginesWard's 10 Best Engines is an annual list of the ten "best" automobile engines available in the U.S. market, that are selected by Ward's AutoWorld magazine. The list was started in 1994, and has been drawn every year since then....
of the Year in 2006 and 2007) - 2006 - 3.0 L N54BMW N54The N54 is a direct injection twin-turbocharged straight-6 automobile engine from BMW. It was launched in late 2006 as a high-performance option for the BMW 3-Series, first to be released along with the new 3-series E92 Coupé, to be followed closely by other existing 3-series models, then with...
aluminium DOHC 24v twin turbocharged (Five International Engine of the YearInternational Engine of the YearThe International Engine of the Year is an annual competition for automotive industry internal combustion engines, judged by a panel of automobile journalists from around the world. It is organised by the United Kingdom's largest technical motoring, aerospace and traffic management publication...
awards) - 2007 - 2.5-3.0 L N53BMW N53The BMW N53 is BMW's 14th generation production straight 6 engine, released in 2007 in the facelifted BMW 5 Series and the BMW 3 Series . It is an improvement on the N52 Naturally Aspirated engine mainly since it has gasoline direct injection technology and can burn stratified...
magnesium/aluminium DOHC 24v with Double-VANOS and High Precision Injection (Gasoline Direct InjectionGasoline direct injectionIn internal combustion engines, gasoline direct injection , also known as petrol direct injection or direct petrol injection, is a variant of fuel injection employed in modern two-stroke and four-stroke gasoline engines...
) - 2009 - 3.0 L N55BMW N55The N55 is a turbocharged straight-6 automobile engine from BMW. It was launched in early 2009 in the new BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo in the BMW 535i GT model...
single turbocharger, features these technologies (TwinPower Turbo, ValvetronicValvetronicThe Valvetronic system is a variable valve timing system to offer continuous and precisely variable intake valve lift, from ~0 to 10 mm, and duration. It typically works in conjunction with the independent Double VANOS system that continuously varies the timing...
, and High Precision Injection)
The "TwinPower Turbo" moniker initially denoted engines that utilize a twin-scroll turbocharger which was unveiled in 2009 (the calendar year, not the model year) with the N55 and N74 being the first engines to use this technology. Nonetheless, BMW has started to apply the TwinPower label retroactively to earlier turbocharged engines that are still in production like the N54 and N63, although they do not use twin-scroll technology. The N55 is the only single turbo engine in BMW's lineup as of the 2010 model year.
V8V8 engineA V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
- 1951 - 2.6-3.2 L OHV V8BMW OHV V8 engineThe BMW OHV V8 engine was the first V8 engine made by BMW, produced from 1954 to 1965. This engine is usually named by the fact that it was the only pushrod-driven overhead valve V8 ever produced by BMW...
- 1992 - 3.0-4.0 L M60BMW M60The M60 is the internal code for the V8 engine manufactured by BMW from April 1992 to 1995. It replaced the BMW M30 inline six - with the exception of the BMW E32, in which the M30B30 continued to be available.-Development:...
- 1996 - 3.5-4.4 L M62BMW M62The BMW M62 is a V8 piston engine, built in Munich, Germany. It has an aluminum block with 98 mm bore centers and two aluminum DOHC cylinder heads.-M62:...
- 1998 - 4.9-5.0 L S62 for E39/52 M5BMW M5The first BMW M5, based on the E28 5 Series, made its debut at Amsterdam Motor Show in February 1984. It was the product of demand for an automobile with the carrying capacity of a saloon , but the overall performance of a sports car. It utilized the 535i chassis and an evolution of the engine from...
and Z8BMW Z8The BMW Z8 was a roadster car produced by German automaker BMW from 1999-2003. It was given the E52 BMW model code.The Z8 was the production variant of the 1997 Z07 concept car, which was designed by Henrik Fisker at BMW's DesignworksUSA in Southern California. The Z07 originally was designed as a...
- 1998 - 4.9-5.0 L S62 for E39/52 M5
- 2001 - 3.6-4.6 L N62BMW N62The N62 is a V8 from BMW, built in Munich, Germany. It has an Alusil aluminum engine block and aluminum DOHC cylinder heads.It uses SFI fuel injection, has 4 valves per cylinder with BMW's double-VANOS and Valvetronic technologies and features fracture-split forged powdered metal connecting...
with SFI fuel injection, Double-VANOSVANOSVANOS is an automobile variable valve timing technology developed by BMW in close collaboration with Continental Teves. VANOS varies the timing of the valves by moving the position of the camshafts in relation to the drive gear...
, and ValvetronicValvetronicThe Valvetronic system is a variable valve timing system to offer continuous and precisely variable intake valve lift, from ~0 to 10 mm, and duration. It typically works in conjunction with the independent Double VANOS system that continuously varies the timing...
(Three International Engine of the YearInternational Engine of the YearThe International Engine of the Year is an annual competition for automotive industry internal combustion engines, judged by a panel of automobile journalists from around the world. It is organised by the United Kingdom's largest technical motoring, aerospace and traffic management publication...
awards) - 2004 - 4.8 L N62/S for 4.8is X5 '04-'06
- 2005 - 4.0 L P60B40P60B40The P60B40 is the V8 Powerplant of the E46 BMW GTR. The race engine config in the ALMS GTR produced 444-470HP.- Usage :Auto racing history is replete with examples of clever engineers and racers taking advantage of badly worded rules. The latest example is the car you see here, the BMW E46 M3 GTR,...
- 2008 - 4.0 L S65BMW S65The S65 is a naturally aspirated DOHC 32-valve automobile V8 engine from BMW.Derived from the BMW S85 V10 engine used in the M5/M6, it shares the same basic architecture and aluminium construction. It was introduced in the E92 M3 as a replacement for the S54 straight-6...
for E90/92/93 M3BMW M3The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M. M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46 and E90/E92/E93 3-series, and sold with coupé, sedan and convertible body styles...
(Two International Engine of the YearInternational Engine of the YearThe International Engine of the Year is an annual competition for automotive industry internal combustion engines, judged by a panel of automobile journalists from around the world. It is organised by the United Kingdom's largest technical motoring, aerospace and traffic management publication...
awards) - 2008 - 4.4 L BMW N63BMW N63The N63 is a family of 4.4L, direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V8 automobile engines produced by BMW since 2008.-Specifications:The N63B44 features a reverse-flow air design in which the turbochargers are mounted in the engine valley and the intake manifolds are located on the sides of the block...
twin turbocharged- 2009 - 4.4 L BMW S63BMW N63The N63 is a family of 4.4L, direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V8 automobile engines produced by BMW since 2008.-Specifications:The N63B44 features a reverse-flow air design in which the turbochargers are mounted in the engine valley and the intake manifolds are located on the sides of the block...
twin turbocharged with TwinPower Turbo and Cylinder bank Comprehensive Manifold
- 2009 - 4.4 L BMW S63
V10V10 engineA V10 engine is a V engine with 10 cylinders in two banks of five with a distinct exhaust note.- Mechanics :The V10 is essentially the result of mating two even-firing straight-5 engines together. The straight-5 engine shows first and second order rocking motion...
- 2005 - 5.0 L S85BMW S85The BMW S85B50 is a DOHC 40-valve V10 automotive piston engine present in the E60 M5 sedan, E61 M5 touring and E63/64 M6 coupé. It was derived directly from BMW's Formula 1 racing division....
for E60BMW E60The BMW E60 is the BMW 5 Series automobile, replacing the BMW E39 in 2003. It was replaced by the BMW F10 from March 2010. The E60 was available in both sedan and station wagon platforms....
M5BMW M5The first BMW M5, based on the E28 5 Series, made its debut at Amsterdam Motor Show in February 1984. It was the product of demand for an automobile with the carrying capacity of a saloon , but the overall performance of a sports car. It utilized the 535i chassis and an evolution of the engine from...
and E63 M6BMW M6The BMW M6, also known as the BMW M635CSi, is a high-performance version of the 6-Series automobile, designed by the motorsport division of BMW...
(Four International Engine of the YearInternational Engine of the YearThe International Engine of the Year is an annual competition for automotive industry internal combustion engines, judged by a panel of automobile journalists from around the world. It is organised by the United Kingdom's largest technical motoring, aerospace and traffic management publication...
awards)
As the S85 was BMW's first V10 engine, it was given a new series in the nomenclature. As the V8 engines are designated by "60s" and the V12 engines which are designated by "70s", the S85 was badged with an "80" despite it having fewer cylinders than the "70"-series engines. The S65, although apparently out of order compared to the other V8 engines (which follow "62" and "63"), was designated as such since its design is largely derived from the S85 minus two cylinders, and not related to BMW's other V8s.
V12V12 engineA V12 engine is a V engine with 12 cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of six cylinders, usually but not always at a 60° angle to each other, with all 12 pistons driving a common crankshaft....
- 1986 - 5.0-5.4 L M70BMW M70The BMW M70 is a V12 piston engine and featured heavily in the 7-Series and 8-Series BMWs of the late 80s and early 1990s. Models included:*1988–1994 BMW 750i*1988–1994 BMW 750iL*1991–1993 BMW 850i*1993–1995 BMW 850Ci*1994–1996 BMW 850Csi...
- 1992 - 5.6 L S70BMW M70The BMW M70 is a V12 piston engine and featured heavily in the 7-Series and 8-Series BMWs of the late 80s and early 1990s. Models included:*1988–1994 BMW 750i*1988–1994 BMW 750iL*1991–1993 BMW 850i*1993–1995 BMW 850Ci*1994–1996 BMW 850Csi...
- 1993 - 5.4 L M73BMW M73The BMW M73 is a V12 piston engine built in Munich, Germany. It has an Alusil aluminum engine block and aluminum SOHC cylinder heads. While most other engines in the BMW had switched to four valves per cylinder, the M73 used 2-valve SOHC heads and featured fracture-split forged steel connecting...
(Won an International Engine of the YearInternational Engine of the YearThe International Engine of the Year is an annual competition for automotive industry internal combustion engines, judged by a panel of automobile journalists from around the world. It is organised by the United Kingdom's largest technical motoring, aerospace and traffic management publication...
award) - 1994 - 6.1 L S70/2BMW M70The BMW M70 is a V12 piston engine and featured heavily in the 7-Series and 8-Series BMWs of the late 80s and early 1990s. Models included:*1988–1994 BMW 750i*1988–1994 BMW 750iL*1991–1993 BMW 850i*1993–1995 BMW 850Ci*1994–1996 BMW 850Csi...
- 2003 - 6.0 L N73BMW N73The N73 was a V12 engine from BMW, built in Munich, Germany.The N73 was among the first BMW engines to receive the revolutionary Valvetronic technology, which surprisingly gives it more economical fuel consumption than older non-Valvetronic V8 BMW engines...
- 2009 - 6.0 L N74BMW N74The N74 a V12 engine built by BMW in Munich, Germany. As of 2009 it is the company's flagship engine in the 7-Series, only being offered in the Li long wheelbase variant....
twin turbocharged, features these technologies (TwinPower Turbo, ValvetronicValvetronicThe Valvetronic system is a variable valve timing system to offer continuous and precisely variable intake valve lift, from ~0 to 10 mm, and duration. It typically works in conjunction with the independent Double VANOS system that continuously varies the timing...
, Double VANOSVANOSVANOS is an automobile variable valve timing technology developed by BMW in close collaboration with Continental Teves. VANOS varies the timing of the valves by moving the position of the camshafts in relation to the drive gear...
, and High Precision Injection)
BMW was the first German manufacturer to revive the V12 engine in the model year 1986, forcing Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks. Mercedes-Benz is a division of its parent company, Daimler AG...
to follow suit in 1991. Only the 7 Series
BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series is a line of full-size luxury vehicles produced by the German automaker BMW. Introduced in 1977, it is BMW's flagship car and is only available as a sedan or extended-length limousine...
and 8 Series
BMW 8 Series
The BMW 8 Series is a V8- or V12-engined 2-door 2+2 coupe built by BMW from 1989 to 1999. While it did supplant the original E24 based 6 Series in 1991, a common misconception is that the 8 Series was developed as a successor...
have used V12 engines.
The 850CSi was the only V12-powered car produced by BMW M
BMW M
BMW M GmbH is a subsidiary of German car manufacturer BMW AG.BMW M, also known as M-Technik or just "M" was initially created to facilitate BMW’s racing program, which was very successful in the 1960s and 1970s...
. There have been no M version of the V12-engined 7 Series, as BMW did not want a high-revving version in the vein of the M variants of its other lines, and also as the E65 760Li's naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12
BMW N73
The N73 was a V12 engine from BMW, built in Munich, Germany.The N73 was among the first BMW engines to receive the revolutionary Valvetronic technology, which surprisingly gives it more economical fuel consumption than older non-Valvetronic V8 BMW engines...
was deemed too heavy to have a sporty offshoot.
While BMW sells far fewer V12-engined 7 Series
BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series is a line of full-size luxury vehicles produced by the German automaker BMW. Introduced in 1977, it is BMW's flagship car and is only available as a sedan or extended-length limousine...
than V8 versions, the V12 retains popularity in the US, China, and Russia, as well as maintaining the marque's prestige in the luxury vehicle market segment. The BMW-designed V12 also appears in Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce Motors
Rolls-Royce Motors was created from the de-merger of the Rolls-Royce car business from Rolls-Royce Limited in 1973. The original Rolls-Royce Limited had been nationalised in 1971 due to the financial collapse of the company, caused in part by the development of the RB211 jet engine...
cars.
V16V16 engineA V16 engine is a V engine with 16 cylinders. Engines of this number of cylinders are uncommon in automotive use.A V16 engine is perfectly balanced regardless of the V angle without requiring counter-rotating balancing shafts which are necessary to balance Straight-4 and odd number of cylinder...
- 1987 - 6.7 L GoldfishBMW Goldfish V16The BMW V16 engine known as the project Goldfish is a SOHC 32-valve V16 6.7 litre prototype automotive piston engine based on BMW M70 V12 engine.-Development:...
(M70 V12 based prototype) - 2004 - 9.0 L - Rolls-Royce 100EXRolls-Royce 100EXThe Rolls-Royce 100 EX has:*9.0 litre V16 engine*6 Speed automatic transmission*Dimensions: Height , Width and Length...
V16 engine prototype
Straight-4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
- 1994–2000 — 1.7 L M41BMW M41The BMW M41 was a straight-4 Diesel engine produced from 1994 through 2000Applications:* 1994-2000 E36 318tds-M41D17:With the M41 engine the first four cylinder diesel engine was introduced by BMW....
DieselDiesel engineA diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber... - 1998–2006 — 2.0 L M47BMW M47The BMW M47 is a diesel straight-4 engine produced from 1998 through 2007, using at the beginning of its life high-pressure injection system over the Common Rail Applications:* 1999-2004 Rover 75 CDT* 2004-2005 Rover 75 CDTi...
DieselDiesel engineA diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber... - 2006–present — 2.0 L N47BMW N47BMW N47 is BMW's latest four-cylinder common rail diesel engine, with many improvements over its predecessor, the BMW M47.Having made its debut in the face lifted BMW E87 and the E81 which were both introduced in March 2007, it was also offered from the outset in the BMW E82 and E88, which were...
DieselDiesel engineA diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
Straight-6Straight-6The straight-six engine or inline-six engine is a six-cylinder internal combustion engine with all six cylinders mounted in a straight line along the crankcase...
- 1983–1993 — 2.4 L M21BMW M21The BMW M21 was a 2.4 L diesel straight-6 engine.It was introduced in 1983 with the BMW M20 design as its basis. It was available with a turbocharger....
DieselDiesel engineA diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber... - 1991–1998 — 2.5 L M51BMW M51The BMW M51 is a straight-6 Diesel engine produced from July 1991 through February 2000.The "td" stands for "turbodiesel" while "tds" refers to "intercooled turbodiesel".Applications:* 1991-1996 E36 325td * 1996-1998 E36 325td...
DieselDiesel engineA diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber... - 1998–present — 2.5-3.0 L M57BMW M57The BMW M57 is a straight-6 diesel engine produced from 1998. It won the "2.5–3 L" category of the International Engine of the Year award for 1999 through 2002. The downgraded twin-turbocharger version won that same award in 2005 and 2006...
DieselDiesel engineA diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber... - 2008–present — 2.5-3.0 L N57BMW N57The BMW N57 is a family of aluminium, turbocharged straight-6 common rail diesel engines. The engines utilize variable geometry turbochargers and Bosch piezo-electric injectors.-Summary:-N57D30:...
DieselDiesel engineA diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
V8V8 engineA V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
- 1998-2009 — 3.9 L M67BMW M67The BMW M67 is a diesel automobile engine, used in the BMW 7-series. It was first introduced in 1998, and used until 2009. The engine is a common rail turbodiesel V8 design, using double overhead camshafts and 32 valves....
DieselDiesel engineA diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
(Two International Engine of the YearInternational Engine of the YearThe International Engine of the Year is an annual competition for automotive industry internal combustion engines, judged by a panel of automobile journalists from around the world. It is organised by the United Kingdom's largest technical motoring, aerospace and traffic management publication...
awards)
BMW nomenclature
BMW vehicles follow a certain nomenclature; usually a 3 digit number is followed by 1 or 2 letters. The first number represents the series number. The next two numbers traditionally represent the engine displacementEngine displacement
Engine displacement is the volume swept by all the pistons inside the cylinders of an internal combustion engine in a single movement from top dead centre to bottom dead centre . It is commonly specified in cubic centimeters , litres , or cubic inches...
in cubic centimeters divided by 100. A similar nomenclature is used by BMW Motorrad
BMW Motorrad
BMW Motorrad is the motorcycle brand of the German company BMW, part of its Corporate and Brand Development division. The current General Director of the unit is Hendrik von Kuenheim....
for their motorcycles.
The system of letters can be used in combination, and is as follows:
- A = automatic transmissionAutomatic transmissionAn automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
- C = coupéCoupéA coupé or coupe is a closed car body style , the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...
, last used on the BMW E46BMW E46The BMW E46 is the fourth generation of the 3 Series compact executive cars produced by BMW, produced from 1998 when it succeeded the BMW E36 until it was replaced by the BMW E90 in 2005....
and the BMW E63 (dropped after 2005 model year) - c = cabrioletConvertibleA convertible is a type of automobile in which the roof can retract and fold away having windows which wind-down inside the doors, converting it from an enclosed to an open-air vehicle...
- d = dieselDiesel engineA diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
† - e = etaBMW M20The M20 is an inline-6 piston engine by BMW.Initially designated M60, the 12-valve, belt driven SOHC design was introduced in the 1977 BMW 520/6 and 320/6 as an entirely new design. With displacements ranging from 2.0 to 2.7 liters, it was the "little brother" to the larger BMW M30 engine. It had ...
(efficient economy, from the Greek letter 'η'ETAETA , an acronym for Euskadi Ta Askatasuna is an armed Basque nationalist and separatist organization. The group was founded in 1959 and has since evolved from a group promoting traditional Basque culture to a paramilitary group with the goal of gaining independence for the Greater Basque Country...
) - g = compressed natural gas/CNGCompressed natural gasCompressed natural gas is a fossil fuel substitute for gasoline , diesel, or propane/LPG. Although its combustion does produce greenhouse gases, it is a more environmentally clean alternative to those fuels, and it is much safer than other fuels in the event of a spill...
- h = hydrogenHydrogenHydrogen is the chemical element with atomic number 1. It is represented by the symbol H. With an average atomic weight of , hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant chemical element, constituting roughly 75% of the Universe's chemical elemental mass. Stars in the main sequence are mainly...
- i = fuel-injectedFuel injectionFuel injection is a system for admitting fuel into an internal combustion engine. It has become the primary fuel delivery system used in automotive petrol engines, having almost completely replaced carburetors in the late 1980s....
- L = long wheelbaseWheelbaseIn both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels.- Road :In automobiles, the wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the center of the front wheel and the center of the rear wheel...
- s = sport, also means "2 dr" on E36 model††
- sDrive = rear wheel drive
- T = touring (wagon/estate)Station wagonA station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
- Ti = hatchbackHatchbackA Hatchback is a car body style incorporating a shared passenger and cargo volume, with rearmost accessibility via a rear third or fifth door, typically a top-hinged liftgate—and features such as fold-down rear seats to enable flexibility within the shared passenger/cargo volume. As a two-box...
for the BMW 3 Series hatchbackBMW CompactThe BMW Compact is a compact car / small family car, basically a truncated liftback version of the BMW 3 Series, produced by the German automaker BMW between 1993 and 2004. From 1994, it was based on the BMW E36 platform, switching to the BMW E46 platform in 2001... - x / xDrive = BMW xDriveBMW xDriveBMW xDrive is BMW's four-wheel drive system that powers the X1, X3, X5, X6 and 2006 and later xd and xi 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series models. BMW confirmed it has ....
all wheel drive
† historic nomenclature indicating "td" refers to "Turbo Diesel", not a diesel hatchback or touring model (524td, 525td)
†† typically includes sport seats, spoiler, aerodynamic body kit, upgraded wheels, etc.
For example, the BMW 760iL is a fuel-injected 7 Series with a long wheelbase and 6.0 liters of displacement. This badge was used for successive generations, E65 and F01.
When 'L' supersedes the series number (e.g. L6, L7, etc.) it identifies the vehicle as a special luxury variant, featuring extended leather and special interior appointments. The L7 is based on the E23 and E38, and the L6 is based on the E24.
When 'X' is capitalized and supersedes the series number (e.g. X3, X5, etc.) it identifies the vehicle as one of BMW's Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV), their brand of crossovers, featuring BMW's xDrive
BMW xDrive
BMW xDrive is BMW's four-wheel drive system that powers the X1, X3, X5, X6 and 2006 and later xd and xi 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series models. BMW confirmed it has ....
. The second number in the 'X' series denotes the platform that it is based upon, for instance the X5 is derived from the 5 Series. Unlike BMW cars, the SAV's main badge does not denote engine size, the engine is instead indicated on side badges.
The 'Z' identifies the vehicle as a two seat roadster (e.g. Z1, Z3, Z4, etc.). 'M' variants of 'Z' models have the 'M' as a suffix or prefix, depending on country of sale (e.g. 'Z4 M' is 'M Roadster' in Canada).
Previous X & Z vehicles had 'i' or 'si' following the engine displacement number (denoted in liters). BMW is now globally standardizing this nomenclature on X & Z vehicles by using 'sDrive' or 'xDrive' (simply meaning rear or all wheel drive, respectively) followed by two numbers which vaguely represent the vehicle's engine (e.g. Z4 sDrive35i is a rear wheel drive Z4 roadster with a 3.0 L twin-turbo fuel-injected engine).
BMW last used the 's' for the E36 325is, which ceased production in 1995. However, the 's' nomenclature was revied on the 2011 model year BMW 335is and BMW Z4 sDrive35is. The 335is is a sport-tuned trim with more performance and an optional dual clutch transmission
Dual clutch transmission
A dual clutch transmission, commonly abbreviated to DCT , is a differing type of semi-automatic or automated manual automotive transmission. It utilises two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets...
that slots between the regular 335i and top-of-the-line M3
BMW M3
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M. M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46 and E90/E92/E93 3-series, and sold with coupé, sedan and convertible body styles...
.
The 'M' – for Motorsport
BMW M
BMW M GmbH is a subsidiary of German car manufacturer BMW AG.BMW M, also known as M-Technik or just "M" was initially created to facilitate BMW’s racing program, which was very successful in the 1960s and 1970s...
– identifies the vehicle as a high-performance model of a particular series (e.g. M3, M5, M6, etc.). For example, the M6 is the highest performing vehicle in the 6 Series lineup. Although 'M' cars should be separated into their respective series platforms, it is very common to see 'M' cars grouped together as its own lineup on the official BMW website.
Exceptions
There are exceptions to the numbering nomenclature.The M versions of the Sports Activity Vehicles, such as the BMW X5 M, could not follow the regular naming convention since MX5 was used for Mazda
Mazda
is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
's MX-5 Miata
Mazda MX-5
The MX-5, also known as Miata in North America and Eunos Roadster in Japan, is a lightweight two-seater roadster, of front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, built by Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan. The model was introduced in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show...
.
For instance in the 2008 model year, the BMW 125i/128i, 328i, and 528i all had 3.0 naturally aspirated engines (N52
BMW N52
The BMW N52 is a straight-6 engine made by BMW, which debuted in 2004 on the BMW E63 630Ci. The N52 is BMW's 12th generation production straight-6 engine.Its crankcase is made entirely of magnesium and aluminum, a first in the world of engine construction...
), not a 2,500 cc or 2,800 cc engine as the series designation number would lead one to believe. The '28' is to denote a detuned engine in the 2008 cars, compared to the 2006 model year '30' vehicles (330i and 530i) whose 3.0 naturally aspirated engines are from the same N52 family but had more output.
The 2008 BMW 335i and 535i also have 3.0-liter engine; however the engines are twin-turbocharged
Turbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
(N54
BMW N54
The N54 is a direct injection twin-turbocharged straight-6 automobile engine from BMW. It was launched in late 2006 as a high-performance option for the BMW 3-Series, first to be released along with the new 3-series E92 Coupé, to be followed closely by other existing 3-series models, then with...
) which is not identified by the nomenclature. Nonetheless the '35' indicates a more powerful engine than previous '30' models that have the naturally aspirated N52 engine
BMW N52
The BMW N52 is a straight-6 engine made by BMW, which debuted in 2004 on the BMW E63 630Ci. The N52 is BMW's 12th generation production straight-6 engine.Its crankcase is made entirely of magnesium and aluminum, a first in the world of engine construction...
. The 2011 BMW 740i and 335is shares the same twin-turbo 3.0 engine from the N54 family but tuned to higher outputs, although the badging is not consistent ('40' and 's').
The E36 and E46 323i and E39 523i had 2.5-liter engines. The E36 318i made after 1996 has a 1.9 L engine (M44
BMW M44
The BMW M44 is a DOHC 16-valve I4 piston engine. It replaced BMW's previous multi-valve four-cylinder, the BMW M42 and was related to the lesser 8-valve BMW M43...
) as opposed to the 1.8 L (M42
BMW M42
The BMW M42 is a DOHC 16-valve I4 piston engine first built for the E30 318is and 318i 1991 year model. The engine block is based on the BMW M40, used on the 318i, but had distinctive features such as double overhead cams driven by a timing chain, hydraulic valve lifters, and an increased 10:1...
) used in the 1992 to 1995 models.
The badging for recent V8 engines (N62
BMW N62
The N62 is a V8 from BMW, built in Munich, Germany. It has an Alusil aluminum engine block and aluminum DOHC cylinder heads.It uses SFI fuel injection, has 4 valves per cylinder with BMW's double-VANOS and Valvetronic technologies and features fracture-split forged powdered metal connecting...
and N63
BMW N63
The N63 is a family of 4.4L, direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V8 automobile engines produced by BMW since 2008.-Specifications:The N63B44 features a reverse-flow air design in which the turbochargers are mounted in the engine valley and the intake manifolds are located on the sides of the block...
) also does not indicate displacement, as the 2006 750i and 2009 750i have 4800 cc (naturally aspirated) and 4400 cc (twin-turbocharged) engines, respectively.