Bimmers have inline 6. VR6 is a smaller block. the valves are angled 90 degrees, therefore making it smaller and being able to fit 6 cylinders into a small engine bay such as a golf or a jetta. Traditional V6 engines are 45 degrees and displaced in the "V" shape. On the side note, VW's been using VR6 for the past 20 years. Have you ever heard of the W12 engine? the W12 engine is composed of two VR6 engines - therefore, giving it the "W" name.