BMW AG will offer turbocharged gasoline-powered engines in its main car models in the next few years.

The aim is to bridge the power gap between BMW's top-of-the-line models and its high-powered M versions, which will stay normally aspirated.

BMW's M5, to be introduced this year, has a 500-hp V10 engine. The normal 5-Series models have six- and eight-cylinder engines that produce as much as 333 hp.

The next 3 Series range will get six-cylinder engines. The next M3 will have a V8 that is much more powerful than the 333-hp six-cylinder in the current M3.

"This leaves a significant power gap that can be filled by the turbocharged engines," a BMW source says, adding that the turbo engines will be based on direct-injection gasoline-powered engines.

Some of the turbocharged models will come with automatic transmissions, increasing their appeal in the United States. The M models only come with manual transmissions. The United States was BMW's top market in 2003.

The turbocharged models will not have the extensive body and chassis modifications of the M models.

BMW has a history of making turbocharged cars. The 170-hp 2002 Turbo was introduced in 1973. In 1980, BMW introduced the 745i, a 252-hp turbocharged six-cylinder car that topped off the 7 Series lineup. Its successor was the 750i, which was powered by a 5.0-liter V-12. The turbo version of the 745i sold 16,031 units worldwide from 1980 to 1986.

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=08892964

The turbo models sound interesting but I'm not sure exactly where they would be added in the lineup. I mean is BMW going to offer a turbo version of the 545i to bridge the gap up to the M5? Soudns unlikely. I guess if the next M3 (M4?) is the only model of that range to get a V8 engine and it'll be a hotted up version--some folks are saying it'll get something along the lines of the "old" engine from the Z8 and E39 M5--that would leave some space in the lineup for a turbocharged inline six. But that would probably add another 5 to 10 grand to the price of the current M3.

It seems to me like BMW is losing direction with its M models. The current E46 M3 already weighs in at 3400 lbs. The next one is going to obviously be a heavier chassis plus with a V8 that'll add even more weight. At this rate the new M3 will probably weigh more than the original M6.

All of this aside, the turbocharged models do sound pretty appealing. Now if someone would tell BMW to not make the M3 any more exotic that would be just fine and dandy. I guess maybe with the likes of the 350Z and other affordable performance cars, they think it would be a good time to move upmarket and start competing more directly with Porsche.

 

I think the old engine from the Z8 and M5 doesnt pass smog test anymore, that's why they stopped production on both of those like a year ago. I think.

 

:thinking:

 

Is this going to mean even higher costs of routine maintenance? I'm guessing double the price.

 

The E39 M5 died along with the rest of the E39 5-series. The Z8 was always intended to be a limited run.

That doesn't mean the motor can't pass smog any more, but those cars would have died anyway.

 

I just remeber reading what I said, but I'm too lazy to look into it.

 

I wonder whos turbos they'll use. Im curious if they'll go with the old KKK or Mitsubshi turbos, or with the newer Garett ballbearing GT turbines.

Anyone know who BMW uses for their deisel engine turbos?

 

A high pressure turbocharger with Variable Nozzle Turbine (VNT) which allows the turbo vanes to adjust position according to engine loading. This ensures high pressure and higher torque at low revs yet maintaining extra power at high engine speeds.

this is in the 320d

 

Sounds interesting. Do you know who makes it? What the specs are? How many psi the 320d runs? I know for a diesel it will be north of 15 psi or so(maybe even north of 20) but Im just curious to see what its capable of.