Malibubimmer
10-27-2005, 05:57 PM
BMW has been famous for its wonderful straight 6 engines since the 1960s. I had 4 cars with the straight 6 - a Bavaria (2.8L), a 3.0CS, a 630 and a 633. The engine is still being made today and BMW, unlike all other manufacturers, resists making a V-6. Its straight 6 is its legacy engine.
So, with a history for making the smoothest running 6 cylinder in history, why has BMW gone to a V-10 for the big M classes? I know the alternatives don't seem palatable - another (ho hum) V-8 (ala AMG) or a V-12 (too cushy). But on reflection the V-12 could have 2 straight 6s of perhaps 2.8L each and be the smoothest V-12 out there, too. (A V-12 will be potentially smoother-running than a single straight 6 bank based on the dynamics of the reciprocating engine, which is smoothest in multiples of 6.)
Does anyone know if there was any internal debate at BMW over the decision to make a V-10? (I had a V-10 truck, by the way, and while it was smooth running, it is nothing like the V-8s.)
Of course, everything is so secretive at BMW that perhaps we will never know. Unless somebody out there has inside information.
So, with a history for making the smoothest running 6 cylinder in history, why has BMW gone to a V-10 for the big M classes? I know the alternatives don't seem palatable - another (ho hum) V-8 (ala AMG) or a V-12 (too cushy). But on reflection the V-12 could have 2 straight 6s of perhaps 2.8L each and be the smoothest V-12 out there, too. (A V-12 will be potentially smoother-running than a single straight 6 bank based on the dynamics of the reciprocating engine, which is smoothest in multiples of 6.)
Does anyone know if there was any internal debate at BMW over the decision to make a V-10? (I had a V-10 truck, by the way, and while it was smooth running, it is nothing like the V-8s.)
Of course, everything is so secretive at BMW that perhaps we will never know. Unless somebody out there has inside information.