technological progress

[hector]

is the engine in the e60 m5/6, and hence it's derivative to be found in the e90 m3, a better/more advanced plant than the s54? with respect to specific output(both hp and torque) it seems to be a wash. is there progress beneath the skin so to speak that a novice engineer such as myself would not appreciate?

[AJAX]

is the engine in the e60 m5/6, and hence it's derivative to be found in the e90 m3, a better/more advanced plant than the s54? with respect to specific output(both hp and torque) it seems to be a wash. is there progress beneath the skin so to speak that a novice engineer such as myself would not appreciate?

What about engine weight? I can't remember where, but I think I heard the 8 might weigh less than the S54. Not by much, but hey...

[Bruce]

Yes the E60 M5 engine is more advanced than the S54. The S54 is based off the S50 which has been around since the early 90s. The S85 was introduced a year or so ago in Europe so it is 15 years newer technology.

[GregW in Oregon]

Are really suggesting BMW has made no engineering progress in the last 4-5 years? I've had an S54 since 2001, and I think it's a great engine, but the V10 has additional refinement. Yes, both engines put out just over 100 bhp/liter, but the V10 has higher torque per liter. A few other advantages of the new engine:

Alloy block vs. cast iron (weight)
Hydraulic valve actuation w/ extremely low weight
8,250 rpm limit vs. 8,000
Ionic current engine management
Shorter crank w/ fewer main bearings


http://www.germancarfans.com/news/2040623.001/2040623.001.1L.jpg

http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/NewsID/2040623.001/country/gcf/bmw/world-premiere-of-the-new-bmw-m5's-drive-system

http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2050601.003/country/gcf/bmw-wins-international-engine-of-the-year-2005/1.html

[lao270]

If I was alone with that, I would sexually violate it!

[GregW in Oregon]

If I was alone with that, I would sexually violate it!
Intake, or port or starboard exhaust? :)