BMW S54 M Inline-Six Retires
Dec 31, 2008 | 08:06 AM
#1
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From: Zoo York
BMW S54 M Inline-Six Retires BMW retires classic 3.2 liter inline six-cylinder engine
BMW has retired its classic 3.2 liter inline six-cylinder engine.
The powerplant, known as the S54B32 amongst BMW engineers and automotive purists, powered the last generation Z4 M Roadster and Coupe, the M3 (E46) and a several earlier generation Z3 M Roadster and Coupes too. The 3.2 liter engine distinguished itself as a naturally aspirated straight-six churning out 343 hp - more than 100 hp per liter without any artificial induction. That simplicity and artfulness of engineering made the engine renowned for its steady levels of torque across the rev band.
One should always be weary when an automaker phases-out a classic product and replaces it with the new and unproven. How many times has a manufacturer messed up the process of renewal and actually taken a product line a few steps back? After all, this engine won the International Engine of the Year award upon its introduction in 2001 as well as winning the 3.0 to 4.0 liter category for six consecutive years between 2001 and 2006. But this is BMW and maybe a little trust is warranted. They don't usually leap blindly into the marketplace with under-developed products, especially engines.
The S54B32 will be replaced in the Z4 by other inline six-bangers, including a 2.5 liter, 201 hp and a twin-turbo 3.0 liter with 302 hp. Let's hope those powerplants come packed with the same kind of supple sizzle.
BMW has retired its classic 3.2 liter inline six-cylinder engine.
The powerplant, known as the S54B32 amongst BMW engineers and automotive purists, powered the last generation Z4 M Roadster and Coupe, the M3 (E46) and a several earlier generation Z3 M Roadster and Coupes too. The 3.2 liter engine distinguished itself as a naturally aspirated straight-six churning out 343 hp - more than 100 hp per liter without any artificial induction. That simplicity and artfulness of engineering made the engine renowned for its steady levels of torque across the rev band.
One should always be weary when an automaker phases-out a classic product and replaces it with the new and unproven. How many times has a manufacturer messed up the process of renewal and actually taken a product line a few steps back? After all, this engine won the International Engine of the Year award upon its introduction in 2001 as well as winning the 3.0 to 4.0 liter category for six consecutive years between 2001 and 2006. But this is BMW and maybe a little trust is warranted. They don't usually leap blindly into the marketplace with under-developed products, especially engines.
The S54B32 will be replaced in the Z4 by other inline six-bangers, including a 2.5 liter, 201 hp and a twin-turbo 3.0 liter with 302 hp. Let's hope those powerplants come packed with the same kind of supple sizzle.
(yes i have owned some bmw 6 cylinders...including the us e-36 m3 + the eurospec 3.2...good motors but a high reving v8 is much nicer)
Dec 31, 2008 | 12:06 PM
#5
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 454
From: New York, NY
I think the term torqueless rev-happy wonder is more fitting of a some honda engines such as the 2.0 liter in the original S2000.
Dec 31, 2008 | 02:54 PM
#6
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Posts: 2,301
From: DC
While the S54 isn't as torquey as the new v8, I would harldy call this engine a torqueless wonder. It's got 269lb/ft of torque which is a lot for an engine of this size. I rarely have to get into the high rev ranges in everyday driving.
I think the term torqueless rev-happy wonder is more fitting of a some honda engines such as the 2.0 liter in the original S2000.
I think the term torqueless rev-happy wonder is more fitting of a some honda engines such as the 2.0 liter in the original S2000.
Dec 31, 2008 | 03:56 PM
#7
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,188
From: Oregon
While the S54 isn't as torquey as the new v8, I would harldy call this engine a torqueless wonder. It's got 269lb/ft of torque which is a lot for an engine of this size. I rarely have to get into the high rev ranges in everyday driving.
I think the term torqueless rev-happy wonder is more fitting of a some honda engines such as the 2.0 liter in the original S2000.
I think the term torqueless rev-happy wonder is more fitting of a some honda engines such as the 2.0 liter in the original S2000.
