After the post regarding the 320Si, a few of us began to discuss the different merits of the engine and why technologies such as VANOS and Valvetronic were or were not present and even what things we’d like to see on a similar engine. And that got me thinking – what is the favorite BMW engine of the masses?
I drive an E46 3 Series and I’ve got nothing but praise for the M54B25. It’s not the most powerful engine ever made, not by a long shot, but above 3,500 RPMs the engine absolutely comes alive and pulls with all of its might to the 7,000 redline. The engine’s sense of urgency and pull along with the scream it produces at the back makes for an absolutely wonderful driving experience. One of my favorite characteristics of the M54 is the fact that is bullet-proof reliable while also being able to deliver more than satisfying performance. But, while the M54B25 is a great engine in its own right, the S54 is the king of the hill for me.
With 333HP and 3.2 liters of displacement, the engine found its way into the the world-class E46 M3 followed by the Z4 M Coupe and Roadster. For those that have driven with the engine or even had the privilege of riding with it, you know how special it can be. Like it’s smaller brother the M54, above 3,500 RPM’s the sedate hum of the engine grows and grows to a full metallic roar, letting you know it means business and won’t dare disappoint on the way up to the 8,000 RPM redline. It is truly one of the finest examples of BMW’s high-revving inline 6-cylinder engines. What could make it better? A bigger airbox, revised cams and engine management and you’ve got yourself an M3 CSL.
However, BMW have produced many, many more engines of all sizes and types, many of which have been acclaimed by critics. The M10 block that, in one form or another was in service for nearly 20 years in a bog standard 2002 or the 1983 Brabham-BMW F1 car, or the S62 V8 of the E39 M5 and often-forgotten Z8, they never disappoint. The current N54B30 twin-turbocharged engine found in the 3 and 5 Series has, by reputation, already become one of those engines that twenty years from now people will look back on and still be wowed by the power, speed and finesse the engine has managed to deliver. A modern day BMW 2002tii? Perhaps, but time will tell.
What about the famed BMW S14 engine that found its way under the hood of the M3 in both road-going and racing spec? The S14 was built to race first and then built to pilot you to the office or track second. It’s hard to deny an engine that dominated DTM and the touring car scene for the latter part of the 1980’s and early 1990’s. The S14 was essentially a modified M10 block with the best bits of M88 that powered the M1, M5 and M6. I’ve not even touched on the diesels as I’ve not been able to drive one but the 335d has received rave reviews and even the typically harsh BMW critic Jeremy Clarkson walked away impressed by the 535d.
So, we want to know, what’s your favorite BMW engine? Why? Is it the the 2.0L diesel from its peppy yet frugal demeanor or the potent little S14 for its revs or do you want the muscular S85 V10 engine hiding under the hood of the M5 and M6? What about the monster 600+HP S70 V12 stashed in the middle of the McLaren F1? Let us know what your favorite BMW engine of all time is!
37 Responses to “What’s your favorite BMW engine of all time?”
Leave a Reply
Preview: 2010 BMW 5-series revealed
2012 BMW 3-series
BMW M-Zero concept
Renderings: 2012 BMW M6
Renderings: 2012 BMW 3 Series
- Jordan: From: BMW To: viper Keep talking bit*h, you’re making me famous!
- Jordan: yea i’ve talked to many very disappointed mercedes owners lately who say their car has been in the...
- Jordan: i get a kick out of you eh! you are quite the confused child. you say the S class is the “best car on...
- wazon8: To be honest, I wonder whether there would be many persons considering buying 5GT over R-class. And think...
- wazon8: Guys, I think that the best thing we can do at the moment is just ignore Viper. Audray and The Lee, I...
Featured Stories
-
- BMW 1-Series
- From 18/28 mpg | MSRP from $29,400
-
- BMW 3-Series
- From 18/28 mpg | MSRP from $33,600
-
- BMW 5-Series
- From 18/28 mpg | MSRP from $45,800
BMW
See more BMW Models
BMW M3 | BMW X6 | BMW 1 Series | BMW | BMW 7 Series | BMW 135i | BMW 5 Series GT
Copyright © 2009 BMWBLOG.com. All rights reserved.
Our blog is proudly powered by Downtownhost, a leader in hosting services
BMWBLOG is an independent enthusiast blog and it is in NO WAY owned, affiliated with or endorsed by BMW AG or BMW North America. BMW is a registered trademark of BMW AG. Privacy Policy
designed by WP-design
I would say the V12 N74B60 that the actual 760Li has……OH GOD!!!!!!!!!!!
have u driven the 760Li? any comments on the engine and the drive?
i’ve driven the 750Li and that engine is fantastic so i can imagine what a BMW twin turbo V12 might be like!
The S85 is the king of the hill IMO. With some small tuning that motor has more potential than any other BMW motor.
I would say that the S70B56 in the 850CSi is my all time favourite by far. can’t go wrong with 5.6 liters and 375hp M spec engine. also a very rare BMW engine, only 1500 units ever produced.
You overlooked the isetta’s 12hp motorcycle engine? Or the isetta ///M with 13hp.
Lol, thats funny!
Both the S65 and the S54 are the best engines for me
I used to have a 1989 BMW 535i with the M30 engine. I would occasionally stop by my local mechanic for small things, and every time I went he couldn’t stop talking about how the car had a “bulletproof” engine. I sold it with 160,000 miles and the guy I sold it to still drives it. I know he hasn’t had anything go wrong with the engine but I don’t know what the current mileage on the car is. By far my favorite BMW yet.
Note: It was the M30B35 engine, in an E34 535i
3 for me…
M88/1
S14 and
S85
All other engines would feature just below these.:)
THE BEST ENGINE EVER BUILT TILL DAY IN ALL THE WORLD NOT ONLY IN BMW
ITS THE V10
Do not let the SMG gear box fool you! this engine is a MASTERPIECE
S85.
S85B50 !!!!
M62
the engine of 750 of early 90s.
M70B50! The second V12 after ww2 (jaguar was faster..)
Oh – since it’s BMW we’re talking about you almost have to restrict the voting to inline sixes and the S54 would be the king of the hill. ; -)
The 2 liter bi-turbo diesel from the 123d and X1 xDrive23d and the 3 liter bi-turbo diesel from the X3 xDrive35d.
The S85, and the S54. Both are magnificent.
The 1200 cc “boxer” engine on the R1200 GS!
Anything with an “S” at the beginning of the engine code and independent throttle bodies.
The numbers following the S are inconsequential as they all have their specific purpose and perform their functions so well.
Being a little partial to the inline 6 platform, I naturally fell in love with the S54 and S38. I still can’t discount any of the other platforms, though. Everything from the S14 to S85 (sorry, American versions of the S50 and S52, but you don’t make the list).
Ditto, I would also execulde the S70B56 and the Turbo S engines on the X*M cars.
My favourties have to be:
M88
S14
S54
S65
S85 is a great engine from BMW, probably the jewel of the S engines, but personally I think it’s too many cylinders, If I have to pick an engine for a new BMW sports car I will go with one based on S65.
I’m surprised no one has said this but, the M20B25. Only because it is built proof. My friend’s E30 is at 300k and still going strong! Behind that would be the N54B30 assuming it will make it past 100k.
I agree, M54B25 is the best engine ever. Although the new V8 in the e92 is lighter and more torque-y the M54 is my high school sweet heart.
My favorite of all time is the S54engine!!!!!!
The S52, Its one little torquey monster
hello from Lyon, France !
every day is a joy to read comments and news from this website !
i had the chance to drive many BMW cars the 20 past years (included M6/M5/M3 csl…) because im a good customer ( 630 in my garage…) ans also because the local dealer is a friend… and my favourites engines whitout hesitations :
1) S 54 on M3… no comments !
2) N54 twin turbo : a terrific sound like V8
3) M52 : old but the begginning of 6 cylinders passion with a 325 touring…
best regards
AWESOME article andrew. My first car was an e46 and oh baby did I love it.
I think I loved it a little too hard, which caused the steering rack to fall out of line, parents sold it so my mother could get her own 3 series!
I’ve been driving BMW’s since 1969 and the S54 rocks….
Yeap, no doubt M54B25 was one of the best engines….
For me it has to be the S62 found in the E39 M5 and the Z8.
I would say the 6.1L V12 in the McLaren F1
M52B28 in our ‘97 728ia, has gone 350k km, never been any problems with the engine or transmission.. just changed oil and filled up gas, and of course sparkplugs every now and then
S38B38
i’ll also go for the S38B38, what an amazing engine!
340 horsepower from a 17 year old inline-6!!
S38B38….
My M54B30 works like a charm. I could cruise at 120mph all day long. Love it.
I own a e39 m5 powered by a s62 let me say bullet proof and a e30 m3 with a 2.5l stroker s14