Why BMW Hates V6 Engines

[@Drivetribe]

Thank you MANUAL for sponsoring today's video! Click here: bit.ly/MANUAL-BMW-V6-H1-YT for 55% off on your first hair loss treatment, when you use our code DRIVETRIBE55

[@wilcofaber9863]

The inline 6 is such a fine engine. I ve had the luck to own an 320i m20 2.0, 525e m20 2.7 and an m50 bmw325i. Such a Joy to ride and no v6 could match the comfort

[@samrice1015]

you know the inline 6 is legendary when they put it in everything from family cars to massive industrial equipment.

[@nezabytes]

This comment is actually huge...people forget that when you really need an optimized engine configuration, the inline 6 is unbeatable!

[@HorseMeal]

Trains, buses and HGVs all run on straight 6 engines

[@BobEllis79]

​@@HorseMealsince the rise of diesel-electric locomotive power in North America the most common prime movers have been modular Vees with V8, V12, and V16 being the most common

[@SupraTompan]

This is it. It's also in huge ships, power plants, water supply plants.

[@lemcakes32422]

@@SupraTompan that why bmw are big boats

[@TurbineResearch]

“The Inline 6 is perfectly balanced as all things should be” - Nonvanos Thanos

[@Angl0sax0nknight]

Beat me to it

[@RobsonRoverRepair]

Genius

[@matheuspn2722]

The inline 6 isnt perfectly balanced, a v12 or a boxer 6 is more balanced

[@1968spikey]

Shame the vvti unit needed to exploit the power is unbalanced, mentally 😂

[@MrSamPhoenix]

And yet, other companies such as Honda, Toyota, GM others figured ways to make the V6 super smooth and powerful.

[@The_BenboBaggins]

Surprised Alfa wasn't mentioned in the list of legendary V6s tbh

[@dancusin5407]

It’s an Alfa

[@The_BenboBaggins]

@dancusin5407 the Busso is legendary

[@MyILoveMinecraft]

​@@dancusin5407if i think great V6 i think busso, and they build it for a long time

[@gov8094]

Or a Ford Capri

[@walterwhite415]

@@The_BenboBaggins It truly is and it´s sound is just amazing!

[@barsaf9989]

Inline 6 engines are very strong as well. You get an extra main journal bearing compared to a v6. That's why the US has them in their semi trucks.

[@john1703]

or three more mains! The perfect balance is the main benefit. Only torsional wind-up might be an issue, but not on a low speed Diesel.

[@Drmcclung]

Yet the most unreliable inline 6 gassers you can get are made by BMW, that's not even up for argument or debate lol

[@AI-qd4vb]

@@Drmcclung Modern? Sure. All time? You're clueless if so...

[@Drmcclung]

@@AI-qd4vb it's not 1986 anymore, your M30 derivatives went away decades ago 😝

[@TheBlibo]

Most of the American semi's use straight 6 engines as do most European trucks I believe and could be wrong that the last of the v8s were catapiller but catapiller have pulled out of the on highway market and as for detriot diesel they made straight 4 and 6 v6 v8 and v12 two strokes but had to pull out because of emmisions regs the only v8 truck I can think of now is a scania with about 750hp

[@NickJanus]

Everyone talking about the strength and smoothness of he IL6, but what I love most is the sound they make.

[@zachdebuhr6347]

Which ones though? I work at a Bmw dealer and every F82 and G80 exhaust sounds absolutely terrible. If you're talking S50 then I understand

[@milanbalaz4337]

F3x with N55 and M performance exhaust. Best Inline six sound imho ( also owning one) 😊​@@zachdebuhr6347

[@SurviveTheDay]

Do F1 drivers care about exhaust sound when they buy their personal vehicles? Come on man. Big noise is like Trix cereal. It's for kids.

[@joebloggs4191]

@@zachdebuhr6347 The N52 is my E89 Z4 is pretty awesome in the sound department, especially with the top down.

[@liejuh6486]

@@zachdebuhr6347the B58s sound marvelous

[@671021]

06:44 Effortlessly doing ... EXACTLY the speed limit 🤣🤣🤣

[@marcom2248]

They don't hate V6 engines. They just figured out how to build the best inline six in the world.

[@TSunderground]

no inline is just the better platform

[@Tehsheeeep]

@@TSunderground if thats the case, why dont supercar brands that now use 6 cylinders use them? or why dont F1 cars use them?

[@Qimchiy]

@@Tehsheeeep long.

[@owenmartell4923]

@@Tehsheeeeppackaging

[@TSunderground]

@Tehsheeeep because they use the V8 factory for manufacturing engine blocks they just cut 2 of the cylinders it's cheap because for inline you should build a whole new factory, second reason is v6 is more compact and lightweight which are the only pros that V6 has

[@Yan1nc]

a lot of manufacturers like the V6 since it can be put into a lot of FWD and RWD stuff

[@Mr.Marbles]

this! with inline 6 you are forced into a rwd platform. and since those are dying out, most use v6. and if you use it mainly in fwd applications you can go VR like VW/Audi to save even more space.

[@zanzabar4ky7]

100% if you are going to have a longitudinal platform you don't need a v6. They do have mini and a transverse SUV, but they started those well past the time you would want a low displacement 6.

[@Mr.Marbles]

@@user-bt6hh9yu1n and they all use a rwd platform... because the engine has to be put in longitudinally. most are probably fully rwd too and just enable awd when they loose traction

[@sh_chef92]

@@Mr.Marbles xdrive is awd all the time with ability to dynamically change power ratios on both axles and ability to turn off front axle when cruising or high speed to save fuel and mechanical power loss.

[@Mr.Marbles]

@@sh_chef92 and it is still an rwd platform

[@lockettlv]

I love how you put up a compilation of V6's and put an obnoxiously loud music over it, so we cant hear the engines

[@mrjohnnyk]

Yeah the best way to show off an engine in a video is to play the engine and exhaust noise. Music usually ruins car videos, only works well in narrative presentation situations

[@AKK5I]

It's probably for the best of everyone listening

[@VBMichael_D]

@@mrjohnnyk I think you totally missed locke's inferrence that V6 sound like a two-flush cornlog....and they do.

[@Olabruh]

Unless you are clinically deaf, idk how you can't differentiate the music from the engine. I can hear both just fine.

[@mrjohnnyk]

@@Olabruh So if you were trying to listen to something you wouldn't mind it if someone was blasting loud music in your ears?

[@VredesbyrdNoir]

1:15 "...given the right exhaust, they can sound insane!" *plays music over engine sounds*

[@lqr824]

0:10 you forgot: 2-cylinder boxers and 1-cyl's too.

[@dertobi257]

And inline 2 Cylinders too

[@Tavarahissi]

Bmw motorrad

[@lowiderwheels]

@@TavarahissiBMW Isetta is 1 cylinder

[@lowiderwheels]

BMW i3 is 2 inline engine

[@samuelson76]

one and in-line two cylinders, like those in motorcycles are not bmw, but Penta ones. Only boxers are bmw

[@Sosu217]

The BMW inline 6 is a work of art. We have an e46 330d Msport - even at 20+ years old and with 200k KM on it, the M57n engine is sublime.

[@JordanMCFC92]

Never owned one but family members and friends have had them, M57s are probably the best diesel engine ever built IMO

[@thevirq]

M57 will outlive us all

[@JasonCammisa]

Thanks for the nice comments - and yes, I was very surprised to hear that BMW looks at V6s. The explanation given was "we can't NOT look to see if there's a better alternative." Maybe that's how the company threw away so much of the DNA that made it the "Ultimate Driving Machine?" Sounded to me, then and now, more like an identity crisis than engineering curiosity. But I digress...

[@Drivetribe]

The dig they had at Mercedes in your article is begging for an 'I told you so' moment down the line...

[@MrAl2742]

​@@DrivetribeNice video here as usual, how about a video about the comeback of I6 engines (JLR, Mazda, Mercedes, Stellantis) that would be awesome!

[@RichardHarrold1991]

@@MrAl2742 and GM took the Opel 2.0 diesel I4 and developed it into the 3.0 Duramax...

[@KenOath1234]

you should look at the Ford Barra i6 - was based on a block of a pushrod engine first built in the 60's and evolved into a Twin cam 4L variable timing beast by the 2000's with turbo versions creating circa 300kw out of the factory in performance configurations. After market guy are getting 800hp with stock internals!

[@RichardHarrold1991]

And stock Barra blocks and heads have made 2,000+rwhp (I believe the record is 2,208rwhp), albeit with non-standard rotating assemblies.

[@sixstringedthing]

If only you could find a stock one that hasn't been thrashed to death or costs the earth because it hasn't been. There's not much left in the way of clean well-cared-for secondhand unmodified Barra Turbos, partly because they respond so well to basic mods and partly because a lot have been wrecked by idiots. I see a yellow F6 Typhoon fairly regularly on my work commute, very clean, looks/sounds pretty stock (just a wheel and tyre package put on), awesome car. Sounds pretty nice for a turbo too. I just had a look at carsales, the cheapest one has 274,500kms on the clock and the front bar is trashed... $25k. :(

[@BorisBeer24]

N52B30 owner here, love the engine

[@clonetrooper576]

best standard (non M) bmw engine ever made

[@Zirion123]

​​@@clonetrooper576they struggle from cheap plastic timing chain guides as every bmw sadly. M50 and m30 is way more reliable then anything bmw has made the last 25 years

[@Joe-hb6ek]

@@Zirion123 In germany atleast we got aftermarket parts that fix the issues

[@timsihvonen178]

@@Zirion123 Never heard of that, and i dont believe it.

[@Zirion123]

@@timsihvonen178 Google it lol

[@lqr824]

You don't actually touch on the REAL reason. Other makers are trying to maximize practicality, needing a smaller engine bay and better packaging, or, trying to maximize raw performance... which comes in part by saving weight, which you can do by saving space, and again having better packaging. BMW is nearly alone (well, along with Gordon Murray?) in making cars where the raw performance numbers aren't as important as the feel of the car. And straight-6's are great for feel. Drivers don't CARE if the 330 has a bit less cabin space than the equivalent Toyota, the extra smoothness wins the BMW buyer over. Same story, drivers don't CARE if the E46 M3 had a longer quarter-mile time than the equivalent Mercedes, again, the driving feel was more important. I've been a lucky guy: MkIV Supra TT, E39 BMW, the first edition of the R35, and an F430. So straight-6, cross-crank V-8 (like American V-8s, great rumble), high-tech V-6, and a flat-plane V-8 screamer. I'd rank the engine feel and sound richness probably: best feel straight-6, best sound cross-crank V-8, and the V-6 and flat-plane V-8 last. Note the Ferrari sounds great due to the high redline and loud, sonorous exhaust, but the basic engine note isn't that beautiful. And theV-6 R-35 always sounds like it's playing two notes at once, an octave and a half apart. The BMW V-8 growled like a grizzly, while the Supra hums like a turbine. I still drive the other two but when I sold the R35 I never missed it, really, and after selling the Supra, I miss it hugely.

[@tomnewham1269]

V6 engines are the ideal configuration if a car manufacturer wants to install a 6 cylinder engine in a front wheel drive car. In a rear wheel drive car and front engine, a straight 6 is the best configuration. Considering both Ferrari and McLaren have a V6 mid engine car, then that must be the ideal engine for that configuration. There is no such thing as the perfect vehicle. Every vehicle is subject to some compromise and for the majority of brands, cost is the biggest factor in determining its characteristics.

[@tomazwo]

Have you tried Busso V6 or Maserati V8? How do you like these engines compared to these you mentioned? For example for me Busso is not so smooth like BMW's I6, but is more alive, beautifully screaming in the end and I prefer this to be honest 😎

[@catalinxnecula]

and yet an na v8 from mercedes sounds better than everything you mentioned..

[@lqr824]

@@catalinxnecula I wouldn't know, I haven't listened to any MB V8's since like 2000, when my M5 blew them away. I've been driving the same sedan since 2000 so I'm not likely to change soon.

[@truebluemiata]

"BMW is nearly alone...." Let's not forget about that little shop over in Sttugart starting with a P😉

[@123Jokkmokk123]

Between 1986 and 1992ish, my dad had a '86 320I LE with a 2.0L straight six. He still talks glory about that engine, and he still kicks himself for selling it, 32 years later!

[@Cycle.every.day.]

The V6 is a packaging thing,it's its only upside.

[@Paul58069]

Not the only upside, in rear wheel driven cars V6's also make for better mass centralization.

[@Mr.Marbles]

and to be fair, its a huge upside. since you can use it in shorter cars and in a transverse layout for fwd platforms.

[@DabDabGoose]

which is weird considering the effort BMW does to make their cars balanced in weight distribution only to go with a front anchor engine design.

[@SoulTouchMusic93]

Also weight.

[@PaleAura1]

​@@DabDabGoose that's exactly why BMW pushes their engines so deep in the engine bay with most of the weight behind the front axles. BMWs have perfect 50/50 weight distribution. The front engine anchor design you're talking about is Audi

[@johno9507]

I absolutely love my Volvo S60 Polestar with a transverse mounted 3.0ltr turbo inline 6 that pumps out 258kw (350hp) & 500Nm of torque and is absolutely buttery smooth.

[@aluisious]

See if you love it after 60k miles when it starts dumping fluids into your parking spot.

[@CSI_tuning_solutions]

This video is about bmw and not Volvo. Who cares anyway ...

[@johno9507]

@aluisious I have 2 Volvos with over 240,000kms and not a drip.

[@christianaxell4863]

I have the slightly less powerful s60 t6 with the same 3.0 inline 6 love the way it sounds and pulls.

[@electrikoptik]

Inline 6 is naturally balanced. V6s are not.

[@theracer6882]

For now Alfa romeo is a dead brand

[@3ducs]

60 degree V6s are perfectly balanced, as are 60 degree V12s. GM had a 2.8L 60 degree V6 that was expanded to 3.1L, very smooth engines. There were specially made aluminum race versions of those engines.

[@yummyhershey5902]

⁠@@3ducsthere is NO V6 configuration that is “perfectly balanced”, as they have inherent primary and secondary imbalances. The manufacturers include balance shafts (adding weight and complexity) to stop the motor from shaking itself apart. In-line 6’s do not need balance shafts.

[@DabDabGoose]

V6s are better for packaging and easier to make a better weight balance for the car.

[@WonkOfWonkyness]

Yeah cause you can only find them working half the time.

[@R1Willem]

Nice video! I love my E89 with the 3.0l straight six. It's amazing how smooth and effortless it runs

[@joebloggs4191]

Second that, from a fellow E89 N52B30 owner.

[@ralphsmotodiary]

The E34 M5 has to be one of the best looking cars BMW have ever produced. As for the I6 - it's an emotional thing, there's nothing quite like driving an I6 on song, everything just feels perfect.

[@marcnobel3938]

McLaren, BMW and Ricardo have a Engine Development Partnership since 2017. So not really surprise to hear that they worked together on it, when there is a Partnership for that in place for more than 7 years now. 😀

[@merciless9285]

any video with an E34 M5 is a great video in my book.

[@PurebredFL1P]

UNDER RATED COMMENT! I’m all for this!

[@r.j.bedore9884]

I would love to see BMW make a compact 3.3 liter V12 based on their 1.6 liter inline 6 cylinder motorcycle engine, then put it in something small and agile like an M1 or a Mini Cooper. I bet that would sound amazing going through a tunnel.

[@fastcoffee9878]

Look around some. BMW put a v12 into a z3.

[@r.j.bedore9884]

@@fastcoffee9878 Yeah, but there's a difference between a larger, heavier 5.4L V12 that revs to 6,500 rpm and a smaller, lighter motorcycle based V12 that revs to 8,500+ rpm. Both will probably sound great, but the smaller one will probably handle better.

[@TiptronicSS]

3:35 🤣🤣🤣 Oh the humor here is a 100% match 😂 Maybe because I'm also an 80's kid, but this place is a gem.

[@jaekimchi]

You touched on most of the points and a lot of the comments have addressed some additional ones as well. One thing I haven't seen touched on is modern engines are commonly turbocharged. The plumbing on an inline-6 engine is far far simpler than compared to a V engine. Again reducing complexity.

[@freman007]

Not really. I can't speak for all inline six turbos I've seen, but the ones I know of use two small turbos, and it's hardly any more effort to mount two small turbos beside an inline six than to mount one small turbo each side of a V6. Some might even find that packaging easier.

[@jaekimchi]

@@freman007 Sounds like the list of TTi6 is very small. Most modern inline engines are single turbos.

[@fourocker]

I've not really thought about it before until watching this but both my vehicles have inline sixes, a 1fz-fe 4.5 litre twin cam and a 7mgte 3.0 litre turbo twin cam, both very very smooth and torquey Toyota engines, this is a very interesting subject for a video, many thanks 😊

[@GIGABACHI]

Inline 6 ain't all Sunshine and rainbows. There's this thing called torsional rigidity and as engines get bigger, it gets worse. Specially long vibey cranks and skinny long blocks. GM Atlas 4.2L and Ford Barra 4.0L come to mind.

[@joseteixeira5900]

Somebody knows more little things. Yes, torsional rigidity is a problem (micron level), and having 7 crankshaft support doesn’t help. On the i6, there is also the last one cilinder hotter than the 1st one who receives a fresher water from the water cooler. The V6 has a more rigid crankshaft because is shorter, the heat (joules) is divided by 2 heads as well and despite not being a natural balanced as the i6 has, one bank counterweights the other one. At last, the i6 is more cheap to manufacture than the V6

[@miguelosterroht]

What about trucks with +12 liter I6 engines?

[@tomnewham1269]

Considering how much power can be made by a Barra engine, I don't think torsional rigidity is a problem for it.

[@chessimate]

​@@tomnewham1269yep I agree. It's also unbelievably reliable!!

[@EbenBransome]

@@joseteixeira5900 Cylinder temperature is fixable by correct design of water passages. The i6 crank needs to be more substantial than the V6 crank to reduce torsional oscillation, but against that is the weight reduction due to the total length of the i6 being less than the total length of the two V6 rows. Then there's the reduction in cooling problems due to having more room for the exhaust (and turbo if fitted). The reasons for going V6 are basically to make for a shorter front end and a bigger crumple zone.

[@astibamartin]

Couldn't help but notice that wrist band. Proudly KE Back to engines, I guess the inlines have better balance and easier to work on (maintenance) as well as heat dissipation

[@gittyupalice96]

I clicked this video because in my current collection of random vehicles I found too interesting to not purchase on the spot, I have the following power plants: a single cylinder, a v-twin, a v8, and two v6 engines. And funny enough the V6's I own are the ones that get the most use of any vehicle I've ever owned. Yet they are total opposites of the spectrum, one is a massive displacement high torque but low horse power that runs at low rpms ( makes all its power from 2000 - 3000 rpms. ) this engine runs about as smoothly as a washing machine on spin cycle down a flight of stairs, BUT has about 720,000km on the clock and still runs great. The second engine, is a smaller displacement high horse power, low torque engine that makes all of its power between 6800 - 7500 rpms. And this engine runs so smooth, that with noise in the background I've actually mistaken the car as being shut off on more than one occasion and attempted to start it when it was already running lol (oops) Anyway, they are unique thats for sure. One sounds like a farm tractor, the other sounds like a Lamborghini Gallardo straight piped. All I know, is the miles don't lie.. I drive them a lot.

[@freman007]

I recently bought a Nissan Fuga, 350GT, and it has a 3.5L 60° V6 motor. It's extremely smooth, very powerful (276HP and 268ftlb), fast and comfortable. It should also prove to be very reliable, which I can't say for any BMW made after 2006. Yes, the inline six has perfect primary and secondary balance, while a 60° V6 has imperfect secondary balance. But, in the real world, nobody can really tell the difference. The V6 does provide better packaging options though, including being more viable as a transverse engine for front wheel drive.

[@matthewbrennand9695]

So nice to see the E34 getting some screen time. I've had my 1996 E34 Touring for 3 years now and adore it and it's M50TU engine. Silky smooth, sounds amazing and actually has surprising performance being a 2L. For me its the best era of BMW

[@matthewnicholas6365]

I love my BMW I6's, but plugs isn’t the best example anymore. Took me at least 4 hours on my S55 to take out airboxes, cross braces, covers, intake pipes etc etc etc to get to them. And then re-assemble.

[@BigUriel]

Replacing a cylinder head cover on a modern BMW 6 is a PITA because it hits the firewall. Replacing a clutch is almost always an engine out job because the engine is so far back you can't get to the bolts to disconnect it from the gearbox. Most V6s are easier to work on.

[@freman007]

If you own your own machine shop, and can do your own work, then owning a BMW is a viable option. If not then you'd better have very deep pockets. I didn't, which is why I now own a Nissan.

[@janwesten1317]

As a teenager I used to have a 323i with original exhaust (so no roaring sound). I loved the beautiful whooshing sound, even at idle.

[@EuropaSman]

One of the greatest sounding V6s is the 2GR-FE in the Lotus Evora, particularly the Evora 400 series from 2015 to 2021, and the Exige series 3.

[@howarddavies136]

The end of production Evora, I think it's the GT400s or something like that, the one with the carbon fibre engine lid, it just sounds incredible. And it's a Camry engine. That noise with Toyota reliability and servicing must be the best deal in the car world. If I had the choice, I'd swap my S54 for that engine.

[@violinmiata]

Toyota powered. Same engine that’s in the family minivan. It’s a silky smooth v6, every time I drive it I think about how nice it must be in an Evora lol

[@mrjohnnyk]

@@howarddavies136 The problem with an Evora's reliability is all the Lotus bits.

[@odin5188]

They're still using the 2GR FE engine in the Evora replacement

[@thegreat9481]

V6 Rav4 brother. Lovely

[@hanynowsky]

The BMW B58 i6 has become the world N1. A 3.0L i6 capable of 1000 hp.

[@zachdebuhr6347]

In 2024, most engines can make massive power from many different manufacturers. Plus the B58 can reach around 600-700 hp before it needs some pretty decent mods to go further.. that's in line with most other modern engines, not really the exception

[@lemcakes32422]

b58 one of the most tuned and blown engines thesedays

[@hanynowsky]

@@zachdebuhr6347 So Toyota s decision to put the B58 in their iconic supra was foolish?

[@hanynowsky]

@@lemcakes32422 overdo anything and it ll blow. Most tuners are amateurs.

[@charles-fq2dw]

​@zachdebuhr6347 most v6 engines stop at 500-600 because they can't handle as much torque like a inline 6 can. I own R35 GTR and compared to my newly bought manual b58 supra, supra can hold more torque but GTR will put down power to the ground like nobody's business even in the rain

[@megat3d561]

Hats off (literally) for advertising that mike. (Y)

[@madhavsajit6351]

3:35 "There's less to go wrong" BMW always finds a way 😂😂😂

[@whoisamp620]

Don't forget for the McLaren, they made the v 120 degrees, which sits much flatter more likely resembles a flat 6 than it does a V It's prone to fewer vibrations than the V6s we see on the road. I think BMW would say that McLaren's v6 would measure up to their standards performance and balance, but it would just very impractical to make borderline boxer 6 for a front engine vehicle.

[@jimb12312]

Try watching the video before commenting. He said the McLaren V6 is rumored to be made by BMW.

[@SW-qr8qe]

I had an e34 535, the SOHC designed by a Baron. Loved it with a manual box. My favourite engine arrangement by far. Had everything else, flat 4. Straight 4, V6 and V8. Might never bother with V12’s

[@cliff8669]

I have a 2024 M240i. That B58 is fantastic.

[@donaldlee8249]

Best engine in the modern era

[@Angl0sax0nknight]

A tech was doing something on a 19-20 4 series that had had like stage 2 upgrades. I was in the back seat listening for a noise. That car was SCARY fast. That B58 is no joke. I was always partial to the N55.

[@jeffy210]

M440i with the B58 mated to a mild hybrid here and I love it

[@m140i_james]

Me too brother!

[@CorvusHyperion]

M340i here. ❤

[@RacnJasn]

My dad bought a 66’ E type new. I grew up infected with the sound he created on the back roads with that wonderful car. I’ve ever since been a lover of good cars with character. I could never afford to buy an E type, if I could manage it, it’s too far too valuable to wring out as my dad did. I bought an E46 M3 and loved it. At the time, 2013ish, it was affordable performance that I don’t regret buying and so enjoying that straight 6 scream when she’s pushed hard. Yet compliantly graceful around suburbia.

[@michaelcordes]

makes taking the intake manifold on an bmw straight six sound so easy lol.

[@advait19-m3b]

I dont usually comment on KZbin videos but I love the way you talk and present topics ❤

[@kevintc-r7069]

Didn't expect to see a padres hat lol, cheers from San diego

[@mandst5466]

I have always loved BMW in-line 6 engines. Owned a few of them over the years and they are smooooooth ! I now have a 370Z Nismo and its V6 is very different. Ticks over with a V8 sounding burble and revs to 7500 with an angry growl. Both configurations have their place IMHO.

[@michaelnash2972]

The VR37 VHR is one of the best V6 engines on the market. Extremely reliable and very responsive.

[@zibingotaeam3716]

Now if only someone at BMW were to put two of their K1600 I6s together, we could get one last hurrah for the ultimate engine configuration.

[@RichardHarrold1991]

That 1650cc I6 could also replace the I3s and I4s in transverse applications.

[@zibingotaeam3716]

@RichardHarrold1991 More cylinders always means more friction, same for higher revs for their more economically minded cars, I3 and I4 are actually a better choice. Especially if you want a torquey car.

[@RichardHarrold1991]

@@zibingotaeam3716 the friction is more a product of the cumulative cylinder circumference, so for the K1600 that's 1357.1682mm, versus 1030.44239 for the B48B16. BUT turbocharged versus naturally-aspirated - hotter, higher combustion pressures, friction goes up exponentially with that. And with a daily driver, throttle response is more important than peak torque, and those turbo units are horribly laggy.

[@zibingotaeam3716]

@@RichardHarrold1991 yeah, thats what i meant - more cylinders with similar displacement means more swept surface

[@stevesullivan9377]

Had an E34 525 as my introduction to BMW straight 6 and I loved that car. Then got an E36 328 which was a flyer. Both engines were phenomenal. Now have a V6 Merc Diesel and if I could only drop a BMW I6 into it……..

[@jamesstaggs4160]

Not only has BMW not used V sixes, but pretty much nobody else uses inlne sizes, certainly not for mainstream performance cars.

[@yummyhershey5902]

Funnily enough, dodge’s replacement for their V8 hemi engine lineup will be comprised of their newly-developed in-line 6 engines. Mercedes started using in-line 6 engines about 8 years ago, and Mazda started using them last year when they released the CX-90 platform. The in-line 6 is genuinely making a comeback.

[@sleepyguy007]

​@@yummyhershey5902 stellantis too, with the charger once its out

[@andrewsharman4419]

Is the Land Rover 6 cylinder now also inline?

[@lewis72]

@@andrewsharman4419 Yes it is. I was on the development team for it !

[@Tay_James]

Barra, 1JZ/2JZ. Arguably the best inline 6 engines ever produced.

[@thor6580]

I don't know any more about the Mclaren v6, but I do know that I love that M5 you're driving in the latter part of the video. It's even my favourite colour.

[@alexpeartree2019]

N57 i6 diesel is smoother than melted butter. It's why I'm keeping my 530d for ages

[@Prototype566]

I have 730d n57 How many km does your car have now?

[@alexpeartree2019]

​@@Prototype566about 254000 km so far. No engine issues at all.

[@PulkaSkurken]

as a former owner of 14 BMW´s both E34 and E36, the straight 6 from BMW are rock solid and so much smoother than any V6 engine i have ever owned, only the Frankenstein V6 from Alfa Romeo in the 159 comes close to the straight 6 from BMW. 2:30 i never had a issue with a straight 6 engine from BMW in my cars, never. As long oil service was done it was happy. only thing that liked to break was the thermostat. but that was less than 90:- SEK to buy from BMW, about 7-8 USD. Was usually the reason why i could but them cheap, people thought the head was warped. but it was only a bad thermostat. every time. that´s why i could buy 14 of them.

[@lukestocks4370]

That M5..... Are you kidding me❤ AMAZING

[@jaioxung]

I had never driven a car with an inline 6 until about a year ago when I bought an M240i with the B58. Definitely the smoothest, most powerful engine I've ever experienced.

[@evanbyers6240]

The Germans understand Torque. Plain and simple Edit: GTR fanboys have 0 reading comprehension skills

[@FredKunM2024]

True

[@staLkerhu]

Probably the only major difference between i6 and V6 which has to do anything with torque is the length of the crankshaft. Are you really suggesting that for this reason only, i6 equipped cars have noticeably higher torque by feel? Well that stinks...

[@davekennedy6315]

Oh yeah, that Nissan GTR engine was clearly lacking in torque wasn't it? One of the greatest engines ever made? The greatest tuner car ever made to? And its a V6? Who woulda thought it?

[@DolleHengst]

​@@davekennedy6315in the 80's BMW got 1400hp from a 1.5 turbo four in F1. With a completely stock roadcar block.

[@knowbull5hit590]

You know nothing if you think an inline 6 makes more torque than a V6 just because of the cylinder layout. Gm and Ford V6 engines make much more torque NA vs NA, its easier to make a higher displacement V6 and still be compact than an inline.

[@Jon-cu4kv]

It’s also to do with the mounting in a longitudinal mounted car. A V6 has more over hang, more likely to understeer. An inline 6 can be pushed further back, increasing chassis balance.

[@peanuts2105]

Drivetribe: It is therefore, imperative for you to go to BMW and ask to see those engines stored away. I want to see it, the world wants to see it. Thumbs up if you agree

[@derekstocker6661]

Thanks for this, does make you wonder certainly. I can vouch for the straight six as I have as a daily a 325 of 1994 with over 173K on clock and still runs like a sewing machine. I have heard of others with over 300k still doing very well!

[@borysbodnar2111]

NIcely accessible explanation, thanks Mike. Have always been sold on the Bavarian straight 6

[@mikes9939]

I have owned and still do several Honda Accords with V6 engines. The Honda engine is great, the 3.0 and the 3.5 litre J motors are very smooth and powerful over the entire rev range. They all have Vtech which comes on strong up top. They also have excellent durability as I have had over 200,000 miles on every one that I have owned. The 60 degree V6 is compact and lighter than any inline 6 and fits in places that the long inline engine cannot. That's why the are great in front wheel drive cars and the can be turned back straight for use in a pickup truck with rear wheel drive. The 60 degree V6 is also well balanced and does not need a balance shaft. It's true that 4 cylinder turbo engines can make more power but they also are short lived and not as smooth as the 60 degree V6's. I think it's a real shame that they are becoming rare in cars because they make any sedan much more quality feeling than any type of 4 cylinder engine. I have owned a BMW 325 e a long time ago and it's 2.7 litre engine was smooth but no smoother than a Honda V6 and the Honda makes way more power.

[@benjaminfranklin1515]

Agreed, but changing the Honda/Acura J's rear spark plugs is a very painful exercise. Also, the rubber timing belt is silly on an interference engine.

[@2Burgers_1Pizza]

I like to imagine that after those findings, they thought it'd be better to artificially downgrade the I-6 to V-6 standards, and when the market is susceptible to that strat, have the customer pay a subscription to bump it up to the actual standards' realization.

[@LoftechUK]

What a beast. The S54 E46 M3 is an animal.

[@fuzzynutter8344]

Mercedes has also produced i6s for a very long time too. They had a spell from the mid-1990s when they replaced the i6 with a V6 (so that their new modular V6s and V8s could share components and a production line) before reverting back to i6s.

[@Poizon-]

One of the reasons I have stuck with BMW for so long. Was thinking of getting into the somewhat newer mercedeses a while ago but I didn't really like the engine options. I've had two 3 series and two 7 series and it just so happened that all were inline sixes!

[@fatrambo73]

the straight six in my E30 325i sounded wonderful straight piped what a car i really miss it

[@cloudcata8300]

Torque and balance. There you have it.

[@rakido7388]

I had an E46 with the 2.2i straight 6, and it's true, it was super smooth.

[@aredoplloci8459]

If you want a BMW v6, all you have to do is get a v8 and wait

[@stevensilver1679]

I have always loved straight sixes for their bullet proof reliability. The 80's/90's Jeep Cherokees were the bombs. They were in other Jeeps as well. I have a 2005 Lexus IS300 and at 127,000 miles, it still purrs like a kitten.

[@Maurice_Of_Wisdom]

Tho a rumor is a rumor as soon as you mentioned it I've went to do some digging and there isn't a single piece of media that hints at bmw having anything to do with the artura engine and the onlythings that kinda nullifies that rumor is that the capacities doesn't make sense (1499cc x 2 sandwiched together does not = 2993cc the displacement of the artura but that wouldn't really be a rock solid analogy cuz you never know many manufacturing processes of makin an engine can end up in slight changes of displacement) and every article I've read says that the v6 of the artura is built in house by mclaren themselves in their carbon fiber factory in sheffield, England.

[@marcnobel3938]

BMW, McLaren and Ricardo developing engines together since their Partnership in 2017. The casting experts came from BMW when they started. It is not really a secret. There are a lot of press releases and so articles available about that. So when all companies officially announced that 7 years ago, why should that be a secret or surprise today? 😀

[@craig3916]

the McLaren v8 block is essentially a cast off Nissan, maybe look east for an answer. although if you apoxy 2 x 3litre m3 motors of the day together, u get the mac f1 6.05litre v12 engine, so there is some history of bmv consulting to mclaren

[@Maurice_Of_Wisdom]

@@marcnobel3938 intresting point but my thing is even if the engine is done bmw.. Why would they try to hide it i mean if car companies make cars with engines borrowed or engineered for a specific application on a already existing platform it is most of the time revealed to the public and public information why not this time. Perhaps if that engine is done by bmw in one way or another it has to do with how much significance they had in the engineering and the design itself and if that's the case it wouldn't really make sense since this rumor says that two already existing complete bmw platforms gorilla glued together will still be a project with extreme significance of the companies involvement in the project

[@Maurice_Of_Wisdom]

@@craig3916 i mean true but the thing is that it was known since day one that mclaren took help from bmw for their engine in the f1 In this case there are little to no hints that bmw had to do anything with the project Also intresting point about nissan Im kinda not tuned in about that how much significance nissan had in development of the mclaren v8s? And if they are actually designed from already existing platforms by anychance?

[@enthuscimandiri1640]

@@Maurice_Of_Wisdom pride

[@macstar8317]

I owned a 2006 M54 powered E46 330ci M-sport convertible for around 10 years and absolutely loved it - that engine is superb (oil leaks aside)! That being said I can't fault my 2012 stage 1 Audi S5 supercharged V6 - it's an absolute beast - sound aside, better than the n/a V8.

[@SanidhyaKPatel]

Great Video❤, Can you Please make video on recent inline 6s from bmw especially S58 and B57 Diesel, And recent shift in industry where major automaker like mercedes, hyundai, mazda, GM, stellantis shifted towards Inline 6s

[@Lukec4ge]

I think I’m one of the few petrolheads who will argue that the S38 3.8 straight six is a better engine than the S54. More power and torque. The original block found in the M1 was capable of 800bhp with a turbo.

[@Sir......]

V6 ? Nein ! Nein ! Nein ! - BMW

[@alanmay7929]

vr6 ja!

[@freman007]

So... they want to make a W27?

[@kinglouiesshed8995]

This is why I like the VR6 😮. I know it has its issues but it sounds very unique 👌🏼

[@KimiButNoDrink]

Can you do one for why Audi never did an inline-6 as well, would be interested to know as well

[@Angl0sax0nknight]

Cause Audi is always about compactness even when it’s a really bad idea.

[@bastee2727]

Wrong layouts

[@KimiButNoDrink]

@@Angl0sax0nknight are we forgetting the A8 😭

[@Angl0sax0nknight]

@ the only A8s I’ve worked on are V8 gas and I think not positive V8? Diesel. Not a fan of Audi engineering. But that’s coming from a technicians point of view. Very compact and difficult to work on. Plus they tend to break down more than other European cars.

[@KimiButNoDrink]

@@Angl0sax0nknight I mean the W12 engine that put in the A8L (I think) which is why I'm confused when you talked about compactness. Unless it was a one off thing but Audi.

[@GaryJohnWalker1]

One of the I6s not mentioned is the one in the k1600 and if bmw didn't go for a v or flat 6 for their comfy 2 wheeler it just shows they're wedded to their "iconic" format

[@hoonaticbloggs5402]

BMW make their cars easy to work on for mechanics 😂😂😂😂 Funniest thing I heard all day

[@tinkertable1977]

I love my Alfa Romeo Busso v6. Smooth, torquey, wonderful engine and exhaust note.

[@heinedenmark]

Because they primarily have built rear driven cars.

[@Cucumberflavoredmustard]

Yes, but a narrower engine leaves room for a driveshaft to the front for AWD.

[@hartsickdisciple]

All engine layouts have their strengths and weaknesses. I've owned BMWs with straight 6s, and they were fantastic. The B58 is a true gem of an engine. The inline 6 has some inherent advantages for sure. There are some phenomenal V6 though. Right now I have a 2024 Nissan Z with the VR30, and it's very impressive. It's far smoother than older Nissan V6s, makes great power, and has reasonable fuel economy. I'm getting roughly the same fuel economy with this car that I did with my 2017 m240i.

[@AndrewGibson22]

N52 is the sweetest engine I’ve ever had, a real peach.

[@mantaskizeliauskas9567]

Beautiful engine, so smooth

[@renatomorais8136]

I owned an E90 330i, a 3.0L staight six natural aspirated beauty. Way too much power for my needs but it was a smooth and assertive engine without being the dramatic Alfa Romeo V6 that I knew fairly well with a GTV. I say BMW is wise in keeping their inline 6s instead of V6s, they know how to make them really well.

[@alw968]

inline six is the reason i buy a bmw

[@TheEryk03]

That's dumb reason.

[@HardstyleJinx]

@@TheEryk03 Sure showed him

[@Sh4dowgale]

Enjoy it being in the shop for half its lifespan.

[@alw968]

@@Sh4dowgale in 5 years of ownership it’s only been to the garage for service, I’ve put 40-50k miles trouble free

[@alw968]

@@TheEryk03 4 cylinder should be flat, 6 cylinder should be inline, 8 cylinder should be a v, 10 & 12 also should be v, 16 needs to be w, getting back to my point a v6 is unbalanced engine inline 6 are very balanced and a lot easier to work on.. only 1 head 1 manifold etc. to service vs a v6 that’s double trouble

[@Locomattive8572]

Don’t forget the Twins. Inline and V. As well as inline fours. They have also made single cylinders: All used in motorcycles

[@jools182]

I'm sure he just said BMW make their cars easy for mechanics to work on....

[@cannon8361]

I thought I was the only one that heard that 🤣 Maybe if you compare it to a lambos annual service

[@Vlku272]

N series engines aside with their painful waterpump placement, etc, anything either side of that has to be some of the easiest stuff to come through the workshop. I've had to deal with much worse stuff on Toyotas than the average job on BMWs.

[@freman007]

@@Vlku272 Are you sure? The workshop I get my servicing done through finds BMWs to be among the worst cars to work on. Maybe better than Audi, but that's a low bar to clear.

[@TheRitualChannel]

I do love the silky smoothness of inline 6s.

[@boblast5582]

did you seriously say bmw famously makes their cars easy to work on with a straight face?

[@gixxer_squid]

I know, right?

[@bloodknottrevelian3396]

Yup, I’ve got a straight six in my X3. Albeit a diesel but I love it.

[@mojbr704]

Inline 6 is more smoother, simpler better for rear wheel drive, provides more torque at lower RPM and they live longer. That’s why

[@rienkhoek4169]

Why would an inline six have more power at low rpm?

[@craig3916]

@@rienkhoek4169 it wouldn't.... haha

[@lemcakes32422]

they historically have lower toque

[@rienkhoek4169]

@@lemcakes32422 I dont see any reason why this would be the case either?

[@lemcakes32422]

@@rienkhoek4169 m cars generally have had their power at top of the rpm curve

[@Jesus_loves_you2004]

3:49 right…… you sure about that boss 💀😂😂😂😂😂

[@Flies2FLL]

Simple tradition. V6 engines are more compact and rev higher and are lighter, but they cost a little more to build. They also have a small amount of vibration that inline 6 engines do not have, but the real reason is simple tradition. That's fine, but I still consider BMW cars to be the "Ultimate Leasing Machine", you don't want to own one past the warranty period-

[@ionut5351]

V6 reving high 🤣🤣🤣 maybe if you remove the balance shaft and then feeling like your sitting in a L4 with only 2 cylinder running

[@freman007]

@@ionut5351 What are you smoking? 60° V6s, the most common type, don't have balance shafts, and they're typically much smoother than inline fours because they have a greater number of power pulses through their 720° power cycle. They are not as smooth as an inline six, but the difference isn't great enough for most people to notice. Why do people who know nothing about engines bother commenting on articles about engines?

I like how Mike is able to turn his enthusiasm for engines into klicks for the channel. Win win :)

[@Sh4dowgale]

BMW also hates making reliable vehicles.

[@gtcam723]

l6 was also great in the older 4.0l powered Jeep Wranglers and the earlier 4.2l powered Jeep CJ series. Torque down low where it was needed for off road use.

[@raymarsh1980]

Easy to work on.......,..........if the engine is on the floor.

[@craybro]

Honda V6 VTEC was name of the best engines I’ve owned, way more fun than my BMW inline 6!

[@fantabuloussnuffaluffagus]

If only those BMW engineers would have spent their time making their cars reliable instead of developing engines no one will ever see.

[@freman007]

Morgan Freeman voiceover. But in fact, that was something BMW engineers simply couldn't do.

[@ericanderson2987]

I am not familiar with the McLaren Models mentioned in this Video. However, the new McLaren F1 Replacement, uses a Cosworth Designed V12 Engine. Cosworth also Designed V12 For Aston Martin. BOTH V12's had I3 Engines Built for Testing.