Nothing beats straight six in a bemer..not even a sophisticated 4 cylinder IMO..Todays 4-pots have the performance and maners like never before but still 6 cylinder rules in sheer feel of driving pleasure.Only excepion were E30 M3 and 318is(both E30 and E36 versions) engines so far ..

I think it's more like this:

316i 115hp/175Nm ---> no successor
318i 143hp/200Nm ---> 318i 129hp/180Nm (143hp/190Nm)
320i 170hp/210Nm ---> 320i 150hp/200Nm (170hp/210Nm)
325i 192hp/245Nm ---> 325i 218hp/250Nm (218hp/270Nm)
330i 231hp/300Nm ---> 330i 258hp/300Nm (272hp/320Nm)
no predecessor ---> 335i 306hp/400Nm

Well, it's complicated we're both wrong and right, I suppose...

its the same engine I have in my car but mine is lighter than 5er. This engine suit a smaller car better than a heavy 5er. But sure, this is for people who want a 5er but cant afford a 523i I guess.

Don't like this but it's gonna sell like hotcakes and that is all what BMW wants,more sales!