German Car Zone

Amo · 01-15-2007, 12:24 PM

I agree too, there is nothing wrong with a four cylinder engine in a BMW. Sure, BMW is renowned for its performance, but there is more to a BMW than speed. Anyway, the four cylinder engines aren't actually that slow. For example the new 4 cylinder 320i in the E90 is almost as quick as a 6 cylinder E46 320i- just hasnt got the same grunt and smoothness!

And after all, alot of people want to own a BMW without the massive fuel bill!

cawimmer430 · 01-15-2007, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmer

I think it is because of the sportiness of the BMW brand. You can't talk about sport in a 318i. 4-cylinders aren't what BMW is known for nowadays. They are the straight 6 engines which are considered propably as the finest 6 cylinder engines in the world. The customers and fans of BMW appreciate the make for its sporty character and if it's missing like in some smaller engined BMWs, those models aren't appreciated similarly as other models. The 1 series is a small car therefor 4 cylinder engines are enough to give it a decent sportiness. But personally I think that for example the 5 series is in a category which in 4 cylinder engines shouldn't be offered except for diesels. Also it takes away some of the exclusiveness and prestige no matter how much better and different the bigger engined models are. There's a reason why 3 series isn't offered with smaller than 6 cylinder engines. I hope this was the case in Europe as well but the reality is that the 4 cylinder engined models make up quite a big portion of the sales here.

PS. I miss the real 320i (6 cylinder).

Well yes, a 6 sounds more sporty than a 4, but here in Europe, there are a ton of younger buyers who derive just as much fun and sporting pleasure from a 318i or a lowly 320i 6-cylinder. The handling is the same as a 330i or 335i, maybe even a little better since they're lighter.

I think most people in markets outside of Europe are used to having engines with power. But it still bugs me when they slam a BMW 318i for example - without ever having driven it.

By the way, I got a ride in a 318Ci Coupe and the 4-cylinder under the hood sounded, felt and performed like a 6-cylinder. These days, you can hardly tell the difference between a refined 4-cylinder and a 6-cylinder engine.

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