BMW is currently turbocharged and loving it. The Bavarian automaker has more forced induction blocks available than ever before and has gone so far that currently, there is no naturally aspirated engine even offered on certain series lines. Despite the absence of the industry famous silk produced from a free-breathing BMW inline six cylinder, the company’s turbocharged technology isn’t really disappointing anyone. Landing on two spots of Ward’s Auto 10 Best Engines list are BMW’s forced inline six and all-new inline four cylinders.
Repeating its win for a second year is the N55 3.0 liter straight six found various BMWs such as the 335. With a more-than-likely underrated “300” horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, the engine uses dual variable valve timing (VANOS), direct injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger. Replacing the former twin turbo straight six, the N55 manages to produce similar if not more power all while achieving higher fuel economy. Ward’s editors returned a surprising 25 mpg with their 335i Coupe tester. According to Ward’s, the N55 is ” an engine that perfectly illustrates the superior balance and refinement of inline engines and the Bavarian auto maker’s mastery of the architecture’s execution.”
Recently released to replace the smooth but slightly slow naturally aspirated six found in the Z4 and 528i is BMW’s latest turbocharged inline four cylinder. Displacing 2.0 liters, the N20 is an all-aluminum design featuring direct injection, dual VANOS and a single twin-scroll turbocharger. The little engine packs a decent punch with 245 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque in Z4 trim and 260 in the 528i. Those figures are higher in both aspects when compared to the 3.0 liter six the N20 replaces. “This stout, compact powertrain packs an impressive 120 hp/L, without sacrificing any of BMW’s stellar vehicle dynamics,” said Ward’s.
Source: WardsAuto.com
