Quote:
Originally Posted by Levi
Actually, that is wrong. BMW does not value I6 performance anymore. I6 is supported by accountants. For this reason Mercedes is also going back to I6 engine starting with the next E Class, because it will simply be cheaper to make. If V6 engine were cheaper, BMW would build them. BMW did build a V6 for the current M3/M4, but due to higher costs compare to the I6 that shares most parts with other engines, was the reason they chose I6 over V6.
But if I6 is cheaper to make, better for us.
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I want to see proof or evidence of your claim because it goes against everything factual.
Explanation of some engine physics:
http://www.examiner.com/article/inli...ntages-of-both
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/i...7093446AAweJJo
There's a quote out there somewhere years ago from the BMW CEO that they would never put a V6 in a BMW as the idea is abhorrent to them.
I6s are cheaper based on parts cost, but V6s are cheaper in another sense because one unit can be used across the entire model range (including FWD and FWD based AWD systems) so the sheer volume and simplicity of making one engine for all your cars reduces overall costs due to economies of scale and simplifies the number of production lines. V6s simply offer more packaging and power flexibility and compliance with emissions and pedestrian safety regulations.
The argument you are making is that some companies offer a I4 so using an I6 as a base allows companies to produce modularly based I4s and I3s saving development costs. But this was the same argument for producing V6s too, they were modular designs cut down from V12s and V8s. You just slash off how many cylinders you don't want. If a company wanting to produce cheap I3s means they go back to making I6s, I'm all for it. There are real performance advantages to doing so.
Btw, those BMW I-6s have a lot of magnesium alloy running through them. Not cheap...