BMW: S54 M Inline-Six Retires
12-31-2008, 01:31 AM
#1
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
BMW: S54 M Inline-Six Retires
From Worldcarfans...
BMW has retired its classic 3.2 liter inline six-cylinder engine.
The powerplant, known as the S54B32 amongst BMW engineers and automotive purists, powered the last generation Z4 M Roadster and Coupe, the M3 (E46) and a several earlier generation Z3 M Roadster and Coupes too. The 3.2 liter engine distinguished itself as a naturally aspirated straight-six churning out 343 hp - more than 100 hp per liter without any artificial induction. That simplicity and artfulness of engineering made the engine renowned for its steady levels of torque across the rev band.
One should always be weary when an automaker phases-out a classic product and replaces it with the new and unproven. How many times has a manufacturer messed up the process of renewal and actually taken a product line a few steps back? After all, this engine won the International Engine of the Year award upon its introduction in 2001 as well as winning the 3.0 to 4.0 liter category for six consecutive years between 2001 and 2006.
But this is BMW and maybe a little trust is warranted. They don't usually leap blindly into the marketplace with under-developed products, especially engines.
The S54B32 will be replaced in the Z4 by other inline six-bangers, including a 2.5 liter, 201 hp and a twin-turbo 3.0 liter with 302 hp. Let's hope those powerplants come packed with the same kind of supple sizzle.
The powerplant, known as the S54B32 amongst BMW engineers and automotive purists, powered the last generation Z4 M Roadster and Coupe, the M3 (E46) and a several earlier generation Z3 M Roadster and Coupes too. The 3.2 liter engine distinguished itself as a naturally aspirated straight-six churning out 343 hp - more than 100 hp per liter without any artificial induction. That simplicity and artfulness of engineering made the engine renowned for its steady levels of torque across the rev band.
One should always be weary when an automaker phases-out a classic product and replaces it with the new and unproven. How many times has a manufacturer messed up the process of renewal and actually taken a product line a few steps back? After all, this engine won the International Engine of the Year award upon its introduction in 2001 as well as winning the 3.0 to 4.0 liter category for six consecutive years between 2001 and 2006.
But this is BMW and maybe a little trust is warranted. They don't usually leap blindly into the marketplace with under-developed products, especially engines.
The S54B32 will be replaced in the Z4 by other inline six-bangers, including a 2.5 liter, 201 hp and a twin-turbo 3.0 liter with 302 hp. Let's hope those powerplants come packed with the same kind of supple sizzle.
12-31-2008, 02:31 AM
#2
The inline-6 is overrated, ancient technology anyways...... isn't the new twin turbo 3.0 a V6??? Win.
12-31-2008, 11:05 AM
#5
Not just a smell
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I expected this, but still...
:gheywave:
As for the TT 3L, Mitsubishi could only do so much with that lump of slag. Or perhaps BMW's obsolete I6 could only work with Mitsu's obsolete 2nd/3rd rate turbo's. Ya gotta wonder how BMW fanboi's can ignore the fact that Mitsu can get 291HP from the Evo's 2L I4.
:gheywave:As for the TT 3L, Mitsubishi could only do so much with that lump of slag. Or perhaps BMW's obsolete I6 could only work with Mitsu's obsolete 2nd/3rd rate turbo's. Ya gotta wonder how BMW fanboi's can ignore the fact that Mitsu can get 291HP from the Evo's 2L I4.
12-31-2008, 12:13 PM
#6
Punk Rocker
I expected this, but still...
:gheywave:
As for the TT 3L, Mitsubishi could only do so much with that lump of slag. Or perhaps BMW's obsolete I6 could only work with Mitsu's obsolete 2nd/3rd rate turbo's. Ya gotta wonder how BMW fanboi's can ignore the fact that Mitsu can get 291HP from the Evo's 2L I4.
:gheywave:As for the TT 3L, Mitsubishi could only do so much with that lump of slag. Or perhaps BMW's obsolete I6 could only work with Mitsu's obsolete 2nd/3rd rate turbo's. Ya gotta wonder how BMW fanboi's can ignore the fact that Mitsu can get 291HP from the Evo's 2L I4.
Secondly, the new BMW TT 6 is definitely underrated, hp-wise. Its probably putting down more like 320hp. That doesn't matter though because it makes exactly how much power BMW intends for it to make. Its not that the engine is incapable, they just don't want it stepping on the toes of the new M3.
Pretty much everybody on planet earth thinks you don't know what you are talking about with regards to engine design....
12-31-2008, 12:48 PM
#7
The hair says it all
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Manhattan, NYC
Age: 37
Posts: 7,566
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I expected this, but still...
:gheywave:
As for the TT 3L, Mitsubishi could only do so much with that lump of slag. Or perhaps BMW's obsolete I6 could only work with Mitsu's obsolete 2nd/3rd rate turbo's. Ya gotta wonder how BMW fanboi's can ignore the fact that Mitsu can get 291HP from the Evo's 2L I4.
:gheywave:As for the TT 3L, Mitsubishi could only do so much with that lump of slag. Or perhaps BMW's obsolete I6 could only work with Mitsu's obsolete 2nd/3rd rate turbo's. Ya gotta wonder how BMW fanboi's can ignore the fact that Mitsu can get 291HP from the Evo's 2L I4.
If the 3 L TT engine uses 2nd or 3rd rate turbos, then why is it one of the only turbos to use variable vane (or is it vain?) technology?
Do you think a 2L I4 making 291 has turbo lag? Possibly more than the 3L TT?
What part of the 3L engine block was Mitsubishi using? I thought that was a BMW engine....
Trending Topics
12-31-2008, 02:43 PM
#8
Senior Moderator
Yes because peak HP means everything, rite?
Guess you forget to mention that the Evos max HP is at 6500rpms and max torque is at 4000rpms.
Care to compare that to the "obsolete" N54 engine? I will help you, that I6tt engine makes max HP at 5800rpm and max torque at 1400rpms. All while offering better fuel economy without much turbo lag.
Whats the big deal with BMW going with Mitsubishi turbos. Its still a BMW built motor.
01-01-2009, 09:14 AM
#10
Cruisin'
Join Date: Dec 2008
Age: 48
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Secondly, the new BMW TT 6 is definitely underrated, hp-wise. Its probably putting down more like 320hp. That doesn't matter though because it makes exactly how much power BMW intends for it to make. Its not that the engine is incapable, they just don't want it stepping on the toes of the new M3.
Again, true, that TT has very minimal lag in stock form, barely perceptable. However the modded one's tend to add some in, but still not that bad. Re: economy I can vouch for that as well, my bro and I picked up his euro delivery in Munich and we were seeing ~29.5mph on the Autobahn @ ~80-85mph on a new car that wasn't even fully broken in. That's impressive. My guess is that they probably went to Mitsu do to their experience and chose what they chose cuz they were proven for reliability, something to worry about when offering a car for $40k-$50K.
01-01-2009, 12:04 PM
#11
Not just a smell
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Once you engineer in turbos, a proper engine design needs a lot of changes. BMW and Mitsu had to develop the ECU, fuel delivery, valve timing, etc. to make optimum power with the turbos. Max HP @5800, torque @1400 is not characteristic of a high performance engine.
BMW's 4L V8 makes max HP @8300, max torque @3900 and the 3-4L V6's from BMW's competitors all make max HP > 6000RPM near their redlines. They all breathe and operate properly at high RPMs. For sports cars, you want that high reving, living on the edge, ya gotta know how to work the engine, kind of engine.
BMW's 3L TT I6 by comparison is good for a daily driver, with that low peak torque good for passing around Prius and Smart cars.
01-01-2009, 12:25 PM
#12
Under Pressure
BMW > Mitsubishi
The E46 M3 will walk all over the latest Evo. Seriously, HP means nothing if it can only be obtained for a brief period at peak RPM, same goes for torque. Numbers sound good for barstool racers, but real world usability is what it's all about.
Also reliability is a key concern, I hear Evo transmissions are made of glass? It's also possible that the majority of Evo owners are Fast & Furious "bois" who drive around with a tilted cap and use words like "yo" and "Dawg" and constantly drop their clutch at red-line to impress the local high school girls.
The E46 M3 will walk all over the latest Evo. Seriously, HP means nothing if it can only be obtained for a brief period at peak RPM, same goes for torque. Numbers sound good for barstool racers, but real world usability is what it's all about.
Also reliability is a key concern, I hear Evo transmissions are made of glass? It's also possible that the majority of Evo owners are Fast & Furious "bois" who drive around with a tilted cap and use words like "yo" and "Dawg" and constantly drop their clutch at red-line to impress the local high school girls.
Last edited by kneedragger87; 01-01-2009 at 12:28 PM.
01-01-2009, 12:40 PM
#13
Senior Moderator
I agree which is why the S54 was such a great engine.
Not sure why you brought up the N54 in this thread and compared it to the Evo. Totally didnt cars for what they were built to do.
335i isnt suppose to be an Mcar. Its not suppose to be a high-revving, living on the edge type of motor. Its suppose to offer usable power day-to-day while offering decent mpg. At least we agree on that part.
01-01-2009, 10:28 PM
#14
Suzuka Master
'tis was a great engine.
01-01-2009, 11:43 PM
#15
Not just a smell
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I compared the N54 with the Evo because they are both running Mitsu twin turbos and exemplifies the different design. Evo's and M/Z's are track/sports cars while the 335i's are sporty daily drivers.
01-02-2009, 06:10 AM
#16
Nope, the new TT is inline. BMW doesn't do V's for 6's just 8,10, & 12.
. I actually really like BMW's inline-10 and flat-8 in their new M-cars. 
01-03-2009, 11:39 AM
#18
Moderator Alumnus
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
I have tested this engine in various M cars. What was impressive about it was its incredible sensitivity to its gas pedal and the abundant torque everywhere especially on low revs, since I was expecting the engine to be torquy at high-rpm. I hated its sound in all iterations. It sounded like medals were braking it its guts as rpm rose. In the last M3 I drove, it actually felt stronger than its peak torque claim from BMW.
01-03-2009, 02:00 PM
#19
eh
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Age: 46
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
01-03-2009, 02:48 PM
#22
CL in lawnmower status
, do you not like the m coupes or something?
the z4's do look weird but the z3's are so sick and pretty rare. it's a light 2 seater, with a hatchback, and huge rear fenders, i don't see what's wrong with that at all
01-05-2009, 12:49 AM
#23
I'd still like to have an E46 M3 but it can be suprisingly hard to find good ones. It would be a little scary owning one of those out of warranty, especially when somebody else was beating it up for the first few years of it's life. A CPO warranty on a car like that could be a wise investment.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
