The new BMW inline six-cylinder petrol and diesel engine

- The BMW inline six-cylinder petrol engine with magnesium alloy
crankcase and VALVETRONIC - The BMW inline six-cylinder diesel engine
with Variable Twin Turbo technology BMW engines enter a new era. The
BMW Group enters new dimensions. "We will keep our foot on the
accelerator pedal, we will continue to forge ahead." With these
words Dr. Helmut Panke, chief executive of the BMW AG, proclaimed at
this year's Annual Accounts Press Conference in which direction the
Bavarian premium manufacturer is moving - "straight ahead", as
usual. New series, new models and the opening up of new markets - BMW
has impressively underlined over recent years that when it comes to the
brand with the white and blue badge, actions speak louder than words.
In 2003, BMW achieved the highest sales figures ever, the number of
vehicles sold reaching 928,151. The inline six-cylinder engine. When
speaking of acceleration, Dr. Panke is not referring to just a short
spurt, but "the lasting accomplishment of a higher speed". In
aspiring to do this, a premium manufacturer requires the appropriate
premium engines. Superior technology has rendered BMW the leading
producer of power units. BMW regularly receives the annual
"International Engine of the World Award", BMW has initiated
advancements in engine construction with the introduction of
innovations such as VANOS and VALVETRONIC, successfully establishing
them on the market. For 71 years now the inline six engine has served
as a basis of driving pleasure. And there is no reason to break with
this tradition, a tradition that is probably unique in the field of
engine construction. This is due above all to the fact that it is based
on a proven physical principle (no free inertia forces and moments).
Today more than half of all BMW automobiles are powered by either an
inline six petrol engine or a diesel engine. Consequently, BMW is the
world's largest manufacturer of inline six power units for automobiles.
Optimum balance of masses, silky-smooth turbine-like running
characteristics, fast-revving - ideal genes, pioneering innovations,
high performance, low fuel consumption and the engineers' constant
meticulous attention to detail have optimized the BMW inline six engine
and rendered it an icon. The principle of consistent innovation to
raise its own standards has placed BMW in a pole position in
technology, not only in the field of engine construction, but also as a
carmaker as a whole. The concept of efficient dynamics. The BMW
designers' main conflict of objectives arises from the customer's
desire for more power, comfort and safety on the one hand and from the
equally understandable desire for lower fuel consumption and reduced
exhaust emission on the other: BMW subsumes this issue under the term
efficient dynamics, and understands this as being considerably more
than the mere improvement of a few test values. Consequently, BMW
interprets the term dynamics as the general behaviour of the vehicle,
as its performance offered to the customer as a part of the driving
experience. Efficiency is equally as comprehensive, this being the
overall ratio between input and output, including, for example, "on
demand" and "just in time" production, as well as the
sensible use of resources. It is particularly crucial to BMW that
efficiency should not belittle dynamics - and vice versa. Technology
leader BMW forges ahead:engine construction reconceived. Due to its
specific location in the vehicle and its concentrated mass, BMW
designers focus predominantly on the power unit when it comes to
discussing efficient dynamics, weight and the distribution of weight in
the vehicle within the framework of the concept. And this is precisely
the point at which emotions are sparked among engineers, as the BMW
power unit is not only a splendid example of technology, but also a
matter of inner attitude. Hence the new challenges were taken up
passionately. This resulted in the creation of typical BMW high-tech
power units that fundamentally question previously known concepts and
countless details - and respond with innovative, trendsetting solutions.
In the 75th year of the BMW automobile and 71 years after the first BMW
inline six engine, BMW is taking a giant and fundamental step into the
future of engine construction. BMW has radically reconceived both the
internal combustion engine and the diesel engine, taking the BMW inline
six power unit into a new era.