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      06-12-2013, 11:10 AM   #36
mkoesel
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hoosiers View Post
I'm speaking of the engine only. The current V8 is lighter than the past I6 M3's. And that was WITHOUT the added weight of turbos. What makes you think a tri turbocharged I6 engine will be lighter than the M3's current V8? 2 cylinders isn't enough to negate all the added weight of the associated plumbing.
I agree with the general sentiment that the engine is not likely to be a source of any significant weight loss. But keep in mind that the S54 had an iron block, and this is a big reason why the S65 was able undercut its weight. That being said, with regard to your point about turbochargers - yes - they will largely offset the weight that would have been lost due to losing two cylinders, two banks worth of timing assemblies, etc. Still the N54 does weigh a bit less than an S65 (numbers available by searching the bimmerpost). If the S55 adds another turbo (we don't know yet) then it's pretty much a wash at best. The S55 will also use Valvrtronic, but I honestly don't know how the weight of that compares to ITBs or conventional throttle body setup.
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