Quote:
Originally Posted by Taigar
Hi All,
Trying to learn something here. Engine wise, seems S55 is better every way than S65 - power, fuel economy. Why then did it take so long for BMW, Merc, Audi, VW and many others to jump on the Turbo technology only now? Is it turbo engines cost more to build, shorter life span, higher maintenance.. don't seem to be from my past Evo X experience.
Thanks for sharing.
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Can not say this for Mercedes, Audi, VW and many other (form me VW and Audi makes turbo engines since a long time ago!) but for the BMW M-GmbH the answer is simple and clear ... "driveability" is the main credo of the M-GmbH since the times of the legendary first E30M3 ... "driveability" is the reason what makes all previous M3s faster than even competitors with much more hp.
And for "driveability" an linear power output is much more important than high low-end-torque ... or better high low-end-torque reduces the drivability of cars on track, simple because its an great problem to bring this torque on track without wheel spin.
So until now turbo-engines where an NoGo for the M-GmbH and high-reving N/A-engines were the perfect way to solve this problem ... an small displacement turbo-engine is perfect for an regular streetcar because you can drive it confortable without much gearchanging, but for an real sportscar an HDZ-N/A-Engine with an fast DCT-Gearbox is the perfekt solution.
But the times has changed, and also for BMW M-GmbH cost savings and Ebit/Debit are the key factor in all development and therefor also an not soal and even a little bit heavier S55 engine is the way to go, because it share probably many parts with the future BMW AG inline 6 engine family and could be produce cheaply the regular BMW engine plant. The unique S65 is made of many unique and costly special parts and must be produce in the special "Sondermotorenbau" in Munich, so that its totally clear that in the world of costs such an engine has no chance to get the okay from the shareholders.
So the M-GmbH make the best of the situation, and refines all other parts of the new M3/M4 that are possible under the cost conditions, so that they can live with the cheaper but less ideal engine solution.