Technical marvels: 12 standout examples of a BMW engine

BMW carries the symbolic message in its very name: the M in the middle of the acronym stands for “Motoren,” or engines. It stands for the beginning of the company, and for engine technology of the highest standard over many decades and for various means of transport. Be it for a plane, a motorcycle or an automobile, BMW pioneers new technologies. So we’ve chosen not one legendary BMW engine for you, but twelve. And we’ve done it as objectively as possible, but as subjectively as necessary. We make no claim to completeness. Ultimately, every gearhead has a different focus – so this list is the perfect debate starter.

From aircraft to motorcycle engines: even today, biking enthusiasts still go all misty-eyed at the mention of the BMW R 5. This machine is powered by a 30-cubic-inch (500 cc) boxer engine with an impressive power output for the time of 24 hp. A notable technical feature here is the valve control via two camshafts. The R 5 quickly earned a reputation for being particularly reliable and robust. Incidentally, gear-shifting on the R 5 was by foot – a novelty at the time that then established itself as the standard. The idea of the R 5 lives on in today’s BMW motorcycles, for example in the R 18. The engine and valve covers on the R 5 served as a visual model for the design of the corresponding parts of the BMW cruiser.

Facts and figures:
2-cylinder boxer engine
Engine displacement of 30.5 cubic inches (0.5 liters)
Power output 18 kW (24 hp)

Due to its curved body and sweeping lines, the BMW 502 is popularly known as the “Baroque Angel.” But there’s nothing Baroque about its BMW V8 engine. In fact, the world’s first mass-produced V8 aluminum alloy engine was very much high-tech at the time, as were the brake booster, the power clutch and the disc brakes, the last of which would later be fitted as standard. The authorities, too, were impressed by this car’s reliability, and police and fire departments used the BMW 502 as an emergency vehicle. But the most striking feature of the BMW 502 is, and will always be, the gratifying BMW V8 engine.

Facts and figures:
8-cylinder V engine with carburetor
Engine displacement of 158.7 cubic inches (2.6 liters)
Power output 74 kW (100 hp)

At the end of the 1980s, the “multi-valve” became popular: the four-valve technology from auto racing was increasingly used in mass production. This made it possible to increase the power output of the engines, like with the engine in the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL racing coupe from 1974. While the production version was a two-valve that produced up to 206 hp, the racing version could reach 440 hp – not least thanks to the four-valve cylinder head and a greater engine displacement of 213.5 cubic inches (3.5 liters). In the meantime, multi-valves have now become standard in engine design and help us save resources as we drive. An aspect whose importance is becoming ever more important.

Facts and figures:
Four-valve, inline 6-cylinder engine
Engine displacement of 213.5 cubic inches (3.5 liters)
Power output 324 kW (440 hp)

After more than 60 years of engine-making, the time had come for BMW’s first mass-production diesel engine to make its bow in the BMW 5 Series. And it did so with impressive performance data: 115 hp and 210 Nm of torque were outstanding for a diesel of the time. This means that this diesel engine, too, offers sheer driving pleasure, and is our pick for the best BMW diesel engine. Once only used in trucks and tractors, diesel now became socially acceptable for cars. The BMW 524td was thus a precursor to the powerful, comfortable and above all economical and clean diesel engines of today.

Facts and figures:
6-cylinder diesel engine with turbocharger
Engine displacement of 146.5 cubic inches (2.4 liters)
Power output 85 kW (115 hp)

From a twelve-cylinder engine to a ten-cylinder model, i.e. from a comfort-oriented engine to a sports engine. The statistics speak for themselves: the completely redesigned power train provides 500 hp at 7,750 rpm. If it sounds like motorsports that’s because it is – transplanted and wrapped up in the body of a BMW 5 Series (M5, as well as in the M6 (E63/E64)). Inspired by Formula 1, which also used ten-cylinder engines at the time. This engine, known internally as the S85, is the only ten-cylinder in BMW history (to date). And that makes it a highlight of the glorious engine history of the Bavarian luxury carmaker.

Facts and figures:
V10-cylinder engine
Engine displacement of 305 cubic inches (5.0 liters)
Power output 373 kW (507 hp)

The BMW i8 proves that e-vehicles and sporty driving are by no means mutually exclusive. There is no single BMW i8 engine because this sporty number is powered by both an electric and a gasoline engine. The system performance of the BMW hybrid’s three-cylinder turbo and electric motor is an impressive 362 hp. The combustion engine drives the rear wheels, while the electric engine takes care of the front axle. The design says this is a sports car. And so do the stats: 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds. The combined consumption, on the other hand, would do a small car proud. This is very much a 21st century sports car. This is something that independent experts also appreciate – in 2019 the BMW i8 PHEV won the prestigious “Engine of the Year Award” for the fifth time in a row. A great entry into the EV age for BMW!

Facts and figures:
3-cylinder engine with turbocharger
Engine displacement of 92 cubic inches (1.5 liters)
Power output 170 kW (231 hp)
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Electric engine
Power output 96 kW (131 hp)
Battery capacity 11.6 kWh

Author: Nils Arnold; Photos: BMW Group Archiv