BMW downsizes classic straight six engine

Same old...

..BMW. Great engines, bland package.

Sort the looks out and then with these great driving dynamics they might actually make a car thats desirable.

By AndyG on 19 January, 2011, 12:57pm

So it's a 4 not a 6 then

Hoped that this would be a return to the old days of a 2.0 straight six (so only the 1.x models would be fours), but it's just a turbo two with posh name.

By aje21 on 19 January, 2011, 6:48pm

AndyG

I have to agree...

By Leonidas on 19 January, 2011, 6:48pm

BMW's are now very mainstream.

Let's face it, BMW's as good as they are, are now soo popular and common that they no longer seem exclusive or special. The Police use them now! and that's what puts me off buying one. As a marque, I prefer Alfa Romeo and Mercedes they have better heritage and pedigree.

By JTravolta77 on 19 January, 2011, 9:13pm

As far as marques go Jag and Alfa for me, they have racing history and strong road presence. you see one you want it. if you go by interior then both are best i have seen, very different and exclusive. As for BM, well i wish they kept the straight sixes, its their niche identity but i guess the EU has its way sqeezing the car companies to reduce their carbon emissions. as far as interiors go, practical but not stylish.

By corsamani on 20 January, 2011, 8:08am

Alfa for me too!

My Guiletta is the best of all worlds, best 2.0l diesel (most power and lowest emissions for any 2.0l Diesel), the best looking interior and an exterior to die for.

If BM can do something like this I might finally have a serious look at one.

By AndyG on 20 January, 2011, 12:57pm

@AndyG

"..BMW. Great engines, bland package"

Gotta agree with you there Andy. I hired a Vauxhall Omega back in the '90's which was fitted with a BMW sourced straight six TD motor (2.5L I think) and the damned thing pulled like a train, had a gorgeous exhaust note and sipped diesel sparingly. If only ALL Omegas had been that good, Vauxhall might have sold enough to keep the model range going... ^^

By sgtgrash on 20 January, 2011, 4:24pm

A BACKWARD STEP

SgtGrash,

You are certainly correct about the 2.5 TD Omega which wasn't far behind the petrol version which was a V6 of course but it's m.p.g. figure dipped to about 18 when gunned lol.

But back to the current subject and I think BM's decision to axe the straight 6 is very much a backward step. Someone else commented that the original 2.0 straight 6 was there niche identity and in a way I'm kind of saddened that the 6 has been dropped. No matter how well and how good the figures suggest, a 4 pot just doesn't have the refinement that a 6 has. The new 2.0 4 cylinder s probably very good performance and economy wise, but these days straight 6's can be just as efficient.

To sum up, I think this is a bad move by BMW and I think its demise will be mourned by many people.

By nick7 on 20 January, 2011, 6:06pm

A Police Car??

Most amused by Travolta's comment that he is put off buying a BeeEmm because the police use them. Wake up - have you been to Deutschland and taken a taxi?? They're all Mercs!! Have your taxi and I'll stick with the fuzz!!

By xrt665 on 21 January, 2011, 6:54am