So, as some of you may know, BMW's next 3-series coupe will use a twin-turbo straight-6 engine. BMW is notorious for eshewing the use of turbocharging, or any kind of forced induction in their engines. They have even criticized other manufacturers for using forced induction methods to increase the power output of their engines. Now, they go and build their first factory turbocharged engine in a longtime. Why did BMW engineers suddenly decide to resort to turbocharging? I don't know the answer to this question.
BMW was one of the first manufacturers to offer a production car with a turbocharged engine. That car was the 1973 2002 Turbo. This car is notorious for two reasons. One was it's terrible turbo lab and the other was for its absurb looking front air dam with the word "turbo" written backwards. Presumably, this was to alert other cars in front of the driver of the 2002 Turbo that a fast car was coming up behind them. Personally, the front air dam with "turbo" written backwards never bothered me.
BMW's next turbo car was never officially imported into the United States. It was the BMW 745i . This car was built between 1984 and 1986 I believe. A few have slipped into the US as grey market cars. These cars, like the 2002 Turbo, were also known for having sluggish acceleration and terrible turbo lag. As a result of these cars, BMW swore they would never use another turbocharged engine in a car.
That brings us to 2006 and BMW's shocking announcement that the next 3-series coupe will be a bi-turbo engine. A company that swore they'd never use another turbocharged engine develops one for the new 3-series coupe. It should be interesting to see how well this car sells. I'm certain it won't have any problems in sales. I've read initial test drive reports of this car and journalists speak highly of the engine and it's utter lack of turbo lag. In fact, they claim you cannot even hear the turbos spooling.
I'd be interested to hear anyone's opinion on BMW's decision to use a twin-turbo engine in their new 3-series coupe. I've also read reports that the next M3 will use a V8.
