BMW X3 M to share tri-turbo 3.2L engine with next M3: rumour | Car Advice

Car Advice
  • Home
  • »  BMW X3 M to share tri-turbo 3.2L engine with next M3: rumour

BMW X3 M to share tri-turbo 3.2L engine with next M3: rumour

By Brett Davis |

According to various international reports, BMW is working on releasing a BMW X3 M, a smaller version of the BMW X5 M. Rumour has it that it will feature an all-new triple-turbo 3.2-litre six-cylinder engine, which might also be shared with the next-generation BMW M3.

Although details are very sketchy at this stage, according to “well-placed” sources from BMW contacted by Car Magazine in the UK, BMW is planning on releasing an X3 M in 2012. The report says it could feature a new triple-turbo straight-six engine producing around 335kW of power.

It’s generally regarded that fitting a turbocharger system to an engine is great for efficiency, but surely three of them is going a little too far? The weight of them alone could seriously hinder the efficiency benefits.

Word has it the engine itself won’t house all three turbochargers though, apparently, two of them will be mounted on the exhaust in the traditional fashion, while the third one will be an all-electric item. If it is true, it’ll be the first mainstream production vehicle fitted with an electric turbocharger.

It’s understood BMW M division is currently working with four different engine platforms, with this being one of them. The one that is most suitable is then said to power both the new BMW X3 M and the next-generation BMW M3 later down the track, albeit with some revisions.

As mentioned, they are all just rumours at this early stage. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on official word when we can.


 

Related Articles

5

BMW M5 and M3 M Performance Editions revealed
The BMW M5 and M3 M Performance Editions have been revealed in a video and a series of new photos. Featured in three colours - Frozen Red, Frozen White and Frozen Blue – the 30 UK-bound limited edition models feature matt black 20-inch alloy wheels, black leather interior and matching piano black cabin trim.

33

BMW X3 xDrive28i swaps inline six for turbo four
BMW Australia has boosted its X3 line-up, substituting the old naturally aspirated six-cylinder petrol engine  in the BMW X3 xDrive28i for a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit. As we reported back in February, the four-cylinder replaces the previous 3.0-litre inline six.

2

Jaguar XJ Supersport Nurburgring taxi
Jaguar has launched its very own 'Nurburgring Taxi' based on a Jaguar XJ Supersport solely designed for high-speed multi-passenger laps of the famous Nordschleife circuit. The XJ Supersport has had both optional Sport and Speed packs added to it meaning the 375kW/625Nm supercharged 5.

4

BMW X1 facelift revealed
The release of the 2012 BMW X1 at this week’s New York motor show has given us a look at the updated version of the Bavarian car maker's compact luxury SUV. BMW has been slow to release official images and details for the upgraded X1, but they've been quick to spread onto the internet. As makeovers go, this is a subtle one.

  • Sambo

    the weight from the extra turbo wont be that great. especially if theyre cutting weight by going to a 3.2L from the 4L.

    • G

      They’re most likely going to be smaller turbos as well. And if the design the engine around being turbo charged then the downsides will be minimal. Just look at BMWs previous turbo engines – way more refined than chucking a big turbo on a standard engine with huge lag (i.e.Jap style).

  • Tom R

    An electric turbo isn’t a turbo? It’d be more akin to a supercharger if anything.

    • G

      I’m pretty sure a supercharger is a type of turbocharger.
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbocharger

      Nowadays we’ve gotten used to calling exhaust driven ones turbochargers, and belt/chain driven as superchargers.

      • Devil’s Advocate

        It is the use of a “turbine” to drive the compressor which gives the “turbocharger” it’s name (“T” for turbine and turbocharger). That is the key component that separates a “turbo” from a “supercharger” by definition. That is what I have always been led to believe anyway! :-)

    • Grammar Nazi

      I think the electric ‘turbo’ would be used to spool-up the initial turbo, as it would reach inertia/maximum rpm almost instantly.

      Not really a true turbo however.

  • UMWHAT

    wait, this is actually happening? I thought it was some kind of bad joke or baseless rumor

  • Tom R

    G, the article you quoted states that a turbocharger is exhaust gas driven.

  • Car Fanatic

    This is not happening, BMW are still tossing around options. There first option is to remain with the 4.0 V8 and put a couple of turbos on it to significantly increase the torque and improve fuel economy. The second option is to use the 3.0 straight 6 with twin scrolls, but getting power up over the current M3 would pose a problem.

    The third option is use the 4.4 from the M5 and detune it, but fuel economy would suffer. The 3.2 is the last option and may even be a turbo’d V6 rather than inline.

  • Shak

    Too many rumours floating around about future BMW products, most i’m sure fueled by BMW insiders. Keep it simple. M should equal high revving banshees under the bonnet, with a large middle finger to emissions standards. All other BMW models should be the ones picking up the slack to tighten emissions. There is no need to cull exciting drivetrains, when your other cars can all be made much more efficient.

  • http://sevenseatersuv.kobworld.com Seven Seater SUV

    BMW is great for me they build beautiful car, high performance and full safety but their competitor is so strong. Volvo is show most safety car in XC90. If I must be select between XC90 and M3 ……….
    M3 is better for me.

  • Alex

    Originally supercharger referred to any kind of forced induction and the exhaust driven turbocharger was a subset. Later supercharger came to refer to non turbo forced induction only.

    Hasn’t Volkswagen had an electric supercharger assisting a turbocharger for some years now?