BMW’s affiliation with V8 engines is quite discerning. Numerous iconic models from the brand, including the E39 M5, E92 M3, E38 7 Series, and the remarkable 507, have incorporated V8 power to forge their legacies. Nonetheless, V8s were never the primary choice for performance within BMW, with the brand being more illustrious for its remarkable four-cylinder and straight-six engines—powertrains celebrated for their precise mechanical clarity, integral to BMW's essence. In retrospect, it appears that Munich might have missed several outstanding V8 opportunities, especially in more recent years.
Whereas AMG was recognized for integrating V8s into nearly every model throughout the 2000s and 2010s, BMW adopted a more refined tactic. Still, various contemporary BMW models could have gained from V8 engines, and with the future of V8s hanging in the balance, it’s compelling to speculate on what might have been. Which BMWs could have reached new heights with a V8?
BMW 1M
The BMW 1M stands out as a prime contender. This enthusiast favorite is praised for its spirited turbocharged straight-six, remarkable handling, and bold design. As somewhat of an underdog, it was crafted from the M Division’s parts repository, hosting a non-M engine. Nonetheless, it has garnered a loyal following.
That said, it could achieve even greater heights. Some tuners have successfully integrated the E92 M3’s S65 4.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 into the 1M. Although it requires precision to install, it significantly enhances the personality of this compact M car. In addition to the remarkable power boost—from 335 horsepower in the 1M to 414 horsepower in the S65—the V8’s 8,250-rpm redline and exhilarating sound far exceed those of the standard turbocharged six-cylinder.
Incorporating this high-revving V8 and its thrilling audio profile into one of the most delightful BMWs of modern times would create the quintessential M car. Furthermore, it would finally equip the 1M with an authentic M engine instead of the ordinary N54.
While some tuners have already developed such iterations, the limited availability of the 1M—only 6,309 units produced for the 2011 model year—means that many owners might be reluctant to modify their vehicles, particularly with a significant engine swap. Nevertheless, for those willing to take the leap, it would be a sublime pairing.
G80 BMW M3
There’s nothing fundamentally flawed with the G80 M3 as it exists today. Its S55 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six is an outstanding engine, delivering notable power. In the M3 CS, it boasts 523 horsepower, which feels even more powerful than that. However, it suffers from one drawback: sound. The S55 provides a rather uninspiring auditory experience, sounding somewhat flat and generic, reminiscent of something from a video game. While the performance is exhilarating, the sound does not match the thrill.
A V8 could solve this problem. Envisioning BMW’s new S63 engine in the M3 is exciting. This robust engine, found in models like the M5 and X7, generates 617 horsepower and has even greater potential. But it’s not solely the added power that would elevate the M3; it’s the character it would contribute.
The G80 M3 distinguishes itself from its predecessors; it’s not just a sharp sports car with rear seating but a more fierce machine with tremendous grip and power. Driving it aggressively feels less like a dance and more like commanding the road. A powerful twin-turbo V8 would harmonize perfectly with this personality, particularly when attached to all-wheel drive.
Intriguingly, this combination conjures memories of the legendary Mercedes AMG, especially the W204 C63 AMG. While that model encompassed a naturally aspirated 6.
BMW’s affiliation with V8 engines is quite discerning. Numerous iconic models from the brand, including the E39 M5, E92 M3, E38 7 Series, and the remarkable 507, have incorporated V8 power to forge their legacies. Nonetheless, V8s were never the primary choice for performance within BMW, with the brand being more illustrious for its remarkable four-cylinder and straight-six engines—powertrains celebrated for their precise mechanical clarity, integral to BMW’s essence. In retrospect, it appears that Munich might have missed several outstanding V8 opportunities, especially in more recent years.
Whereas AMG was recognized for integrating V8s into nearly every model throughout the 2000s and 2010s, BMW adopted a more refined tactic. Still, various contemporary BMW models could have gained from V8 engines, and with the future of V8s hanging in the balance, it’s compelling to speculate on what might have been. Which BMWs could have reached new heights with a V8?
BMW 1M
The BMW 1M stands out as a prime contender. This enthusiast favorite is praised for its spirited turbocharged straight-six, remarkable handling, and bold design. As somewhat of an underdog, it was crafted from the M Division’s parts repository, hosting a non-M engine. Nonetheless, it has garnered a loyal following.
That said, it could achieve even greater heights. Some tuners have successfully integrated the E92 M3’s S65 4.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 into the 1M. Although it requires precision to install, it significantly enhances the personality of this compact M car. In addition to the remarkable power boost—from 335 horsepower in the 1M to 414 horsepower in the S65—the V8’s 8,250-rpm redline and exhilarating sound far exceed those of the standard turbocharged six-cylinder.
Incorporating this high-revving V8 and its thrilling audio profile into one of the most delightful BMWs of modern times would create the quintessential M car. Furthermore, it would finally equip the 1M with an authentic M engine instead of the ordinary N54.
While some tuners have already developed such iterations, the limited availability of the 1M—only 6,309 units produced for the 2011 model year—means that many owners might be reluctant to modify their vehicles, particularly with a significant engine swap. Nevertheless, for those willing to take the leap, it would be a sublime pairing.
G80 BMW M3
There’s nothing fundamentally flawed with the G80 M3 as it exists today. Its S55 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six is an outstanding engine, delivering notable power. In the M3 CS, it boasts 523 horsepower, which feels even more powerful than that. However, it suffers from one drawback: sound. The S55 provides a rather uninspiring auditory experience, sounding somewhat flat and generic, reminiscent of something from a video game. While the performance is exhilarating, the sound does not match the thrill.
A V8 could solve this problem. Envisioning BMW’s new S63 engine in the M3 is exciting. This robust engine, found in models like the M5 and X7, generates 617 horsepower and has even greater potential. But it’s not solely the added power that would elevate the M3; it’s the character it would contribute.
The G80 M3 distinguishes itself from its predecessors; it’s not just a sharp sports car with rear seating but a more fierce machine with tremendous grip and power. Driving it aggressively feels less like a dance and more like commanding the road. A powerful twin-turbo V8 would harmonize perfectly with this personality, particularly when attached to all-wheel drive.
Intriguingly, this combination conjures memories of the legendary Mercedes AMG, especially the W204 C63 AMG. While that model encompassed a naturally aspirated 6.
