When pondering BMW engines, the term "six cylinders" frequently springs to mind as a signature trait. Even if you're not a passionate BMW aficionado, you might presume that these six cylinders are arranged in a linear format, distinct from the "V" configuration found in several other manufacturers. Nonetheless, BMW M rigorously contemplated the possibility of integrating a V6 engine into one of its most iconic models — the BMW M5.
Could a V6 Power the BMW M5?
BMW M, as signified by its single-letter name, represents the Motorsport sector of BMW. Hence, the concept of a V6 — a departure from the conventional inline-six — offered a prospective competitive edge. Reports indicate that Paul Rosche envisioned the V6 as more than just a forthcoming power source for the next-gen M5 around 1993 or 1994. Rosche was a pivotal figure at BMW from 1957 to 1999, contributing to legendary models like the BMW M1, the V12 LMR, and the widely acclaimed BMW M3. During the 1990s, he served as the Technical Managing Director at BMW M.
As BMW M commenced the development of the new E39 BMW M5, conversations regarding the V6 surfaced. While it has been reported that BMW considered a V6 for the vehicle, the rationale behind this was not entirely evident. A crucial reason for BMW M's interest in a V6 was its potential applicability in motorsport. Inline six-cylinder engines are generally longer than V-configured engines, making the V6 a more attractive option for the DTM racing series, where an inline-six might not offer the best balance or packaging.
The Motorsport V6: An Unfulfilled Potential
In the end, BMW M did not pursue the V6 alternative. Significantly, the brand exited DTM around the time the E36 M3 was launched, coinciding with their investigation of the V6 engine. It’s also noteworthy that most Motorsport engines from that period were either four-cylinder or larger V8 and V10 engines.
If the V6 had come to fruition, BMW M would have faced a modest production and sales target. The E34 M5, the forerunner to the E39, experienced sluggish sales in the U.S., prompting BMW M to expect producing “2,000 or 3,000 cars” each year. The main objective was to engineer a V6 capable of competing in motorsport. Instead, BMW redirected its attention to the 5.0-liter S62 V8 engine, a choice that ultimately proved advantageous. The S62 set the stage for the extraordinary S85 V10. Special appreciation to Steve Saxty for supplying insights for this piece. For additional behind-the-scenes details about BMW, explore his BMW books.
When pondering BMW engines, the term “six cylinders” frequently springs to mind as a signature trait. Even if you’re not a passionate BMW aficionado, you might presume that these six cylinders are arranged in a linear format, distinct from the “V” configuration found in several other manufacturers. Nonetheless, BMW M rigorously contemplated the possibility of integrating a V6 engine into one of its most iconic models — the BMW M5.
Could a V6 Power the BMW M5?
BMW M, as signified by its single-letter name, represents the Motorsport sector of BMW. Hence, the concept of a V6 — a departure from the conventional inline-six — offered a prospective competitive edge. Reports indicate that Paul Rosche envisioned the V6 as more than just a forthcoming power source for the next-gen M5 around 1993 or 1994. Rosche was a pivotal figure at BMW from 1957 to 1999, contributing to legendary models like the BMW M1, the V12 LMR, and the widely acclaimed BMW M3. During the 1990s, he served as the Technical Managing Director at BMW M.
As BMW M commenced the development of the new E39 BMW M5, conversations regarding the V6 surfaced. While it has been reported that BMW considered a V6 for the vehicle, the rationale behind this was not entirely evident. A crucial reason for BMW M’s interest in a V6 was its potential applicability in motorsport. Inline six-cylinder engines are generally longer than V-configured engines, making the V6 a more attractive option for the DTM racing series, where an inline-six might not offer the best balance or packaging.
The Motorsport V6: An Unfulfilled Potential
In the end, BMW M did not pursue the V6 alternative. Significantly, the brand exited DTM around the time the E36 M3 was launched, coinciding with their investigation of the V6 engine. It’s also noteworthy that most Motorsport engines from that period were either four-cylinder or larger V8 and V10 engines.
If the V6 had come to fruition, BMW M would have faced a modest production and sales target. The E34 M5, the forerunner to the E39, experienced sluggish sales in the U.S., prompting BMW M to expect producing “2,000 or 3,000 cars” each year. The main objective was to engineer a V6 capable of competing in motorsport. Instead, BMW redirected its attention to the 5.0-liter S62 V8 engine, a choice that ultimately proved advantageous. The S62 set the stage for the extraordinary S85 V10. Special appreciation to Steve Saxty for supplying insights for this piece. For additional behind-the-scenes details about BMW, explore his BMW books.
