Imagine it or not, the B58 inline-six has been in manufacturing for a couple of decade now. It debuted within the F30 3 Sequence, subsequently showing in every thing from BMW SUVs to off-road-ready vehicles just like the Ineos Grenadier and efficiency icons just like the Toyota Supra—and practically each area of interest in between, too. The three.0-liter mill makes use of a single turbocharger to generate 300+ horsepower and near 400 pound-feet of torque. It changed the N55 engine, which itself changed the twin-turbo N54 engine.
These uninitiated might surprise: why does any of this matter? The B58 is a superb engine providing a fantastic steadiness of easy energy supply and perky off-the-line efficiency. However it’s additionally one of the crucial dependable energy crops BMW has ever produced, standing the take a look at of time and even holding up effectively when modified. Plus, with so many engines in circulation, substitute elements are comparatively low-cost and straightforward to search out. Perhaps all this speak has you in search of a brand new automotive. If that’s the case, we’re right here to assist – listed here are our high 5 picks for B58-powered BMWs.
BMW M340i
Whereas the F30 3 Sequence 340i was the primary 3 Sequence to get the B58, the G20 chassis arguably did it the most effective. Together with the complimentary M badging, early M340i fashions featured iDrive 7 and acquired significantly extra (quoted) horsepower than the F30 340i fashions – 382 vs. 322 horsepower. It got here in all-wheel or rear-wheel drive, too – xDrive automobiles supplied zero to 60 acceleration that rivaled the outgoing M3 of the time (F8X).
The M340i – and its predecessors – are nice as a result of they match into nearly any way of life. Aside from a lacking handbook transmission, lovers will love the automotive. Its agile chassis responds nice to modifications, and there’s a very big aftermarket. However even if you happen to’re much less enthusiastic, the M340i is a snug cruiser that makes slicing off different jerks in visitors, lengthy highway journeys, and every thing else simple.
BMW X3 M40i
In the event you love the M340i however want a bit of bit extra space – or any towing capability to talk of – the X3 M40i is the selection for you. Normal xDrive all-wheel drive permits the SUV to tear from zero to 60 mph in round 4 and a half seconds. It’s a step again from the novel X3 M however nonetheless presents a lot for lovers to like. Towing as much as 4,400 kilos makes it splendid for lovers with passions outdoors of their day by day driver, too.
In comparison with the paltry 17 cubic toes of trunk area the M340i presents, the X3 M40i is positively cavernous. The X3 M40i’s 62.7 cubic toes of cargo area makes it nice for hauling cargo. The truth that this – particularly on the used market – inexpensive luxurious SUV is a couple of bolt-ons and a tune away from 400 wheel horsepower solely makes it extra interesting.
BMW Z4 M40i
The Z4 M40i is an open-top Supra, and it will get even higher with the current introduction of the Handschalter Package deal. It provides a handbook transmission and a few particular touches like unique trim and wheel choices. The handbook trans is certainly the spotlight, however even with out it, the Z4 M40i nonetheless shines. The potent engine and comparatively gentle curb weight (simply round 3,500 kilos) make it fast and enjoyable.
We will’t suggest the Z4 M40i sufficient. Although a brand new one is a bit costly with the fascinating Handschalter Package deal – the one approach we’d order it – pre-owned examples are an effective way to get right into a devoted sports activities automotive platform at a good worth level. The convertible high, grippy sport seats, and driving expertise all mix to make it top-of-the-line methods to benefit from the B58 engine.
BMW M140i
It by no means got here to the US sadly, however the M140i is a superb match for worldwide buyers. A curb weight of lower than 3,500 kilos makes it lots tossable. It’s rated at a decrease output – round 340 horsepower – than a lot of the different fashions, however its nonetheless lots nimble. Even higher, you could have a selection between 3-door and 5-door hatchback fashions.
Whereas there are many choices when cross-shopping B58-powered crossovers, SUVs, coupes, and sedans, there are far fewer with regards to the hatchback phase. It’s doubtless the final turbo-six-powered and rear-wheel-drive hatchback we’ll ever see, making it perpetually particular. Which, in fact, makes it a bit of extra aggravating that we by no means acquired it right here within the States.
BMW 640i xDrive Gran Turismo
I used to be promoting automobiles when the 640i xDrive Gran Turismo got here round, and on the time, we thought-about it one of the crucial heinous autos within the lineup. By at this time’s requirements, nonetheless, I’d contemplate the 640i xDrive GT inoffensive at worst. It’s additionally the one technique to get the B58 in a 6 Sequence.
Whereas it’s unlucky the attractive Gran Coupe wasn’t ever supplied with the B58, the GT is healthier for some patrons. It’s someplace between an SUV and a wagon, which implies beneficiant passenger and cargo area. The truth is, it presents extra cargo area behind the rear seats than even the X3. Greater and extra luxurious than the three Sequence GT or 4 Sequence Gran Coupe, it’s tremendous sensible. And, because of the B58 engine below the hood, it’s fairly dependable and fast, too. Not a foul possibility on the used market – if you will discover one.
