Sunday, August 13th, 2006
why have the men from Munich suddenly reverted to forced induction in the year 2006? A desire for cylinders of a certain size is the answer. BMW sees 500 to 550cc as the optimum capacity for each cylinder in each of its engines. However, in its view a V8 is not suited to the character and size of the 3-series (the M3 will be the exception that proves the rule), so in order to increase the power available in a 3-series they had to introduce a turbocharger to the straight six… if there are any purists out there worried by the thought of turbos on a petrol BMW, don’t be… there is no aural evidence of the Puffing Billies, yet squeeze the throttle from even the lowest revs and the engine simply swells with torque – 295lb ft of it to be precise. In fact, there’s so much urge low down that it’s easy to get into a fast-paced rhythm where you’re unconsciously changing up at just 4000rpm. But resist the temptation to hook another cog in the wonderful manual gearbox (light but mechanical, just a joy to use) and you’ll discover that the upper reaches of the rev range are just as impressive. The 335i climbs with undiminished energy up to its 7000rpm peak and keeps on giving all the way there. It’s as though the turbos are merely on hand to give the normally aspirated engine a bit of a piggyback through the foothills of the rev range… a fantastic new engine that brings new meaning to the term ‘useable performance’. Even better, it has set the bar at such a high level that the next M3 will have to be quite brilliant to beat it. – evo
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