Currently reading: BMW's three-cylinder engine plan
New unit is mooted to be launched in the 1-series.

BMW is continuing development of its three-cylinder engine, which is mooted to be launched in the 1-series.

The engine is based on BMW's new common 500cc-per-cylinder design and uses direct injection and turbocharging.

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A source told Autocar: "This is not an entry-level unit. It's a serious, refined, sporting engine with great CO2 figures."

BMW sources have told Autocar that the next 1-series has been engineered to cope with the unique noise and vibration of a three-cylinder engine.

BMW has had experience with three-cylinder units in its motorcycles, where reducing NVH is crucial.

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The Hermit 9 June 2010

Re: BMW's three-cylinder engine plan

david RS wrote:
A L3 can have an interesting sound wich evokes a 6 cylinders.

True enough : on several occasions I have had the opportunity to drive the 107/c1/aygo triplets on mountain roads, and when revved properly that little 1 litre engine really sounds like a porsche flat six ... good sound, and nippy and economical to boot.

david RS 8 June 2010

Re: BMW's three-cylinder engine plan

" 500cc-per-cylinder design" : the ideal number.

A L3 can have an interesting sound wich evokes a 6 cylinders. But they must combat well the vibrations.

ThwartedEfforts 8 June 2010

Re: BMW's three-cylinder engine plan

FriendlyFisherman wrote:

3 pots sound great and with a turbo

Absolutely!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsJK3zRclN4[/youtube]

P.S. Okay, own up, who wants a Smart Roadster now?