Everyone who knows about cars knows this, BMW makes high performance cars that are top of the line quality. BMW has been providing this level of quality since it started rolling out cars in 1916. One may ask how BMW’s quality stacks up against the rest of the competition. Try 4 out of 8 size categories taken by BMW at this year’s prestigious International Engine of the Year Awards 2011. This is against stiff competition such as known automakers Audi, Ferrari, Volkswagen, Fiat, and others. Voted on by 65 judges from over 32 different counties this award one of the most sought after in the international car business. The engines are judged on every aspect of the engine including fuel economy, smoothness, performance, noise, and drivability Since 1999 BMW has taken 50 class category and overall awards at these ceremonies proving a long standing dominance in the international car world.
BMW took the 1.4 liter to 1.8 liter category with its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that is in the Mini Cooper S making this the fourth year in a row that BMW has taken this category. The engine uses Twin Scroll turbocharger, direct petrol injection and a variable valve control using technology developed for BMW’s patented VALVETRONIC system. At 1.6 L generating 184 horsepower this engine is the most powerful and efficient for its size.
The BMW 123d and the BMW X1 xDrive23d’s engine, a 4 cylinder diesel, took the 1.8L to 2L category by providing a best in class 204hp. It did this in addition to providing excellent fuel economy and low emission levels. This makes it the second year in a row that this engine has taken the 1.8L-2L category.
In the next size class of engine BMW once again took an award for the second year in a row in the 2.5 liter to 3 liter category with its 3 liter V6 engine found in its BMW 5 Series, BMW X3, BMW 6 Series Convertible, and the new BMW 6 Series Coupé. Utilizing a Twin Scroll turbocharger, direct injection technology High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC valve control BMW managed to fight off competition by once again providing excellent power (320 hp) at a fuel efficient rate. The older version of this model have taken three of these awards and won overall in the years 2007-2008.
The naturally aspirated 4 liter V8 engine that is in the BMW M3 Coupé, BMW M3 Saloon, and BMW M3 Convertible has the most impressive streak of any of the engines BMW is running with a 4 year streak of dominance in the 3 liter to 4 liter category. This engine generates a huge amount of horsepower at 420. The BMW engine, aside from featuring excellent performance and impeccable efficiency, also has superior features such as Auto Start Stop function; brake energy regeneration and further Efficient Dynamics technologies that give the BMW engine a mercurial feel.
With its recent successes and history of remarkable quality and amazing performance, along with its drive to provide the best car to its customers, one can only expect that BMW will be back with a vengeance at next year’s International Engine of the Year Awards.
