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      05-24-2011, 09:50 AM   #12
mkoesel
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Drives: No BMW for now
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Canton, MI

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If it is launching in 2012, then mules should be out and about right now. So, I'd expect to see them very soon if that is the actual timeframe for this vehicle.

I think this SUV will get an M-developed engine for sure. The 1M was a special case where they had a limited timeframe because the vehicle itself is very near the end of its lifespan. With the X3, they have a brand new product with 7 years left in it, and I think they will take their time and give it a proper M-blessed engine. A tri-turbo S55 based on the N55 sounds believable to me. Though the Valvetronic question remains, so they could go with an N54 based engine instead.

I'd say they will target an absolute minimum of 400hp, but I would not be surprised to see 430hp or so. This leaves some room to bump it up by 10% or so later on for the Z4 M and M3.
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