[Mark]

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Rumor: BMW X3M Coming Soon with Tri-Turbo Engine!

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Coming Soon, the BMW X3M SAV. With BMW's recent surge in product expansion, the rumor has naturally floated around that they would produce an M version of its most compact SAV, especially given the fact that they already make M versions of the bigger and heavier X5 and X6 SAV's. Fair enough, but no prototypes have been seen driving around, no leaked bumpers on eBay. Nada.

But now, CARMagazine, citing some very well placed sources, is stating that the X3M is going to launch in 2012. Not only will it be a whole new M vehicle, but they believe it will use the many times rumored tri-turbo engine.

This immediatly begs the question, would BMW M engineer a whole new engine just for the X3 M? Mostly likely not, and whatever this engine is, we could see it in a similar platform vehicle (*cough F30 M3 cough*). So even if you are not an M SAV fan, keep your eyes peeled on this vehicle because it could be very telling about what exactly will power the next M3 (current speculation). The relationship between the S63 in the X5M and M5 comes to mind. If a whole new engine doesn't ultimatly appear in the X3 M, then we would expect something along the lines of the 1M with an N54 based unit.

[Source: CAR Magazine]

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[antzcrashing]

can someone please explain the pros and cons of tri-turbo vs. bi-turbo?

[MDyDinanM]

why?

because they need to make up for the 5 series GT sucking

lol...j/k

i'll keep a open mind on this.

but IMHO, a true ///M car isn't a SAV

[ZStig]

a tri-turbo setup will probably give a very broad range of power from way down low, to redline

[jaybird124]

seems like a tri-turbo would add a lot of weight and complexity.

[Mr. Nice]

For some reason I can't stop thinking about the chick with three boobs from total recall. I wouldn't buy it, but I would definitely make my girlfriend buy it and drive it all the time. I am hoping to pick up the f32 M3 though so it will be interesting to see what becomes of this.

[E39hijinks]

Originally Posted by jaybird124

seems like a tri-turbo would add a lot of weight and complexity.

how about we leave building BMW cars to BMW. Lets just be fans and watch.

[antzcrashing]

Originally Posted by mdyaman

why?

because they need to make up for the 5 series GT sucking

lol...j/k

i'll keep a open mind on this.

but IMHO, a true ///M car isn't a SAV

I disagree, the base model SUVs from BMW have excellent performance (including handling), and add the M magic to that and a true M car results.

And I am all for each-model-gets-M-variant, bring on M7.

[JoosyJoos]

I would guess this will be very similar to what they are doing with the M5--- "testing" the engine long term in the X3 before they crank up the threshold for performance.

I'm guessing this will be the 90 degree V6 based off the S63 that's being tossed around. I would expect the same initial set-up as the S63 with 2 smaller turbos mounted in the "V" of the engine and then a larger turbo mounted elsewhere for high-end power.

It'll add complexity but the benefit should be quick spool and an enormously long torque curve.

BMW has always been known for innovation with their engines so we'll see how it turns out.

[nonagon]

Crap, now should I wait until next year to get an X3M, or get an X3 M Sport this year...decisions, decisions.

[James T. Kirk]

I'll be the first in line to buy one for my wife.

[mkoesel]

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.

[mshab356]

Tri-turbo modding potential?

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

And I am all for each-model-gets-M-variant, bring on M7.

M7 would be SEX!

[sward]

Wasn't the rumored tri-turbo a diesel engine?

[JoosyJoos]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

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.

I agree with your horsepower ball-park estimate--- that sounds reasonable.

I do not think it will be based on the N55/N54 though. The N54 doesn't make any sense at this point--- it won't meet the emissions targets for the coming years. Sure they could rework it but IDK--- its an old platform. The N55 is more believable but even then I'm not so sure. I think we're about to witness the death of the inline 6 to be honest. A tri-turbo inline six doesn't make sense... there's a reason the turbos are in the "V" of the S63 instead of mounted down at the bottom like the N54/N55 and there would be little room for a 3rd turbo in the engine bay with an inline 6 configuration. The v6 would allow them to mount the engine further back allowing more room for intercoolers, oil coolers, and larger radiators. It just makes sense if the heritage is ignored *a tough pill to swallow*.

[aajami]

Originally Posted by sward

Wasn't the rumored tri-turbo a diesel engine?

No. You're thinking of the once-rumored engine for the i8. That was a three-cylinder hybrid diesel, though it's now a gasoline-hybrid engine.

Back on topic, am I the only one disgusted by the notion of the X3M? I know a company has to continuously broaden its portfolio by adding new products, but is there a car that more directly represents the antithesis to everything that ///M stands for than a turbo SUV?!

[sward]

Originally Posted by aajami

No. You're thinking of the once-rumored engine for the i8. That was a three-cylinder hybrid diesel, though it's now a gasoline-hybrid engine.

Back on topic, am I the only one disgusted by the notion of the X3M? I know a company has to continuously broaden its portfolio by adding new products, but is there a car that more directly represents the antithesis to everything that ///M stands for than a turbo SUV?!

No, thats not the one. I'm thinking of the engine that was rumored for X5, think it was called 45d

[catserfp]

Originally Posted by Mr. Nice

For some reason I can't stop thinking about the chick with three boobs from total recall. I wouldn't buy it, but I would definitely make my girlfriend buy it and drive it all the time. I am hoping to pick up the f32 M3 though so it will be interesting to see what becomes of this.

hahahahahaha!

[Mako]

Tri Turbo Diesel would be amazing, take the new D35 engine and make it into a X3M with tri turbo, 425 HP and 500 torque? AWD to put all that power to the ground. While getting the same mileage as a 35i

I was about to order a X3 35i M Sport in a few months for my wife, now I will tell her she has to hold into the aging LR2 for another year or so until we see what the X3M has to offer and the price point.

BMW probably doesn't want to release it until the M3 is at the end of its life, not that a X3M could steal sales, BUT M3 buyers would be pissed if there was an X3M with the same performance numbers as their beloved car. The corners won't be the same, but 0-60 and 1/4 mile might be better and overall track times could be similar. Of course you know they will make the next M3 a little more powerfull than a X3M just like with the M5 and X5M, but that also leaves hope that the X3M will only cost around $65K fully loaded compared to the M3s which are now over $70K (just like an X5M costing $90K while the new M5s will be $100K+). My budget on a SUV was $50K-$55K but I might have to up that if this SUV is made right.

[Uli_HH]

Its an TriTurbo 3.3ltr. V6 based on the S63 ... one small turbo on each side of the engine block like the S63 and one bigger Turbo atop of the engine - in the V.

People who have driven this engine in test mules are very impressed of this engine and its sound.

Greets Uli_HH

[Mako]

Originally Posted by aajami

am I the only one disgusted by the notion of the X3M? I know a company has to continuously broaden its portfolio by adding new products, but is there a car that more directly represents the antithesis to everything that ///M stands for than a turbo SUV?!

Porsche Cayanne Turbo and S? Audi SQ5, Mercedes AMG SUVs, they all do it, BMW doesn't want to lose any sales to compitition, its business.

And if people can take a car to the track and enjoy it, then go pick up the kids, why not build it? If you don't like it, don't buy it but don't bash the company for making it or people for buying it.

If the M Division makes M3s and M5s that stay on top of the competition, then why do you care what else they make?

[SG335Xi]

Hmm interesting; it has 2 regular turbos and one electric... (wonder if we can retrofit it )