The ULTIMATE German I6 Engine Tier List
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ก.ค. 2024
- The Inline 6 engine is one of the best configurations out there, with major German manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes producing heaps of them. However, not all of them were made equal, so this video determines which of them is best by ranking in a tier list format!
Check out our other engine tier lists!
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00:00 Introduction
00:30 BMW
11:26 Mercedes
18:47 Volkswagen
19:32 Opel
20:35 Final Thoughts - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Hey everyone, hope you enjoyed this installment of the series! These are only German made gasoline I6 engines, the diesels may come in a future video simply because there are so many. Let me know what you would change or rank differently. Thanks for watching and welcome to the channel if you’re new!
So close to perfect but the N54 fuel pump issue (high pressure I've changed hundreds)was because of the French manufacturer that said they fixed the issue but did not, I re-did "new design" pumps after low pressure fuel rail faults would set. Replacement of high pressure pump (newest design, not French) after this (and updated injectors, often) the N54 was very reliable and easy to squeeze power out of. Not D tier imo, too many industry firsts to be under B... if you must
@@justinweaver7553 that’s really interesting and I was unaware of that, good to know!
and please do v6 and and motorcycle engines
Toyota is better
Pls if you make I5 put the Fiats 5 cylinders pleaaaseeee
B58 should be S. Incredibly reliable and can make 900whp with bolt ons
Turbos aren't considered a bolt on
@@eptdy do you weld your turbos on?
s55 will always be better then b58 mod for mod,as long as crank hub is done on s55 the b58 not even in same category
@@jogaton7994you don’t know what a bolt on is
@@kennyanderson1414 who determines what is a bolt on and what isn't? You?
Sad to not see the monster OM606 with Mercedes. it's basically the "diesel 2JZ" so much it can handles power, and probably one of the best diesel engine ever made for "Mr.Everyone's car".
He tells everyone - in the very end of the video - 2 things:
1. This video is only of petrol engines.
2. He will maybe in the future make a video of ”European inline 6:s diesel engines”.
I - like probably 80% of all european onlookers - will very much look forward to such a list instead of a list with uninteresting petrol engines.
@@brahand I wouldn't call the petrols uninteresting but they sure are far beyond the common man's reach at least here in Eastern Europe
I’d have to swap the places of B58/S58 as there are some minor problems arising for the S58 while the B58 is still to this day basically completely flawless even tho it went into production 7 years ago
Fair enough, thanks for watching!
S58 problems? Like what?
what problems on the s58???
@@aaronfranulovichfor one: rod bearings.
@@leonlange861 you said minor problems. Rod bearings are not minor problems. Ha news to me, I have over 40k on one and its been solid so far. Know of guys that have over 70k w over 50k of E tuned miles on em.
B58 is one of the greatest engines ever. S tier. It is becoming apparent now after hundreds of thousands of them have been built. Very strong and tuneable, closed deck, single turbo. Downsides are it doesn't sound particularly good or rev freely like the previous N55/S55 variants. Longer stroke. What helps these modern BMW engines seem so good is the pairing with the ZF8 automatic transmission is a match made in heaven. They put this combination in virtually everything it's that good. 1-8 series, X1-X7, Z4, Supra, you name it.
Glad to see the N52 made it on the A list. I have one still running strong and very reliable unit i don't know why they even decided to make the N53.
n53 was a nightmare for me. Constant injector issues
The N53 is really just an updated N52, with the major difference being the switch to direct injection.
N53 had to be made so EU regulations could be met
yep 10+ year car with DI petrol is asking for trouble
I own a N53. Once the injectors and the fuel pump is replaced they are great engines and super economical in gas usage.
It uses less gas than any eco 4 cylinder engines that i have ever driven, despite producing up to 270hp. Super smooth too since its I6. And you have way more torque at low rpms than in a N52 or any M series engines.
B58 all day
Great video, love these rankings. N54 in D is a little harsh, yes they're super unreliable and expensive but with $1500 in bolt ons they'll make 100-150hp over their 300hp stock
That’s a super valid point and certainly very impressive, glad you enjoyed the video!
@running2redline impressive but the motor stock has too many un-addressed issues.
unreliable whatt
Toyota better
@ahahuehafook4207 you are right the engine in the a90 toyota supra is better
should make a tier list on diesels. great video as always man!
Definitely might have to make that happen, I’m glad you enjoyed, welcome back!
I'd say the M104 is probably one of the best straight sixes you can get right now. They're dirt cheap, easy to find, very reliable once you install new gaskets and they're capable of producing ridiculous power when turbocharged. It's basically a German 2JZ but actually obtainable by mortals.
2jzs aren't hard to find imo
The JZ is far superior, it beats the m104 in every way except its initial purchase price.
They're getting a bit more expensive though, so even that benefit is falling off.
👑
B/S58 is the new 2JZ.
@@drakelomont8548depends where you live, I ain't paying 5k plus for a 2JZ when I can get the majority of the German engines for 1K
I get the N54 fuel pump being a disaster, but D tier? It's known for being able to push far above stock power reliably, so it's great as a cheap 500-600hp build.
Otherwise, it's a great list!
Fair enough, certainly quite impressive!
It’s not just about adding power. The average consumer doesn’t modify their n54, especially first owners when it came out.
I have one, I hate it. Every second I spend under that engine is a second I wish the jack stands gave out. RHD does not make it any easier. Injector issues, plastic coolant pump breaks. Boost solenoids going out which no one seems to talk about. Lpfp sensor. And the intercooler isn’t even good enough when the car is stock. $3000 for index 12s, I can replace the engine for that price. Serpentine belt entering timing chain. Turbo failure. Ofhg failure causing coolant to enter engine. Yeah it can do all these great things with making power but that only redeems it to a C
@jaafarf1198 You're right, but the worst rating doesn't give it credit for withstanding so much power. But for the average buyer, it really is one of the worst engines.
@topg6896 That's one common thing I heard. Some owners don't have any issues and get a nice and cheap 500HP car, and some get stuck with the purchase cost of an M3 and the pain included in a BMW.
It really is a pain to maintain, and its only saving grace is the power potential. It's not my only vehicle, so I am fine-ish, but I really do expect to hit my head against the wall, trying to figure out why it's broken again.
C would be fair.
B58 is the best 3.0 inline engine…
Definitely in late model cars! But I think the M30 is still top all time. You cant make engines as simple as the M30 anymore.
been waiting for this video
The VR6 is technically a straight 6/inline 6, not a V6. The name VR6 comes from the combination of German words “Verkürzt” and “Reihenmotor” meaning "shortened inline engine".
I think it should've had a spot on the list, maybe in high C or low-mid B tier
closer to a v6 as it lacks natural counterweighted properties, fantastic engine however.
Stock vr6 is capable of handling 500hp no problems, I think its B tier at least.
@@eliasbutcher859 but the firing order more closely resembles a i6, and it's not a V6 because it's got 1 cylinder head.
Such an under-rated channel!!!
Much appreciated!
@running2redline i hope youll do a full diesel review of all car/pickup truck diesels!!
M103 and m104 should be higher on list. They hold boost very well. 800hp stock block on e85 is nothing on them.
Ps do video for i8 engines.
Facts, M103/104 is part of what made the W124 a legend of reliability.
Absolutely Agree. Driving a 300CE seeing the M103 in C Tier almost made me cry😂 Oil Leaks, yes. But it's mostly the Head Gasket and the bad fuel setting stock due to a lean fuel mixture. Most of them run AFR Ratios in the 16's which is way too high.
Once you set them to like 13-14 you'll be much better off.
Im almost finished with my engine and it runs soooooo smooth
@@Introgamer14yeah that is bad afr but hope that is not in WOT? for wot it should be ~12.8.
I’ve been waiting for this
Great work! Yes, I would be interested to hear your tierlist for german diesels
Thanks for another great and informational video!
S54 and S38 for me, thanks
Couldn’t agree more, the S54 is perfection. Glad you enjoyed the video, I appreciate the support!
I just came across your channel, love the attention to detail you put in your videos! If possible, I'd love to see a tier list of German V6 engines. Keep up the great work!
Thanks I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos and welcome to the channel! German V6 will happen at some point in the coming months
Haha i drive a E90 3 series with the N52, its a fantastic motor that just loves to rev and pull, makes a great noise and sings at 7k rpm. I love it and i was so happy to see it receive the recognition it deserves. Definitely a high A tier motor. happy that u agree :D
That’s a great car, I’m sure it’s a blast!
Great video! Waiting on diesel variants!
cant wait for a i4 tier list!
Would love a diesel engine tier list! Om648 is probably my favorite i6 of all time
om606
@@oirolivthe best diesel engine ever ❤
M57 bmw😭😭😭😭
Gracias por todo el trabajo.
I think that the M30 is the greatest German six-cylinder engine ever made.
Late to the party, but I'm glad you remembered to include the Opel CIH-6 engines. They're a really unique design - and I'm glad they rank high on this list!
This series is solid. Good fucking work
Thank you, the support is much appreciated
Reliability issues aside, the N54 had great performance and was found in some of BMW's best cars.
One brief correction, the M52 was iron block in the US, with the exception of the 2.8l engine in the Z3 which was aluminum. There was also the m52tu which was more or less an M54 but with semi electric throttle.
M52TU was better than M54 tbh... it made a little bit less power but it was considerably less prone to oil consumption because of the stupid m54 piston rings :D
@@MisoElEven The M52 had a better power band as well. I've owned M50TU, M52, and M54 and the M54 is the worst of the three imo
I have a N52 and it perfectly fits in the A tier. It's one of the best N/A engines BMW ever made (but it also has its issues, e.g. DISA). But I see the B58 (like the even better S58) definitely in the S tier. And the N54 is not that bad, later versions (like in the Z4 E89) were quite reliable and not far behind the N55. The N54 can handle even more power and is happier with higher revs. Just don't go for the early versions or check what has been done yet.
S54 is actually the best in-line 6 all time
Definitely up there, probably my favorite on this list! Thanks for watching
Honestly s54 is best na inline 6.
Barra is the best NA and Turbo I6
@mattriddiford7585 where talking about german perfection not Australian trash keep it moving pal
@mattriddiford7585 maybe for Ford
As already mentioned, the M54 should swap places with M50, M52.
The S38 is my favourite straight six of all time, but that is also because I own an E34 M5. Keep making these videos please!
That’s one of my favorites as well, congrats on the M5 that’s an incredible car. Glad you enjoyed the video!
The Opel CIH I6's largest version was 4 liters claiming 272hp under the engine code C40SE. It was modified by Irmscher for the Omega A and Senator B (similar to Alpina and Brabus) and before the 4liter Irmscher increased the volume of the engine to 3.6liter but unlike the Lotus tuned engine it was naturally aspirated. The Omega A DTM I coudn't find any solid info but I think was an even larger engine but I can't say that for sure but that engine was badass as well, having a 9k redline and producing around 400hp.
The I6 put into the Senator B as well and only the Omega A had them, the Omega B switched to the v6 layout.
I would also pick the Lotus Omega as presentation, but I just wanted to mention that there were so many other cool cars behind the Lotus Omegas shadow. Opel Omega A had many other cool verions: 3000 24V, Evo 500, Irmscher, and ofc the DTM which was an underperforming platform in its time but in my opinion a very cool car. The Senator also had a very cool Irmscher adaptation with the I6 but in my opinion the basic Senator B was also a car worth mentioning and the british police claimed that they used the senator B because they just coudnt break these cars no matter how much they abused them.
Gotta love the Inline 6 layout. Thanks for the cool video, keep it up!
Couldn't agree more, such an amazing, but underrated engine
Sounds like the senator B is Europes crown vic! That’s some really neat info, thank you and I’m glad you liked the video
@@running2redline Never tought about it but yeah, sadly I can't find a video but Top Gear did an interview back in the early 90's and showed how they were basically hooning these things on their training grounds and looked for weak spots.
In my opinion M50/52 switch places with M54.
M54 has oil burning issues. From oil rings and valve seals.
Although all of these engines have issues with their rod bearings.
That’s a reasonable swap, thanks for watching!
M52B28TU upgraded with parts from 3L is the best option in terms of reliability/power ratio in my opinion..
@@MisoElEven which parts do you upgrade?
I can argue that B58 deserves the S tier... Definetly yes if S58 is there
That’s completely valid, wouldn’t mind it there. Thanks for watching!
M256 owner here and yeah it's one hell of an engine. 84'000km I run it on 0w40 esp x3. I've seen s classes with 200'000km and not even maintained properly.
435hp in the E class coupe go well while maintaining good fuel economy. Almost 2 tons of weight and 8.5-9.0l/100km consumption
The Land Rover I6 mild hybrid was released simultaneously, it's pretty much exactly the same thing if you look at the data sheets
That’s wildly impressive to retain that fuel economy and reliability with that level of performance. Congrats on owning one that’s awesome!
@@running2redline thanks a lot!
yeah I'm at 670km on the same tank and reserve light hasn't popped out yet! (66l tank)
Personally I love it, for sure feels like a V8 in some way. From a dig it goes instantely, no lag at all, kinda feels electric when you press the gas paddle right.
9th gear at 65Km/h the engine is at 900rpm! And it can accelerate from as low as 1'000rpm without a problem thanks to the eq-boost. Vibrations (unlike in my Ferrari derived V6) are non existent, it is silly smooth and the power delivery ultra linear up to the peak at around 6'100rpm. And this car goes like HELL. I've been in the E63s which is utterly insane but this still reaches 100mph like nothing.
My personal eco record over a 100km distance (mixed cycle) are 7.0l/100km.
I only miss the amg sports exhaust and burmester high end stereo otherwise I totally recommend this car/engine for now, a hidden gem under all the C63s
I think the N54 deserved to be in B tier or at least C tier, I’ve owned 2 and they make stupid power with general mods. As long as you got maintenance down N54s run great
Maintenance on ANY engine makes it run great…
I'd have to disagree with your placing of the S54, N55 and B58.
Firstly, the S54 are known to require rod bearings in the long term, which would put it down to A tier. It is not widely known as being a perfect engine like the remainder of the S tier section, but it is damn close. At the very least this would open an argument that the S55 should be lifted to S tier, since the spun crank hub issues have been far less prevalent than spun rod bearings were for the S54.
Secondly, the N55 should be a B tier because it implemented the N54 HPFP for a substantial portion of its production run. This is the same part that led to BMW recalling N54's in NA, albeit most early N55s utilised a later version of the part which was still unreliable until a further revision of the HPFP that occurred around 2015. The only difference with the earlier N55's is that there was no class action lawsuit, recall or extended warranty in NA - likely because there were much fewer N55s sold in this configuration as opposed to N54's that were sold between 2006-2010. However, the N55 HPFP issue was resolved when the engine was manufactured for F series BMW applications where a different HPFP strategy was adopted, so the engine was improved substantially later on and that should be also be factored in. However, N55s are also plagued by the same cooling issues that the N54 has (electric waterpump and a general lack of cooling in the coolant and charge air circuits to allow prolonged abuse). It is not a workhorse that can cop prolonged track abuse in factory form like the N52.
Lastly, the B58 has to be an S tier. It is reliable across the board, has a very strong block and importantly, it has zero cooling issues unlike the N54/N55.Put simply, it is a workhorse that can be tracked all day long and has plenty of power potential without having to remove the valve cover. It's the modern turbocharged equivalent of the M30.There is no reason for it to be reduced to an A tier other than it not having been put in a proper M car - an argument which has nothing to do with the engine and more to do with BMW.
All good reasoning, can’t say I’d disagree. Thanks for the info!
M104 at B tier is crazy. My dad’s benz has this engine and yes, he had a problem with overheating, but he just needed to replace one single thing and everything was done. His benz has 360k km(220k miles) and it runs perfectly. And it’s also perfect for tuning. It can easily handle 600 hp.
That’s certainly really impressive! Definitely could’ve been off there, thanks for watching.
Just got a bmw roadster z4 2.2 m54 engine. At 70k miles. That engine is just bullet proof 😲. Never selling it. Changed oil every 6months or 3000miles which ever came first. With ceratec oil additive
Sounds like a great time, glad you’re enjoying it!
Have to agree about the M103. I have the 3.2L AMG version (W124 320E) and it has a ton of leaks which cost so much in labour to fix. I would have sold mine ages ago, but because its a rare early pre merger AMG variant ive decided to keep it going. Maybe some day it will become a valuable car, but i think its unlikely due to the mediocre reptuation of the m103.
Having owned a couple of different engine configurations, mostly i4, i6, v6 and v8, I have come to the conclusion, that the i6 is the best configuration. Many of those engines are bulletproof, and offer more than enough power for daily use, while still being quite affordable to run, compared to v8s. also the i6 beats the V6 in my Oppinion, because it is much smoother and, should anything break, you have much fewer parts. And out of all the Engines, my personal favorite is the M50. It is in my oppinion the very best engine for daily use ever made. You have the increadible smoothness of the engine, making every car feel high value. You have 4 valves and fuel injection, making the engine quite efficient and reliable. But it is also not so new, that you have a ton of technology attached to it. Well, the later M50s came with Vanos, but they are still available without. And god damn it does this engine make an awesome sound. Especially if you throw a good manifold on, it is just a blast to listen to
n52 boyzzzz we upppp
N52 respect 🐐❤
Seeing the m30 in S tier is so accurate, I have an m30b34 that has over 500,000 miles on it in its second car. For the last several years of its life it has seen 25psi of boost with only a set of upgraded head studs. At 475k miles you could still see cross hatch in the cylinder walls.
That’s utterly insane! Congrats, that really speaks volumes to the quality of the engine.
The m256 feels like the first step into a new era of engine design and philosophy
Also it shares the name with the main gun of a M1 Abrams so that’s cool too
I agree and hope you’re right, with the M256 being so innovative and incredible, would like to see Mercedes get back in the I6 game long term.
I can’t wait for the Jdm list
Have a 03 530i besides the cooling system issues the engine is extremely reliable I’ve been able to take it on plenty of drives and it last well, honestly one of best cars I owned really quick too
Sounds like loads of fun, glad you’re enjoying it!
The South African market e23 745i was also fitted with the M88 and the e30 333i also had the 3.2 litre M30. Legends. Also, I would've put the M50, M52 and M54 in the same tier. M54 no better than M50 imo. Perhaps a bit worse if you consider how each responds to serious modification. Great list though!
Never replaced a fuel pump in my n54 or any other major parts and I have owned this car since 06 upgraded the turbo's and FBO five years ago and still, it goes strong often tuned to 700 hp down as low as 400hp, obviously got a bulletproof one touch wood but maintained and serviced every 4k.
I have an M256 engine car now and I'm glad you gave it an S grade! However, there are two types of m256 engine: the engine used in the 450 and the engine used in the 53amg. Which of the two is better?
Happy to see the M30 make it to the S tier :) I bought a E32 735il along with a parts E32 735il manual and will be swapping soon! Love that engine to bits
That sounds like it’ll be loads of fun, the M30 is awesome!
Is there will be flat-boxer engine tier list love your videos 😍
For sure! I’ve owned a few Subarus and Porsche is my favorite brand, so I’ll 100% get to those. Thanks for the support, glad you enjoyed.
I have had my eyes set on a 2014 bmw 335i f30 for like 2 years now, mainly cuz n55. And mainly cuz I thought the n55 only came in that car 😂 thx for giving me more options 😂
You should make a truck edition for the i6 tier list
M52 engines are great. Before I had my hands on one, I heard from my local BMW mechanic that there were at least 2 of those E39 523i's who were putting in a second speedo because they went over 1M km on the odometer. That in itself is crazy.
Like this video, tbh n54 might be unreliable, but my experience is bmw turbo engine need good maintenance, my buddy bought a used n55 w/ 130k km, due to poorly maintained from previous owners, it was trashed in 6 months, but my n54 was properly maintained, has 230k km and still running strong and powerful (yes it was tuned and modified), but the block and turbo was not touched(the reason I got into n54s id their internal is strong) my experience shows the stock hpfp doesn't like ethanol AT ALL, and the charge pipe might crack due to temp cycles, mine blew up when I cranked up the boost, so to summarize it, when buying a old bmw, gotta find one was properly maintained, and do your research, there are thousands of people just like me to share their experience.
The M52 is an A on its widespread application alone, and its ability to be modified very easily makes it a tad better than the M54.
Its also less likely to burn oil than M54
@@MisoElEven Ive always heard the "rumor" about a flashed m50 manifold swap yielding 20+whp and thought it was too good to be true. Years later i own two M52s and i can 100% confirm, as a matter of fact im on the + side with only a heatshielded intake and no exhaust. The "rumors" are even conservative and verified. Worth every single penny. Its a different motor! LEGEND
I would swap the M30 and the M102/M106 with the S50 and the B58. The S50 was insane when you look at the performance to displacement and the new B58 is just the german 2JZ
You should make a distinction between petrol and Diesel in your graphics.
M52, i love it
My favorite engine (especially pre TU)
M50 and M52 deserve to be in the A category in my opinion
Fair enough, both good engines. Thanks for watching!
Id love to see american 6s... the Ford 300 straight 6 is absurdly smooth, absolutely bulletproof, and makes good torque. To me, it's a solid B-tier engine when considering the application, but I'm curious to see what you think.
American I6 will definitely happen! I’ll be sure to include all of Ford
I seen a Lotus Omega in reallife, that was nice :D
Very unique cars for sure!
I grew up on American V8s, and the S54 with a Dinan exhaust is the engine that made me realize why people like I6s. I mean it was down like a hundred horsepower on my Mustang, but it was sooooooooooooooo(this goes on for some time)ooooo good to drive, and high in the rev range, it just SCREAMED
1 vote here for the MBZ M103 - very durable and very simple w/ SOHC
which is the best based on reliability?
because from research and word of mouth I heard it was the B58
That’s certainly up there, any of the S tier engines and the B58 will be reliable
Imagine putting the B58 in A 🤦🏻♂😂 it's the best engine in this list by far, they Dyno at 400hp, can get over 40MPG, have absolute rock solid reliability, have peak power from 1600 - 5000rpm, sound great, excellent drivability, and are cheap to make. Oh and a basic Stage 1 can take it to 500hp and still maintain all of the above.
I’ll take one tier off, it is a great engine for sure! S would’ve been fine as well. Thanks for watching
Before I even watched I knew BMW would have the best Inline 6s. They really have mastered them
I will say Mercedes is closer than it looks on the graphic because the big block family in S tier is really 5 engines. Although I do agree BMW is the best at it, they’ve been at it the longest and have had the most success, some truly great engines!
What's your engine tier list out of order, so this was the last I6 engine that I watched.
I would like to see an American version of this list....I wonder what you would put the 4.0L engine as seen in the Jeeps....
Also I would like to see a diesel version for the lists. I have to think that the Cumming's 6BT, (commonly called the 5.9L 12v in the Dodge pickup trucks) would it have to rain in the S-Tier.
The order has been a little random, I’ve just been doing whatever is highest requested but working the general trend of going from most to least cylinders. I will certainly get to the American I6 engines, and will consider doing diesels. Thanks for watching the series, I appreciate it and hope you’re enjoying the videos!
@@running2redline
That was supposed to be, "I watched your engine tier lists out of order." Google's voice typing butchered it, and I failed to notice it before I posted the comment. I was telling you so you would have more information, if my question about an American I6 sounded strange.
Sorry about not catching the error....
Could you please provide a video on V6 German tier list.
Yes I’m thinking I’ll do that next!
Please include diesels too
I want to see the V6 engines now
Will do
Have both n52 & n55 glad to see they made it into A tier 😂
Two of the best for sure, must be a fun combo!
m256 is really incredible engine. It uses 48v system way better than bmw or audi. This thing does not have any belt and it actually turns off the engine when your cruising.
my s54b32 and m54b30 are both flattered by the comments :)
Thoughts on om606?
It’s an absolute legend, didn’t want to open the can of worms of diesels in this video because there are so many, but the Om606 is S tier for sure.
Could you do this for all 4 cylinder engines as well?
Will likely do performance 4 cylinders, if I do all the video might be hours long lol, might put out a poll and see which everyone prefers.
I’ve 335,200 miles on my 06 N52 manual wagon and it’s perfect still.
That’s incredible, I’m sure with a manual that’s a great driving experience!
VWs VR6 is really a straight six rather than a V6 so should be included (and its a superb engine!)
I was expecting VR6 engines when I saw VW, since the VR means shortened inline, and vr6 engines do have the functional balance of a i6.
They are neither of them. The have a single cylinder bank like an inline-6, but they also have a cylinder angle like a V6 (it's just much smaller with 15° instead of the usual 60°). Therefore VR aren't as smooth as i6. They don't even sound like an inline-6 engine and VW marketed it as "V6" in many models (after they recognized "VR" doesn't work anymore). So even VW saw that this engine is more a V6 than a R6 (hence the name "VR", inline-6).
@@exoroxx the have close to the perfect primary and secondary balance of an inline 6, only a small rocking couple created by the staggering of the pistons. Ok while there is a small v angle it has more in common with an inline 6 than a v6, which is why VR means shortened inline.
@@destroyer6470 VR means this engine is a V as well as a R (which stands for "Reihe", translates into 'row'). I also see that this engine (like the VR5) is more an inline-6 than a V6 (but fun fact: VW doesn't). But the small 15° cylinder angle makes it different to any other inline-6 engine. An inline-6 is perferctly balanced - not only close to.
@@exoroxx The name VR6 comes from the combination of German words “Verkürzt” and “Reihenmotor” meaning “shortened inline engine”. It was developed specifically for transverse engine installations and FWD (front-wheel drive) vehicles.
@@destroyer6470 I hear this explanation the very first time. It doesan't explain why VW calls it V6 for models after 1997. I guess they didn't believe in this myth anymore...
But it doesn't really matter what VR stands for. It sits somewhere between V6 und R6 (inline-6) - and that's the reason why you can't count it to those other inline-sixes.
I know why this engine was developed. Fun fact: Volvo made a real inline-6 with up to 3,2 liter (which was only 3 mm longer than their inline-5) also for FWD and transverse installation.
Diesel Would also be greatly appreciated in the next list
You should a video on the best 5 cyl engines.
Got it added to the queue list!
@@running2redline yesss👌
You forgot the 2.8 v 6 that is used ininsignia opc. But still a grat job
The M256 seems to be a masterpiece engine. Also in terms of reliability. Sofar it seems bulletproof
B58 sounds good and makes great power and all they just break, already seen one get replaced at my dealership in a Supra half a year ago, they’re worth buying with a fat warranty only
I’ve heard a lot of good about them, but there’s no denying a full engine replacement is a terrible thing to deal with. Unfortunate it would fail on a car that new
B6294T, that's basically the Swedish 2JZ
Everyone who owns a German inline 6 meticulously awaited their engine code, I was stoked to see the N55 get the credit it deserves.
The 2014-15! It looks like, 16 was 340i intro.
N55 is an incredible engine! Congrats on owning one must be loads of fun.
I bought it with the intention of learning how to wrench on a modern good car, and have already done the shocks/struts, OFHG, brakes, and the usual. Fantastic vehcile and sublime powertrain. @@running2redline
In my opinion putting M50 on a B tier is a crime, it should be atleast on A tier. Arguably one the most reliable engines BMW has ever made. Incredibly robust even in tuning use, my friend has an E36 with M50B25 stock unopened engine running over 500hp with Holset HX40.
That’s totally fair, 500hp out of it is very impressive too. Thanks for watching!
i literaly jumped on this video waiting for the n54 review and got absolutely shit on. i was expecting an instant S tier since everyone sells that engine like its a 2jz.
its undeniable that the engine has fuel pump issues, but id expect the stock forged parts + the easy 600 whp would be a fair risk reward debate.
now im having second thoughts on what engine would be best for my e92 335i project car. since it shares the n54 and n55
Taking the tunning potential into the equation an not just stock parts, what would you recommend?
I would say definitely don’t let me sway you, whatever you want at the end of the day is going to be what’s best. The N54 is solid with an aftermarket fuel pump (only a $200-300 fix). I am just extra harsh on factory defects as I’m from an engineering background. Usually flaws like this should show up in pre-production lifecycle testing. They tune well too, I won’t deny that. I think the N52 is an intriguing option and can be found quite cheap, the B58 is great too but a little more expensive. However if you’re set on the N54 that would do just fine, it’s a cheap fix and performs well otherwise. Hopefully that wasn’t discouraging, I wish you luck with the project car and thank you for watching!
Why isn’t the m57 mentioned ?
Also: M21, M51, N57 and B57.
This video was gasoline I6 only. Will make another for diesels, but if I had put them together the video would likely be around an hour long and I want to make sure they’re short and watchable. Thanks for watching!
Could you do American I4s
For sure, might take a few more videos to get there but I definitely will!
Time for German V8s 🤙
Great idea, thank you!
How about making a video with i6's from all around the world? Like the volvo i6
D class for n54 isn't fair just for being unreliable compared to the others but yeah. we can't ignore how much that engine is capable of on stock block it's like a cheat code cuz the b58 is way more expensive (f30 price vs e92 price) u can actually take care of the whole car and tune it with less koney than buying a stock f30 340i. love the content ❤
That’s fair enough, thanks for watching I’m glad you enjoyed!
Id place the N52 in the C tier. Seen so much issues with em during my time working as a tech in the dealership. Valvetronic motors, broken head studs. Overall its a fragile motor.
i'd agree with most but i'd position the B58 in S-tier for the affordability factor alone
the low strung BMW inline 6's...theres really nothing better for a daily commute. My current care has an M54...Love everything about them