Any way this thread can be more than a BMW Fanboy page? After comparing even more cars, with my paltry knowledge of engine designs (downright pitiful, Ya``)...I AM beginning to lose more of my fear of turbos, and have found more stuff about forced air systems at high elevations. It looks like this may end up being a war between Bimmer & Merc, but I haven`t entirely ruled out a couple future "supercharger cars". I also like the Jag XE or XF, but they are NOT coupes. Don`t have a clue as to who makes the superchargers....and the engines run "small". (Somewhat determined to buy a minimum of a 3L 6 cyl coupe).
Soooo...German Turbo question: Who makes the turbos for BMW & Merc? Are they made by the same manufacturer? Do the turbos vary between the cheaper models, and higher-end cars? Different OEM parts? This may be a dumb question for many of Y`all, but can anyone (not, a car salesman) describe how "Inline turbos" are different from "bi-turbos"? I though the "bi`s" were comprised of one singular turbo with forced air coming in at TWO points on the single turbo? (Please don`t laugh...?). Turbos any less problematic in BMW than Merc, with high mileage?
TheMeanGreen, you have had some very good input....Thanks.
Today, after examining a 2017 AMG styled (NOT the real deal, of course) C Class coupe, I feel further drawn to Merc, at least for exterior/interior design elements (did not drive the car, motor waay too doggy). Still waiting.... to see/drive an AMG C 63 coupe. Sadly, the fancier grill of much cheaper C Class coupe, looks nicer than the Plain Jane nose of the real AMG, with their signature boring grill.
I don`t mean to offend, but Bimmers still have a long ways to go to make a nice looking moderately-priced coupe? Styling and "appointments" also count, as well a "drivability"?
Current year to year comparison of Merc to BMW, the Merc`s win the styling contest, they look more elegant. Except BMW`s X5/X6, they look ridiculously angry (M format). When WE, as in these forum guys, talk about BMW`s, there is a 95% chance that we are thinking about mostly pre-2008 models, there are three or four post-2008 models that suit our fancy, but it is the old ones that steal our hearts.
The N20 is such a better engine compared to the M270/M274, it`s more linear but still has somewhat of a spool `punch`, rev`s better, sounds better, is more tuner friendly, responds better, I`d pick it 110% of the time. Plus the 8spd ZF is far superior to any transmission made by MBAG or torqueflite. The 8spd ZF is found in a multitude of different vehicles, in various forms. The 2er all the way up to Ram`s 1500,
if I`m not mistaken there is some part of ZF`s box that FCA finishes so they can call it a torqueflite. Small engines are just the future and the present, automakers desperately strive for better fleet MPG sanctioned by determining bodies, once automakers turn their efficiency gaze to their bigger vehicles, the regression of `car` motor size will slow. Stats show that improving fleet MPG by the focus of bigger vehicles can create higher MPG scores, thus saving displacement.
As far as BMW`s turbos are concerned, they are basically the same between the majority of 4cyl and 6cyl engines; 4cyl and 6cyl`s run Mitsubishi units. The V8`s use their own blower`s, I forget the manu. I honestly do not know who the MB units are made by, simply because I am a BMW fan. When you drive that AMG, I hope that you wear your diapers, and have the car pointed straight. That 5.5L Bi-Turbo (M157) is an animal, and it pulls so strongly throughout the rev range.
Here`s some reading:
BMW TwinPower Turbo Engines Explained - autoevolution
BMW Technology Guide: Turbochargers
(I`m not selling anything or endorsing, these links are for research purposes)
Don`t rule out a 2015+ Mustang GT, sounds great and has a very playful personality solid . There is also the Lexus RCF, but it`s not in the same `league` and the Germans, even though they are competitor`s. Lexus just needs to improve chassis control and electronic safety programs, the stability programs don`t allow anyone to `play` with the cars `as` much. The RCF is a nice back to basics approach. You can be a complete loon in the Mustang.
I`d take a VAC S65 stroker over the Dinan everyday. Dinans tunes are a bit conservative and don`t use the full advantage of some of the engines, for public supply of course (Public cam profiles are a bit tame). (A good set of cams with matching valve train will spin the S65B4x close to 9k, I`m so in love with that thought.
