The inline-six engine has been a staple in BMWs since its introduction, and few have commanded more respect and admiration than the S54B32 found in the E46 M3, among others. The high-strung,...
The ’90s were a radical time for automakers and car enthusiasts. New technology and advancements in assembly materials made going faster, easier, and safer than ever before. Automakers began experimenting with these new technologies and creating prototypes, test beds, and even complete driving...
BMW’s high-performance nature means that every one of their engines is built with strict tolerances. In the more mechanical days, engine builders carefully measured their clearances to get them right and knew the correct tolerances via a book. Nowadays, BMW publishes engine clearances and...
It’s no secret that we in the US have missed out on more than a few great models over the years. Emissions and crash safety regulations have played spoiler to many, leaving us no choice but to sit and wait for the 25-year import rule to roll around. Now, for an entire generation who grew up on...
The BMW M52TU, M54, and M56 engines are all related by their aluminum engine blocks. Until then, all prior M-series straight-six engines had used iron cases, making them strong but very heavy. The switch to an aluminum block with iron liners shed weight over the front axle, subsequently improving...
Starting a family is as expensive as ever; food costs are bananas, hospital stays can bankrupt you, and now there’s college tuition to save for. On top of everything else, you may need to swap out that sleek sports car for something with the all-important third row for hauling a family. Although...
The BMW E46 was a marvel when it debuted nearly a quarter century ago. Since then, it has remained relatively lightweight, with a powerful and exotic engine, sublime handling characteristics, and genuine character that laughs at the stereotype that German-made machines lack soul. However, its...
Engineers have been looking for ways to improve the internal combustion engine since its creation. Various reasons have spawned updates and evolutions, but these days, the general driver is efficiency. Greenhouse emissions are bad, and carbon-neutral modes of transportation don’t exist yet, so...
The E46 M3 has remained an icon of BMW’s M division since they reached owners in late 2000. With a screaming straight-six upfront, a six-speed manual in the middle, and drive sent to the wheels at the rear, it was an absolute force to be reckoned with as it beat supercars with double the sticker...
Sports cars and pickup trucks are at two ends of the automotive spectrum. One is the king of the everyday, utilitarian vehicle, designed to be used simply to move things around. The other is completely selfish, only benefiting whoever drives it as they use it for its intended purpose,...