Are You Going To Miss BMWs Naturally Aspirated, Big Sixes?

Ah, where to begin? The BMW brand has used the six-cylinder engine as a staple for years. It's almost synonymous with a great BMW.

Think: what great BMW wasn't equipped with an inline six-cylinder powerplant? I am sure there are some, like the E39 M5, but I think it is safe to say that the cult following of a naturally aspirated six is astounding. It's probably because it just sounds so damn good.

I remember hearing my first BMW inline six. It sounded like something from the movies.

I insisted that we keep revving it higher and higher just to hear that beautiful tone. Hell, it's one of the reasons why I became passionate about cars. That sound just makes you feel something.

With that said, can you name your favorite naturally aspirated BMW six? What would you change, if anything?


In the outset of this article – I know that this is a moot point but I will ask it anyway: Will you miss the big, naturally aspirated inline-six cylinder engines of BMW as we see the resurgence of the Turbo Era in road cars? It’s a moot point because, in my opinion, it looks like the forthcoming product line from BMW in the North American market will have no options for buyers to pick up a naturally aspirated inline six cylinder engine. It appears that literally every engine in BMW of North America’s line-up could be be powered via a forced induction engine and that’s a sad possible future  to think about...