Discover the best BMW straight-six engines, their awards, performance metrics, and engineering innovations that define excellence. Hidden engine problems and reliability issues most buyers discover too late. It follows the N54 and N55 turbocharged inline-six engines in a lineage of legendary BMW straight-sixes, but unlike those, it's seen an ever.
Discover the most reliable BMW 6 cylinder engine, owner insights, ratings, and comparisons with other luxury vehicles. BMW stuck with the configuration, creating gems like its N54 and N55 as well as its 3.0-liter turbocharged B58 which is still in production today. But elsewhere the inline-six has been all but extinct.
Now that it's back at Benz we decided to celebrate by choosing the greatest straight six engines of all time. In an age when most car companies have shifted toward building the more compact V6 or a turbocharged inline-4, BMW has kept a candle on for the venerable inline-6, the best six. Discover key facts about the best BMW straight-six engines, including their history, performance, reliability, and technological advancements.
BMW's B58 turbocharged inline-six powers 41 models across BMW, Toyota, Morgan, and Ineos. A 2025 update adds more power, torque, and efficiency. These 27 straight-six engines are some of the best in history, known for their power, smoothness, and reliability.
The BMW S54 straight-six arrived with a 3.2-liter displacement capable of producing 338 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque at 4,900 RPM; this monster powered the best M3 money can buy, and is one of BMWs last naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines, just behind the 2006 N53 which was the final BMW six. Whether you're a dedicated enthusiast restoring a vintage model or seeking a dependable used engine for your daily driver, our guide highlights the best options to consider. Explore our reliable used BMW engines and elevate your driving experience-because with the right engine, every journey becomes a joyride!