Quote:
Originally Posted by Nate2046
You hit the nail on the head and thats why many enthusiasts found the US version of the e36M to be a somewhat half-assed effort. I would put the 1M into the same category. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure its a cool car and a lot of fun but it ain't no real M car. It does however fit perfectly with the current direction of the M division as it morphs into AMG. And can somebody explain why they're limiting production of this car but building all the X5M's and X6M's they can churn out?  |
You missed the point. The M division does not have the resources to make a new engine for each M car. There are several situations in the past where they've simply modified a "normal" engine to produce an M engine (i.e. they can't make a brand spanking new engine just because the S50 doesn't meet emissions in the US). Most of their "unique" engines are simply street applications of race engines. With a scaled back racing operation, it's not hard to see why the M division isn't releasing cars with entirely unique engines left and right. The engines they start with aren't half bad in the first place. I really don't think everyone really needs to complain as much as they do. Hell, the McLaren F1's engine originally started out as a M73.
@chickdr: The S52 has a 20% boost in power versus a 14% increase in displacement compared to the M52. There really isn't much else going on. As I said before, just a few changes. A more aggressive cam and an adjusted lubrication system. That's it.