Does BMW Have Three-Cylinder Engines?

[OKai]

BMW does have three-cylinder engines. The BMW models equipped with three-cylinder engines include: BMW i8, BMW 1 Series, and BMW X1. Taking the 2021 BMW 1 Series Sport Edition as an example, it belongs to the compact car category, with body dimensions of: length 4462mm, width 1803mm, height 1446mm, and a wheelbase of 2670mm. The 2021 BMW 1 Series Sport Edition is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged engine, with a maximum power output of 103kW, a maximum power speed range of 4600 to 6500 rpm, and a maximum torque speed range of 1480 to 4200 rpm.

[VanMolly]

Back when I was into cars, I researched BMW's engine layouts and they did produce three-cylinder engines. Early on, the 2014 i8 hybrid sports car packed a 1.5T three-cylinder, which later trickled down to regular models. For instance, the domestically produced BMW 1 Series sedan and entry-level X1 from a few years ago used the B38 series three-cylinder engine, tuned to 136 horsepower or even 140 horsepower. However, BMW didn't completely solve the inherent vibration issues of three-cylinders—cold starts are particularly noticeable, and at high speeds, the engine noise is rougher compared to four-cylinder engines. Nowadays, the new 2 Series Active Tourer and Mini still retain three-cylinder configurations, but mainstream models like the 3 Series and 5 Series have long since switched back to four-cylinders.

[VanPresley]

As a former owner of a three-cylinder BMW, I have to be honest—my old 118i was a three-cylinder model. I bought it mainly because of its affordable price. At startup, the steering wheel would tremble slightly, and the auto start-stop feature was particularly annoying in traffic jams. However, its daily fuel consumption was indeed low, just over 6 liters per 100 kilometers. During maintenance, the mechanic mentioned that the three-cylinder engine has a simpler structure, making spark plug replacement easier than in a four-cylinder engine. Now, I hear BMW is gradually phasing out three-cylinder engines, with the domestic X1 switching to four-cylinder engines after 2023. If you're buying a used BMW, be sure to check the nameplate—most 1 Series sedans from 2018 to 2020 are equipped with three-cylinder engines.

[LandonLynn]

A few years ago, BMW used the three-cylinder engine as an entry-level weapon, with the B38 engine produced at the Birmingham plant in the UK installed in many models. Not only was it used in the European Mini Cooper, but it was also fitted in domestic models produced by BMW Brilliance. The three-cylinder engine is about 20 kg lighter than a four-cylinder, reducing the load on the front suspension. However, the fewer cylinders result in less smooth power delivery, especially causing resonance at low RPMs when climbing hills. Now, BMW has adjusted its product strategy, even equipping the new 218i Touring with a 2.0T four-cylinder engine.

[JanelleMarie]

When researching automotive technology, I noticed BMW's shifting strategy on three-cylinder engines. Early adoption of modular design allowed the B38 and B48 engines to share block structures, effectively reducing costs. However, consumer concerns about NVH performance in three-cylinder units persisted. BMW implemented multiple optimizations including dual-mass flywheels and balance shafts, yet the results still fell short of four-cylinder engines. In recent years, they've quietly adjusted their lineup - retaining the three-cylinder only for UKL-platform Mini Cooper while other models largely returned to four-cylinder configurations. The 2024 X1 sDrive20Li has completely eliminated its three-cylinder option.

[LaEmmett]

A friend working at a BMW 4S dealership mentioned that selling three-cylinder BMWs is the most troublesome. Although the suggested retail price is 30,000 to 40,000 yuan cheaper, customers always hesitate after test drives due to vibration issues. Especially when the auto start-stop system reignites the engine, the entire car shakes noticeably. The dealership has even received complaints from long-term customers, stating that after two years of driving, the engine mounts deteriorate, making the steering wheel vibration more pronounced. Currently, the dealership mainly promotes entry-level models equipped with four-cylinder 2.0T low-power engines. In the used car market, three-cylinder BMWs depreciate significantly faster, about 20% lower than four-cylinder models of the same year.