Does the BMW 3 Series have a 6-cylinder engine?
3 Answers
The BMW 3 Series does have a 6-cylinder engine. Taking the 2021 BMW 3 Series as an example, its body structure is a 4-door, 5-seater sedan with dimensions of 4719mm in length, 1827mm in width, and 1459mm in height, a wheelbase of 2851mm, and a fuel tank capacity of 59 liters. The 2021 BMW 3 Series features a double-joint spring strut front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. It is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 156PS, a maximum power of 115kW, and a maximum torque of 250Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
I've driven several generations of BMW 3 Series, and there definitely were 6-cylinder models! Older generations like the E90 had classics like the 325i and 330i with naturally aspirated inline-six engines that sounded particularly good. The current G20 generation also has them – take the M340i for example, which packs a 3.0T inline-six putting out over 380 horsepower. Just be aware that base models like the 320i are mostly 4-cylinder now, so if you want a six you'll need to look at 330i and above or the M Performance lineup. The smoothness and high-end acceleration of a six-cylinder really are different – you can feel that endless power every time you step on the gas.
Anyone who has driven a BMW knows how exhilarating a 3 Series with a six-cylinder engine can be! Starting from the E36 in the 1990s, there has always been a six-cylinder version, and this option has been retained in every subsequent generation. The current M340i uses the B58 engine, which offers quick power response and decent fuel efficiency. In some years, even the regular 330i in North America came with a six-cylinder, though in China, most are four-cylinders. If you really want to experience it, consider hunting for an older E90 330i—it has a solid chassis and a durable engine that still performs vigorously even after 100,000 kilometers. When test driving, pay special attention to the cold start sound; the deep, rumbling note of a six-cylinder is something a four-cylinder simply can't replicate.
