Does the Zhonghua V7 use a BMW engine?

[VanEvelyn]

The engine of the Zhonghua V7 is a BMW engine, authorized by BMW and produced at the Mianyang Xinchen Power engine factory. The 1.6T version of the Zhonghua V7 has an engine model CE16, with a maximum power of 150kW and a maximum torque of 280 Nm. The 1.8T version has an engine model CE18, with a maximum power of 170kW and a maximum torque of 300 Nm. For daily maintenance of the Zhonghua V7 engine, the following methods can be used: Use lubricating oil of appropriate quality grade. For gasoline engines, SD--SF grade gasoline engine oil should be selected based on the additional devices of the intake and exhaust systems and usage conditions; for diesel engines, CB--CD grade diesel engine oil should be selected based on mechanical load, with the selection standard not lower than the manufacturer's specified requirements. Regularly change the engine oil and filter. The quality of any grade of lubricating oil will change during use. After a certain mileage, performance deteriorates, causing various problems for the engine. To avoid faults, change the oil regularly based on usage conditions and keep the oil volume moderate. When oil passes through the fine holes of the filter, solid particles and viscous substances in the oil accumulate in the filter. If the filter is blocked and oil cannot pass through the filter element, the filter element may burst or the safety valve may open, allowing oil to bypass through the bypass valve and bring contaminants back to the lubrication area, accelerating engine wear and increasing internal pollution. Regularly clean the crankcase. During engine operation, high-pressure unburned gases, acids, moisture, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides from the combustion chamber enter the crankcase through the gap between the piston rings and cylinder walls, mixing with metal powder from part wear to form sludge. A small amount remains suspended in the oil, while a large amount precipitates, blocking filters and oil holes, making engine lubrication difficult and causing wear. Regularly use radiator cleaner to clean the radiator. Removing rust and scale not only ensures normal engine operation but also extends the overall lifespan of the radiator and engine.

[VictoriaAnn]

Back when I was into cars, I specifically researched this model. The 1.8T CE18 engine used in the Zhonghua V7 indeed has BMW genes. This is the product of a deep collaboration between Brilliance and BMW, with its prototype being BMW's Prince series engine, whose technology was licensed to Brilliance's engine plant in Shenyang for production. I once saw their production line in Shenyang, where even the valve cover sealing process was identical to that of BMW's N20 series. However, it's important to note that the 2023 new models have switched to the 1.5T engine from Aero Mitsubishi. The BMW technology engines were mainly used in models from 2018 to 2020, so when buying a used car, make sure to look for the 'BMW Technology' badge on the engine cover.

[Brynlee]

I've been driving the Zhonghua V7 for two years now, and I initially bought it because of the BMW-engineered engine. Under the hood, the 1.6T engine bears the BMW lettering, and the 4S shop technician said this engine retains BMW's twin-scroll turbo and Valvetronic variable valve technology. The most noticeable aspect is that the turbo kicks in at 1,800 rpm, significantly earlier than my friend's Haval H6. However, it's not entirely identical to an original BMW engine—for example, the cooling system piping layout has been redesigned, making disassembly and reassembly during repairs simpler than with a genuine BMW. Last year during maintenance, I switched to original BMW engine oil, but I'm still using domestic spark plugs.

[GiannaRose]

From an automotive engineer's perspective, the CE16/CE18 engines in the Zhonghua V7 are produced under technical license. Core components such as crankshaft bearings utilize products from Germany's Schaeffler, while the direct fuel injection system maintains BMW's third-generation technical standards. However, the turbocharger was switched from BorgWarner to a locally sourced unit by Ningbo Fenworks, and the ECU programming was recalibrated by United Electronic. Actual dyno tests show wheel power is about 7% lower than the BMW X1 with similar parameters, primarily due to drivetrain losses. The compatibility of piston rings with BMW's B38 engine, though, comes as a pleasant surprise.