Why doesn't BMW use Peugeot's 1.6THP?
2 Answers
BMW partnered with PSA to develop this 1.6T engine because, although PSA has strong capabilities in diesel engines, its technical expertise in gasoline engines is relatively weak. Historical Context: BMW collaborated with PSA to develop this 1.6T engine because, despite PSA's strong performance in diesel engines, its technical capabilities in gasoline engines are indeed limited. Previously, PSA's gasoline engines only included the 1.6L, 2.0L, and a China-specific 2.3L, while the 3.0L V6 could almost be ignored. These engines were practically outdated compared to Volkswagen's TSI and Ford's EcoBoost. Development Purpose: BMW possesses top-tier engine technology, but it primarily focuses on medium to large displacement engines. BMW uses small-displacement engines less frequently, mainly in the MINI, 1 Series, and a small portion of the 3 Series. Developing a small-displacement engine independently would be cost-prohibitive, both in terms of R&D and manufacturing expenses. To reduce costs, BMW urgently needed a partner to jointly develop a small-displacement gasoline engine, scaling up production to share the cost burden.
I used to research automotive engine design, and the reason BMW doesn't use Peugeot's 1.6THP is primarily due to mismatched engineering philosophies. BMW emphasizes high-precision tuning, responsive performance, and rear-wheel-drive platform optimization. The 1.6THP is designed more for cost-effectiveness and has poor drivetrain compatibility, which would hinder performance in a BMW. Take BMW's B-series engines, for example—they use lighter materials and advanced turbocharging technology, easily delivering over 250 horsepower. While the 1.6THP is reliable, its power output isn't as stable or smooth as BMW's in-house engines. I've also reviewed test reports showing BMW engines offer superior durability under high temperature and pressure, along with better fuel efficiency. Directly adopting an external engine would increase complexity and risks. Ultimately, sticking to proprietary technology allows BMW to maintain its driving dynamics advantage and avoid system compatibility issues that could compromise user experience.
