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I agree... (archive)
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Posted by Ray Koch on July 03, 2000 at 16:01:27:

In Reply to: I think there will be a new I6 before... posted by Mark G on July 03, 2000 at 00:52:36:

A new 3.4L I6 is a much more likely candidate. Although I doubt that it will be derived from the the 3.0L. That block is actually just the previous 2.8L using Aluminum and with a longer stroke. BMW M has aready stated that the V8 is not the way to go for the M3 (although I wouldn't be surprised to see a very limited production and pricey Evo with a V8 for racing purposes.) The I6 is part of the M3 experience and you can get more power with a new design. Now that the US uses the same motor it should be cost feasible to produce. A new 3.4L I6 is the logical choice and I'm sure it will have a little room to grow, perhaps up to 3.8L.

If I to speculate I would say that they didn't have time for a new engine design (with the M5 also being under development at the time) and they thought that they could get enough power from the current Euro motor to keep the car on top for the first year. Maybe they even tried to actually get it to 3.4L but couldn't and then ran into duribility problems and had to switch to an iron block. So I would expect to see a new I6 either the 2002 or 2003 model year.

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