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| “BMW
shows its versatility as the engine
is shared by four very different models”
Ken Gibson,
The Sun
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It’s another category win for BMW at
the International Engine of the Year Awards 2007 – and
this time the triumphant motor is the 2.5-litre six-cylinder
that powers the 325i, 525i, X3 and Z4.
The inline six, producing 218bhp and 250Nm at 2,750rpm, is another
engine from the Bavarian company that features VALVETRONIC technology
together with VANOS variable valve timing, giving an optimal
balance between performance and economy.
Making use of other BMW innovations first seen in the 2,497cc
unit’s 3-litre sibling, parts of the crankcase, bedplate
and cylinder head cover are complex castings comprising a stiffer,
lighter, magnesium alloy, and an aluminium alloy.
When installed in the 325i, the engine’s reduced mass
contributes to the car’s 50:50 weight distribution, and
helps limit the car’s unladen kerbweight to 1,505kg. Light
weight means better performance: the 325i accelerates to 100km/h
(62mph) from a standstill in 6.9 seconds. Average fuel consumption
is a respectable 8.8L/100km (32.1mpg).
The end result is quite an outstanding all-round package, recognised
by judges such as Auto Arabia’s Mohamed Sheta, who called
the 2.5-litre “very smooth
and efficient. Ideal for driving a Z4 through the Bavarian countryside
with the top down!” His positive impression was confirmed
on the other side of the Atlantic by Rogelio Rivera-Nava from
Car & Driver Mexico, who noted: “The
2.5-litre is recognisable at a distance from its exquisite noise.
The inline-six
configuration is just the beginning of the technical purity
of BMW’s most famous powerplant. A delight to drive.” |
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points |
| 1. BMW 2.5-litre (325, 525, Z4, X3) |
179 |
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| 2. Subaru 2.5-litre flat four
Turbo (Forester, Impreza) |
150 |
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| 3. Mazda 2.3-litre GDI Turbo (3MPS, 6MPS,
CX-7, MPV) |
144 |
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4. Honda Diesel 2.2-litre (Civic, Accord (Europe),
CR-V, FR-V) |
119 |
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| 5. Toyota Diesel 2.2-litre D-CAT (Avensis,
Corolla Verso, RAV4, Auris, Lexus IS220d) |
104 |
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6. Fiat Diesel 2.4-litre JTD Multijet (Alfa
166,
Lancia Thesis, Croma, Alfa 159, Brera) |
101 |
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