Really interesting article in Autocar this week about BMW fitting turbocharged 1.5 litre triples is both Diesel and petrol forms to the 2010 3 series. They are talking about 150BHP and 220 lb ft for the Diesel and 170 BHP (can't remember the torque) for the petrol. Basically half the 6 pot motors.

Would you buy a three cylinder 3 series???:confused:

Sounds promising for the company car driver

Would you buy a three cylinder 3 series???:confused:

If it went well, had reasonable economy and was good to drive ...... yes

Not really bothered about how many cylinders or what type of fuel an engine runs on, as long as it meets the above criteria for me I'd consider it

Good points but even a triple with balencer shafts feels bit hesitant at low revs (drive a 1.2 or 1.4 VW motor) Wonder if BMW can fix this. I like three cylinder engines though: sound good when pushed.

Given their "prestige" market, it be interesting to see if they can make a 3-cyl work.

Its all to do with the EU meddling again. All manufacturers must comply with new legislation that dictates an average co2 figure across their whole range. Those that fail to comply will face large fines. I guess the 3 pot engines will have low Co2 figures which will help bring down their average. I guess its also why porsche are keen to get involved the VAG as this could reduce their figure. Aston Martin are introducing a small car which will be sold to existing customers and so on.

VAG have produced a stonker of an engine in the 1.4 TSI so no reason why BMW shouldn't be able to replicate that success in it's engines.

Aston Martin are introducing a small car which will be sold to existing customers and so on.

I was going to say something facetious like "what, does it fit in the DB9's boot?", but then I googled it and omfgyhgtbk?!??!!!!!

“This concept — akin to an exclusive tender to a luxury yacht — will allow us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market,” said Dr. Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin’s chief executive, in a news release.

A tender to a friggin yacht? What the hell is wrong with a 'My other car is an Aston' sticker in the window of a Panda?

Worked well for Triumph.

As an ex-BMW owner, i used to frequent BMW forums, and i know this news has been going around for a year or two.

One of the best things about beemers is the glorious noise from their straight 6s, and most of the die hard fans wouldn't by a 4cyl, let alone a 3.

That said, with modern supercharger/turbo/exhaust technology, maybe its possible to make a car go/sound like a straight 6, but without the enviromental issues.

Good points but even a triple with balencer shafts feels bit hesitant at low revs (drive a 1.2 or 1.4 VW motor)

No such issues on SWMBO's 3 pot 1.0l Aygo.... drive one of those