Update: BMW will decide this year whether to sell engines

Update: BMW will decide by the end of the year whether or not it will start selling engines to rival carmakers as negotiations with a number of parties are still taking place. Speaking with Automotive News, BMW board member Friedrich Eichiner said GM, Daimler and Fiat have all expressed interest in sourcing its engines. The move is part of BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer's new strategy to develop other areas for generating profit, just don’t expect to find top end powerplants like the M range of engines or the brilliant 3.0L twin-turbo six to appear in other branded vehicles as the deal most likely concerns new efficient four-cylinder units.

Original: BMW is renowned for building some of the best engines in the world. You just have to look at its recent standings in the International Engine of the Year awards, to see that BMW is on top of things when it comes to designing world-beating powerplants. However, other carmakers may not have to feel entirely downbeat because a German magazine is reporting that BMW is considering selling its engines to other makes.



CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed to Germany’s Manager Magazin that BMW is looking at other sources of revenues for its long-term strategy, and selling engines was just one possibility.

But don’t hold your breath waiting for the latest M division V8 to be sold as a crate engine to anyone willing to scoff up the cash. BMW would most likely sell its less premium engines, such as the four-cylinder units it already shares with Peugeot, and the markets with the greatest potential are more likely to be India and China’s rapidly growing auto sectors.