BMW in fact had four different engines in the final top six. Coming in second was Volkswagen’s 1.4L TSI and third place was its 2.0L FSI engine. The 4.0L V8 from the M3 took fourth spot and was followed by the Mini’s 1.6L turbo four in fifth and the 5.0L M V10 in sixth.
The awards, which are judged by 65 motoring journalists from 32 countries from four continents, also rewarded a variety of other manufacturers for engine excellence across a number of different categories with the likes of VW, Toyota, Porsche and Subaru all getting a mention.
International Engine of the Year Awards 2008 Winners:
International Engine of the Year 2008
BMW 3-litre Twin-Turbo (135, 335, X6)
Best New Engine of 2008
BMW 2-litre Diesel Twin-Turbo (123d)
Green Engine of the Year
Toyota 1.5-litre Hybrid Synergy Drive (Prius)
Best Performance Engine
Porsche 3.6-litre Turbo (911 Turbo, 911 GT2)
Sub 1-litre
Toyota 1-litre (Aygo, Yaris, Peugeot 107, Citroën C1, Subaru Justy)
1-litre to 1.4-litre
Volkswagen 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger (Golf, Touran, Tiguan, Jetta)
1.4-litre to 1.8-litre
BMW-PSA 1.6-litre Turbo (MINI Cooper S, Clubman, Peugeot 207, 308)
1.8-litre to 2-litre
Volkswagen/Audi 2-litre Turbo (A3, A4 Cabrio, A6, TT, Eos, Jetta, Golf GTi, Seat Altea, Leon, Skoda Octavia)
2-litre to 2.5-litre
Subaru 2.5-litre Turbo (Forester, Impreza, Outback, Legacy)
2.5-litre to 3-litre
BMW 3-litre Twin-Turbo (135, 335, X6)
3-litre to 4-litre
BMW 4-litre V8 (M3)
Above 4-litre
BMW 5-litre V10 (M5, M6)
Reader Comments
Wed May 7 2008 9:34 AM
Alan says
Again, shows that BMW really is the master in engine building, kind of predicting this will be the outcome though.
That 5L V10 from M5 is quite incredible as well, it's being the winner of 4L+ every year since it's introduced.
Wed May 7 2008 9:50 AM
bc says
Yip Yip Yahoo! This engine was reviewed by a car mag and over heated! Had to send another 335i for review. Kinda like the Nobel Prize... a joke.
Wed May 7 2008 9:55 AM
Gus says
Love those BMW engines.
But let me tell you; When something goes wrong, take out a loan on the house. These engines are so high tech, that repairing them is a MAJOR expense.
This is why I like the normal, easy to work on engine in my Ford. Don't even have to have a dealer work on it, any competent mechanic can fix it...
Wed May 7 2008 10:34 AM
Raptor says
BMW for president!
Wed May 7 2008 11:50 AM
Francis says
I agree with gus, if something breaks after those 4 years have passed take out a loan. Thats why for me as soon as the 4 year warranty on my bmw runs out its time to say goodbye. But it is one hell of an engine though and is the rightful winner.
Wed May 7 2008 12:21 PM
Gus says
But is it really "the best"?
Yes and no.
Let's compare the BMW engine to the engine in my new Mustang GT, just for giggles.
The BMW engine and the 4.6 V8 produce almost identical numbers in performance.
The Ford get slightly worse mileage, but it runs on regular gas, while the BMW requires premium.
The Ford pollutes more, but no more than 10 extra cows farting would make up for in it's lifetime.
To replace the Ford engine, according to my dealer, costs $3,700 plus labor. According to BMW of Irvine, to replace the motor in the 335i or 135i is about $7000 plus labor. Guess which labor is going to be less?
There are at least 4x to 5x (or more?) as many of the 4.6 V8 motors in production as the BMW engine (in the Explorer, F150, etc.) and it (probably) costs half as much to build as the BMW engine does.
Only a BMW dealer can service the BMW engine, in fact, the computer used to diagnose it is only sold to dealers to prevent private mechanics from stealing their (very profitable) repair business. Did you know that the service departments can account for most of a dealer's profits? I could do most of the maintenance on the 4.6 V8, and I'm an idiot.
So, of course the BMW is more sophisticated and higher tech, but is it really "better"?
Sure, the obvious answer is "yes", but not out of my pocket...
Wed May 7 2008 12:47 PM
chris says
oh gus,... silly silly gus using sense and economics to answer these questions. but seriously,... just wait for the next generation of V8's out of ford. should be stellar.
but yea, really,.. BMW is awesome. didn't need to see this to know that.
what surprises me is that the 2.3L turbo mazda engine didn't win. i mean, that boxer is legendary, but cmon.
Wed May 7 2008 1:18 PM
James says
Ahh, but Gus, as long as the Ford Mustang has been in production it should be taking out BMW M3's. Instead it gets walked by IS350's at the light. And that is a V6, a NA one at that...
Wed May 7 2008 1:51 PM
Renton says
Gus go and drive that Twin Turbo. Smooth, powerful ,and light.
Ford V8 is nice, but its not this gem.
Warranty is way better too.
Wed May 7 2008 3:38 PM
Gus says
I would love to drive that BMW engine, just can't afford it, I guess...
Maybe I should spend about $4,000 more, add a supercharger, some premium fuel, and spank all of them into next week... :)
Wed May 7 2008 3:44 PM
Ricky says
Gus... such a typical fanboy response...
"If I add this, this, this, and this, I'll walk all over that M5!"
Wed May 7 2008 4:54 PM
C6R says
What?? The engine from the new GT-R didn't win?? Come on... everybody knows that it has an anti-gravity system included :) :)
Wed May 7 2008 8:41 PM
Gus says
Oh Ricky, I'm sure your M5 would walk all over my Mustang GT. Oh yeah, that's right, you don't have one...
Wed May 7 2008 9:29 PM
Ultra says
Wow all you guys here are retarted and BMW fan boys. Merdeces is at 280hp with their no cgi none turbo set up. GM is at a 2.0 litter 4 cylinder 290hp 32mpg.What do they base this award on . Its obviously not design! or power per litter.
1.Not a clean design
2. not the best power per litter
3. Not the smoothest
4. the fact that it has no lag has been done b4 with this kind of turbo setup.
Why did it win ? I guarantee you its favorism. Worthless awards.
Wed May 7 2008 11:41 PM
Gus says
Because to some people, just having that logo on it means it must be the best of the best.
Like i said, I'm sure it's a great engine, I'd still rather afford a Ford than be a dreamer with no Beemer...
Thu May 8 2008 8:21 AM
Alan says
Well, i can only say that based on the reviews from many magazines that BMW twin turbo 6 is a fantasic engine. And we can only take the words from the experts, after all, how many of us here has actually driven cars with these winning engines
Thu May 8 2008 10:12 AM
Gus says
Me.
My mother in law has a 335i, and it's fantastic.
But it's also $59,000 out the door...
Thu May 8 2008 1:26 PM
James says
Gus, try the 135i, same engine, smaller package (not lighter than the 335i by much, but it is still lighter). It;s like a "M2.5", but for 42K loaded.
By the way, are there any plans in the pipe works for the 'Stang to have IRS?
Ultra, the GM 4 cyl is turbo charged, yet you talked about the Merc engine being non_turbo'd. You negate you're own argument. Besides, the Corvette C6R engine won race engine of the year (I believe it was 1-2 years ago)..
Thu May 8 2008 2:16 PM
Alessandro says
You see people like you Gus only have problems with the european cars because you dont have the money to enjoy the luxury they provide mind you im not a rich man i drive an 81 porsche 911 but BMW makes not only amazing performance engines but 5 other of their engines also won awards and i dont see no GM's up there the americans just dont have the technology of BMW or Porsche for that matter.
///M Power for life.
Thu May 8 2008 3:28 PM
Gus says
True, we have the "problem" of not being rich enough to buy the European cars.
You can shove that up your snobby you know what...
Good luck taking your new Porsche (when you can afford it) to anywhere but a dealer for service...
@James:
Yes, there is a lady with a new 135i cabrio here, and it's a great looking car, and much more resonable than a 335i cabrio, but it is tiny. I don't know if you've seen one in person, but this is a car on the size order of a VW Beetle or smaller. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I prefer a car at least as big as the 3 series for Southern California driving. Now, if I lived in San Francisco or something...
But perhaps the one and only reason why I would maybe not buy one is the 1 series is extremely feminine looking in person. But that's just an opion, I'm sure it will sell very well...
And per your other query, there are always rumors floating around of an IRS in the new Mustang (2010 or 2011?) but until it's actually here, they're just rumors. That said, if you didn't know it, there is no way you can tell that there is a live axle back there, they really did a great job making the car smooth and predictable. How much would IRS add? $2k? I'm not sure? Maybe it's not worth it, I don't know. Beating the Camaro in the price wars is probably much more important at this point...
Fri May 9 2008 12:07 AM
James says
Gus,Yeah, I've seen the 135i in person. I like it's compact size, I like the coupe, the cabrio is femimine, but I don't think the coupe is. I want one in black, with the AC Schnitzer front lip and wheels. I have a IS300 and both cars are similar with large "greenhouses" and compact size. Except the 135i has 300 HP (more if you dyno it) and 300 pound feet of torque. When you live in the DC area this type of zoom-zoom car is fun. In and out of traffic.
As far as the 'Stang, I think they went wrong with the styling, they need to fire J. Mays. The styling should have been evolutionary. And they should have spent money on making the IRS ( take the old Lincoln LS rear IRS), you've said that the car doesn't feel like a L.A., but I have been told diff. Also look at the Dodge Challenger vs. Bullitt Mustang on youtube...they talk about the lack of IRS.
Fri May 9 2008 9:17 AM
Will says
put a 335i (3.0 twin turbo) on the dyno. it peaked at 338 bhp. ya more expensise then a mustang... but mustangs are for bangers.
Fri May 9 2008 2:24 PM
NaBUru38 says
Check this out: only four out of twelve awards went to engines without forced induction. In three years, I hope none goes to naturally-aspirated engines.
Mon May 12 2008 4:13 PM
christian says
Hell yeah, my audi a3 engine in on that list. As for the BMW engine, my brother has the 335i and it is a great engine, but what is with this guy comparing a mustang to bmw is this guy being serious.
Wed May 14 2008 12:49 AM
Kris says
The N54B30 is a gorgeous engine. I was trying to figure out if I wanted the 135i fully loaded for $42k or a fully loaded Evo X for around $42k. The test drive on both cars automatically ruled out the Evo X. I love the Evo X but it didn't feel as great as the 135i driving or in comfort. Also, I really didn't want to have to deal with Mitsubishi's dealership service another 10 years after having to deal with them for 6 years already.
Thu May 15 2008 2:20 AM
Ultra says
Look noobs. Ive driven a 335i automatic coupe since it came out , I just borrow it. The ride is ok the engine feels like it has no turbo on it but if you notice most engines that won are european . Have you watched the Cts-v Video yet? notice how ultra smooth the engine and quiet it runs for being 450hp? thats the same engine as the zr1.
Smoothest engine I have driven is the new 08 Cts , Ultra clean feel , Although its slower with the cts body it deserved to beat the 335i engine. Im not an american fan its just what I felt when I drove them. I want to know why they make a competition if they are going to favor Bmw and european engines everytime.
if it truely is a superior engine list the things that make it better..Its not reliability trust me because that would go to Cadillac and Lexus.
911 turbo? bah garbage small car. The economy is bad enough in the U.S buy American ,Thats what I will do when the Cts-V coupe comes out.
Mon May 19 2008 6:28 PM
Gus says
Hey Christian,
Guess what genius, same power but for half the price? Yeah, there's a comparison there...
Mon May 19 2008 7:00 PM
alan says
BMW think about THE TOTAL ENGINE PACKAGE and not just HOW TO COMPLY to meet the latest emission standards THEY LOOK OUTSIDE THE BOX IN ALL ASPECTS OF POWERTRAIN DESIGN
Tue May 20 2008 9:11 AM
lucus says
mustang, there are a good car but i see them as a oppersite of any bmw, as their are american bmw 4 me. germans are the best engineers i hav ever cum across .... soz
Wed May 21 2008 8:26 AM
jesse says
how did that guy spend 59k on a 335i? Start at 39k 20k of options? You can't make an argument based on those numbers, also its much lighter them these other engines, ford could come out with a 700 hp engine that gets 100mpg but if it weighs 30 tons, who cares?
Thu May 22 2008 12:09 PM
Christian says
Hey Gus, yeah it may be half the price, but it is also half the quality, Fix-Or-Repair-Daily--Ford, Correct me if im wrong, but does ford have any engines on this list, wait a minute how many does bmw have
Thu May 22 2008 12:21 PM
Andy says
I dont know christian, ford's of late have been good on quality, but the ford mustang and the bmw 335 arent really compettiors, both are great, but the 335 has the mustang beat in way to many categories but is also more expensive.
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