BMW cutting V8 production in favor of four-cylinders

Posted Mon Sep 1 2008 8:12 AM by Ralph Hanson

BMW has been forced to cut production of its large displacement engines in the wake of sluggish world demand. Despite the luxury segment usually remaining fairly resilient to environmental concerns and rising fuel costs, BMW hasn't produced its V8 engines at full capacity for the past year and demand is expected to fall further.

The same story can be told for its high-performance V10 and V12 engines, according to the carmaker’s union boss Manfred Schoch. Speaking with Automotive News, Schoch explained that current world demand for BMW’s V8 engines could be produced with a one-shift operation running just four days a week.

On the other hand, the carmaker is struggling to meet demand for its four-cylinder engines and is even considering phasing out production of its six-cylinder engines at its main Munich plant as well. This would allow BMW to build up to 500,000 four-cylinder engines a year, Schoch explained.

Shoch also called for the company to develop an all-electric vehicle, an option that BMW is currently exploring under its 'Project i' umbrella. The first Project i model is expected to be a small city car designed for just two people, which you can see a preview of by clicking here.

Reader Comments

Mon Sep 1 2008 9:33 AM
yoyo says

BMW doesn't make V6 engines, right? only inline 6.
Mon Sep 1 2008 10:20 AM
Gus says

Makes sense, everyone is cutting back on motor size.

The amazing thing is; The largest Mercedes dealer in the world is right here in Newport Beach (Fletcher Jones) and they set a record last year again, with over 20 cars sold each day, 365 days a year. Some people still have plenty of cash...
Mon Sep 1 2008 10:54 AM
SuperSkyline89 says

I think it's because the richER people get the Benz's and the still rich but slightly less people buy the BMW's. There are literally hundreds of X3, X5, and 3-Series BMW's in my area and they're ALL driven by average Joe's and most of the X5's are running V8s. Then there's the 5-Series, there aren't as many of those around here but most of the people driving those aren't exactly filthy rich either. As for Mercedes, there are very few S, SL, CLS, CL, G, or ML-Class around here, the few that I have seen were AMGs driven by very wealthy people. Those guys have the money to pay for the gas and they just don't care.
Mon Sep 1 2008 11:35 AM
www.mywheelsonwalls.com says

Gus- Dont forget Newport Beach has highest concentration of millionaires per capita in the U.S. followed by Paramus N.J. for second spot and home to another very large Mercedes Benz Dealer.
Mon Sep 1 2008 12:36 PM
Gus says

If that's true, then why am I not a millionaire, dammit? :)
Mon Sep 1 2008 6:17 PM
NoNameDenton says

Actually, the most affluent city in the USA is Plano, TX, I read an article from a US government.
Mon Sep 1 2008 9:44 PM
Jim says

almost all the MB line ups have a bigger displacement than bmw..
Tue Sep 2 2008 1:58 AM
amir says

BMW can't kill off its straight-six! That's like changing its name! NO! Their inline-sixes are the engines they do so well, and are famed for it. I cannot imagine my E39 with an inline-four. Don't do it!
Tue Sep 2 2008 8:00 AM
Jim too says

Gus - you need to find a daughter

Amir - that was said about MB in-line 6's also.
Thu Sep 4 2008 8:40 AM
Mike says

I would never have purchased my E46 330Xi if it had a 4 banger in it. I love the straight six in it. The E91 335Xi is my next buy, that twin turbo straight six is where it's at.

Removing the straight six from BMW would be like removing their manhood!

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