The New 3- and 4-Cylinder Gasoline Engines of BMW Group – Modular Engine Family NEXT GENERATION

Authors

Dipl.-Ing. Dr. techn. Christian Landerl, Dipl.-Ing. Dominik Spanring,
Dipl.-Ing. Markus Rülicke, Dr.-Ing. Bodo Durst, Dipl.-Ing. Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. Oliver Hartmann, Dipl.-Ing. Simon Schmuck-Soldan,
BMW Group, Munich

Year

2017

Summary

Following the first-time implementation of a modular engine family covering gasoline and diesel as well as engines from 3- to 6-Cylinder by the BMW Group in 2013, the new 3- and 4-Cylinder transverse gasoline engines mark the start of the second generation. The objective of the further development was to retain the modular principle whilst reducing fuel consumption and weight even further in conjunction with moderately improving performance. At the same time, focus was laid on further improving the acoustic properties of the engines. Furthermore, the second generation forms the basis for reliably fulfilling future emission and legal requirements. With this in mind, technologies such as thermal management, usage of low friction L-shaped accessory drive and the engine control unit of latest generation was extended on to the transverse engines within the modular engine family. Also new technologies were added to the modular engine family to achieve the development goals. In particular, a 350 bar capable fuel system, a friction-improved chain drive as well as split-cooling are used for the very first time in the new generation of engines. In addition individual components have been undergone optimizations and improvements as part of the revision. For example, lightweight crankshafts and cylinder heads with an integrated exhaust manifold (4-Cylinder engine as twin-scroll version) have been used. Whilst
retaining the water-cooled aluminum turbine concept of the 3-Cylinder engine, the charging systems have been adjusted to meet the stricter requirements of the future.
Rotational-symmetric formed honing of the cylinder walls has been introduced for the first time to reduce friction. By considering geometric and functional requirements early on, the engines are qualified to accept additional technologies in terms of electrification and exhaust after-treatment. With this comprehensive approach to the further development of the NEXT GENERATION modular design, the new engines have been improved in every single functional area without compromising scaling effects and flexibility in terms of purchasing and production. The new 3- and 4-Cylinder engines represent merely the start of this process. Additional new engines, including transversal versions based on the NEXT GENERATION modular engine family or with maximized specific power will follow.

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