Well, gee, I guess this "old" S54 motor doesn't float your boat, I still enjoy it everyday driving our E46 M3.

First of all, it sounds awesome! Nothing like the raw, explosive, yet smooth & free-revving NATURARLLY ASPRIATED I-6 up to 8K RPMs!!! I agree, the earlier M3 2001-2003 has alot of raspiness in the exhaust, but the 2004+ M3 has less rasp and wonderful engine noise. Only a true sports car/racing car fanatic would enjoy it.

Anyhow, the S54 engine has been on Ward's Top Ten Engine list for last 4-5 years. It still won best engine in the world in the 3-4 liter category for 2005!

So, why not use a wonderful engine to power the Z4M? There are few naturally aspirated engines that break the 100 hp/liter barrier.

I have found it disappointing that Mercedes has done some cost-cutting with regards to their engines....Dumbest thing they did was get rid of their I-6 and made V-6s. Then AMG started to supercharge all their engines?! I mean, when the new W211 E320 came out, Mercedes still used the same engine from the W210 E320. Finally, Mercedes have come to their sense and making naturally aspirated AMG engines again.

I am sure when the new V8 engine for the next gen M3 comes out, BMW will be able to use the engine in the Z4.

The S54 engine is great on gas mileage. On the highway, I can go a steady 80mph and get about 27-28 mpg. No V8 engine could ever do that! Yet, I still can go 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds!

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