Direct refers to directly into the combustion chamber, exactly like a diesel.

The Valvetronic six that was released two years ago was an interim engine, as the DI models weren't ready for production. Our current X5 models have the M54 3.0 six, the N52 is the 255 hp 3.0, and the N53 will have the same hp, but another quantum leap in fuel economy (same order of magnitude as Valvetronic gave us), with similar emissions. They could go for very low emissions, but that would compromise the power. They are designing to the same power for equivalent displacement as today's Valvetronic models.

BMW has announced that all models will move to direct injection in time.

BMW has DI engines in production today, just not the I6 or V8. The 760 uses direct injection, but without a stratified charge.

The N54 is the Valvetronic/DI/Turbo version of the I6. All the good stuff.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue