Re: The I-6 vs V-8 powerplant i've driven a bmw v-8 and i-6. I prefer the i-6, there is no better engine as far as i'm concerned regardless of the displacement it comes in. I'm sure the new m5 v8 is fantastic, but I can't imagine it being as smooth as the i6. Inline sixes are the most balanced powerplant on the planet.
Re: The I-6 vs V-8 powerplant Gotta love the i6, but there is a point where you need the extra torque of the v8. This is close to it. Soon after that you need the extra torque of the v8. Both this engine and the new m5 engine are amazing pieces of machinery, though. I like having the i6 with the m3 and the v8 with the m5.
Re: The I-6 vs V-8 powerplant power aint everything sure the v8 gives more torque but for daily driving i'd go for the Inline 6 or even a inline 4
Re: The I-6 vs V-8 powerplant started with the E39 M5. Late 1998 in europe and came over to the US in 2000-2003.
Re: The I-6 vs V-8 powerplant Both engines are awesome... this one is especially impressive given when it was made. The current V8 is definitely one of the better engines the world has seen, but then again, so is the I6. Not sure that it's fair to compare the two directly.