New i6 engine concerns?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 41
Likes: 2
From: Las Vegas, NV
BMWX5, Audi SQ5
New i6 engine concerns?
Hi All,
New to forum today. Coming from a long line of BMW 5 series i6 and V8s, mostly M Sports (but not the extreme full tilt M). Yes...BMW is not "the ultimate driving machine" but it is IMHO a better than average marque when compared to all that is out there. I feel, however, that BMW has lost their way over the years and have become to mild, soft, and a bit dated.
I keep serious thinking about the latest E class model as my next car and in particular the E43 AMG...soon to be E53 AMG for 2019.
My question for this community: Would you consider this particular new engine, the M256 with 48v motor, is too new to trust? That is, should there enough concerns with this engine that one might think of it as a " first year" model? The rest of the chassis and transmission remains the same for 2019 but is the engine cause for worry?
Thanks in advance.
New to forum today. Coming from a long line of BMW 5 series i6 and V8s, mostly M Sports (but not the extreme full tilt M). Yes...BMW is not "the ultimate driving machine" but it is IMHO a better than average marque when compared to all that is out there. I feel, however, that BMW has lost their way over the years and have become to mild, soft, and a bit dated.
I keep serious thinking about the latest E class model as my next car and in particular the E43 AMG...soon to be E53 AMG for 2019.
My question for this community: Would you consider this particular new engine, the M256 with 48v motor, is too new to trust? That is, should there enough concerns with this engine that one might think of it as a " first year" model? The rest of the chassis and transmission remains the same for 2019 but is the engine cause for worry?
Thanks in advance.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 297
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From: Bay Area CA
2014 GL 350 blue tec
Hi All,
New to forum today. Coming from a long line of BMW 5 series i6 and V8s, mostly M Sports (but not the extreme full tilt M). Yes...BMW is not "the ultimate driving machine" but it is IMHO a better than average marque when compared to all that is out there. I feel, however, that BMW has lost their way over the years and have become to mild, soft, and a bit dated.
I keep serious thinking about the latest E class model as my next car and in particular the E43 AMG...soon to be E53 AMG for 2019.
My question for this community: Would you consider this particular new engine, the M256 with 48v motor, is too new to trust? That is, should there enough concerns with this engine that one might think of it as a " first year" model? The rest of the chassis and transmission remains the same for 2019 but is the engine cause for worry?
Thanks in advance.
New to forum today. Coming from a long line of BMW 5 series i6 and V8s, mostly M Sports (but not the extreme full tilt M). Yes...BMW is not "the ultimate driving machine" but it is IMHO a better than average marque when compared to all that is out there. I feel, however, that BMW has lost their way over the years and have become to mild, soft, and a bit dated.
I keep serious thinking about the latest E class model as my next car and in particular the E43 AMG...soon to be E53 AMG for 2019.
My question for this community: Would you consider this particular new engine, the M256 with 48v motor, is too new to trust? That is, should there enough concerns with this engine that one might think of it as a " first year" model? The rest of the chassis and transmission remains the same for 2019 but is the engine cause for worry?
Thanks in advance.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 329
Likes: 44
From: Melbourne, Australia
W213 Night Edition 220d. (ML250 SLK350AMG)
No.
I don't have any concerns with this model. The inline engine has been around now for a while especially in the 4 cylinder guise with the E200 and the E220 - this is essentially the same however it has 2 more cylinders.
They have had mild hyrbridisation for a little while now, but not a dedicated 48V system.
I think you could rest assure that they have done significant testing and would not launch this, nor in their S Class if it wasn't bullet proof.
I don't have any concerns with this model. The inline engine has been around now for a while especially in the 4 cylinder guise with the E200 and the E220 - this is essentially the same however it has 2 more cylinders.
They have had mild hyrbridisation for a little while now, but not a dedicated 48V system.
I think you could rest assure that they have done significant testing and would not launch this, nor in their S Class if it wasn't bullet proof.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 41
Likes: 2
From: Las Vegas, NV
BMWX5, Audi SQ5
No.
I don't have any concerns with this model. The inline engine has been around now for a while especially in the 4 cylinder guise with the E200 and the E220 - this is essentially the same however it has 2 more cylinders.
They have had mild hyrbridisation for a little while now, but not a dedicated 48V system.
I think you could rest assure that they have done significant testing and would not launch this, nor in their S Class if it wasn't bullet proof.
I don't have any concerns with this model. The inline engine has been around now for a while especially in the 4 cylinder guise with the E200 and the E220 - this is essentially the same however it has 2 more cylinders.
They have had mild hyrbridisation for a little while now, but not a dedicated 48V system.
I think you could rest assure that they have done significant testing and would not launch this, nor in their S Class if it wasn't bullet proof.
Coming from over 20 years of BMW's, most experiences with BMW's new engine launches were good but not all engines were well sorted out. The BMW V8 (N52) in particular left a lot of us stranded so much that there was an essential silent recall ("customer care" campaign). But I digress...nice to know this MB engine is a good bet. Thanks
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Joined: Jun 2018
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C238
Thanks! Couldn't help asking. Nice to know the i6 has been out for a while and the 48V system is just a minor player here.
Coming from over 20 years of BMW's, most experiences with BMW's new engine launches were good but not all engines were well sorted out. The BMW V8 (N52) in particular left a lot of us stranded so much that there was an essential silent recall ("customer care" campaign). But I digress...nice to know this MB engine is a good bet. Thanks
Coming from over 20 years of BMW's, most experiences with BMW's new engine launches were good but not all engines were well sorted out. The BMW V8 (N52) in particular left a lot of us stranded so much that there was an essential silent recall ("customer care" campaign). But I digress...nice to know this MB engine is a good bet. Thanks
Aston Martin Varekai SUV rumoured to feature 6-cylinder AMG power
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17 E43; 21 GLS580
Personally I would take the v6 while they are still around. Im thoroughly satisfied with mine. The hybrid is for mpg rather than performance. Basically you are replacing the biturbo for a battery system. It may produce more hp but it will all be eaten up by additional weight.
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From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
Personally I would take the v6 while they are still around. Im thoroughly satisfied with mine. The hybrid is for mpg rather than performance. Basically you are replacing the biturbo for a battery system. It may produce more hp but it will all be eaten up by additional weight.
M
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The V6 has turbo lag in addition to the extra vibration of the V6 layout. The I6 actually has an electric turbo in addition to the conventional one. In addition there are none of the parasitic V6 engine attachments run by a belt - water pump, AC compressor, generator, power steering pump, etc. I have not seen any engine weight specifications. Where did you get your information that the I6 engine weighs more than the V6 engine?
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Joined: Aug 2016
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From: Melbourne, Australia
W213 Night Edition 220d. (ML250 SLK350AMG)
Personally I would take the v6 while they are still around. Im thoroughly satisfied with mine. The hybrid is for mpg rather than performance. Basically you are replacing the biturbo for a battery system. It may produce more hp but it will all be eaten up by additional weight.
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From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
The V6 has turbo lag in addition to the extra vibration of the V6 layout. The I6 actually has an electric turbo in addition to the conventional one. In addition there are none of the parasitic V6 engine attachments run by a belt - water pump, AC compressor, generator, power steering pump, etc. I have not seen any engine weight specifications. Where did you get your information that the I6 engine weighs more than the V6 engine?
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.
I had an W212 e400 for less than a week when I returned it as unacceptable. It had noticeable turbo lag and one could feel engine vibration when the engine revved and the car was stationary. I don't car about your fun time at a track. My concern is with everyday stop and go driving where turbo lag is an issue.
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2019 E450 4Matic & 2018 E400 4Matic
I had an W212 e400 for less than a week when I returned it as unacceptable. It had noticeable turbo lag and one could feel engine vibration when the engine revved and the car was stationary. I don't car about your fun time at a track. My concern is with everyday stop and go driving where turbo lag is an issue.
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From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
I had an W212 e400 for less than a week when I returned it as unacceptable. It had noticeable turbo lag and one could feel engine vibration when the engine revved and the car was stationary. I don't car about your fun time at a track. My concern is with everyday stop and go driving where turbo lag is an issue.
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.
Facts, just the facts. You probably have your E43 revved up so much that there is no turbo lag. There is plenty of lag between 700 rpm and 900 rpm where I do a lot of my driving. In the E300 step on the gas at 20 mph and there is a giant pause before the engine revs up. Do it again at 30 mph and the same thing happens. It isn't the transmission because it remains in the same gear, no downshifting. It was similar in the W212 E400. I can hardly wait for the non-AMG EQ engines to become available.
Last edited by ua549; Aug 1, 2018 at 06:57 PM.
Super Member
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From: SWFL
2023 BMW M340i, 2025 MB CLE53 AMG
I had an W212 e400 for less than a week when I returned it as unacceptable. It had noticeable turbo lag and one could feel engine vibration when the engine revved and the car was stationary. I don't car about your fun time at a track. My concern is with everyday stop and go driving where turbo lag is an issue.
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
All you have mentioned here is utterly incorrect, it neither vibrates nor has any turbo lag. It is evident you have never driven one. As to any performance improvements that is still to be proven. If you have any doubts about the e43 performance chops I recommend you watch my e43 vid on youtube where my 43 was merrily lapping the road america track with brand spanking new corvettes.
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BMW 5 Series, Buick Enclave
Guys, why are we getting so defensive here about there being a possibility of turbo lag with the V6 engines? 
All of the literature that I have read on the new 48v engine has said that it can increase torque in advance of the turbocharger kicking in, essentially eliminating turbo lag (that exists in the current Mercedes turbocharged engines). So, the new 48-volt I6 engine in the E53 (and other variants) has less turbo lag than the previous models with the V6 engines. Does that mean the turbo lag sucks, or is really noticeable, in the V6? No, not necessarily; but Mercedes is saying that the 48-volt engine improves on (or completely eliminates) the turbo lag in the previous engines. How precisely can turbo lag (or the lack of) be measured, or felt? It is inherently present in all turbocharged engines, including the new one. The 48v I6 engine is simply an improvement in technology to further minimize the effect of turbo lag. It still probably has a measurable turbo lag aspect, but it's getting pretty negligible. We may be getting into the realm where the turbo lag cannot be felt (but is still measurable?).
Everyone can use Google as well as I can, but here are a few links that popped up when I searched on this subject: Top Speed Article on E53 and Motor Trend Article on CLS 53. Just search for "lag" within the article to jump to the relevant information.
-SCR
All of the literature that I have read on the new 48v engine has said that it can increase torque in advance of the turbocharger kicking in, essentially eliminating turbo lag (that exists in the current Mercedes turbocharged engines). So, the new 48-volt I6 engine in the E53 (and other variants) has less turbo lag than the previous models with the V6 engines. Does that mean the turbo lag sucks, or is really noticeable, in the V6? No, not necessarily; but Mercedes is saying that the 48-volt engine improves on (or completely eliminates) the turbo lag in the previous engines. How precisely can turbo lag (or the lack of) be measured, or felt? It is inherently present in all turbocharged engines, including the new one. The 48v I6 engine is simply an improvement in technology to further minimize the effect of turbo lag. It still probably has a measurable turbo lag aspect, but it's getting pretty negligible. We may be getting into the realm where the turbo lag cannot be felt (but is still measurable?).Everyone can use Google as well as I can, but here are a few links that popped up when I searched on this subject: Top Speed Article on E53 and Motor Trend Article on CLS 53. Just search for "lag" within the article to jump to the relevant information.
-SCR
Last edited by SoCalRick; Aug 1, 2018 at 10:23 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2018
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From: Las Vegas, NV
BMWX5, Audi SQ5
Guys, why are we getting so defensive here about there being a possibility of turbo lag on the V6 engines? All of the literature that I have read on the new 48v engine has said that it can increase torque in advance of the turbocharger kicking in, essentially eliminating turbo lag (that exists in the current Mercedes turbocharged engines). So, the new 48-volt I6 engine in the E53 (and other variants) has less turbo lag than the previous models with the V6 engines. Does that mean the turbo lag sucks, or is really noticeable, in the V6? No, not necessarily; but Mercedes is saying that the 48-volt engine improves on (or completely eliminates) the turbo lag in the previous engines. How precisely can turbo lag (or the lack of) be measured, or felt? It is inherently present in all turbocharged engines, including the new one. The 48v I6 engine is simply an improvement in technology to further minimize the effect of turbo lag. It still probably has a measurable turbo lag aspect, but it's getting pretty negligible. We may be getting into the realm where the turbo lag cannot be felt (but is still measurable?).
Everyone can use Google as well as I can, but here are a few links that popped up when I searched on this subject: Top Speed Article on E53 and Motor Trend Article on CLS 53. Just search for "lag" within the article to jump to the relevant information.
-SCR
All of the literature that I have read on the new 48v engine has said that it can increase torque in advance of the turbocharger kicking in, essentially eliminating turbo lag (that exists in the current Mercedes turbocharged engines). So, the new 48-volt I6 engine in the E53 (and other variants) has less turbo lag than the previous models with the V6 engines. Does that mean the turbo lag sucks, or is really noticeable, in the V6? No, not necessarily; but Mercedes is saying that the 48-volt engine improves on (or completely eliminates) the turbo lag in the previous engines. How precisely can turbo lag (or the lack of) be measured, or felt? It is inherently present in all turbocharged engines, including the new one. The 48v I6 engine is simply an improvement in technology to further minimize the effect of turbo lag. It still probably has a measurable turbo lag aspect, but it's getting pretty negligible. We may be getting into the realm where the turbo lag cannot be felt (but is still measurable?).Everyone can use Google as well as I can, but here are a few links that popped up when I searched on this subject: Top Speed Article on E53 and Motor Trend Article on CLS 53. Just search for "lag" within the article to jump to the relevant information.
-SCR
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From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
Facts, just the facts. You probably have your E43 revved up so much that there is no turbo lag. There is plenty of lag between 700 rpm and 900 rpm where I do a lot of my driving. In the E300 step on the gas at 20 mph and there is a giant pause before the engine revs up. Do it again at 30 mph and the same thing happens. It isn't the transmission because it remains in the same gear, no downshifting. It was similar in the W212 E400. I can hardly wait for the non-AMG EQ engines to become available.
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From: Montana/Alberta
C63 BS, GLA45
The E53 Powertrain has been in the S500 for a year now. Motor Trend did a brief write up of it.
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/merc...-drive-review/
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/merc...-drive-review/
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From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
We should know for sure about 6-8 months after the E53 Sedan, Coupe and Cabriolet and the CLS 450 and CLS53 all go on sale this fall. I would expect some glitches here and there on a few cars, but nothing major. An I6 is part of Mercedes' original skill set.
M
M
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Audi S5
I certainly hope it will turn out better than what has been going on with the E63S, but I wouldn't bet on it. I would definitely wait at least until the second year of production. Even if nothing major pops up, a few recalls or technical service bulletins are almost inevitable in early production, and who wants to deal with that.
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From: Las Vegas, NV
BMWX5, Audi SQ5
Whoa, That bad?
I certainly hope it will turn out better than what has been going on with the E63S, but I wouldn't bet on it. I would definitely wait at least until the second year of production. Even if nothing major pops up, a few recalls or technical service bulletins are almost inevitable in early production, and who wants to deal with that.
Full disclosure, I enjoy spirited driving, an occasional redline blast on the freeway but am really too old (maybe sensible) to race or mod mod my cars. I usually trade off my cars by 50-60K miles so I never know if the car can make it a million miles. And as a second daily driver, if it does have a minor glitch, no big deal a day of so at the dealer under warranty. Still, after the other responses above, I think the E53 launch would be relatively uneventful. Might be a software glitch here or there but nothing on the scale of leaving drivers stranded or worse, cars recalled. Do you know of or heard any thing to the contrary? Thanks
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Audi S5
HDEddie54,
I don't have any special insight. Take a look at the W213 AMG forum to see what's happening with the E63S engine and suspension. Maybe things will be better with the E53, or maybe not. I personally wouldn't take the chance, but I wouldn't take the chance on a new BMW model with a new power-train either. It's not specific to MB. It's best to give it a year or two.
I don't have any special insight. Take a look at the W213 AMG forum to see what's happening with the E63S engine and suspension. Maybe things will be better with the E53, or maybe not. I personally wouldn't take the chance, but I wouldn't take the chance on a new BMW model with a new power-train either. It's not specific to MB. It's best to give it a year or two.
