BMW Announces S58 Engine For 2019
New engine will also debut in a new model: the F97-platform X3 M. Get ready for big fun in a new M-badged SAV.
The N55-derived S55 currently powering the F8x M3 and M4 is relatively young, having been introduced in 2013. When The B58 engine took the N55’s place in the facelifted F3x last year, BMW fans couldn’t help but wonder when BMW would set the M division loose on it.
Well, wonder no more, as BMW has officially announced a new M series SAV, powered by a new S58 engine. The new X3 M carries the chassis code F97, and will premiere for the 2019 model year. It’s a long time to wait, but at least we have a timeline.
The new X3 M has been spotted testing over the past several months, so while the announcement hardly makes news, we now have a timeline. And we know what will power it.
It’s a fair bet to assume that this engine will make its way into future M3 and M4 models. We also think it’s safe to assume that an X4 M won’t be far behind.
With BMW’s current strategy of trying to match Mercedes-Benz model for model, they’d be remiss not to jump into the performance SAC (sports activity coupe) market. It’s a small niche market that didn’t even exist a half-decade ago but is steadily growing.
We’re personally a bit confused by the popularity of small fastback crossovers. They seem entirely counter-intuitive to us in so many ways. Still, the more of those they sell, the more money is left for fun cars like the M3, M4, and M5 along with cool projects like the i8.
While we don’t know much about the forthcoming S58, we can rest assured that it will be particularly potent, being based on the already-excellent B58. Our only real complaint about that engine is that the timing components are located at the back of the engine. That means expensive service for higher-mileage models in the future. As BMW fans, that seldom scares us from a great driving experience. We consider it a small price to pay.
