BMW will be forced to discontinue the largest engine from its vehicle lineup. In order to meet the strict emission regulations, especially in Europe, the beloved BMW V12 engine will soon be dead. The final batch of V12s will be built this July. So let’s pour one out while paying tribute to the BMW V12 and taking a trip down memory lane.
Creation of the BMW V12
The BMW V12 was first seen in 1987. To build the engine, BMW took its existing line of 6-cylinder in-line engines, mated two of them together at 60 degrees, and the M70 5.0-litre engine was born. It made 295 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
Not only did each bank of cylinders have its own ECU, but BMW also gave it two fuel pumps, two fuel rails, two distributors, dual throttle bodies, and crankshaft and temperature sensors. just to manage redundancies. It even had an extra alternator that charged the second battery for the phone, fax machine or wine cooler for the rear passengers. The engine used chains instead of belts and electronic throttle control instead of a mechanical throttle cable. The M70 V12 was built for use in the E32 generation of the 750i and 850i models.
Via: netcarshow.com
New variations of the engine were developed, such as the S70B56 or the S70/2. The latter, however, was a different animal. It featured 4 valves per cylinder with variable valve timing, individual throttle bodies, a dry sump oil system and weighed just 584 lbs. This caught the attention of a man named Gordon Murray, who decided to use them in his gold-plated McLaren F1 engine bay.
While the M70 was replaced by a more efficient M73 in 1993, S70 versions continued to be built into the 2000s. The M73 still used a SOHC layout because it was less noisy than a DOHC design for a luxury vehicle like the 7 Series. This engine was bored out to 5.4 liters and developed 322 hp and 361 lb-ft. While the BMW 7 and 8 Series benefitted from the update, the engine was also used in the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph between 1998 and 2002.
The second generation BMW V12
After BMW took over from Rolls-Royce, the next generation V12 engines were built in two configurations. The N73 V12 was available as a 6 liter engine used with the 7 Series producing 439 hp. The Rolls-Royce models would use the larger and more powerful 6.75-liter, 453-horsepower V12 engines. This engine became famous with the Rolls-Royce Phantom. The new design ended up using a DOHC layout, but also double VANOS (variable valve timing). It was the world’s first V12 gasoline engine with direct injection.
While BMW occasionally used its V12 engines in its motorsport endeavors, it wasn’t very successful, with seven wins from 18 races. The only notable win, however, came at the 1998 24 Hours of LeMans when it mattered.
BMW V12: The last of its kind
The N74 was introduced in 2008 as BMW’s first twin-turbocharged V12 engine. It was an improvement over the original N73 design. The 6-litre was discontinued soon after, and replaced by a 6.6-litre to be built alongside the 6.75-litre. The engines offer performances ranging from 563 hp in the 7-series to the most powerful version in the Rolls-Royce Wraith with 624 hp. This engine is also the first to use an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The BMW V12 farewell party
For the time being, the V12 will continue to power the Rolls-Royce models. But BMW will discontinue the V12 from its own program. As a farewell party, BMW will offer 12 special customers a special edition of the M760i “Final V12” exclusively in the USA. BMW is asking $200,995 for this particular 7 Series, the last bit in the history of its V12 engines.
For the money, the 7 Series will be a little more special. It will feature a large V12 badging for its 601hp, 6.6-liter, twin-turbocharged V12 engine. The luxury rear seat package, the driver assistance package Professional from BMW, the LED lounge sunroof, a sound system from Bowers & Wilkins and much more are offered as standard. Around 80 color options are provided. Along with the option of black or blue brake calipers and black or gray 20-inch alloy wheels.
The finishing touch will be the “Final V12, 1 of 12” plaque in the cabin to indicate the production number, making it extra special. Without a doubt, the BMW M750i xDrive Final V12 is truly a befitting farewell to an icon.
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About the author
Rahul Kapoor
(69 published articles)
Rahul’s passion for the automobile began very early in his cousin’s garage, which restores vintage Ford Model As, Cadillacs and more. At the age of 6 he came across Formula 1 and a little later his father’s cameras. Life revolves around passions and he intends to share his through his writing and photography.
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