If you think the B58 is something special, wait ‘til you see the mighty S58
No conversation about powerful and strong motors is complete without mention of BMW’s 3.0-litre straight-six B58 motor. So much so, that it has been regarded by many as the modern day 2JZ.
Compared with its N55 predecessor, the B58 features a 20% increase in boost pressure, a closed-deck engine block design, an increase in compression ratio to 11.0:1 and a slight increase in displacement from 2,979cc to 2,998cc. The intercooler - a water-to-air design - is also integrated into the intake plenum, to reduce the volume of air between the turbocharger and the cylinders. As per the N55, the B58 also features a single twin-scroll turbo, direct fuel injection, VANOS (variable valve timing) and Valvetronic (variable valve lift).
Together with the upcoming M340i, it’s also the motor of choice to power BMW's new Z4 and Toyota’s new GR Supra, offering power outputs varying from 240kw all the way to 285kw. But how will the B58 compare when it comes up against a proper BMW M motor – the S55. Comparatively, the S55 – which powers the M2 Competition and M3/M4 – is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six that in this application, produces 302kw and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
While it isn’t totally even, Carwow has tried to even the field by putting the xDrive-equipped M340i on the damp side of the track for this epic drag race. It’s important to note, that the next-generation M3/M4 will use the new S58 motor – essentially an M-fied version of the B58. If this is the basis for that motor, we can be assured that the next M3/M4 is going to be truly mighty.
Also worth a look: the BMW Glc and the BMW M3.
FAQ
Q: What does the BMW M2 Competition cost in South Africa?
The BMW M2 Competition starts from around R1,089,000 in South Africa, making it a proper M car that sits in the premium sports coupe segment with its 302kW S55 engine and manual gearbox.
Q: How much is the BMW M340i xDrive in South Africa?
The BMW M340i xDrive is priced from approximately R899,000 in South Africa, offering 285kW from its B58 engine with all-wheel drive traction for around R190,000 less than the M2 Competition.
Q: Which is faster between the M2 Competition and M340i xDrive?
The M2 Competition has more power at 302kW versus the M340i's 285kW, but the M340i xDrive's all-wheel drive system gives it better traction off the line, making acceleration times very close between these two performance machines.
Q: What's the difference between BMW's B58 and S55 engines?
The B58 is BMW's high-performance mainstream engine producing up to 285kW, while the S55 is a proper M division motor with 302kW, twin turbos instead of a single turbo, and track-focused tuning for ultimate performance.
Q: Should I buy the M2 Competition or M340i xDrive?
If you want the ultimate driving experience and don't mind paying extra, the M2 Competition at R1,089,000 is the purist's choice, but the M340i xDrive at R899,000 offers 90% of the thrills with better everyday usability and all-weather capability.
Should You Buy It?
The best performance BMW under R1,100,000 in South Africa is the BMW M340i xDrive at R899,000. While the M2 Competition offers that pure M car experience with its 302kW S55 engine and manual gearbox, the M340i xDrive delivers incredible value with its 285kW B58 powerplant, all-wheel drive confidence, and a whopping R190,000 saving over the M2. Unless you're planning serious track days or absolutely must have that M badge credibility, the M340i xDrive gives you 90% of the M2's thrills with better real-world usability. For most South African buyers, it's the smarter choice that won't leave your wallet crying into its beer.
FAQ
Q: What does the BMW M2 Competition cost in South Africa?
The BMW M2 Competition starts from around R1,089,000 in South Africa, making it a proper M car that sits in the premium sports coupe segment with genuine track credentials.
Q: What does the BMW M340i xDrive cost in South Africa?
The BMW M340i xDrive starts from approximately R899,000 in South Africa, positioning it as a compelling alternative that offers serious performance with all-wheel drive capability at a more accessible price point.
Q: Which is faster between the M2 Competition and M340i xDrive?
The M2 Competition is faster in a straight line with 302kW from its S55 twin-turbo engine, but the M340i xDrive's all-wheel drive system gives it better traction off the line, especially in wet conditions where it can actually outpace the rear-wheel drive M2.
Q: Is the BMW M340i xDrive a real M car?
The M340i xDrive is not a full M car but rather sits in BMW's M Performance range, using the B58 engine instead of a proper S-series M motor like the M2 Competition's S55 unit.
Q: Should I buy the M2 Competition or M340i xDrive?
Choose the M2 Competition if you want a pure, track-focused M car experience with manual transmission, but go for the M340i xDrive if you need daily usability, all-weather capability, and want to save nearly R200,000 while still getting serious performance.
Should You Buy It?
The best choice depends on your priorities and budget. If you're after a proper M car experience and can stretch to R1,089,000, the BMW M2 Competition is the purist's choice with its S55 twin-turbo engine, manual gearbox, and track-bred DNA. However, the BMW M340i xDrive at R899,000 offers incredible value, delivering 90% of the performance with superior all-weather capability and daily usability. For most South African buyers, the M340i xDrive represents the sweet spot, being the best high-performance executive sedan under R900,000 in SA. Unless you're planning regular track days or absolutely must have that M badge authenticity, save the R190,000 and go with the M340i xDrive.
