Jim Y wrote"A second reason is likely financial. BMW is not a particularly large automobile company. In fact, they are one of the smallest remaining independent manufacturers in the world. Developing a completely new engine line is a hugely expensive proposition - one that would strain their finances. So they soldier on with the inline six, turning what most companies would perceive as a liability into an asset."

Er..no BMW overtook mercedes in passenger car sales some time ago and are the worlds most profitable car company.They make inline 4's & 6's, v8, v12 and v10 in the current M5.How many configurations do Mercedes make ?

adam