BMW M IGNITE
In the quest for maximum efficiency – even in high-performance powertrains – BMW M GmbH is set to introduce a new system for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the series production S58 six-cylinder in-line engines. Patented by BMW, M Ignite is a new pre-chamber ignition system designed to enable a significant reduction in fuel consumption at high revs – without any loss of power.
This new engine technology has its roots in motorsport. It thus demonstrates once again the characteristic BMW M transfer of technology from the racetrack to the road.
BMW M Ignite is available in all countries subject to EU7 emissions regulations.
TWO SPARK PLUGS PER CYLINDER.
Centrepiece of the combustion process is the new pre-chamber within the cylinder head. It is connected to the cylinder’s main combustion chamber by overflow openings. The pre-chamber has its own spark plug and ignition coil, meaning the engine has two ignition systems.
At low and medium revs, the conventional spark plug in the main combustion chamber fires before the spark plug in the pre-chamber. At higher revs and loads, the pre-chamber ignition takes over the lead role. In this process, a part of the fuel-air mixture, which is channelled into the pre-chamber through the openings, is ignited there. The flames generated as a result then exit the pre-chamber at around the speed of sound.
These ‘ignition jets’ then ignite the mixture in the main combustion chamber above the piston at multiple points at the same time. The result is a significantly higher combustion speed. The possible cause of uncontrolled combustion – known as ‘knocking’ – is also countered effectively. As an additional benefit, there is a drop in the temperature of the exhaust gas.
HIGHER COMPRESSION AND NEW TURBOCHARGERS.
The S58 engine, featuring the new pre-chamber ignition system, achieves higher compression ratio and utilises new exhaust gas turbochargers, which feature variable turbine geometry (VTG) for the first time. Carefully optimised exhaust ports, camshafts and pistons further ensure optimum flow and maximum performance.
POWERFUL PERFORMANCE, POWERFUL SOUND.
POWERFUL PERFORMANCE, POWERFUL SOUND.
The distinctive sound of the six-cylinder in-line engine found in the BMW M2, M3 and M4 models remains unaffected by the new engine technology. On the contrary: thanks to the two ignition systems, the sound becomes even more throaty at higher revs.
M Ignite: full acceleration.
Sound recorded in the engine compartment.
M Ignite: full acceleration.
Sound recorded near the exhaust system.
LONGER DRIVES ON TRACK DAYS.
LONGER DRIVES ON TRACK DAYS.
Thanks to M Ignite, engine efficiency increases dramatically, especially when the engine is being pushed to its limits. Fuel consumption drops substantially under high load. This is a particular advantage for all drivers who take their car out on the racetrack, for example on track days. The reduction in fuel consumption means you get more driving time from the same amount of fuel – without compromising on the high performance of the S58 engine.
READY FOR EURO 7.
READY FOR EURO 7.
As well as improving efficiency, M Ignite also helps to meet the new European Euro 7 standard, which will come into force in November 2026. By transferring technology from motorsport to series-production cars, BMW M is ensuring that the High-Performance models, which are equipped with the popular S58 six-cylinder in-line engine, will continue to meet European registration requirements in the future.
IN SERIES PRODUCTION FROM JULY 2026.
From July 2026, all variants of the BMW M3 and BMW M4 will come with M Ignite technology. Production of the BMW M2 featuring this technology will get underway in August 2026. For all models, the displacement and power outputs will be unchanged from those of the corresponding outgoing engines.
BMW M Ignite is available in all countries subject to EU7 emissions regulations.
