<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/43527/m5underhood1.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/43527/m5.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/43527/m5engineexposed1.jpg">

the V12 is setup like it is two of their I6 engines. It actually takes two I6 ECUs to control it; one for one bank, the other ECU for the 2nd bank. So it has two TBs, too. I think the V8 follows the same logic, but I'm not sure.

I'd much rather have a timing CHAIN than a BELT, though. I wish we could upgrade that!

which is two narrow angle Volkswagen V6's. Personally, I'd prefer the BMW version.

An inline-six is inherently well balanced, which makes BMW's V12 well balanced also. You can't say the same about a V6. Besides balance, the W12 has a problem with the geometry of intake and exhaust ports; but the W12 is a short motor, it's only advantage.<ul><li><a href="http://www.e31.net/engines_e.html">Engine Balance versus cylinders</a></li></ul>

<center><img src="http://www.twminduction.com/ThrottleBody/ThrottleBody.imgs/vw16v4.jpg"></center><p>$2,2188 x 2<ul><li><a href="http://www.twminduction.com/ThrottleBody/16valve_vw.html">http://www.twminduction.com/ThrottleBody/16valve_vw.html</a</li></ul>

Thanks, and you might find this interesting also. In the table, notice how smooth the I6 and V12 motors are.<ul><li><a href="http://www.vibratesoftware.com/html_help/html/Diagnosis/engine_speed_related.htm">Vibration and Engine Order</a></li></ul>

I think there is a missing variant-- the 60 degree V-8. I had a Taurus SHO that had a 3.4L V-80 that was made from the Mazda 2.5V-6 I think. It was a 60 degree design with a balance shaft. Smooth as silk and very similar in performance to A8 4.2