When we talk about the most reliable car engines out there, Japanese automakers like Toyota (with the 2AR-FF and the 2JZ-GE/GTE), Honda (K-Series and J-Series), and newer Mazdas (with the 2.0-liter SkyActive-G) take the spotlight. Even the GM LS-Series V8 (found in the Chevy Silverados) and the Ford 4.6-liter Modular V-8 (used in the Crown Victorias and the old F-150s) do enjoy some fame here. While German automakers are not particularly known for reliability, a popular and durable BMW enginehas stood the test of time and proved its mettle. The BMW B58 is a turbocharged straight-six mill that has been around since 2015 and has powered numerous BMW cars, from entry-level 3-Series models to sporty M Sport models, and even do-it-all SUVs and certain luxury 7-Series iterations.

There’s also a beefed-up version of this mill (the S58) that powers grin-worthy offerings like the M2, M3, M4, and even the X3 M and the X4M models. The most powerful iteration of the S58 six-cylinder is used on the 2023 BMW 3.0 CSL G82, which produces 553 horsepower. However, the most powerful iteration of the standard and more reliable B58 engine is not on a BMW but a Toyota. Apart from powering an iconic Japanese revival, the B58 is so versatile that it powers a vibrant line-up of non-BMW offerings like a rugged off-roading G-Wagen rival, a retro-vibing open-top roadster, and even a limited-run sports car we bet you haven’t heard of.

Features That Make The BMW B58 Engine So Reliable And Special

An Intake plenum-integrated intercooler to reduce the volume of air between turbos and cylinders.

Engine-mounted heat encapsulation system to reduce engine wear and emissions during start-up

Forged steel crankshaft and forged connecting rods for durability and longevity.y

Closed-deck engine block design for superior structural rigidity and strength

The split-zone cooling system independently cools the cylinder head and block.

Twin-scroll turbocharger for more efficient power delivery

2024 Hennessey H1000 Cadillac Escalade V

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4

Ineos Grenadier

Power: 278 Horsepower

Ineos Grenadier B58 inline-6 BMW engine close-up shot
Ineos Grenadier B58 inline-6 BMW engineIneos Grenadier

This is the least powerful iteration of the BMW B58 engine in this lot, and for good reason. The popular B58 six-cylinder engine powers the popular Ineos Grenadier line-up of off-roading SUVs. The Station Wagon (SUV) and Quartermaster (pickup) models place greater emphasis on durable, meaty low-down performance, and this overengineered engine is further enhanced in reliability and durability by being tuned down to produce 278 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. This helps make the B58 straight-six much less stressed, which should make it a workhorse and a rugged mile-muncher on both tarmac and on trails.

Ineos Grenadier accelerating hard front third quarter view
Ineos Grenadier accelerating hardIneos Grenadier

Engine Specs

Engine Configuration

Inline-6; Turbocharged

Engine Displacement

3.0-liter

Bore X Stroke

3.228 X 3.724 in. (82.0 X 94.6 mm)

Compression Ratio

11.0:1

Torque

332 LB-FT

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

This classic-vibing SUV (which looks inspired by the OG Land Rover Defender) gets a thoroughly modern ZF eight-speed automatic transmission (also seen on many BMWs with the B58 engine) that sends power to all four wheels, courtesy of its full-time AWD system and a two-speed transfer case. The B58 here is tuned explicitly for low-rev, high-torque output and is capable of towing a maximum of 7,716 pounds. This engine and a rugged, solid underpinning make the Ineos Grenadier a competent off-roader that gives the Mercedes-Benz G-Class’s off-roading legacy a serious run for its money. The 2026 Ineos Grenadier Station Wagon starts from $71,000, less than half the Merc’s starting price.

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Front 3/4 action shot of a 2020 Toyota GR Supra Launch Edition

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3

Morgan Plus Six

Power: 335 Horsepower

Morgan Plus Six engine close-up shot
Morgan Plus Six engineIconic Auctioneers

This is arguably the most gorgeous car that utilizes the B58 six-cylinder BMW mill. The Morgan Plus Six fuses beautiful old-school design language with grin-worthy sports car underpinnings. It utilizes a bonded aluminum chassis that provides impressive torsional rigidity while keeping weight notably low. Even more impressive is the integration of traditional, handcrafted English ash-wood framing into the chassis. It has a compact form factor, and thanks to clever, contained use of materials, the Morgan Plus Six has a dry weight of under 2,500 pounds. Couple this with the 335-horsepower six-cylinder engine, and we have a classic-vibing open-top sports car with a commendable power-to-weight ratio. It does 0–62 mph in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 166 mph.

A Light blue 2023 Morgan Plus Six in a studio
A 3/4 front shot of a 2023 Morgan Plus SixMorgan

Engine Specs

Engine Configuration

Inline-6; Turbocharged

Engine Displacement

3.0-liter

Bore X Stroke

3.228 X 3.724 in. (82.0 X 94.6 mm)

Compression Ratio

11.0:1

Torque

369 LB-FT

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

The BMW-sourced engine is coupled to a familiar eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels only. The low-slung design helps keep the center of gravity low. Couple this with its engaging suspension setup, and the Morgan Plus Six’s peppy six-cylinder engine is also assisted by engaging driving dynamics. Thanks to its engine’s famed reliability, Morgan Motor Company offered a standard warranty of 3 years/36,000 miles, which can be extended to 4 years/48,000 miles.

2022 Subaru WRX, closeup of hood and light from side

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2

Toyota GR Supra

Power: 382 Horsepower

2024 Toyota GR Supra 45th Anniversary Edition Interior (1)
2024 Toyota GR Supra 45th Anniversary Edition InteriorChris Chin | TopSpeed

This is the most popular (and infamous) example of the utilization of the famed B58 BMW straight-six engine. Purists hate the revival of the iconic “Supra” nameplate; it will be a collaborative effort between Toyota and BMW, with the underpinnings and powertrain essentially identical. But this has helped the new GR Supra be an exciting and highly reliable sports car that can be driven daily. Toyota has sprinkled in its fair share of special touches to help the GR Supra stand out from its corporate twin—the BMW Z4 M40i. But the crux remains the versatile 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. The new GR Supra produces 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels only via a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

2026 Toyota GR Supra rear
Rear three-quarter tracking shot of a black 2026 Toyota GR SupraToyota

Engine Specs

Engine Configuration

Inline-6; Turbocharged

Engine Displacement

3.0-liter

Bore X Stroke

3.228 X 3.724 in. (82.0 X 94.6 mm)

Compression Ratio

10.2:1

Torque

368 LB-FT

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Spicing up the driving appeal are features such as an active rear sport differential, launch control, and a sporty electric power steering calibration. The GR Supra does 0-60 in under 5 seconds, and its adaptive variable suspension, along with a 50:50 weight distribution, helps make it sharp through corners and stable during triple-digit straight line runs. Its reliable BMW-sourced engine is a prime factor in its solid reliability rating of 78/100 as per JD Power. For reference, the most reliable sports car in its class is the Porsche 718 Boxster. This Toyota ranks fifth in that list, which is a commendable achievement. Sadly, Toyota is wrapping up the fifth-gen GR Supra’s run, with 2026 as its last production year.

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2025 Volkswagen Golf R in Blue parked on racetrack

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1

Boldmen CR 4

Power: 408–500 Horsepower

Boldmen CR4 accelerating rear third quarter view
Boldmen CR4 accelerating rear third quarter viewBoldmen

The surprise entry on this list, the Boldmen CR 4, is a limited-production German sports car that is based on the BMW Z4 M40i. It is a relatively new creation that was unveiled in 2021. The CR4 builds upon the third-gen Z4 and utilizes the famed B58 six-cylinder engine. It has been dialed up to eleven in terms of performance appeal, producing up to 408 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Boldmen also offers a wilder CR 4 S model that bumps up the figures (thanks to a more aggressive tune) to 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The Boldmen CR 4 S currently packs the most powerful road-going iteration of the B58 BMW six-cylinder engine. The CR 4 does 0–62 mph in 3.9 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The CR 4 S gets even more exciting, with a 0-62 mph time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph. In both cases, power is sent to the rear wheels only via a familiar ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

Boldmen CR4 front third quarter view
Boldmen CR4 front third quarter viewBoldmen

Engine Specs

Engine Configuration

Inline-6; Turbocharged

Engine Displacement

3.0-liter

Bore X Stroke

3.228 X 3.724 in. (82.0 X 94.6 mm)

Compression Ratio

11.0:1

Torque

450–516 LB-FT

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Its elevated performance figures are thanks to an impressive power-to-weight ratio. Its low curb weight of just 3,300 pounds (about 220 pounds lower than the donor car) is mainly due to its fully carbon-fiber structure, which extends beyond the chassis to include body panels such as the front bumper, grille frame, and even large sections of the rear. Compared to the BMW Z4, the CR4 sits about 20mm lower, which helps with more stable and nimble driving dynamics. Aerodynamics is further improved with a specialized carbon-fiber aero kit on the CR4s. The exterior design is unique on the Boldmens with a wide stance. It adds a lot more curves and character, and the front fascia has a distinctive heagonal-shaped centrally located air intake. The Boldmens look best with the soft tops down.

Sources: BMW, Toyota, Ineos Grenadier, Boldmen, and Morgan Motor Company