A while ago, we made a bold claim that the B58 engine is the best overall internal combustion engine in BMW’s history. As many BMW engines as there have been in the past, we have said that the B58 has a combination of features; Power, performance, refinement, durability, and tuning capabilities make it the most well-designed BMW engine of all time. This new video from Driven Media has taken it one step further by comparing it to the Toyota Legend 2JZ.
It is ridiculous that the BMW B58 will be compared to the Toyota 2JZ, as the latter was famously used in the Mk4 Toyota Supra, a car whose successor is now co-built by BMW and uses a B58 engine. However, it is more than just the irony that unites them. The two engines are actually quite similar.
Both are 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engines, both can be tuned to create incredible power without upgrading any major internal components, and both are amazingly durable; You can lose both engines on the track and they manage it easily.
The matches also go a little deeper. One of the reasons the BMW B58 engine is so durable, despite heavy tuning, is its lower edge. The B58’s crankcase and crankshaft are extremely durable and one of the reasons it has a crank girdle – is basically a huge bracket mounted under the crank assembly. What other engine was that? You guessed it, Toyota 2JZ. Both engines spray oil under the pistons to cool them.
Toyota’s 2JZ is a legendary engine that has been repeatedly tuned to create irrational power and has been used in countless engine swap builds. It is as durable as an engine, as well as great to use and easy to tune. The BMW B58 hasn’t been sold long enough to truly be called a legend like the 2JZ, but it certainly has. Taking it one step further, BMW’s B58 engine is similar to today’s 2JZ. It even gives strength to a supra.