European Cross-Plane V8 Engines You Should Know About

Sent: Apr 07, 2024

European Cross-Plane V8 Engines You Should Know About

The cross-plane crankshaft has been at the center of some of Europe’s all-time great V8s. Whether turbocharged or naturally aspirated, small or big displacement, the V8 has remained a seldom-found option across the pond, making it a particularly special animal. Now, with the advent of EV tech and a conscious effort to reduce carbon emissions, it seems like we’ve reached the end for the big engine. In an effort to numb the pain, here’s a look back at some of the best to reach customers’ hands.

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Volkswagen Golf R Generations Explained

The Volkswagen Golf has been the small hatchback and hot-hatch benchmark since its earliest days in the seventies. Challengers have come and gone, taking shots at the King for decades, but the staple from Wolfsburg is still the one to beat. The GTI was the peak of the Golf’s range for the first three generations, offering solid performance in a useable and reliable package. After that, though, VW knew there was something special to be made with their VR6 engine and Haldex Traction-based all-wheel-drive system, so they shoved it into the Mk4 Golf, molded on some big flares, and birthed the first of the Golf R family. It was called the R32 then but has since dropped the narrow-angle V6 to become the all-conquering Golf R.

The Definitive BMW E46 M3 Buyer's Guide

The E46 M3 has remained an icon of BMW’s M division since they reached owners in late 2000. With a screaming straight-six upfront, a six-speed manual in the middle, and drive sent to the wheels at the rear, it was an absolute force to be reckoned with as it beat supercars with double the sticker price in testing. It was also a revolutionary product for the US-spec market. The prior M3 was watered down and cheapened for the states to fear that Americans wouldn’t buy such an expensive product. After all our complaints, BMW came to their sense and offered the E46 in true M-spec. Nearly 44,000 M3s had reached the US market by the end of production, cementing it as one of the most popular models to come from M, and its popularity hasn’t really gone away. Go to any track event or European car show, and you’re sure to see at least one present.

How To Replace The Serpentine Belt, Tensioner, & Idler Pulley On A BMW N52 Engine

The serpentine belt on the front of the BMW N52 engine is responsible for driving the power steering pump, alternator, and A/C compressor. If either the belt or the tensioner fails, you'll lose your power steering, and the battery won't be receiving a charge. It's recommended that the belt be changed every 80,000-miles, and that the belt tensioner and idler pulley should get replaced along with it. If either of the bearings in the pulleys seizes, the belt can snap and get sucked into the engine.

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European Cross-Plane V8 Engines You Should Know About The cross-plane crankshaft has been at the center of some of Europe’s all-time great V8s. Whether turbocharged or naturally aspirated, small or big displacement, the V8 has remained a seldom-found option across the pond, making it a particularly special animal. Now, with the advent of EV tech and a conscious effort to reduce carbon emissions, it seems like we’ve reached the end for the big engine. In an effort to numb the pain, here’s a look back at some of the best to reach customers’ hands. Read more » Volkswagen Golf R Generations Explained The Volkswagen Golf has been the small hatchback and hot-hatch benchmark since its earliest days in the seventies. Challengers have come and gone, taking shots at the King for decades, but the staple from Wolfsburg is still the one to beat. The GTI was the peak of the Golf’s range for the first three generations, offering solid performance in a useable and reliable package. After that, though, VW knew there was something special to be made with their VR6 engine and Haldex Traction-based all-wheel-drive system, so they shoved it into the Mk4 Golf, molded on some big flares, and birthed the first of the Golf R family. It was called the R32 then but has since dropped the narrow-angle V6 to become the all-conquering Golf R. Read more » The Definitive BMW E46 M3 Buyer's Guide The E46 M3 has remained an icon of BMW’s M division since they reached owners in late 2000. With a screaming straight-six upfront, a six-speed manual in the middle, and drive sent to the wheels at the rear, it was an absolute force to be reckoned with as it beat supercars with double the sticker price in testing. It was also a revolutionary product for the US-spec market. The prior M3 was watered down and cheapened for the states to fear that Americans wouldn’t buy such an expensive product. After all our complaints, BMW came to their sense and offered the E46 in true M-spec. Nearly 44,000 M3s had reached the US market by the end of production, cementing it as one of the most popular models to come from M, and its popularity hasn’t really gone away. Go to any track event or European car show, and you’re sure to see at least one present. Read more » How To Replace The Serpentine Belt, Tensioner, & Idler Pulley On A BMW N52 Engine The serpentine belt on the front of the BMW N52 engine is responsible for driving the power steering pump, alternator, and A/C compressor. If either the belt or the tensioner fails, you'll lose your power steering, and the battery won't be receiving a charge. It's recommended that the belt be changed every 80,000-miles, and that the belt tensioner and idler pulley should get replaced along with it. If either of the bearings in the pulleys seizes, the belt can snap and get sucked into the engine. Read more » No longer want to receive these emails? Unsubscribe. FCP Euro 155 Hill Street Milford, Connecticut 06460