Rolls-Royce’s Engine Transition: When Did They Switch to BMW Power?

Rolls-Royce is a brand synonymous with luxury and engineering excellence. However, the company made a historic transition in engine technology when it began using BMW engines in 1998. This shift marked a significant evolution in Rolls-Royce’s engineering and manufacturing processes.

Rolls-Royce’s Initial Move to BMW Engines (1998)

In 1998, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars began using BMW engines for the first time. This transition was driven by BMW becoming the exclusive supplier of engines for Rolls-Royce vehicles. The first model to feature a BMW engine was the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph, which was introduced in 1998. This partnership was a key moment in the integration of BMW’s advanced technologies and expertise into Rolls-Royce’s product line.

BMW’s Acquisition of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars (2003)

The broader integration of BMW’s technology and manufacturing practices began in earnest when BMW acquired Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in 2003. Prior to this acquisition, Rolls-Royce had been using its own V12 engines since 1998. BMW leveraged its expertise in engine design to create significantly more powerful and efficient engines, specifically the BMW N74, which has been used in most Rolls-Royce models since its introduction in 2008.

The BMW N74 Engine: A Twin-Turbo V12 Marvel (2008)

The BMW N74 engine, a twin-turbo V12, is a testament to the innovative partnership between Rolls-Royce and BMW. This engine powers the Rolls-Royce Phantom, among other models, and is renowned for its exceptional performance and efficiency. The introduction of the N74 engine marked a new era in Rolls-Royce’s powertrain evolution, balancing the need for luxury with cutting-edge automotive technology.

Engine Evolution and Expertise

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and BMW had been sharing engine components and other technological advancements since the early 1990s. However, the official shift to V12 engines occurred in 2002, following the acquisition of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars by BMW and Bentley by Volkswagen. The BMW V12 engine, christened the N73, was a crucial step in this evolution. It was eventually succeeded by the N74 in 2008, which was also used in BMW’s 760Li. The N74 engine is a 6-liter twin-turbocharged V12, known for its impressive performance.

Expertise and Collaboration

Engine manufacturing requires a high level of expertise, and at the time, the best place to source a V12 engine was from Germany. As Frank Ludwig, the production head of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars at Goodwood, notes, 'To make engines you need a lot of expertise, and at the moment the best place to source the V12 is from Germany.' This statement underscores the critical role that BMW’s engineering prowess played in Rolls-Royce’s powertrain evolution.

From Silver Seraph to Phantom VII

The transition from the Silver Seraph to the Phantom VII, a model notorious for its poor mirror design, marked a shift in aesthetic and mechanical standards. While the earlier model had its fair share of design flaws regarding its mirrors, the Phantom VII represented a significant step in integrating BMW’s advanced technologies into Rolls-Royce’s design philosophy.

Note: The Silver Seraph was the last Rolls-Royce with decent wing mirrors. However, things got even worse when BMW started producing the Phantom VII, highlighting the brand’s shift in focus to performance and engineering advancements rather than traditional aesthetics.

Conclusion

The partnership between Rolls-Royce and BMW has been pivotal in shaping the luxury automotive landscape. Through shared expertise and technological advancements, both brands have evolved together, creating innovative powertrain systems that meet the highest standards of performance and luxury. From the first Silver Seraph to more recent models like the Phantom, Rolls-Royce’s journey with BMW engines reflects a dynamic and transformative period in automotive history.