The reality is that both manufacturers produce excellent engines, but their success per a specific segment's standards varies. BMW makes brilliant engines with superb smoothness, cleanliness, and performance characteristics. That doesn't mean that Mercedes lacks by comparison, it just depends on what we're comparing, and who's doing the driving, as it all comes down to preference at this point.
I think it's hard to match the sensational S85 V10 that BMW developed, but at the same time, Mercedes creates some god-like AMG engines, the M156/159 6.2L being one of my very favorite from an aural and performance standpoint. Mercedes(/AMG) still has the most powerful engines between the two companies, but I think BMW(M) produces more distinct, memorable motors.
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Past: '08 E92 335i|ZPP|ZSP|6AT
Past: '15 Mustang GT|401A|PP|6MT
Current: '20 Shelby GT350|6MT
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