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Mike Triggs Goo Roo Western Australia 3.0GT G-Pack
Posts: 1158 Reg: 07-2005
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Monday, September 22, 2008 - 01:02 pm, by: Mike Triggs(Mikeandimah)
I don't think BMW are considering getting out of Otto cycle engines anytime soon, Benjamin What BMW are doing is utilising heat which normally disappears out the tailpipe, and supplementary to the power from the engine. As a small bonus, the steam engine would also be part of the engine's cooling system, so radiators and water pumps would be smaller, so saving weight, frontal area for aerodynamics, and a small amount of power from water pump.
A well built small steam engine should last the life of the main engine. I would imagine the system would be sealed, with maybe a top up of pure water at each oil change interval.
What BMW are doing is utilising heat which normally disappears out the tailpipe, and supplementary to the power from the engine. As a small bonus, the steam engine would also be part of the engine's cooling system, so radiators and water pumps would be smaller, so saving weight, frontal area for aerodynamics, and a small amount of power from water pump. 
