A panel of 65 automotive journalists from 32 countries named BMW's twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six the 2008 International Engine of the Year. The panel was convened by Engine Technology International Magazine, Motor Trend reports.

The group hands out 12 awards in total each year. According to the report, BMW took home five other awards, including a second award for the 3.0-liter TT I-6 for best engine displacing 2.5 to 3.0-liters. "The Bavarians' other awards were for best engine displacing over 4.0-liters for the M5's 5.0-liter V-10, best engine displacing 3.0 to 4.0-liters for the M3's 4.0-liter V-8, best engine displacing 1.4 to 1.6-liters for the Mini Cooper S' 1.6-liter turbo (jointly developed with Peugeot), and best new engine for the European-market 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel inline-four found in the 123d."

Coming in second was Toyota with two awards, one for green engine of the year for the Prius Hybrid Synergy Drive, and one for a very small (under 1.0 liter) European four-cylinder. Tied for second was Volkswagen with two awards, one for best engine displacing 1.0 to 1.4-liters for its European-market 1.4-liter twincharger four, the second for best engine displacing 1.8 to 2.0-liters for its widely-used 2.0-liter turbo four, according to the report.