Mercedes Rumoured to Collaborate with BMW on a 4-Cylinder Engine – But Will They Adopt iDrive for Service Records?

A rumour has recently surfaced online — surprisingly started by a social media rookie — suggesting that Mercedes-Benz may be working with BMW to develop a next-generation 4-cylinder engine.

At first glance, the idea of Mercedes and BMW collaborating sounds far-fetched. These two German giants are long-standing rivals, both fiercely protective of their engineering reputations. However, there are practical reasons why this rumour may hold some weight.

Why Would Mercedes and BMW Work Together on a 4-Cylinder Engine?

The automotive industry is under increasing pressure to reduce CO₂ emissions, comply with stricter EU7 regulations, and meet global efficiency standards. Developing a brand-new engine platform is incredibly costly and time-consuming. By working together, BMW and Mercedes could:

• Share R&D costs for cleaner petrol engines
• Accelerate development timelines
• Ensure compliance with future emissions standards
• Bridge the gap until full electrification

We’ve seen collaborations before: BMW with Toyota (sports cars and hydrogen), and Mercedes with Renault (small-displacement engines). So while unconfirmed, a BMW-Mercedes 4-cylinder partnership isn’t impossible.

The Bigger Question: Will Mercedes Adopt BMW’s iDrive System?

 

This rumour has also sparked discussion about infotainment systems — specifically, BMW iDrive vs Mercedes NTG/MBUX.

BMW’s iDrive is not only regarded as one of the most intuitive infotainment platforms, but it also integrates Digital Service History directly into the vehicle’s head unit. That means:

• Service records are stored inside the car
• Workshops can update history digitally at each service
• Owners and buyers can check the service record instantly via iDrive

This is where BMW shines. If you’re buying a used BMW, you can verify the digital service history directly in the car, making it much harder for sellers to misrepresent maintenance records.

Mercedes, however, takes a different approach. Their NTG/MBUX infotainment system does not display service history in the vehicle. Instead, Mercedes records are kept on central servers, and access is limited to dealers or through official portals.

Past Examples Show Mercedes Won’t Switch

Even when Mercedes used Renault-sourced engines in smaller models, they kept their own infotainment system. That’s a clear sign of strategy: Mercedes maintains control of the ownership experience through NTG/MBUX, not by adopting another brand’s system.

So, even if Mercedes and BMW collaborate on an engine, it is very unlikely Mercedes would adopt BMW’s iDrive system or its in-car service record functionality.

What This Means for BMW Owners

For BMW drivers, this reinforces the value of BMW’s Digital Service History. Unlike Mercedes, which keeps records server-side, BMW ensures transparency within the car itself. This is particularly important when buying a second-hand BMW — and why verifying the history is critical.

👉 At BMWServiceHistoryCheck.com, we help you:

• Confirm your BMW’s full digital service history
• Verify authenticity before purchasing
• Spot gaps or inconsistencies in maintenance records

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

 

The rumour of a BMW-Mercedes engine collaboration shows how the industry is evolving. But while hardware partnerships may become more common, the ownership experience — including infotainment and service records — remains a key brand differentiator.

BMW’s iDrive Digital Service History gives owners transparency and confidence. Mercedes, even if it shares engines with rivals, is unlikely to change its record-keeping approach.

That means if you own (or are considering buying) a BMW, checking and verifying the digital service record directly through iDrive — and with a professional check — is still one of the smartest steps you can take.