.
One of the experts on the forum could probably comment but my feeling is that the variable cam timing is advantageous in producing better power curves but direct injection is more about fuel economy and reducing emissions than about producing more power.
I'm no expert but I suspect it is also about reducing costs through commonality of components. The new 2.0L GDI BMW engine is almost the same as the 2.0 CDI, the block, head, crank etc are all common.
