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An inline 6 is cheaper to manufacture, that is really the main reason I can think of. As was mentioned, it is only really practical in a Front engine/RWD layout though, and very few companies restrict themselves to this layout like BMW does.
An inline 6 has one head, only requires 1 camshaft (for SOHC) or 2 camshafts (for DOHC), one timing chain, etc. Compare to a V6 and obviously you will need 4 cams for a DOHC engine, etc. It is also cheaper and easier to machine the block when all the cylinders are inline. This is why I-6 engines used to be more popular when the majority of cars were RWD layout.
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