Since the early 1900s, V8 engines have represented the peak of power, and it is challenging for other engines to match their level of capability. V8 engines are used in the most potent BMWs now on the market, and more V8 models will be released in the future.
- greater towing capacity
- greater maximum power than V6s
- more rapid 0-60 acceleration
In This Article...
Engine Codename Reference
BMW currently primarily utilizes the N63 V8 family, which was introduced in 2008 and has undergone a number of technical modifications over the years. Of course, the BMW M GmbH division uses specially modified N63 engines called S63 engines. Last but not least, BMW has created a racing variant of the N63, known as the P63, which is being employed in the M8 GTE endurance competitor.
ALPINA likewise makes use of N63 V8 engines but adds a unique touch thanks to modifications made by the engineers at Buchloe. In contrast to the preceding M1, M1/1, M2, M2/1, M2/2, and M5 versions, the current engine variant relies on the most recent N63B44T3 iteration and lacks a distinct “Mx” code to signal the new ALPINA V8 unit.
As you may have already observed, the designations are very straightforward: N63 – S63 – P63. The prefix letter identifies the variations between the three engines, which all have the same origins (“63”):
- “New Generation” is denoted by “N.”
- S, which is only used on BMW M vehicles, most likely stands for “Sport.”
- Actually, “P” might stand for “Performance,” and it is designated just for the BMW Motorsport division.
- The fuel type is indicated by the “B.”
- The “44” number indicates that the engine has a 4.4-liter capacity.
- Technical updates are indicated by a “T,” which is followed by an incremental digit (“0,” “1,”2,”3,” etc.).
While the “3” is a technical design code emphasizing the presence of turbocharging and direct injection, the “6” in the root particle indicates the 8-cylinder architecture (vs. The one-and-only S85 V10 unit, however, defies the rule by illogically signaling a 10-cylinder architecture with the number “8.”
The core N63 engine family, which debuted, is a direct descendant of the earlier N62 V8s in terms of generational order. The N63 is a pioneer in many ways, including being the first V8 engine to use a hot-vee configuration in the industry and the first BMW V8 engine to use turbocharging and direct injection.
The Development Of BMW’s Entertaining V8
For BMW, the V8 is an intriguing powerplant. It hasn’t always been available and has frequently been overshadowed by more affordable four- and six-cylinder models in the past. But between about 1998 and 2013, BMW’s M division produced two of the best vehicles produced by any carmaker. More recently, the current turbocharged design has been pushed to even higher levels of breathtaking performance.
Although BMW has consistently offered a V8 engine since the early 1990s, beginning with the M60, for the previous 30 years, only a select number of base four- and six-cylinder models provided power for the full model portfolio. Since the M60’s release, a lot has changed, and now, BMW’s current V8 design is what drives the company’s quickest and most potent products, such the M5 and M8. But many fundamental components still exist, and it’s fascinating to compare some of the enduring commonalities with the extraordinary power of a contemporary design.
Even after technology has advanced and a few decades have shown the importance of timely servicing and preventative maintenance, BMW’s M division has applied its engineering expertise to the V8 architecture in addition to the venerable four- and six-cylinder engines. The resulting units are among the most impressive and captivating. The complete progression is shown here.
New S68 Twin-Turbocharged M V8 Engine from BMW
The X7 facelift press release from this week contained a subtle indication that the revised model will be powered by BMW’s new V8 engine. The cue was in a phrase that listed the X7 LCI’s possible engine options: Two cutting-edge, incredibly potent engines from the modular generation of the BMW Group Efficient Dynamics engine family are available for the new BMW X7.
Modular is the crucial term in such expression. The three-cylinder B38 was the first in a line of modular BMW engines that debuted in 2013, and it has since expanded to include the four-cylinder B48 and the six-cylinder B58. However, the N63 and M derivative S63 V8s, which were introduced in 2008 and 2010 respectively, predate BMW’s use of modular design architecture.
When rumors of BMW’s new V8 development first surfaced three years ago, information included the new design’s use of a modular architecture. The engine was a M design, and the S68 in the X7 meets both of these expectations, among other noteworthy details. All of this occurs fourteen years after the N63 V8’s debut, but despite the upgraded X7’s impending arrival somewhere in the third quarter, specifics regarding the engine are still lacking.
What is known is as follows: BMW refers to the S68’s 4.4-liter displacement as a true M TwinPower Turbo V8. The N63B44T3 of the M50i model it replaces produces 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque in the X7 M60i. It is mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with an integrated 48-volt mild-hybrid system. According to BMW, technical details include a strengthened crankshaft drive, further developed turbocharging with a blow-off valve, a new oil pump, and a weight-reduced oil sump in addition to the thermodynamic advantages of a cross-bank exhaust manifold, bank-symmetrical turbochargers, and external engine oil cooling. Unfortunately, that is the extent of the details; other details, such as the bore and stroke, size and configuration of the turbochargers, cylinder head design, and others, are still unknown.
The S68 M V8’s debut in a SAV like the X7 isn’t all that shocking as BMW also offered the S58 twin-turbocharged M inline six-cylinder engine in the X3 and X4 M and the preceding S63 twin-turbocharged M V8 in the first-generation X5 and X6 M. Although the X7 M60i is a M Performance model and not a full M model, it still sports a M on the kidney grille and quad exhaust tailpipe finishers.
The issue of output is another. The X7 M60i’s S68 version’s 523 horsepower is decent, but more potent variants are almost probably in the works given that the future XM performance hybrid will have a V8 hybrid drivetrain with total combined output of 750 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque.
BMW N63
From 2008 till the present, the twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine known as the BMW N63 has been manufactured. The N63’s “hot-vee” architecture, with the turbochargers housed inside the “V” of the engine, makes it the first production automobile engine in the world. Additionally, it is BMW’s first V8 turbocharged engine.
A naturally aspirated V8 engine, the BMW N62 was succeeded by the N63, which made its debut in the 2008 X6 xDrive50i.
the newest V8 engine for a BMW as of 2021
The S63B44T4 is BMW’s most recent V8 engine. From 2018 till the present, it has been applied to cars. It is most frequently found in performance-oriented BMW vehicles and exceptionally high-end luxury automobiles.
Based on the G15 two-door coupe and the G16 gran coupe sedan, the BMW G14 is a convertible two-door premium car. When it comes to convertibles, it is BMW’s flagship model.
This Cabrio variant offers four seats despite having only two doors. Although they shouldn’t technically be considered seats, the back ones have room for tiny passengers or luggage.
2018 saw the initial release of the BMW G14. It reuses several of the design elements from its predecessor, such as the slanted back window and two doors on each side, to increase aerodynamics. With a newly created front end and the customary narrow kidney, the car has an even more aggressive appearance.
What specific BMW 3 Series is a V8?
The model codes E90 (saloon), E91 (estate, marketed as “Touring”), E92 (coupe), and E93 (executive vehicle) represent the fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series series of small executive cars. The model, which BMW produced until October 2013, was first debuted in December 2004 and is frequently referred to as the E90 or E9x.
Run-flat tires were first made available for the 3 Series with the E9x. Run-flat tire models are not provided with spare tires. The first 3 Series vehicle with a turbocharged gasoline engine was the E92 335i. The iDrive operating system, which includes navigation, infotainment, and necessary vehicle functions, was also a first for the 3 Series.
Only the E90/E92/E93 M3 version of the M3 is equipped with a V8 engine. It was released in 2007 and comes in saloon, coupe, and convertible body types. It is powered by a BMW S65 naturally aspirated V8 engine.
The E90/E91 saloons and estates were phased out in February 2012 after the debut of the F30/F31 3 Series. The F32/F33 4 Series variants took their place as the E92/E93 coupes and convertibles were only produced until the 2013 model year.
Is the BMW V6 or V8?
For many years, V6 engines have been a mainstay of the BMW lineup. Even more power and efficiency are delivered by the turbocharged V6 engine. And in many ways, it competes favorably with the V8. The turbocharged V6 engine’s highlights are as follows:
- excellent fuel efficiency
- a small footprint that accommodates various model sizes
- more horsepower than I4s and regular V6s, which are less potent engines.
Has the BMW 330i a V8 engine?
The 3.2-liter straight-six-powered M3 and its CSL brother are as quick and thrilling as the E46 ever got, excluding the insane and incredibly uncommon GTR. That is the extent of the legitimate production versions, but the aftermarket is rife with craziness. As an example? This 2003 BMW 330i can be seen.
From the exterior, it appears unassuming enough, but as you can see from the photo above, it’s hiding a pretty fantastic GM LS3 beneath the hood. Yes, the engine is 6.2 liters of pure Americana that was stolen from a Cadillac Escalade and produces a solid 453 horsepower.
Thankfully, the upgrades extend beyond the socking awesome engine that was thrown into the engine compartment. Numerous other upgraded parts and components include an E46 M3 limited-slip differential, M3 half shafts, new dampers, and stronger brakes.
What’s best? You can buy it for $27,000 if you want to. Although it costs a lot of money for a vehicle that still has the appearance of an old E46, the possibility of having a ton of fun and the chance to surprise a few people at the lights make this item quite alluring.