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.
The BMW V8 motor
The 2021 BMW X5’s V8 engine is located underneath the hood of the M trim level, as you might assume. With a 4.4-liter V8 engine under the hood, the BMW X5 M50i offers drivers the desired V8 feel. That is, of course, not without the drawback of very poor gas mileage; in fact, according to BMW, you may anticipate an average of 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
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.
BMW OHV V8 motor
An overhead valve V8 gasoline engine, the BMW OHV V8 was built from 1954 until 1965. It is BMW’s first V8 engine; the company wouldn’t make another until the BMW M60 in 1992.
Since the engine lacks an official model code and is the only overhead valve (“OHV”) V8 engine developed by BMW, it is frequently recognized as such. All other BMW V8 engines employ a dual overhead camshaft valvetrain.
Although it wasn’t a straight replacement, the six-cylinder BMW M30 engine replaced the OHV V8 as the top engine option for BMW in 1965.
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.
Which BMW 3 Series model features 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 (convertible). 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.
BMW M5: Is it a V8?
At the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, the F10 M5 was introduced, and sales started that November. It is the first turbocharged M5 vehicle and has a twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This is the first time an M5 has employed a dual-clutch automatic transmission; the gearbox is a 7-speed Getrag (formerly Magna) 7DCI600 dual-clutch transmission found in the majority of markets. In the US, a conventional 6-speed manual transmission was also offered.
The 4.4 L (269 cu in) twin-turbocharged V8 engine first used in the 2010 E70 X5 M has been modified into the BMW S63B44TU, which produces a maximum power output of 412 kW (560 PS; 553 horsepower) at 6,000–7,000 rpm and 680 Nm (502 lbft) at 1,500–5,750 rpm. This results in an official acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) of 4.4 seconds and a peak speed of 305 km/h (with the optional M Driver’s Package equipped) (190 mph). The F10 M5’s reported lap time at the Nurburgring is 7:55.
Torque vectoring is provided between the rear wheels, which are 19 inches in standard trim, by an Active M-Differential. 265/35/20 front and 295/30/20 rear Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires are mounted on optional 20-inch wheels. Front 6-piston calipers are the standard brakes, and carbon ceramic brakes are an option. The F10 M5 is 90 kg (198 lb) heavier than its predecessor, weighing 1,945 kg (4,288 lb). [Reference needed] The F10 M5 received accolades for its better transmission and fuel economy, but it received criticism for its loud engine, unresponsive steering, and added weight.
The BMW Dingolfing Plant in Germany produced both the M5 and standard 5 Series vehicles. In October 2016, the production ceased.
The BMW M5 Competition Package debuted in 2014. The Competition Package comprises a redesigned suspension system (bushings, springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars) that lowers the vehicle by 10 mm while increasing the maximum engine output to 423 kW (575 PS; 567 hp) (0.4 in). The M5’s Competition Package’s power output was increased to 441 kW (600 PS; 591 hp) and 700 Nm in 2015. (516 lbft).
BMW M2 is a V8.
The brand-new BMW M2 Competition engine produces excellent performance numbers with 410 hp of pure power and 550 Nm of torque. How were these impressive numbers produced? There are two MonoScroll turbochargers powering the brand-new BMW M2 Competition engine. As a result, the 3-litre inline 6-cylinder engine delivers performance on par with a V8 engine while using less fuel. Drivers will see an 11% improvement in performance with an extra 40 horsepower.
Is there a V8 in the BMW X5?
The BMW V8 motor The 2021 BMW X5’s V8 engine is located underneath the hood of the M trim level, as you might assume. With a 4.4-liter V8 engine under the hood, the BMW X5 M50i gives drivers the V8 experience they desire.
Is the V8 being phased out by BMW?
In an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, the former CEO of M, Markus Flasch, who is now in charge of BMW’s high-end big automobiles, was surprisingly forthcoming with information regarding impending goods. The M3 Touring wasn’t originally planned, and the M4 CSL will reduce more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds), but the man in charge of the M division for the previous three years revealed another nugget.
Markus Flasch promised M enthusiasts that the powerful engines will be around for a sizable amount of time when asked by the German magazine how BMW plans to make its large-displacement engines cleaner to meet Euro 7 requirements due in 2025: We have technical options to maintain our inline six-cylinder combustion engine in the range for both road and racing vehicles until at least the end of the decade, so don’t worry.
He continued by saying that regardless of how stringent the Euro 7 emissions regulations become, the inline-six will comply with them since engineers had found a way to better optimize the combustion process. He wasn’t just talking about the 3.0-liter engine, so the news continues getting better. The larger V8 will also receive these adjustments, according to the former M CEO, in order to comply with ever-stricter emissions regulations.
Markus Flasch was asked by Auto Motor und Sport if there were any intentions to release a M vehicle with an electrified four-cylinder engine, but he responded that BMW is not currently looking into the possibilities of a high-performance hybrid model with a four-pot. With the next-generation C63 (and consequently the GLC 63), Mercedes-AMG will achieve just that by ditching the V8 in favor of a considerably smaller 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric turbocharger and an electric motor.
That is not to imply that when it comes to the engines available in M vehicles, BMW completely avoids electrification. As you are surely aware by this point, the M division will begin hybridizing the V8 in a few weeks, given that the XM SUV concept will be unveiled on November 29.
An SUV-shaped dedicated M vehicle would reportedly have a newly developed eight-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor to provide more than 700 horsepower. However, the “all-new high-powered, hybrid-electric” model is scheduled to be constructed in Spartanburg as the “new BMW M flagship car,” and that is the only official information that is currently available.