Do you intend to buy a BMW with a V8 engine? Perhaps you are thinking about a 5 or 7 Series? Consider how much it will cost you when the warranty period expires and things start breaking down before you click the buy button and drive that car off the lot.
I’ve talked about BMW’s reputation for being generally unreliable in some of my prior writings and how this reputation isn’t always justified. But how do v8-powered BMWs stack up against the brand as a whole?
In comparison to the company’s renowned inline six-cylinder engine, BMW v8 engines are somewhat unstable. Some BMW v8 engines have issues with the valley pan lid gasket, valve stem seals, high oil consumption, engine leaks, and early component failure. There are, however, some BMW v8 engines that are more dependable.
It may sound bad, but the v8 BMW is not completely in the dumps. Although I personally avoid v8 BMWs, there are a number of models and engines that are far more dependable. Several engines are also far less dependable than the standard v8 BMW engine. If you choose to purchase a v8 BMW, I will discuss their engines and offer you some buying advice.
In This Article...
Here is the Price of the BMW N63 Engine on the Current Market.
We describe the extensive list of N63 updates, modifications, and iterations along with the associated costs.
BMW has built a 4.4-liter V8 engine ever since the E39 540i made its debut in 1995. Even though the M62 had numerous problems and required continual maintenance, it produced what could be the best-sounding naturally aspirated V8 engine available. Thirteen years later, in 2008, BMW will unveil the N63, the first “Hot Vee” engine configuration in history with twin turbos positioned right inside the “V” of the engine.
Reliability was still a controversial topic, much to the chagrin of many N63 owners, and for good reason. However, the N63 engine is being produced today despite several changes over the course of 14 years. After twelve years of updates and modifications, one of the least dependable BMW engines has become one of the most underappreciated engines.
Why does any of this matter? Well, when talking about an engine with questionable dependability, there may come a moment when a replacement is required; regrettably for many, that time has passed.
This page will go over the various N63 iterations, typical problems, and performance numbers that serve as a benchmark for the N63 engines’ current market prices.
Seals for leaking valve stems
Is that smoke coming from your engine, or did you just finish completing a burnout? It was most likely coming from your engine with the N63. These seals would wear out because of the intense heat produced by the exhaust and the turbochargers in the engine’s valley, leading to leaks and massive bellows of white smoke coming from your exhaust. Here is a link to the article and picture post.
Reliability of F15 X5
BMW has made some significant advancements in engine reliability over the last ten years. The least dependable of the bunch is probably the N55 35i X5. Aside from a few regular oil leaks and cooling system difficulties, the N55 is a respectable engine. The timing chain on the BMW N20 engine exhibits certain typical problems, although the engine is otherwise reliable. The N63tu is a significant improvement over the N63 engine from the previous generation. The N63tu and S63tu are both excellent engines in every way. The larger, higher-end V8 versions, though, will probably cost a little more to maintain.
Comparing the BMW F15 to the earlier E53 and E70 X5s, there is undeniable increase in reliability. The steering system, suspension, brakes, and transmissions are still strong. Other than routine maintenance, none of those problems are common. Compared to some of the engines from prior generations, these engines are a good deal more reliable. All things considered, you can count on the F15 X5 being dependable. But because it’s a BMW SUV, expect higher than average ownership costs when compared to smaller vehicles or more dependable brands like Honda or Toyota.
Overview of the BMW N63 engine: Will It Be Worth It in 2022?
BMW unveiled the first twin-turbo V8 engine ever in 2008. The N63 made its debut on the E71 X6 and went on to power a number of vehicles across the German manufacturer’s lineup, including the 5-Series, X7, and practically everything in between.
Not everyone will benefit from this engine. It brought with it a ton of performance, but it also brought with it a ton of dependability problems. Nevertheless, BMW has made a number of these improvements, and the current models are much more dependable than the BMW N63 engines that came before them.
All of the engine versions that are currently available are included along with what to look for when buying a new or used engine.
Which BMW V8 engine is the most dependable?
Engine 1B58 The BMW B58 engine, which is included in the 340i and M240i, was awarded one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines in 2016, 2019, and 2020. (M340i). Compared to the N54 and N55 engines’ first four years of use, the B58 engine seems to be more dependable.
Which BMW is most trustworthy?
When it comes to the creation of sport sedans, BMW has established the benchmark for premium vehicles with the E90 330i that Acura and Volvo aspire to match. The BMW E90 330i is your best option if you’re looking for a sedan that provides the ideal balance of functionality and performance without sacrificing stability and comfort.
The BMW E90 330i is one of the most popular luxury vehicles in the United States and is not only the best-selling model in the 3 Series. It also sold over 336,232 units. Even in the mid-size luxury automobile category, the BMW 3 Series received the Top Safety Pick designation in 2006. The best car options in terms of driver injury prevention and driver restraint features are highlighted by this award.
BMW still produces V8?
For decades, V8 engines have set the benchmark for sheer horsepower, and BMW is happy to offer a wide range of options in its lineup. V8s are still used in a few BMW models, contrary to popular belief, which holds that they are gradually becoming obsolete. You therefore have nothing to worry about if you’re a huge lover of V8 engines.
Both a V8 engine and a turbocharged V6 engine give a ton of power and utility. However, each has advantages and disadvantages that will be more suitable for particular lifestyles. Here is a list of each engine’s advantages so you may choose the one that suits you the best.
Is the BMW N63TU a reliable motor?
2012 marked the start of BMW’s N63TU production after a dismal start. The N63TU is essentially a completely different engine, although still being an N63. It still has a 4.4L dual turbo V8 but has 42 more horsepower. The power improvement appears to be purely theoretical, though. The N63 and N63TU put down comparable numbers to the wheels, according to dyno testing. But there is a noticeable increase in torque with the N63TU engine. Other significant modifications, outside the power variations, include:
- VANOS revision adopted from N55
- improved crankcase ventilation and a new valve cover
- updated pistons
- Cast rods and a crank
- chain of timing updated
- oil spray nozzles for cooling the piston crown
- upgraded intake manifold
- Updated MAP and charge air temperature sensors, using N20 technology
- Deleted low pressure fuel sensor
- HPFP and new fuel injectors
- installed a second coolant pump
- A new vacuum pump
- updated turbochargers
- Including Valvetronic
This is by no means a complete list of the modifications made to the N63TU. However, as we already mentioned, this engine is essentially unique. Even as it is, the list is absurd. Compared to the N63, almost every component on the N63TU was completely redesigned. As you can see, all of the troublesome components and/or designs from the original N63 have been replaced. The N63TU also gets stronger, forged cranks and rods.
Despite having equal factory power ratings, the N63TU should respond better to modifications and higher boost levels. Additionally, there was a significant increase in reliability compared to the N63. The N63TU is not a dependable engine with numerous frequent issues. As the N63TU ages, expect the typical BMW issues including cooling system failures, cooling system leaks, and gasket oil leaks. Overall though, the N63TU is a reasonably dependable engine.
Which of BMW’s engines is best?
The M88, which powered BMW’s M1 supercar, was the company’s first M engine. It could produce somewhere between 215 and 282 horsepower with a redline of 6,500 RPM, which was a major thing when it was developed in the late 1970s. Additionally, it was employed in the BMW 3.0 CSL, which competed in the Group 5 race series and produced more than 800 HP at 9,000 RPM.
It was a strong engine that made one of the most beautiful engine sounds ever.
Which V8 is the most dependable?
In the 2017 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, Mercedes-Benz outperformed both Audi and BMW. The 2018 S-Class, the brand’s full-size flagship sedan, also has a long history with Consumer Reports, notably in terms of engine upgrades. Add the reserved 463-horsepower unit for the S 560 4MATIC model, and you’ve almost got the ideal finishing touch for our ranking of the vehicles with the most dependable V8 engines.
Do you like to put your faith in a skilled engineer? If you upgrade to the AMG S 63, the top performer on the S-Class lineup, one of those people can hand-assemble a 603-horsepower version of that engine for you.
Which of BMW’s engines is the best?
McLaren F1 S70 The S70/2 is without a doubt the best engine BMW M has ever produced, as well as one of the best engines of all time, period.
Is the N63 engine still used by BMW?
N63B44M3 (N63TU3) The lower-spec TU3 engines produced 479 lb-ft of torque at 1,500-4,750 rpm and 340 kW (456 hp) at 5,250–6,000 rpm. The engine is still being made and may be found on the following: from 2018 onwards G05 X5 xDrive50i
What BMW engine has the most power?
The most potent engine installed by BMW M GmbH is found in the BMW M5 CS. The 4.4-liter V8 with M TwinPower Turbo technology produces a peak torque of 750Nm between 1,800 and 5,950 rpm and 635 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.
What is a typical BMW engine issue?
System of Engine Cooling Overheating is a problem that many BMW owners frequently experience. A qualified automotive technician will be able to assist you identify the issue even though there are several components in your car that might be the cause of this problem, such as a leaking water pump or coolant.
How recently did BMW update the N63 engine?
The 2008 E71 X6 50i was the first vehicle to use the BMW N63, the company’s first-ever twin-turbo V8 engine. The 5, 6, 7, 8-series, X5, X6, and X7 cars in the BMW lineup, including M versions, would eventually use it as their main engine.
Which BMW models have N63 engines?
The BMW 550i, X5, X6, 750i, and 650i all had this engine. Although these cars offer a wonderful balance of luxury and athleticism, the BMW N63 engine nevertheless needs careful maintenance to operate at its best. The BMW N63 V8 engine has a number of widespread problems.
Is BMW an engine for a Range Rover?
I shared the enthusiasm of many other BMW lovers when I learned that the German automaker will be working with Land Rover to deliver V8 engines for more expensive vehicles, notably the top-of-the-line Range Rover P530. Why would BMW fans be thrilled about such a collaboration? because building a relationship between the two brands is really cool and because Range Rovers are pretty generally adored.
Only the aforementioned P530, which utilizes a slightly modified version of BMW’s “N63” 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8, is currently a Range Rover product to use a BMW V8 engine. The V8 still has 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque for Range Rover use. To handle some of the utility a Range Rover needs, it has been slightly modified.
It would have been totally natural for Range Rover supporters and consumers to worry that installing a BMW V8 in the engine bay might affect the vehicle’s ability to handle rough terrain. Ranges are robust, sturdy SUVs behind their glitzy exteriors, capable of off-roading that would put most Jeeps to shame. For this reason, Range Rover engines need to be a little bit tougher. It makes sense that BMW engines would be reluctant to be used in a Range Rover because they aren’t normally designed to handle the steep inclines and deep water wading that Range Rovers can handle.
But the Range Rover P530 was given a new, taller air intake on the BMW N63, enabling it to wade through up to 35.4 inches of water. It also received a new oil sump so that it could withstand the sharp angles and back-and-forth sloshing that a Range might subject it to without depriving the engine of oil.
The good thing about this is that BMW buyers may now be more likely to choose a Range Rover P530 over, say, an X7 because they can now purchase a car with greater off-road capability while still maintaining some BMW DNA. Additionally, BMW V8 or not, the P530 can still manage all a true Range needs to manage, according to Range Rover customers.