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.
In This Article...
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.
Technical Update for the N63TU by BMW N63B44O1
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.
The BMW N63 V8 Twin-Turbo “Hot-Vee” Engine
The V8 engine has a long history of being powerful and effective. This engine was the first of its kind when it was released by BMW in 2008. The turbos on this engine are located in the valley of the engine (also known as the “hot-vee”) to keep them near the exhaust manifold and lessen turbo lag. A 408-horsepower and 440-pound-torque engine was produced as a result, which is a fantastic combination for their huge sedans, coupes, and SUVs. The engine had a lot of problems even though it was the first of its kind and ahead of its time. Here is our list of the top 5 N63 engine issues in case you have been intrigued about owning one.
N63B44O0
The first-generation N63, designated N63B44O0, was manufactured from 2009 to 2013, and is the front-runner for the title of BMW’s all-time least reliable engine. BMW even devised a “customer care package” to try to fix the mistake because it was so bad.
The timing chain, fuel injectors, mass air flow sensors, crankcase vent lines, battery, vacuum pump, and low pressure fuel sensor were among the necessary parts that needed to be replaced, but BMW refrained from calling the service bulletin a “recall,” allowing customers with and without warranties to have their N63s serviced. A class-action lawsuit was filed against the corporation immediately after the release of the service bulletin, thus the response was less than enthusiastic.
How recently did BMW update the N63 engine?
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.
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.
The BMW M5’s engine type is unknown.
The BMW M5 has a powerful 4.4-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 that produces 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque as standard, staying true to its sports pedigree.
Which BMW model has a V8?
Since the N63 engines have been available since 2008, they have undergone some significant improvements that have increased their strength and effectiveness. The first revision was made in 2012. The installation of: provided advantages for the new N63B44O1 generation.
- VALVETRONIC,
- new turbochargers,
- less heavy pistons,
- Forged crankshaft and connecting rods
- an upgraded fuel system
- one more coolant pumps
- seals on new valve stems
- a new valve cover oil catch/return labyrinth system
The maximum torque has grown to 650 Nm, while the peak output has increased to 331 kW / 450 PS (444 hp). The 2013–2016 models that were N63B44O1-equipped.
The N63B44O2 is the N63 engine’s second technological modification, which was released in 2016. Improvements comprised the following:
- turbochargers with twin scrolls
- The “V”‘s internal oil/coolant heat exchanger was in motion.
- a broader, updated powerband
The output and torque numbers were identical to those of the O1 upgrade from 2012.
The N63’s most recent technological update (TU) was released in 2018. The N63B44M3 and the more recent N63B44T3 were released, making two variants instead of one. The M3 version has an increased thermal insulation for the crankcase and cylinder head, 340 kW/ 462 PS (456 horsepower), and a revised ignition system.
The more potent N63B44T3 also features an upstream cooling radiator, higher pressure injectors (5,000 psi), bigger twin-scroll turbochargers, a reworked intake manifold, and 390 kW/530 PS (523 horsepower). The M3 variation of the N63 engine was replaced with the T3 version since it complies with the tighter pollution rules in Europe.
Between 2018 and 2019, the N63B44M3 was momentarily utilized in the following models:
- the M550i xDrive Sedan, pre-LCI G30
- the exclusive US G05 X5 xDrive50i
- the exclusive G07 X7 xDrive50i
The most recent N63B44T3 V8 engine powers the following models and is currently the standard V8 engine utilized across the high-end BMW family of vehicles:
- Models of the G14/G15/G16 M850i convertible, coupe, and grand coupe
- G05 X5 M50i
- G06 X6 M50i
- G07 X7 M50i
- Models G11/G12 LCI 750i/750Li
- Sedan G30 LCI M550i xDrive
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.
What model BMW has dual turbos?
From 2006 through 2016, BMW developed the N54, a twin-turbocharged straight-six petrol engine. Since the 1986 discontinuation of the BMW M106’s restricted manufacturing, it is BMW’s first turbocharged gasoline engine that is mass produced. The N54 was introduced in the 335i model of the E90/E91/E92/E93 3 Series lineup during the 2006 Geneva Motor Show.
The N54 started to disappear after the 2009 debut of its BMW N55 replacement. The E89 Z4 roadster, which was built until 2016, is the last vehicle to be powered by the N54.
Although the N54 does not exist in a BMW M configuration, it is used in the 1 Series M Coupe, 135iS, Z4 35iS, and 335iS vehicles.
When was the N63 released?
BMW is demonstrating their dedication to the N63. The N63 was introduced in 2008, and as of 2020, it is still being produced. However, compared to the N63’s predecessor from 12 years ago, it has practically entirely changed. Actually, the 4.4L twin turbo V8 design is the only item that hasn’t changed. Let’s delve in and analyze the variations among the N63 engines.
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.
The S63 engine’s dependability
How dependable are the M5, M6, M8, X5M, and X6M powered by the BMW S63? The S63 engine itself is often rather dependable. Although there aren’t many significant, frequent issues with the engine, they can and do occasionally occur. But the BMW M cars that employ it have a high-performance engine. Upkeep costs can mount up rapidly. This is especially true when the enormous brakes, tires, etc. are taken into account. Although the BMW S63 engine is dependable, it is by no means a cheap engine to purchase.
Certain engine issues are beyond our control. However, keep up with maintenance and address S63 problems as soon as they arise. If you follow these steps, owning an S63 should be a satisfying experience. Additionally, budget for the typical BMW maintenance and issues after 100,000 miles.
Finally, the BMW S63 V8 is quite adaptable to tune and modifications. In the low RPM range, it can produce a lot of power and potentially harmful quantities of torque. The M5 and M6 engines and transmission are under a lot more strain as a result. To keep the engine safe, stick to conservative tweaking.
Can an N63 handle a lot of power?
An amazing engine with competent dual turbochargers is the N63tu. In general, they can withstand 25 psi or more. However, that exceeds the efficiency range of the original turbos. For a decent blend of durability and performance, we advise 20 psi. Of course, there is still a chance. However, we think that 20 psi is long-term viable with adequate tuning and accompanying modifications.
One more thing to think about: N63tu’s operating at higher altitudes might want to pull out a few PSI. To be safe, try to make up part of the power with improved fuelling, tune, or supporting modifications.