Home » BMW N63 Engine: Pros, Cons and Reliability
The BMW N63 engine is a twin-turbocharged V8 that powers some of the most luxurious and high-performance models in the BMW lineup. It was introduced in 2008 and has undergone several updates and revisions since then. The N63 debuted on the E71 X6 and F01 750i, and would later power several cars in the German automaker’s lineup, from the 5 Series and 6 Series, to the current G05 X5, G06 X6 and G07 X7. It’s also used in the BMW ALPINA B8 Gran Coupe and the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover L460 and L461. 2000 Bmw 528i Water Pump
The N63 engine is known for its impressive power output, smooth performance and refined sound. However, it also has some drawbacks and reliability issues that have plagued many owners and mechanics. To address some of these issues, BMW started the N63 Customer Loyalty Offer and the N63 Customer Appreciation Program in 2014.
The main advantage of the BMW N63 engine is its power. The engine can produce from 402 horsepower (N63B44O0) to 523 hp (N63B44T3) , depending on the variant and tuning. This makes it one of the most powerful engines in its class, and allows the cars equipped with it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. The engine also has a smooth and linear power delivery, thanks to the twin-scroll turbochargers that reduce turbo lag and improve responsiveness.
Another pro of the BMW N63 engine is its fuel efficiency, even though here your mileage might vary. Despite its large displacement and high output, the engine can achieve decent gas mileage, thanks to some innovative technologies such as direct injection, variable valve timing, cylinder deactivation and stop-start system. The engine can also run on regular unleaded gasoline, unlike some of its competitors that require premium fuel. Of course, the fuel consumption can vary depending on several factors, such as driving habits, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance. However, according to official EPA estimates, the BMW 750i xDrive with the N63tu engine has a combined fuel economy rating of 18 miles per gallon (mpg) and a city/highway rating of 15/22 mpg.
Despite its power, the N63 operates with remarkable smoothness and refinement. The engine is well-balanced and generates minimal vibration, ensuring a comfortable driving experience across multiple applications.The engine also has a distinctive and refined sound that matches the character of a turbo V8. The exhaust note is a deep, throaty rumble that’s especially pleasing at higher revs.
The main drawback of the BMW N63 engine is its reliability. Early versions of the N63 (2008-2013) suffered from several well-documented reliability issues, including high oil consumption, turbocharger failures, and valve stem seal leaks. Later iterations (N63TU onwards) addressed some of these problems, but they’re not immune to issues altogether. Customers also reported other various problems and failures, such as coolant leaks, carbon buildup, timing chain issues and fuel injector failures. Some of these problems can be very expensive and difficult to fix, and may require extensive repairs or replacements. The engine also has a high maintenance cost, as it requires frequent oil changes, spark plug changes, coolant flushes and other services.
Another con of the BMW N63 engine is its complexity. The engine has a lot of components and systems that work together to deliver its performance and efficiency, but also make it more prone to malfunctioning and breaking down. The engine also requires special tools and equipment to service and repair, which may not be readily available at some shops or dealerships. The engine also has a high sensitivity to poor quality fuel, oil and coolant, which can cause damage or degradation over time.
The N63’s reliability is a mixed bag. Early versions (2008-2013) are notorious for being problematic, with the aforementioned issues significantly impacting ownership costs. BMW addressed these issues with subsequent revisions, but the N63 still isn’t a paragon of reliability compared to its competitors. Therefore, the reliability of the BMW N63 engine is hard to quantify, as it depends on many factors such as the age, mileage, condition, maintenance history and driving habits of the vehicle.
However, based on some online sources and forums, the average lifespan of the N63 engine is around 100,000 miles, with some owners reporting more or less mileage before encountering major problems or failures.
The first generation of the N63 engine (N63B44O0) was produced from 2008 to 2014, and was used in models such as the 550i, 650i, 750i, X5 xDrive50i and X6 xDrive50i. This generation of the engine had some of the most severe and common problems, such as oil leaks from the upper oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket and turbocharger oil lines; coolant leaks from the water pump, thermostat housing and radiator; excessive oil consumption due to faulty piston rings; carbon buildup on the intake valves due to direct injection; timing chain stretch or breakage due to insufficient lubrication; fuel injector failures due to high pressure; valve stem seal failures due to wear; and turbocharger failures due to overheating or oil starvation.
The second generation of the N63TU engine (N63B44O1) was produced from 2014 to 2019, and was used in models such as the F01/F02 750i, F07 550i GT, F10 550i, F15 X5, F16 X6, F06/F12/F13 650i. Another technical update N63TU2 ( N63B44O2) arrive in 2016 and was used in the G11/G12 750i and in the G30/G31 M550i.
In 2018, BMW delivers a new update: N63TU3 (N63B44M3) which powered the G05 X5 and G07 X7. The final update is called the N63B44T3 (N63TU3) and powers the following models:
Electric Coolant Pump The BMW N63 engine is a sophisticated and powerful engine that requires proper care and maintenance to ensure its longevity and performance. Here are some tips on how to maintain the BMW N63 engine: