The BMW N63 is a twin-turbocharged petrol V8 engine which has been in production from 2008 to present. The N63 is the world's first production car engine to use a "hot-vee" layout, with the turbochargers located inside the "V" of the engine. It is also BMW's first turbocharged petrol V8 engine. The engine has been widely noted for its mechanical issues, undergoing several recalls.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

BMW N63 engine
Overview
Production2008–present
Layout
Configuration90° V8
Displacement4.0 L (3,982 cc)
4.4 L (4,395 cc)
Cylinder bore89 mm (3.50 in)
Piston stroke80 mm (3.15 in)
88.3 mm (3.48 in)
Cylinder block materialAluminium
Cylinder head materialAluminium
ValvetrainDOHC w/ VVT
Combustion
TurbochargerTwin-turbo
Fuel typePetrol
Chronology
PredecessorBMW N62

The N63 replaced the BMW N62 (a naturally aspirated V8 engine) and was first used in the 2008 X6 xDrive50i.[7]

The S63 engine is the BMW M high-performance version of the N63.

Alpina versions of the N63 are used in various F01 7 Series, F10 5 Series, G11 7 Series, G15 8 Series and G30 5 Series models.

Design

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The airflow path through the engine uses a "hot-vee" layout, where the exhaust manifolds and turbochargers are located between the cylinder banks (on the "inside" of the V8) and the intake manifolds are located on the outside of the engine.[8] This is opposite to the traditional layout for a V8, where the intake is inside the "V" and the exhaust manifold is on the outside. The hot-vee layout reduces the width of the engine and decreases the exhaust runner length from the exhaust valves to the turbochargers. The engine uses air-to-water intercoolers, therefore improving throttle response.[7][9]

Similar to the N54B30, the initial N63 (including the S63) did not use Valvetronic (variable valve lift) because its benefit of reducing of intake vacuum is not as important in turbocharged engines.[10] Due to the presence of turbocharging, the N63 does not use a variable-length intake manifold.

The N63 is BMW's first V8 engine to use direct injection.

The N63/S63 uses a bore of 89 mm (3.50 in) and a stroke of 88.3 mm (3.48 in) [except for the Chinese market 89 mm (3.50 in) and a stroke of 80 mm (3.15 in)].

2012 technical update

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In 2012, a "Technical Update" was applied to the N63, resulting in the N63TU variants (also known as N63B44O1). The main upgrade was the addition of Valvetronic.[11][12] Other changes include revised turbochargers, removal of the blowoff valve, lighter pistons, forged connecting rods and crankshaft, addition of a valve cover labyrinth oil catch/return system, new valve stem seals, revised fuel system and addition of a second coolant pump.[10]

2016 technical update

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A second Technical Update occurred in 2016, resulting in the N63TU2 variants (also known as N63B44O2). The major changes are the use of twin-scroll turbochargers, a wider powerband and the oil/coolant heat exchanger being moved to within the "V" of the engine.[13]

2018 technical update

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A third Technical Update was introduced in 2018. Two variants are offered: N63B44M3[14] and N63B44T3.[15] N63B44M3 features improved thermal shielding for the crankcase and the cylinder head, and a new ignition system. The N63B44T3 gains higher pressure (5000psi) injectors, larger twin-scroll turbochargers, a redesigned intake manifold, and an upstream cooling radiator.

Models

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Engine Displacement Power Torque Years
N63B40A 3,982 cc 300 kW (402 hp)
at 5,500 rpm
600 N⋅m (443 lb⋅ft)
at 1,750-4,500 rpm
2012–2015
331 kW (444 hp)
at 5,500 rpm
650 N⋅m (479 lb⋅ft)
at 1,750-4,500 rpm
N63B44O0 4,395 cc 300 kW (402 hp)
at 5,500-6,400 rpm
600 N⋅m (443 lb⋅ft)
at 1,750-4,500 rpm
2008–2013
N63B44O1 331 kW (444 hp)
at 5,500-6,000 rpm
650 N⋅m (479 lb⋅ft)
at 2,000-4,500 rpm
2013–2016
N63B44O2 650 N⋅m (479 lb⋅ft)
at 1,800-4,500 rpm
2016–2020
N63B44M3 340 kW (456 hp)
at 5,250-6,000 rpm
650 N⋅m (479 lb⋅ft)
at 1,500-4,750 rpm
2018–present
N63B44T3 390 kW (523 hp)
at 5,500-6,000 rpm
750 N⋅m (553 lb⋅ft)
at 1,800-4,600 rpm
S63B44O0 408 kW (547 hp)
at 6,000 rpm
680 N⋅m (502 lb⋅ft)
at 1,500-5,650 rpm
2010–2013
S63B44T0 412 kW (553 hp)
at 6,000-7,000 rpm
680 N⋅m (502 lb⋅ft)
at 1,500-5,750 rpm
2011–2018
S63B44T2 423 kW (567 hp)
at 6,000-6,500 rpm
750 N⋅m (553 lb⋅ft)
at 2,200-5,000 rpm
2015–2018
S63B44T4 441 kW (591 hp)
at 5,600-6,700 rpm
750 N⋅m (553 lb⋅ft)
at 1,800-5,600 rpm
2018–present
460 kW (617 hp)
at 5,600-6,700 rpm
750 N⋅m (553 lb⋅ft)
at 1,800-5,800 rpm
2019–present[16]

N63B40A

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This smaller variant was sold in the Chinese market. Due to a shorter stroke length of 80 mm (3.15 in), the capacity is reduced to 3,982 cc (243.0 cu in).[17]

Applications:

N63B44O0

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The initial version of the N63 produces 300 kW (402 bhp) and 600 N⋅m (443 lb⋅ft).

Applications:

N63B44O1 (N63TU)

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The first technical update resulted in an increase of 31 kW (42 bhp) and 50 N⋅m (37 lb⋅ft).

Applications:

N63B44O2 (N63TU2)

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The second technical update resulted in peak torque being produced over a 200 rpm wider band.

Applications:

N63B44M3 (N63TU3)

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Applications:

N63B44T3 (N63TU3)

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Applications:

BMW S63 engine
 
Overview
Production2009-present
Layout
Configuration90° V8
Displacement4.4 L (4,395 cc)
Cylinder bore89 mm (3.50 in)
Piston stroke88.3 mm (3.48 in)
ValvetrainDOHC w/ VVT
Combustion
TurbochargerTwin-turbo
Fuel typePetrol
Chronology
PredecessorBMW S65
SuccessorBMW S68 (for S63B44 any Model)

The S63 is the BMW M version of the N63, which debuted in the BMW X6 M and was used in the BMW M5 models from 2011 to 2023. The S63 uses two twin-scroll turbochargers plus a pulse tuned, cross-engine exhaust manifold[8] to keep constant exhaust pulses flowing to the turbos at every 180 degree rotation.

S63B44T4

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Applications:

S63B44O0

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Applications:

S63B44T1

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A technical update to the S63, known as the S63B44T1, debuted on the F10 M5 sedan. This version uses Valvetronic,[22] a 10:1 compression ratio (compared with 9.3:1 for the non-TU version) and 1.5 bar of boost (compared with 1.3).[23] It is the first BMW M engine to use Valvetronic. The rev limit was increased from 6800 rpm to 7200 rpm.[24]

Applications:

S63B44T2

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The S63B44T2 debuted on the 2015 X5 M and X6 M models.[25]

Applications:

S63B44T4

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The S63B44T4 debuted on the 2018 M5.[26]

Applications:

BMW P63 engine
Overview
Production2018-present
Layout
Configuration90° V8
Displacement4.0 L (3,982 cc)
Cylinder bore89 mm (3.50 in)
Piston stroke80 mm (3.15 in)
ValvetrainDOHC w/ VVT
Combustion
TurbochargerTwin-turbo
Fuel typePetrol
Chronology
PredecessorNone

The P63 is the BMW Motorsport version of the N63, which debuted in the BMW M8 GTE.

Alpina

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Alpina uses a variant of the N63 engine, which was hand-assembled at the Alpina plant in Buchloe before being transported to the BMW production line.[27]

For the 2013 model year, the Alpina engine received Valvetronic like all other N63 engines.[28]

Engine Power Torque Compression ratio Years
M1 373 kW (500 bhp)
at 5,500 rpm
700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft)
at 3,000-4,750 rpm
9.2:1 2009–2012
M1/1 397 kW (532 bhp)
at 5,200-6,250 rpm
730 N⋅m (538 lb⋅ft)
at 2,800-5,000 rpm
2012–2014
M2, M2/1 10.0:1 2012–2015
M2/2 441 kW (591 bhp)
at 6,000 rpm
800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft)
at 3,500-4,500 rpm
2015-
M5[29]
(N63M30)
447 kW (599 bhp)
at 5,750-6,250 rpm
800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft)
at 3,000-5,000 rpm
2016-
M5/1
(N63B44T3 type)[30]
456 kW (612 bhp)
at 5,500-6,500 rpm
800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft)
at 2,000-5,000 rpm
10.5:1 2020-

Applications:

  • 2009–2012 Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo: based on the BMW F01 7 Series[31][32]
  • 2010–2011 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo Sedan/Touring: based on the BMW F10/F11 5 Series.

M1/1

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Applications:

  • 2012–2014 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo Sedan/Touring: based on the BMW F10/F11 5 Series[33]

M1/2

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Applications:

  • 2011–2015 Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo Coupé/Cabrio: based on the BMW F12/F13 6 Series[33]

M2, M2/1

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Applications:

  • 2014–2015 Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo Gran Coupé: based on the BMW F06 6 Series[34]
  • 2012–2015 Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo: based on the BMW F01 7 Series[34][35]

M2/2

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Applications:

  • 2015 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo Edition 50 Sedan/Touring: based on the BMW F10/F11 5 Series[36]
  • 2015–2016 Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo Edition 50 Coupé/Cabrio: based on the BMW F12/F13 6 Series[36]
  • 2016 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo: based on the BMW F10/F11 5 Series
  • 2016–present Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo: based on the BMW F06/F12/F13 6 Series[36]

The Alpina engine code is N63M30A.

Applications:

  • 2016–2019 Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo: based on the BMW G12 7 Series[37]
  • 2017–present Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo: based on the BMW G30/G31 5 Series[38]

An evolution of this engine, with better power delivery, is of the N63B44T3 type.

Applications:

North American recall

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In December 2014, BMW North America released a voluntary recall ("Customer Care Package") relating to issues with timing chain stretch, fuel injectors, mass air flow sensors, crankcase vent lines, battery, engine vacuum pump, low pressure fuel sensor and revising the oil service interval.[39]

In 2019 NHTSA addressed the multitude of issues with BMW N63 engines, various class action lawsuits in tow, and never officially declared a mass recall in regard to valve seal issues inherent in the N63 line.[40]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Nica, Gabriel (2015-06-11). "Here's Why BMW's N63 4.4-liter V8 Engines Fail". autoevolution. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
  2. ^ Nica, Gabriel (2014-10-28). "BMW 4.4-liter N63 Engine Experiencing Frequent Reliability Problems". autoevolution. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
  3. ^ "BMW N63 Engine Problems - Causes and Solutions". bmwtuning.co. 2019-10-03. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
  4. ^ "BMW N63 Engine Overview – Is It Worth It In 2022?". Bimmers.com. 2022-05-30. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
  5. ^ Weyer, Michael (2022-01-29). "5 V8 Engines We Trust (5 We Want Nothing To Do With)". HotCars. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
  6. ^ Bagnall, Jason (2020-05-25). "Here Are The Worst New Vehicles You Can Buy With A V8 Engine". HotCars. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
  7. ^ a b "BMW X6 Full Details, Specifications and Photos". Archived from the original on 2008-08-29. Retrieved 2008-07-04.
  8. ^ a b "BimmerBoost - BMW twin turbo V8 analysis - Power potential, tuning, performance, and architecture of the N63 and S63 motors". Archived from the original on 2021-01-09. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
  9. ^ "Interview: BMW M Head of Engine Development Details F10 M5 S63Tu Engine". www.m5post.com. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  10. ^ a b "BMW N63 Turbocharged V8 Engines". www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk. Archived from the original on 29 May 2017. Retrieved 8 July 2017.[unreliable source?]
  11. ^ "BMW TwinPower Turbo and Valvetronic". www.bmwblog.com. 15 June 2012. Retrieved 8 July 2017.
  12. ^ "BMW updates all N63 V8 Turbo cars to the 445 horsepower N63TU motor for 2013". www.bimmerboost.com. Archived from the original on 3 September 2018. Retrieved 8 July 2017.
  13. ^ "N63TU2 Engine Technical Training". BMW Service. Archived from the original on 3 August 2017. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
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  15. ^ "The all-new BMW 8 Series Coupe". www.press.bmwgroup.com. Archived from the original on 2018-06-15. Retrieved 2018-06-15.
  16. ^ "Horsepower and Torque curve for 2020 BMW X6 M Competition (Aut. 8) offered since April 2020 for Europe".
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  18. ^ "New BMW 7-Series (F01) Specifications and Photos". Archived from the original on 2012-07-17. Retrieved 2008-07-08.
  19. ^ "2022 Range Rover Lands with BMW V8 and Noise-Cancelling Headrests, PHEV and EV Coming 2023". 26 October 2021.
  20. ^ "The 2022 Range Rover Has New Looks and a BMW V-8". 26 October 2021.
  21. ^ "Car and Driver - BMW M5 powered Wiesmann GT MF5 on road and track". www.youtube.com. 13 September 2012. Archived from the original on 3 June 2017. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  22. ^ "FAQ F10 M5". www.bmwmregistry.com. Archived from the original on 4 August 2017. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  23. ^ "New BMW M5 S63Tu Engine Improves Upon X5/X6M's S63 - All Details". Archived from the original on 2020-11-12. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
  24. ^ "BMW S63 V8 Turbocharged M-Tech Engines". www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk. Archived from the original on 28 January 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  25. ^ "BMW X5 M price, photos and specs". www.caranddriver.com. Archived from the original on 18 July 2017. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  26. ^ "New BMW M5 revealed". www.carmagazine.co.uk. Archived from the original on 23 September 2017. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
  27. ^ "2011 BMW 750Li Alpina B7 First Drive". www.edmunds.com. Archived from the original on 10 February 2015.
  28. ^ "Preview: 2013 Alpina B7 offers outrageous performance | Driving | National Post". Archived from the original on 2013-01-29. Retrieved 2012-10-07.
  29. ^ "BMW 7 Series G12: ALPINA Automobiles". www.alpina-automobiles.com. Archived from the original on 2020-06-17. Retrieved 2020-03-15.
  30. ^ a b "The new 2020 ALPINA B7 xDrive Sedan - Power, Dynamics and Luxury in a new contemporary Design". www.press.bmwgroup.com. Archived from the original on 2019-02-14. Retrieved 2019-02-15.
  31. ^ Noah Joseph (4 March 2009). "Geneva 2009: An M7 by any other name - 2009 BMW Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo". Autoblog.com. Archived from the original on 2012-10-19. Retrieved 2012-06-05.
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  35. ^ Vaughn, Mark (7 July 2014). "To The Max". Autoweek. 64 (14): 22–23.
  36. ^ a b c Ramey, Jay (6 April 2015). "Celebrate Alpina's 50th at 204 mph". Autoweek. Archived from the original on 4 July 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
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  38. ^ "Road Vehicle Descriptor (RVD1)". rvcs-prodweb.dot.gov.au. Archived from the original on 2018-06-12. Retrieved 2018-06-08.
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  40. ^ "N63 CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT FOR OIL CONSUMPTION AND BATTERY DRAIN" (PDF). NHTSA. July 31, 2019.