Are you interested in purchasing a BMW with the BMW N63 engine? So, you probably want to learn more about the BMW N63 engine problems? If that is the case, you will find this article very useful!
First, we are going to cover the basic BMW N63 engine specs and learn more about the most common configurations of this engine. Then, we will cover the common problems and applications of this engine. Lastly, we will answer some frequently asked questions.
Basic BMW N63 Engine Specs
Now first, let’s take a look at the specs of this engine. The N63 engine is a V8 engine manufactured by BMW since 2008.
This engine was the first turbocharged V8 that BMW built. This allows this engine to be very efficient and also to produce a ton of power at the same time. There is a high-performance version of this engine known as the BMW S63 engine. But for this article, we are only interested in the N63. There are five major variants of this engine.
These are the following: N63B40A (4.0L engine for the Chinese market), N63B44O0, N63B44O1, N63B44O2, N63B44M3, and N63B44T3.
- N63B40A Original 4.0L engine for the Chinese market.
This engine was rated at 300 kW (402hp) @ 5,500 rpm and 600 N-m (443lb-ft) @ 1,750-4,500 rpm.
- N63B44O0 Original 4.4L Engine
This was the base model rated at 300 kW (402hp) @ 5,500-6,400 rpm and 600 N-m (443lb-ft) @1,750-4,500 rpm
- N63B44O1 Technical Update 2012 known as N63TU
This was an updated engine that sorted most of the common problems. It was rated at 331 kW (444hp) @ 5,500-6,000 rpm and 650 N-m (479lb-ft) @ 2,000-4,750 rpm.
- N63B44O2 Technical Update 2016 known as N63TU2
This was an updated engine. It was rated at 331 kW (444hp) @ 5,500-6,000 rpm and 650 N-m (479lb-ft) @ 1,800-4,750 rpm.
- N63B44OM3 Technical Update 2018
This was the first version from the technical update 2018. This engine was rated at 340 kW (456hp) @ 5,250-6,000 rpm and 650 N-m (479lb-ft) @1,500-4,750 rpm.
- N63B44OT3 Technical Update 2018
This was the second version of the 2018 technical update. This engine was rated at 390 kW (523hp) @ 5,500-6,000 rpm and 750 N-m (553lb-ft) @1,800-4,600 rpm.
Common BMW N63 Engine Problems
Now that we are familiar with the specs of this engine, we can slowly move on and cover the common problems with this engine. So, let’s briefly list the common issues with this engine.
Common BMW N63 engine problems include:
- Timing chain failure
- Fuel injector failure
- Carbon buildup
- Oil consumption
- Leaky valve stem seals
- Battery drainage
- HPFP failure
- MAF Sensor failure
We listed the problems and these are the most common issues that this engine has. If you want to read more thoroughly on each specific problem, follow along because there will be a lot to cover in the following chapters.
Timing Chain Failure
The first problem on our list and probably the most serious one is the timing chain failure. As you probably know, BMW likes to use timing chains instead of timing belts on their engines.
Even though many people claim that these chains will last for a lifetime, this isn’t actually the case. The chain will start to rattle somewhere above 100,000 miles (ca. 160,934 km) and you will have to replace it.
There could be two failure points. The chain can stretch well enough and jump and the engine will skip timing. Or the timing tensioners that are often made out of cheap plastic can break and cause the chain to jump.
Both situations can total your N63 engine. This is why you need to sort out the problem on time. As soon as you start hearing some rattling noises, changing the timing chain is mandatory if you don’t want your engine to fail.
Fuel Injector Failure
Another very common problem with this engine is fuel injector failure. This is a situation where the injector body starts to leak internally.
When this happens you will start noticing misfires. There will be a check engine light and codes that can refer to lean/rich air to fuel mixture or engine misfires.
This problem happens on these engines very often. Your best bet, in this case, is to replace the faulty injector with a new one. It is also a good idea to check the other injectors as well and replace them all if some of them are also giving symptoms. A pack of 8 injectors reportedly costs about $1,800.
Carbon Buildup
Since this engine is using direct injection, carbon buildup is very common. Both on the intake and exhaust valves.
So, a walnut blasting process has to be done every 60,000 miles or so. Because this gunk on the valve stems can cause the valves not to open and close correctly. This could lead to engine misfires and overall poor engine work.
Oil Consumption
Another very common problem with the N63 is oil consumption. This engine is known to consume a lot of oil. Especially at higher miles.
This problem is very notorious to occur in model years between 2013 and 2019. So, if you are in the market for this engine, make sure that you get a model that is above 2019, just to be on the safe side.
Valve Stem Seals Leaking
A problem that can cause oil consumption is the problem with the valve stem seals. As you know, each valve has a stem and this stem has a seal that prevents oil from going into the combustion chamber.
In many BMW engines, including the N63, these seals can fail and the engine can consume oil. If the problem is too large, the engine will lose a significant amount of oil and the car will be producing black smoke from the exhaust.
Battery Drainage
Battery drainage is also a very serious issue with this engine. Models that use this engine are notorious for draining the battery more often compared to other BMW engines.
This problem could lead to more frequent battery replacements. And batteries for BMW are somewhat more pricey. So, you have to be prepared for this before you buy a car with one of these engines.
HPFP Pump Failure
Another very common problem with these engines is the high-pressure fuel pump failure. Also known as HPFP.
This engine uses direct injection. This means that the engine requires a secondary high-pressure fuel pump for it to work.
This small pump does all the heavy lifting of pushing the fuel into the injectors. What can happen to BMW engines is that these pumps are notorious for failing. Replacing these pumps is also on the expensive side.
MAF Sensor Failure
And last but not least is the MAF sensor failure. As you know, each modern car has a MAF sensor that monitors the amount of air that enters the intake. Thus, helping the engine to adjust the air-to-fuel ratio.
What can happen is that on many occasions this sensor can fail on BMW engines. Namely, the N63 engine in this case. Replacing this unit is the only way for you to overcome the problem.
Which Models Have The BMW N63 Engine
Now let’s learn more about what models have the N63 engine variations.
N63B40A
- 2012 – 2017 BMW F12/F13 650i (China)
- 2012 – 2017 BMW F01/F02 750i/Li (China)
N63B44O0
- 2008 – 2013 BMW E71 X6
- 2009 – 2012 BMW F01/F02 750i/Li
- 2010 – 2012 BMW F07 550i GT
- 2010 – 2013 BMW F10/F11 550i
- 2011 – 2013 BMW E70 X5
- 2012 – 2017 BMW F12/F13 650i
- 2011 – 2014 Wiesmann GTMF4
N63B44O1 N63TU – 2012 Upgrade
- 2013 – 2015 BMW F01/F02 750i/Li
- 2013 – 2017 BMW F07 550i GT
- 2014 – 2016 BMW F10/F11 550i
- 2014 – 2018 BMW F15 X5
- 2014 – 2019 BMW F16 X6
- 2013 – 2018 BMW F12/F13 650i
- 2013 – 2019 BMW F06 650i
N63B44O2 N63TU2 – 2016 Upgrade
- 2016 – 2019 BMW G11/G12 750i
- 2017 – 2020 BMW G30/G31 550i
N63B44M3 N63TU3 – 2018 Upgrade
- 2018 – BMW G05 X5 xDrive50i
- 2018 – BMW G07 X7 xDrive50i
N63B44T3 N63TU3 – 2018 Upgrade
- 2018 – BMW G14/G15/G16 M850i
- 2018 – BMW G11/G12 750/Li
- 2020 – BMW G30/G31 M550i xDrive
- 2020 – BMW G05 X5 M50i
- 2020 – BMW G06 X6 M50i
- 2020 – BMW G07 X7 M50i
- 2021 – BMW G14/G15/G16 Alpina B8 Gran Coupe
- 2020 – Range Rover L460
- 2022 – Range Rover L461
Conclusion
We have covered the N63 engine, now let’s sum up our conclusions. The N63 engine reliability is questionable. Especially in the earlier versions.
This engine has a lot of problems, this is why we would recommend getting the updated version from 2012 onwards. Or if you can afford to get the 2018 update. The newest engine is pretty bulletproof and free from the many issues that the old versions previously had.
FAQ
What Are The Common N63 Engine Problems?
Common problems on this engine are timing chain failure, oil consumption, valve stem seal failure, injector failure, and HPFP failure. There are also problems with the MAF sensor and battery drain issues.
Is The N63 Engine Reliable?
The reliability really depends on what engine you go for. If you go for an engine that is pre-2012, the chance of having a problem is really high. But if you opt for an updated engine after 2012, there is a big chance that you will have fewer problems down the line.
About The Author
