The BMW M62B44 is a 4,398 cc, V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1995 and 2001. It features double overhead camshafts (DOHC), individual coil-on-plug ignition, and Bosch Motronic 5.2 engine management. In standard form it delivered 210 kW (286 PS) at 5,500 rpm and 440 Nm of torque at 3,900 rpm, offering strong linear power delivery for luxury and performance models.
Fitted to models including the E39 5 Series, E38 7 Series, and E53 X5, the M62B44 was engineered for smooth high-speed cruising and effortless acceleration. Its aluminium block and heads contributed to reduced weight, while the design prioritised refinement and low-end torque. Most European-market variants met Euro 2 emissions standards through precise fuel metering and secondary air injection.
One documented update occurred in 1998 when BMW introduced revised cylinder head cooling passages and upgraded engine mounts to improve thermal stability and reduce vibration, particularly under sustained highway operation. This change, referenced in BMW Service Information Bulletin 11 08 98, also included updated thermostat and coolant pump designs to enhance cooling system reliability.
Production years 1995–1999 meet Euro 2 standards; 1999–2001 models may have Euro 3 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The BMW M62B44 is a 4,398 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for luxury sedans and SUVs (1995–2001). It combines DOHC architecture with a cross-plane crankshaft to deliver smooth, linear power delivery and high-RPM responsiveness. Designed to meet Euro 2 (and select Euro 3) standards, it balances performance with refinement in a lightweight aluminium construction.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,398 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 88.3 mm | |
| Power output | 210 kW (286 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 440 Nm @ 3,900 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multipoint fuel injection (Bosch Motronic 5.2) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 (pre-1999); Euro 3 (post-1999, market-dependent) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, all-aluminium construction | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Double roller chain (non-interference design) | |
| Oil type | BMW Longlife-98 (SAE 10W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 198 kg |
The DOHC V8 design provides smooth, linear power delivery ideal for grand touring but requires regular inspection of the coil-on-plug ignition system to prevent misfires. BMW Longlife-98 (10W-40) oil is recommended to maintain cylinder head and hydraulic lifter lubrication. The all-aluminium cooling system demands use of BMW-approved coolant to prevent corrosion and head gasket failure. The revised 1998 cooling system (SIB 11 08 98) improved thermal stability under sustained load. Vacuum leaks from ageing intake boots and valve cover gaskets are common high-mileage issues requiring periodic inspection. Secondary air injection pumps, used for cold-start emissions, may fail over time and require replacement per TIS guidelines.
Oil Specs: Requires BMW Longlife-98 (10W-40) specification (BMW SIB 11 04 97). Supersedes ACEA A3/B3.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to pre-1999 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Some 1999-2001 models meet Euro 3 depending on market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across model applications (BMW TIS Doc. A28100).
BMW Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A28100, A28510, SIB 11 08 98
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The BMW M62B44 was used across BMW's E38/E39/E53 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced mounts in the E53 and revised cooling routing in the E38-and from 1998 the facelifted E39 LCI models adopted the M62TU variant with improved cooling and thermostat design, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (BMW TIS A28100). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('M' for M62 series). Pre-1998 units have silver valve covers with "M62" engraving; post-1998 M62TU units use black valve covers with updated cooling components. Critical differentiation from M60: M62 uses coil-on-plug ignition with eight individual coils, while M60 (pre-1995) uses distributor-based ignition. Service parts require production date verification—pre- and post-1998 cooling system components are not interchangeable due to revised thermostat and water pump design (BMW SIB 11 08 98).
The M62B44's primary reliability risk is intake manifold vacuum leaks and ageing valve cover gaskets, with elevated incidence in vehicles exceeding 150,000 km. Internal BMW quality reports from 2000 indicated a notable number of idle instability complaints, while VCA field data shows improved longevity in UK-sourced examples due to adherence to service schedules. Use of BMW-approved coolant and timely maintenance make cooling system and sealing integrity critical.
Analysis derived from BMW technical bulletins (1995-2001) and UK VCA failure statistics (1998-2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about BMW M62B44.
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