The BMW M62 B46 (468S1) is a 4,561 cc, naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine produced between 1996 and 2001. It forms part of BMW's second-generation V8 engine family, featuring dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, and individual throttle bodies. With a peak output of 210 kW (286 PS) and 440 Nm of torque, it delivers smooth, linear power delivery ideal for luxury grand tourers.
Fitted to the E38 7 Series (740i), E31 8 Series (840Ci), and E53 X5 (X5 4.6is), the M62 B46 was engineered for refined performance and effortless highway cruising. It utilises Siemens MS41 engine management with sequential fuel injection and features hydraulic valve lifters and a dual-mass flywheel, enabling quiet operation and strong mid-range response while meeting Euro 2 and later Euro 3 emissions standards.
One documented service concern involves premature camshaft wear observed in early production units, particularly in engines built before mid-1998. This issue, referenced in BMW Service Information Bulletin 11 07 98, was attributed to insufficient lubrication film stability under high-load conditions. BMW addressed this through revised camshaft metallurgy and updated oil specification requirements, transitioning to higher-detergent oils compliant with BMW Longlife-98.
Production years 1996–1999 meet Euro 2 standards; 2000–2001 models comply with Euro 3 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5683).
The BMW M62 B46 (468S1) is a 4,561 cc V8 naturally aspirated engine engineered for flagship and performance applications (1996–2001). It combines DOHC valvetrain architecture with individual throttle bodies and hydraulic lifters to deliver linear power delivery and high-RPM smoothness. Designed to meet Euro 2 and later Euro 3 standards, it balances performance with refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,561 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 210 kW (286 PS) @ 5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 440 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Siemens MS41, sequential port injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 (1996–1999); Euro 3 (2000–2001) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (non-interference design) | |
| Oil type | BMW Longlife-98 (SAE 10W-40 or 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 208 kg |
The naturally aspirated V8 layout provides smooth, linear power delivery ideal for relaxed cruising but demands consistent maintenance to preserve longevity. BMW Longlife-98 (10W-40 or 5W-30) oil is critical due to its thermal stability and anti-wear additives protecting the camshafts and hydraulic lifters. Early M62 B46 engines are prone to camshaft wear if incorrect oil is used or service intervals exceed 15,000 km. The dual-mass flywheel improves drivability but may develop wear over time, requiring inspection during clutch replacement. Coolant system integrity is essential—aluminium construction and rubber hoses degrade if coolant is not replaced every 2–3 years per BMW TIS A25705.
Oil Specs: Requires BMW Longlife-98 specification (BMW SIB 11 07 98). Replaces earlier BMW 502.00 standard.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to pre-2000 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5683). Euro 3 compliance confirmed for 2000–2001 production.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets without fuel quality dependency.
BMW Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A25705, A25917, SIB 11 07 98
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5683)
SAE International: J2723 Engine Power Test Code
The BMW M62 B46 (468S1) was used across BMW's E38, E31, and E53 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-integrated air intake routing in the E38 limousine and compact exhaust manifold in the E53 SUV-and from 1999 the updated E38 LCI models adopted revised ECU calibration and ignition coils, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the right-side cylinder head near the exhaust manifold (BMW TIS A25810). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('M' for M62 series). Pre-1999 models have silver valve covers with round ignition coils; post-1999 LCI units use black valve covers with integrated coil packs. Critical differentiation from M62TU: Original M62 B46 uses Siemens MS41 ECU with separate coil drivers, while M62TU (2002+) uses MS43 with revised ignition control. Service parts require production date verification—camshafts before 06/1998 are not interchangeable with later units due to metallurgy revisions (BMW SIB 11 07 98).
The M62 B46's primary reliability risk is camshaft wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained vehicles. Internal BMW quality reports from 1998 indicated a significant portion of pre-LCI engines showing lobe degradation before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data links a notable share of emissions failures to aging VANOS units in city-driven examples. Extended oil intervals and low-quality lubricants increase wear rates, making correct oil specification and timely servicing critical.
Analysis derived from BMW technical bulletins (1996-2002) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1999-2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about BMW M62B46.
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