The BMW N63B44A is a 4,395 cc, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2012. It features double overhead camshafts (DOHC), Valvetronic II variable valve lift, and direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection), delivering high specific output and strong low-end torque. In standard tune it produced 260 kW (354 PS) with 450 Nm of torque, marking BMW's transition to turbocharged V8 performance.
Fitted to models such as the E70 X5 xDrive50i, E71 X6 xDrive50i, and F01 750i, the N63B44A was engineered for effortless acceleration and luxury driving dynamics. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise air-fuel control and oxygen sensing, allowing all units to meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8894).
One documented reliability concern is premature high-pressure fuel pump failure, highlighted in BMW Service Information Bulletin 13 09 07. This issue is linked to thermal stress and component fatigue in the high-pressure fuel system. In 2010, BMW introduced a revised pump design and updated cooling routing to improve durability, marking a key transition before the N63B44T's release.
All production years (2008–2012) meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8894).
The BMW N63B44A is a 4,395 cc twin-turbo V8 petrol engine engineered for luxury and performance models (2008–2012). It combines direct fuel injection with dual turbochargers and Valvetronic II to deliver high specific output and linear power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances aggressive performance with drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 88.3 mm | |
| Power output | 260 kW (354 PS) @ 5,500–6,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 450 Nm @ 1,750–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | High Precision Injection (direct injection) with Valvetronic II | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Dual mono-scroll turbochargers (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Dual-row roller chain (non-interference design) | |
| Oil type | BMW Longlife-01 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 225 kg |
The twin-turbo setup provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for performance driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent high-pressure fuel pump and turbo bearing wear. BMW Longlife-01 (5W-30) oil is essential due to its thermal stability and protection of direct injection components. Extended idling after high-load operation is recommended to prevent turbo coking. The high-pressure fuel pump is sensitive to heat; use of OEM-specified coolant and timely replacements per SIB 13 09 07 minimizes failure risk. Intake carbon buildup is common due to lack of fuel washing; periodic intake cleaning is advised to maintain throttle response.
Oil Specs: Requires BMW Longlife-01 (5W-30) specification (BMW Service Manual 11 50 7 842 323). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all N63B44A models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8894).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 260 kW output requires 98 RON fuel (BMW TIS Doc. A25109).
BMW Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A25109, A25132, SIB 13 09 07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8894)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The BMW N63B44A was used across BMW's E7x/F0x platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shortened intake manifolds in the E71 and revised cooling routing in the F01-and from 2010 the facelifted E70 LCI models adopted updated Valvetronic calibration, creating minor software differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block, near the exhaust manifold (BMW TIS A25100). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('M' for N63 series). Pre-2010 models have silver valve covers with green gasket seals; post-2010 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from N63B44T: Original N63B44A has Siemens MSV70 ECU with 100-pin connector, while N63B44T uses MSV80 with 120-pin. Service parts require production date verification—high-pressure fuel pumps before 09/2009 are incompatible with later revisions due to internal redesign (BMW SIB 13 09 07).
The N63B44A's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump failure, with elevated incidence in high-load driving with frequent short trips. Internal BMW quality reports from 2009 indicated a significant share of pre-2010 engines required pump replacement before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records show fuel system faults contributing to emissions-related MOT failures. Extended service intervals and poor cooling exacerbate pump stress, making coolant maintenance and pump upgrades critical.
Analysis derived from BMW technical bulletins (2008–2013) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2012–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about BMW N63B44A.
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