The BMW N74B66B is a 6,592 cc, twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2019. It features DOHC, 48-valve architecture, High Precision Injection direct fuel delivery, and Valvetronic III variable valve lift, delivering 368 kW (500 PS) at 5,250–6,000 rpm and 750 Nm of torque between 1,500–5,000 rpm. The quad-turbo system (twin-scroll per bank) provides seamless power delivery with minimal lag.
Fitted exclusively to the F01/F02 760i/L and F03/F04 760Li models, the N74B66B was engineered for ultimate refinement and effortless high-speed performance in BMW's flagship sedan. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise air-fuel control, direct injection, and close-coupled three-way catalytic converters, allowing the engine to meet Euro 5 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, which can lead to misfires, reduced power, or no-start conditions. This issue, highlighted in BMW Service Information Bulletin 13 01 09, is typically caused by mechanical wear or fuel contamination. Later production revisions included updated pump materials and filtration requirements to improve longevity.
Production years 2010–2019 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5687).
The BMW N74B66B is a 6,592 cc V12 twin-turbo petrol engine engineered for flagship luxury applications (2010–2019). It combines Valvetronic III variable valve lift with quad-turbocharging (twin-scroll per cylinder bank) to deliver effortless torque and refined power. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it represents the pinnacle of BMW's naturally aspirated successor V12 engineering.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 6,592 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V12, DOHC, 48-valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged (quad-turbo layout) | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 88.3 mm | |
| Power output | 368 kW (500 PS) @ 5,250–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 750 Nm @ 1,500–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | High Precision Injection (direct injection), ME 17.2 ECU | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Four turbochargers (two twin-scroll per cylinder bank) | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (non-interference) | |
| Oil type | BMW Longlife-04 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 262 kg |
The quad-turbo system provides seamless power delivery ideal for luxury driving but requires strict adherence to 24-month or 24,000 km oil change intervals to prevent high-pressure fuel pump and turbo degradation. BMW Longlife-04 (5W-30) oil is essential to maintain hydraulic actuator integrity within the Valvetronic and turbo systems. Extended idling and short trips can accelerate HPFP wear due to thermal cycling. Fuel system cleanliness is critical—low-quality petrol can lead to injector coking and reduced valve lift precision. The ME 17.2 ECU is sensitive to battery voltage; always use a stable power supply during diagnostics. Pre-2013 models should verify HPFP calibration per BMW SIB 13 01 09.
Oil Specs: Requires BMW Longlife-04 (5W-30) specification (BMW SIB 11 04 03). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2010–2019 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5687).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output assumes premium unleaded (RON 98) fuel quality (BMW TIS Doc. A27060).
BMW Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A27060, A27580, SIB 13 01 09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5687)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The BMW N74B66B was used exclusively in BMW's F0x platform with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised intake manifolds in the F04 and updated cooling routing in the F01—and from 2019 was succeeded by the N74B66T in facelifted models, creating interchange limits. 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 timing cover (BMW TIS A27060). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('N' for N74 series). Pre-2013 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2013 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from N74B66: N74B66B features revised HPFP and turbo calibration. Service parts require production date verification—HPFPs for engines before 09/2012 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (BMW SIB 13 01 09).
The N74B66B's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for short-trip urban driving. Internal BMW quality reports from 2012 indicated a significant share of pre-2013 units required HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK VCA field data links misfire complaints in F01 760i models to pump degradation. Frequent thermal cycling and voltage fluctuations increase wear on early-design pumps, making adherence to service intervals and use of stable electrical systems critical.
Analysis derived from BMW technical bulletins (2010-2020) and UK VCA field reliability reports (2014-2021). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about BMW N74B66B.
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