The BMW P65B44 is a 4,395 cc, naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2013. It features DOHC, 32-valve configuration with double-VANOS variable valve timing and individual throttle bodies. Rated at 373 kW (507 PS) and 520 Nm of torque, this high-revving engine was developed specifically for motorsport homologation and track-focused applications.
Fitted exclusively to the E92 M3 GTS and limited-run E90 M3 CRT, the P65B44 was engineered for maximum performance and lightweight construction in BMW M's high-performance lineup. Emissions compliance was achieved through close-coupled three-way catalytic converters and a motorsport-grade fuel system, meeting Euro 5 standards for road-legal homologation. Its all-aluminum block and dry-sump lubrication system provided exceptional reliability under sustained high-RPM operation.
One documented reliability concern is potential crankshaft sensor instability under extreme thermal cycling, particularly in early production units before 2011. This issue, referenced in BMW Motorsport Service Information Bulletin MS 11 03 01, is attributed to mounting bracket resonance during track use. In 2011, BMW revised the sensor housing design, improving signal integrity in later models.
Production years 2010–2013 meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6544).
The BMW P65B44 is a 4,395 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for high-performance coupes (2010–2013). It combines DOHC architecture with individual throttle bodies and dry-sump lubrication to deliver high-RPM power delivery and track durability. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances motorsport-derived engineering with road legality.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 94.6 mm × 77.4 mm | |
| Power output | 373 kW (507 PS) @ 8,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 520 Nm @ 3,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motorsport MS 7.2 electronic fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 12.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (non-interference design) | |
| Oil type | BMW Motorsport Longlife-01 (SAE 10W-60) | |
| Dry weight | 206 kg |
The naturally aspirated V8 delivers high-RPM performance ideal for track driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent sensor and bearing wear. BMW Motorsport Longlife-01 (10W-60) oil is essential due to its thermal stability and protection for the dry-sump system. Extended high-RPM operation or insufficient warm-up increases stress on the crankshaft sensor in pre-2011 engines. The Bosch MS 7.2 ECU is race-tuned but sensitive to fuel quality; always use premium unleaded (RON 98+). Post-2011 models feature revised sensor housing per BMW Motorsport bulletin MS 11 03 01, significantly enhancing long-term reliability.
Oil Specs: Requires BMW Motorsport Longlife-01 specification (BMW Motorsport SIB MS 11 01 01). ACEA A3/B4 compatible oils acceptable.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all models (2010–2013) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6544).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities (BMW Motorsport TIS Doc. A38100).
BMW Motorsport Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A38100, A38140, A38200, MS SIB 11 03 01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6544)
DIN 70020:2004 Internal Combustion Engine Power Measurement
The BMW P65B44 was used exclusively in BMW's E92 platform with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the E92 GTS and lightweight intake in the E90 CRT-and was not carried over to the F80 M3 due to the switch to turbocharging, creating strict interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side engine block near the starter motor (BMW Motorsport TIS A38200). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('P' for P65 series). All units have black valve covers with "P65" branding. Critical differentiation from S65: P65B44 uses dry-sump lubrication and revised crankshaft; S65 uses wet-sump and different bore/stroke. Service parts require production date verification - crankshaft sensors for engines before 08/2011 are incompatible with later units due to housing redesign (BMW Motorsport SIB MS 11 03 01).
The P65B44's primary reliability risk is crankshaft sensor instability in early builds, with elevated incidence in track-driven vehicles. Internal BMW Motorsport quality reports from 2011 noted a significant share of pre-2011 engines requiring sensor replacement before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records show low emissions-related failures due to robust catalytic converter design. Extended high-RPM operation and insufficient warm-up increase sensor stress, making oil quality and operational procedure critical.
Analysis derived from BMW Motorsport technical bulletins (2010-2013) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2011-2016). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about BMW P65B44.
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