The BMW S65 B40 A is a 3,999 cc, V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2007 and 2013. It featured dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 32 — valve configuration, and BMW's individual throttle bodies (ITB) system with Bosch Motronic ME 9.2 engine management. In standard tune, it delivered 309 kW (420 PS) at 8,300 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 3,900 rpm, offering high — revving performance and motorsport — derived responsiveness.
Fitted exclusively to the E92 M3, the S6…
Bmw
Production years 2007–2013 meet Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1004).
The BMW S65 B40 A is a 3,999 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for high-performance applications (2007–2013). It combines DOHC valvetrain with individual throttle bodies to deliver high-RPM power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 4 standards, it balances motorsport pedigree with road legality.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 3,999 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 92.0 mm × 75.2 mm | |
Power output | 309 kW (420 PS) @ 8,300 rpm | |
Torque | 400 Nm @ 3,900 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME 9.2 with individual throttle bodies | |
Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
Compression ratio | 12.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
Timing system | Double-row roller chain (DOHC) | |
Oil type | BMW Longlife-01 (SAE 10W-60) | |
Dry weight | 202 kg |
The BMW S65 B40 A was used exclusively in BMW's E92 platform with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received model-specific adaptations-increased cooling capacity, lightweight internals, and motorsport-derived oil management-for the E92 M3, creating strict interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
The S65 B40 A's primary engineering focus is high-RPM durability, with no widespread field failures reported as of 2025. Internal BMW Motorsport quality reports indicate excellent component integrity in customer and track vehicles, while UK DVSA early registration data shows no elevated failure trends. However, improper maintenance or track use without proper warm-up/cool-down cycles may risk valvetrain or oil system stress.
Analysis derived from BMW technical bulletins (2007–2013) and UK DVSA early-life registration data (2008–2018). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The S65 B40 A is a motorsport-derived engine designed for high-stress environments. Early data from 2007–2013 shows excellent reliability when maintained per BMW M specifications. No widespread durability issues have been reported. Regular oil changes (every 10,000 km), use of correct BMW Longlife-01 oil, and adherence to warm-up/cool-down procedures ensure long-term reliability. The engine's forged internals and rigid block support high performance with minimal wear when serviced correctly.
As a classic M engine, the S65 B40 A has no widespread failure patterns. Potential concerns include valve clearance drift if maintenance is neglected, ITB imbalance from carbon buildup, and fuel pump wear from high-pressure operation. These are anticipated in high-performance use and are addressed through preventive maintenance per BMW service guidelines.
The S65 B40 A is currently used exclusively in the E92 M3. It is BMW M's high-revving V8 developed specifically for the E92-generation M3. No other BMW production vehicles use this engine. It is not available in the standard 3 Series or other M models. The engine was not licensed to any other manufacturer.
Yes, though the engine is already highly optimized. ECU remapping can yield +20-30 PS safely on stock hardware, but risks voiding warranty and may trigger knock control. Aftermarket upgrades like performance cams, headers, and exhaust systems allow greater gains. Due to the engine's high factory output, tuning requires expert calibration. Most owners preserve the factory setup due to its track-optimized calibration.
In combined driving, expect 13.5–16.0 L/100km (21–18 mpg UK). Highway cruising can achieve ~12.0 L/100km (~23 mpg UK), while city driving may exceed 18.0 L/100km (16 mpg UK). Real-world figures depend heavily on driving style, with track use significantly increasing consumption. The engine's performance focus prioritizes power over efficiency.
Yes. The S65 B40 A is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or skips, pistons will contact open valves, causing catastrophic internal damage. While the double-row roller chain is durable, any signs of rattle or tensioner wear should be investigated immediately to prevent engine seizure. Regular oil changes help maintain chain tensioner function and lubrication under high-RPM conditions.
BMW specifies SAE 10W-60 oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 standard. Use only high-quality synthetic designed for high-performance petrol engines. Change oil every 10,000 km or annually to protect valvetrain, ITB system, and timing chain. Proper lubrication is essential for long-term reliability, especially under sustained load or track operation.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
BMW Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.