The BMW S65B44A is a 4,395 cc, naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine produced between 2007 and 2013. It features double overhead camshafts (DOHC), individual throttle bodies, and Bosch Motronic ME7.2 engine management, delivering high-revving performance and motorsport-derived engineering. In standard tune it produced 309 kW (420 PS) with 400 Nm of torque, powering the E92 M3.
Fitted to the E92 M3, the S65B44A was engineered for track-focused performance and driver engagement while retaining road-going usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through catalytic converters and oxygen sensing, allowing all units to meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7504).
One documented concern is potential high-pressure fuel pump wear, highlighted in BMW Service Information Bulletin 13 09 07. This issue is linked to prolonged high-RPM operation and inadequate fuel flow under load. In 2010, BMW introduced a revised fuel rail design and updated pump calibration to improve durability, marking a key update during the engine's production run.
Bmw
All production years (2007–2013) meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7504).
The BMW S65B44A is a 4,395 cc V8 petrol engine engineered for high-performance models (2007–2013). It combines DOHC architecture with individual throttle bodies and Bosch Motronic ME7.2 to deliver high-RPM power and precise throttle response. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances aggressive performance with drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 92.0 mm × 82.7 mm | |
| Power output | 309 kW (420 PS) @ 8,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 3,900 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME7.2 with individual throttle bodies | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 12.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Dual-row roller chain (non-interference design) | |
| Oil type | BMW Longlife-01 (SAE 10W-60) | |
| Dry weight | 202 kg |
The high-revving nature of the S65B44A demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent camshaft and bearing wear. BMW Longlife-01 (10W-60) oil is essential due to its high-temperature stability and protection of high-RPM components. Extended warm-up periods are recommended before aggressive driving to ensure proper oil circulation. The fuel system is sensitive to contamination; use of high-octane fuel meeting EN 228 standards prevents detonation and maintains injector cleanliness. Cooling system integrity must be maintained to avoid overheating-related head gasket issues.
Oil Specs: Requires BMW Longlife-01 (10W-60) specification (BMW Service Manual 11 50 7 842 323). Supersedes ACEA A2 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all S65B44A models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7504).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. 309 kW output requires 98 RON fuel (BMW TIS Doc. A25117).
BMW Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A25117, A25132, SIB 13 09 07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7504)
DIN Standards: DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification
The BMW S65B44A was used across BMW's E9x platform with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shortened intake manifolds in the E92 and revised cooling routing in the E92 M3-and from 2010 the facelifted E92 LCI models adopted updated fuel rail design, creating minor software differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side engine block near the oil filter housing (BMW TIS A25100). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('S' for S65 series). Pre-2010 models have silver valve covers with green gasket seals; post-2010 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from M62: Original S65B44A has Bosch Motronic ME7.2 ECU with 80-pin connector, while M62 uses ME7.1 with 60-pin. Service parts require production date verification—fuel rails before 09/2009 are incompatible with later revisions due to internal redesign (BMW SIB 13 09 07).
The S65B44A's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in high-RPM driving with frequent short trips. Internal BMW quality reports from 2009 indicated a significant share of pre-2010 engines required pump replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show fuel system faults contributing to emissions-related MOT failures. Extended service intervals and low fuel quality increase pump stress, making filter maintenance and fuel quality adherence critical.
Analysis derived from BMW technical bulletins (2007–2014) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about BMW S65B44A.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with BMW or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
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.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
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.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialBMW documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
