The BMW V8 engine provides better power and acceleration. That’s why they are usually fitted in some of the most powerful BMW models on the market. But like all BMW engines, the BMW V8 comes with several issues that interested users should be ready to deal with. Nonetheless, what are the common BMW V8 engine problems?
Common BMW V8 engine problems are timing chain failure, fast battery drainage, leaking valve stem seals, excess oil usage, fuel injector failure, and bad spark plugs and ignition coils. Being familiar with these BMW V8 issues can help the user to spot them in advance and take care of them before they get out of hand.
What are the common problems with the BMW V8 engine?
Excess oil usage
This is a common issue among BMW models. This problem can be mostly attributed to the design of the engine with the turbos being the middle of the “V” or the valley of the engine. Besides, this particular area is very hot, making the engine burn more oil and even dry out gaskets, causing leakages.
Most BMW V8 engine users have reported changing their oil earlier than the recommended period. While BMW recommends its users change the oil after every 15,000 miles or 2 years, most users have reported changing the oil between 1,500 and 2,000 miles. Some users have even reported changing oil as early as 1000 miles.
This is an issue that users of the BMW V8 engine should be ready to deal with. But with proper care and maintenance, they can improve the performance of the car. Also, users should be willing to change the oil every 4k miles.
Timing chain failure
Another common issue in BMW engines is timing chain failure. This issue is more common in the 2008 to 2014 N63’s V8 engine. The timing chain fails because of wear and tear to the valve train and can affect the car’s performance. In most cases, the belt can stretch to an extent that they jump a tooth and bend cylinder valves.
Some of the signs of a failing timing chain are the car’s rough idling and check engine light coming on. If this issue is not addressed in time, it can lead to bent valves, or even cause the engine to fail.
Fast battery drainage
Even though the battery is not part of the BMW V8 engine, it is a vital part of the engine as it helps with the efficiency dynamics. For instance, the N63 V8 engine’s system depends on the car coasting to recharge the batteries instead of charging from the turns of the belts.
However, this method has not been very efficient. Besides, most electronics systems stay on after the car is turned off to keep the cooling system going to cool the turbos that were installed in the middle of the “V” in the engine. To ensure your car runs smoothly, you may have to change the battery every time you change the oil.
Bad spark plugs and ignition coils
This is a very common problem in BMW models. The BMW V8 engine will also experience the same issue as these are usually the first parts to develop problems or fail. BMW recommends changing spark plugs every 30,000 miles and ignition coils every 40,000 miles.
Fuel injector failure
The main cause of fuel injector failure is wear and tear. Therefore, this issue is common in the BMW V8 engine with many miles. Signs of a bad or failing fuel injector are check engine light coming on, rough idling, engine misfire, poor acceleration, and black residue from the exhaust.
Before you replace the fuel injector, you should start by inspecting the spark plugs and ignition coils, as they have the same symptoms. Replacing fuel injectors is quite costly as they are expensive to acquire.
Leaking valve stem seals
Leaking valve stem seals on the BMW V8 engine are usually caused by high heat produced by the exhaust and the turbos in the valley of the engine. Some of the signs of leaking valve stem seals are white smoke coming from the tailpipes and excess oil usage.
You will have to fix this issue by replacing the leaking valve stem seals. Despite the valve stem seals being cheaper, replacing them is pretty cumbersome as you have to remove the engine.
FAQ
Are BMW V8 engines reliable?
Yes, the BMW V8 engines are more reliable than their counterpart. The first BMW V8 engines had lots of issues, but they were rectified and they are very reliable. The most reliable BMW V8 engines are present in the M cars. Regardless, the cost of maintenance and repair is still quite costly.
Which BMW V8 engine is the best?
The finest BMW V8 engine is the S65 engine with a 4.4-liter twin turbocharger engine. This engine was built into the BMW M5, but it can also be found in the M3. Aside from being powerful and efficient, this engine is also reliable.
How long do V8 engines last?
The longevity of a car’s engine depends on how well the owner takes care of it. If the BMW V8 engine is well-maintained and serviced, it can last over 200,000 miles. Nonetheless, serious BMW V8 engine problems start when the car clocks over 150k miles.
To prolong the lifespan of your BMW V8 engine, you should adhere to BMW’s recommended maintenance service.
What is the common BMW engine problem?
Despite BMW engines being powerful and exceptional in performance, they also have several issues that users should be ready to deal with. However, the most common BMW engine problem is the timing chain failure. Other common issues are thermostat failure, faulty cooling system, water pump failure, failing valve cover gasket, and fuel pump malfunction.
Does BMW make a good V8?
Yes, BMW makes some of the best V8 engines on the market. Since the introduction of the BMW V8 engines in 1954, these engines have been performing overwhelmingly and are featured mainly in the most powerful BMW models. BMW V8 engines also offer a better balance of power and efficiency.
Summary
Now that you know some of the common problems that BMW V8 engines undergo, you can take good care of your car and avoid most of them. Additionally, you should adhere to BMW’s scheduled maintenance service to ensure your car runs smoothly.
With proper care and maintenance, your BMW V8 engine can last for a very long period. But you should also be ready to incur a high cost of maintenance.