Most swift BMW vehicles are equipped with powerful inline-six, also known as straight-six engines. Apart from these, BMW commonly uses inline-four and even V8 engines in some of its models. BMWs equipped with a V8 are in the high-end model class and include the G14, G15, G16, M850i, or G05 BMWs.
The standard 2008 BMW V8 engine
The N63 V8 engine was initially launched in the 2008 BMW E71 X6 model and in 2009, it became a standard engine for many high-end models.
From 2008 to 2020, there were many V8 BMWs released. The car models that used the initial version of the engine – N63B44O0, equipped with 402 horsepower and a torque of 443 lb-ft, were:
- E71 X6, (2008 – 2013)
- BMW 7 Series 750i and 750Li, (2009 – 2012)
- BMW 5 Series F07, (2010 – 2012)
- BMW 5 Series F10 and F11, (2012 – 2013)
- BMW X5 E70, (2011 – 2013)
- BMW 6 Series F12 and F13 650i, (2012 – 2017)
The first BMW V8 upgrade
After this point, the standard BMW V8 engine received an upgrade. The N63B44O0 engine was replaced with the new N63TU, which has a displacement of 5000cc, and produces 42 horsepower more, as well as an increased torque by 37 lb-ft.
The high-end models that are using this BMW V8 engine include:
- BMW 7 Series, 750i, and 750Li F01, F02 (2013 – 2015)
- BMW 5 Series, 550i F07 GT, (2013 – 2016)
- BMW 5 Series, F10 and F11, 550i 2014 – 2016
- BMW X5, F15, (2014 – 2018)
- BMW X6, F16, (2014–2019)
- BMW 6 Series 650i F12, and F13, (2013–2018)
- BMW 6 Series 650i F06, (2013–2019)
The latest BMW V8 engine as of 2021
The latest V8 engine BMW has produced is the S63B44T4. It has been used in vehicles from 2018 to present. It is most commonly used in extremely high-end luxury sedans and performance variants of BMW models.
Such examples are:
- BMW F90 M5: 2018 – ongoing
- BMW F90 M5 Competition: 2018 – ongoing
- BMW F91/92/93 M8: 2019 – ongoing
- BMW F91/92/93 M8 Competition: 2019 – ongoing
- BMW F95 X5 M: 2020 – ongoing
- BMW F95 X5 M Competition: 2020 – ongoing
- BMW F96 X6 M: 2020 – ongoing
- BMW F96 X6 M Competition: 2020 – ongoing
All of these vehicles are mid-size variants of luxury crossovers or coupes with the M performance package, as well as M brand BMWs.
BMW 8 Series G14
The BMW G14 is a convertible two-door luxury vehicle, which is based on the G15 two-door coupe and the G16 gran coupe sedan. It is BMW’s flagship vehicle in terms of convertibles.
Although it features only two doors, this Cabrio model has four seats. The back ones shouldn’t count exactly as seats, but there is space for smaller passengers or luggage in the back.
The BMW G14 was first released in 2018. In order to improve aerodynamics, it reuses some of its predecessor’s design features such as the slanted back window and two doors on each side. The vehicle has a newly-designed front end with the traditional narrow kidney, giving it even more aggressive looks.
Dimensions of the BMW 8 Series G14
- Length: 191 inches (282 cm)
- Width: 75 inches (190 cm)
- Height: 53 inches (134 cm)
- Curb weight: 4386 lbs (2000 kg)
Engine capabilities of the BMW G14
In terms of gasoline engines, the G14 uses the same V12 engine as its predecessor and comes in three variants: a more powerful M 850i model with a twin turbocharger, producing 523 horsepower (390 kilowatts), and an 840i variant that produces 335 hp.
The car also features all-new transmissions for better efficiency. It is available either with rear-drive or xDrive (all-wheel drive).
There is only one diesel engine option available, the turbocharged six-cylinder in-line diesel 3.0 L B57 turbo l6 engine producing 315 horsepower and a torque of 502 lb-ft. It is used in the BMW 840d xDrive.
The BMW M8 Competition
The M8 Competition is the top variant of this car. It is powered by a V12 twin-turbo engine that easily produces over 617 horsepower and comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, carbon-ceramic brakes and adaptive suspension.
The M8 Competition is the fastest road BMW available for purchase and reaches from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 155 miles per hour. It can also reach 189 (as an unlockable add-on for purchase).
It gives a moderate 8.0L per 100 km or 24 US mpg on the highway. In the city, however, you should expect 13.6 L per 100 km or a low 17 miles per gallon.
The fuel consumption of this beautiful vehicle is a bit high, with 28 miles per gallon or (10 liters per 100 km), so it is not the most economical choice.
FAQ
Are BMW V8 engines better than traditional inline six-cylinder engines?
The BMW inline six-cylinder engines are a lot more reliable than the V8 options. On the other hand, the V8s produce much higher power inputs and are used mainly in sports vehicles or in very tuned luxury sedans, which can give you the performance of a sports car. V8 Engines tend to have leaks, or sometimes even premature component failure of the engine.
How long does a V8 BMW engine typically last?
BMW V8 engines usually don’t last quite as long as traditional inline-six engines most BMWs use. An engine failure can happen anywhere between 80k and 200k miles. Of course, this greatly depends on how aggressively you have been driving the vehicle, as well as how often it has been maintained and with what quality.
How can you tell what engine your BMW car has?
In order to know for sure what type of engine of your vehicle, or the one you are purchasing second-hand, has, you should look for the code on the power plant of your car. The first line inscribed in it is the EIC or engine identification code. You will see the engine number and the part number. If you don’t know how to decipher these, look it up online, after you’ve got the numbers written down.
What 5-series BMW has a v8?
- BMW 5 Series F07, (2010 – 2012)
- BMW 5 Series F10 and F11, (2012 – 2013)
- BMW 5 Series, 550i F07 GT, (2013 – 2016)
- BMW 5 Series, F10 and F11, 550i 2014 – 2016
- BMW F90 M5 Competition: 2018 – ongoing
What 3-series BMW has a v8?
The E90/E92/E93 M3 is the only generation of M3 to be powered by V8 engines.
