All About the BMW N63 Engine

The BMW N63 engine is an extremely powerful twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine known for its tremendous horsepower and fuel efficiency. It has twin-scroll turbochargers that produce more power over a broader range, boosting responsiveness and reducing turbo lag. 

Despite being in production since 2008, it’s an impressive engine that’s been upgraded and can be found in modern BMW vehicles to this day. 

BMW N63 Engine Performance

Though the N63 engine is incredibly powerful, it isn’t perfect. Its general reliability has been the subject of debate between many drivers and car aficionados. 

The consensus is that older models of the engine suffer from issues too frequently to be considered reliable. On the other hand, newer models of the N63 engine work exceptionally well, even if they can be quite costly to maintain. 

Because of this, there’s no decisive answer over whether or not the N63 engine can be considered wholly reliable. Do extensive research if you plan on purchasing a BMW vehicle equipped with an N63 engine. This way, you can learn which vehicles have newer and more reliable engines. 

BMW Vehicles Equipped with the N63 Engine

The N63 engine can be found in various BMW models, including but not limited to the BMW 1 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW 6 Series, BMW 7 Series, and BMW 8 Series. Here are some prominent models that come with this engine:

• BMW F10/F11 550i (2010-2013)
• BMW F12/F13 650i (2011-2013)
• BMW G11/612 750i (2016-2019)
• BMW G14/G15/G16 M850i (2018-present)

N63 Engine Pros

Many drivers have commended the N63 engine for its powerful performance and excellent fuel economy. It’s also worth mentioning that vehicles equipped with the N63 engine are pleasant to drive because they’re well-balanced.

Powerful Performance

One of the biggest advantages of the N63 engine is its power. The engine is capable of producing up to a whopping 523 horsepower, depending on the make and model, easily making it one of the most powerful engines in its class. Vehicles equipped with the N63 engine can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a matter of seconds with relative ease. 

This is largely because of the N63 engine’s twin-scroll turbochargers. This type of turbocharger splits cylinders into two groups to maximize the use of pulses in the flow of the exhaust gases in each cylinder. This reduces turbo lag and improves the throttle response and low-end torque. 

Fuel-Efficient

The N63 engine has a direct injection system. This means it has fewer emissions and better fuel efficiency compared to other engine types. Fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber, ensuring that no fuel is wasted. 

It also gets a power boost from its variable valve timing system, which allows it to adjust the intake valve lift and duration, allowing it to optimize both airflow and engine performance. All of these factors together make vehicles equipped with N63 engines more likely to have better mileage and a higher MPG compared to the average vehicle. 

Pleasant to Drive

Another advantage of driving a BMW with an N63 engine is that it feels good to drive. Because the engine is well-balanced and produces minimal vibrations when driving, you can sit back and get comfortable without fear of any disruption.

On top of that, this type of engine makes a distinct, satisfying noise that’s pleasant to hear. All vehicles have unique exhaust notes that distinguish them from one another. N63 engines are known for producing a deep rumbling noise. 

N63 Engine Cons

Though the N63 engine comes with a lot of benefits, it isn’t perfect. Some downsides to watch out for include frequent maintenance, complex designs, and costly maintenance. 

Frequent Maintenance

Older N63 engine models are infamous for requiring frequent maintenance. Though newer models are reliable and seldom need repairs or part replacement, early versions from 2008 to 2013 are reportedly prone to turbocharger failure, valve stem seal leaks, and carbon buildup.

Other reported problems include high oil consumption, coolant leaks, timing chain issues, and fuel injector failure. Frequent maintenance combined and high maintenance costs have left many owners of BMW vehicles with older N63 engines dissatisfied. 

Complex Design

Another downside of the N63 engine is its sheer complexity. Like many BMW engines, it makes use of advanced technology for optimum performance. As a result, its systems and components often require specialized knowledge and tools to service and repair. 

Costly to Maintain

Because N63 engines have complex designs and use high-quality fuel, oil, and coolant, you can expect to spend more to keep them running. Because low-quality fluids can easily damage N63 engines, you’re likely going to have to opt for more expensive, more compatible fluids. 

Maintenance costs will be significantly higher because you’ll need to find mechanics who aren’t just trained to work on BMW vehicles but also have the specialized tools to do maintenance on N63 engines. Labor costs will be much higher compared to those of your average mechanic.