All BMW Models With a V8 Engine (And Which Is Best?) (2024)

But when it comes to a lot of power in a raw package, there’s nothing quite like the combination of a V8 engine under the hood of a BMW!

Here are all BMW models that have a V8 engine:

• BMW 3 Series | E9x M3
• BMW 5 Series | F90 M5 – G30/G31 M550i – F10 550i/M5 – E60 545i/550i – E39 535i/540i/M5 – E34 530i/540i
• BMW 6 Series | F12/F13 650i/M6 – E63 645Ci/650i
• BMW 7 Series | G70 760i – F01/F02/G11/G12 750i – E65 745i/750i – E38 735i – E32/E38 730i/740i
• BMW 8 Series | F9x M8 – G1x M850i – E31 840i/840Ci
• BMW X5 | G05 xDrive50i/M50i – E70/F85/F95 X5 M – E70/F15 X5 – E53/E70 X5 4.4i/4.8i – E53 X5 4.4i/4.6is
• BMW X6 | F16 M50i – E71/F86/F96 X6 M – E71 X6
• BMW X7 | G07 X7 xDrive50i/M50i/M60i
• BMW XM
• BMW Z8

Overview: A complete list of V8-powered BMWs

The table below contains a complete list of all BMW models with V8 engines, including the engine specifications and production years:

All BMW V8 engines and the models that use them

Let’s now dive deeper into each BMW V8 engine!

We’ll tell you all about its history, unique features, and the models it was fitted in.

But first, here is an infographic showing the timeline of BMW V8 engines:

1. BMW M60 engine (1992-2001)

Welcome to the beginning of BMW’s history with V8 engines, the M60.

First introduced in 1992, the M60 engine was the first V8 ever made by BMW, breaking away from their tradition of inline 6-cylinder engines. It came in two versions, the 3.0-liter M60B30 and the 4.0-liter M60B40.

Now, here’s something interesting for you.

Ever heard of ‘nickasil’?

This is a special coating for the cylinder walls, made of nickel-silicon alloy, and BMW used it in the M60.

Although it gave the engine excellent wear resistance, it was not so friendly with high-sulfur fuel, leading to premature engine wear in certain markets. You can imagine; it was quite a controversy at the time!

But, not to be overshadowed by this issue, the M60 is known for its smooth performance and can be found under the hoods of some pretty impressive cars.

BMW models that use the M60 V8 engine

BMW used the M60 V8 engine in the following models:

• E34 530i/540i 5 Series (1992-1995)
• E32/E38 730i/740i 7 Series (1992-2001)
• E31 840i 8 Series (1992-1996)

2. BMW M62 engine (1996-2005)

With the M60’s groundwork laid, BMW introduced its successor, the M62, in 1996.

The early M62 iterations had displacements of 3.5 and 4.4 liters.

In 1998, BMW introduced the M62TUB35, a 3.5-liter version with a technical upgrade that included VANOS, BMW’s proprietary variable valve timing system.

The M62 also debuted a feature that is still used in many cars today – a throttle for each cylinder. This allowed for finer control over the air entering the engine, leading to better performance and efficiency.

Quite ahead of its time, wouldn’t you agree?

The M62 V8 engine was produced until 2005 and found itself in a variety of BMW models, including the 5 Series (E39), the 7 Series (E38), and the X5 (E53).

BMW models that use the M62 V8 engine

BMW used the M62 V8 engine in the following models:

• E39 535i/540i 5 Series (1996-2003)
• E53 X5 4.4i/4.6is (1999-2004)
• E38 735i 7 Series (1996-2001)
• E31 840Ci 8 Series (1997-1999)

3. BMW S62 engine (1998-2003)

And now we come to the S62, a BMW V8 engine that’s nothing short of legendary.

Introduced in 1998, the S62 was built off the solid foundation of the M62 but with a mission to bring high-performance power to BMW’s flagship models.

Although the S62 and M62 may sound similar, there’s a big difference between them. The ‘S’ in S62 stands for ‘Sport,’ indicating its status as a high-performance variant.

Displacing 4.9 liters, the S62 was a screamer with 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The E39 M5 with the S62 engine is considered by many as one of the greatest sports sedans ever made.

But the M5 wasn’t the only car lucky enough to get the S62. This V8 engine also powered the BMW Z8 roadster. With the S62 under its long hood, the Z8 was just as thrilling to drive as it was to look at.

One of the hallmarks of the S62 was its use of individual throttle bodies for each cylinder. This provided a superior throttle response and gave drivers an immediate connection to the car.

It also had a dual VANOS system, which was quite advanced for its time, making it both powerful and efficient.

If you ever come across a BMW with an S62, know that you’re in the presence of something special!

BMW models that use the S62 V8 engine

BMW used the S62 V8 engine in the following models:

• E39 M5 5 Series (1998-2003)
• BMW Z8 (2000-2003)

4. BMW N62 engine (2001-2010)

As we move into the 21st century, we find BMW innovating with the N62 V8 engine.

The N62 came in four versions, the 3.6-liter N62B36, the 4.4-liter N62B44, the 4.8-liter N62B48, and the notable 4.4-liter N62TUB44 with technical upgrades.

One of the standout features of the N62 was the introduction of BMW’s Valvetronic system.

This innovative system continuously varies the lift of the intake valves, improving fuel efficiency and power output, and the N62 was the world’s first engine to use this technology.

The N62 also featured a coolant-to-oil heat exchanger mounted within the engine’s ‘V’ rather than being attached externally. This allowed for faster warm-up times, enhancing the engine’s efficiency.

Although some users reported coolant leaks and high oil consumption issues, the N62’s innovative engineering, strong performance, and broad use across BMW’s lineup earn it a significant place in the brand’s V8 history.

BMW models that use the N62 V8 engine

BMW used the N62 V8 engine in the following models:

• E60 545i/550i 5 Series (2004-2010)
• E53/E70 X5 4.4i/4.8i (2004-2010)
• E63 645Ci/650i 6 Series (2004-2010)
• E65 745i/750i 7 Series (2001-2008)

5. BMW S65 engine (2007-2013)

Fasten your seat belts as we discuss BMW’s mighty S65 V8 engine.

Launched in 2007, this engine truly embodies BMW’s ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ ethos.

The first thing to note, the S65 is a derived version of the S85 V10 that powered the E60 M5 and E63 M6.

Yes, you heard that right – this V8 is essentially a V10 with two cylinders lopped off. It doesn’t get much cooler than that, does it?

Displacing 4.0 liters, the S65 is an absolute powerhouse. It cranks out a whopping 414 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

This allowed the E90 series M3, the car in which the S65 was used, to rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.

This engine stands out for its high-revving nature. With a redline of 8300 RPM, the S65 sings a melody that is music to the ears of automotive enthusiasts.

The S65 has certainly left its mark, earning the International Engine of the Year award for its category in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012!

BMW models that use the S65 V8 engine

BMW used the S65 V8 engine in the following models:

• E9x M3 3 Series (2007-2013)

6. BMW N63 engine (2008-present)

The N63 is a 4.4-liter V8 featuring not one but two turbochargers nestled within the ‘V’ of the engine.

This unique ‘hot-V’ configuration helps improve turbo responsiveness while reducing turbo lag.

Over the years, BMW has introduced several updated versions of the N63. The N63TU (Technical Update) is the most notable, which significantly improves power, torque, and fuel efficiency.

The N63 has powered a wide range of BMW’s lineup, from the 5 Series and 7 Series to the X6 and the 8 Series.

Despite a few reliability concerns in its early years (mostly around excessive oil consumption and cooling issues), the N63 remains a pivotal engine in BMW’s history.

BMW models that use the N63 V8 engine

BMW used the N63 V8 engine in the following models:

• F10/F11 550i 5 Series (2010-2016)
• G30/G31 M550i 5 Series (2017-present)
• E70/F15 X5 (2011-2018)
• G05 X5 xDrive50i/M50i (2018-present)
• F12/F13 650i 6 Series (2012-2018)
• E71 X6 (2008-2013)
• F16 X6 M50i (2014-present)
• F01/F02/G11/G12 750i 7 Series (2009-present)
• G07 X7 xDrive50i/M50i (2018-present)
• G1x M850i 8 Series (2018-present)

7. BMW S63 engine (2010-present)

Let’s fast-forward to 2010 when BMW introduced the S63, a high-performance variant of the N63 we’ve just explored.

Born from BMW’s M division, the S63 initially debuted in the X5 M and X6 M.

This was the first time BMW used an M-specific engine in an SUV.

A bold move? Absolutely!

And it paid off, creating high-performance SUVs that could give many sports cars a run for their money.

This 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 has evolved over the years, with the most potent variant being the S63B44T4 found in the F90 M5 Competition, pumping out an earth-shattering 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.

The S63’s ‘hot-V’ setup, like the N63, delivers incredibly responsive turbo performance, while its sophisticated cooling system ensures the engine can handle all the heat it generates.

The S63 has powered many high-performance BMW models, from the M5 and M6 to the M8.

So, if you ever can drive an S63-powered BMW, grab it with both hands!

BMW models that use the S63 V8 engine

BMW used the S63 V8 engine in the following models:

• F10 M5 5 Series (2011-2017)
• F90 M5 5 Series (2018-present)
• E70/F85/F95 X5 M (2010-present)
• F12/F13 M6 6 Series (2012-2018)
• E71/F86/F96 X6 M (2010-present)
• F9x M8 8 Series (2019-present)

8. BMW S68 engine (2022-present)

As we turn to BMW’s most recent V8 engine, we’re met with the S68.

Introduced in 2022, the S68 may seem similar to its predecessor (S63) at first glance, but don’t be fooled. It’s a whole new beast.

With a displacement of 4.4 liters and a twin-turbo ‘hot-V’ design like the S63, the S68 begins with a trusted foundation. But let’s dive deeper.

The S68 is an entirely new engine; it shares no parts with its predecessor.

Major updates include a new crankshaft, oil cooler, oil sump, and upgraded turbochargers. This engine also boasts an electric VANOS system – a first for BMW, as previous VANOS systems operated on oil pressure.

But perhaps one of the most groundbreaking features of the S68 is its 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

Unlike previous BMW MHEV systems, this one doesn’t attach a small electric motor to the crankshaft to smooth out turbo lag.

Instead, the electric motor is ingeniously built into the transmission, directly delivering power to the powertrain.

These updates result in an engine that is more powerful, efficient, and smoother than its predecessor.

BMW models that use the S68 V8 engine

BMW used the S68 V8 engine in the following models:

• G70 760i 7 Series (2022-present)
• G07 X7 M60i (2022-present)
• BMW XM (2022-present)

Fun fact: Did you know the BMW XM is currently one of the most expensive BMW models?

What is the best BMW V8 engine?

After walking through the evolution of BMW’s V8 engines, the inevitable question arises: which is the best?

With each contender having unique strengths, this isn’t a decision to take lightly.

However, based on performance, technological innovation, popularity, and overall impact on the BMW brand, one engine stands out as the best BMW V8: the S65.

Launched in 2007, the S65 is a 4.0-liter V8 engine that powered the E90, E92, and E93 M3 models.

Producing 414 horsepower, the S65 delivered a thrilling driving experience. Its high-revving nature, with a redline of 8300 RPM, made it feel like a race car engine tucked into a road car.

From a technological standpoint, the S65 didn’t disappoint either. It was born from the DNA of the S85 V10 engine, sharing its individual throttle bodies for each cylinder, which offered an incredibly responsive throttle and made the engine feel alive under your foot.

Perhaps the most telling of its success is that the S65 received the International Engine of the Year award in its category for five consecutive years (2008-2012).

Even today, the S65 engine maintains a cult following among car enthusiasts. It is often called the last of BMW’s naturally aspirated M engines, giving it a classic appeal.

Conclusion

From the early days of the M60 to the groundbreaking advancements of the S68, BMW’s V8 engines continue to impress and push the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive technology.

As we think about how long BMW will continue to produce its V8 engines, we can enjoy the symphony of the current V8s in the meantime. (As well as BMW’s V10 and V12 engines.)

What is your favorite BMW V8? Let us know in the comments below!

And if you’re interested in learning more about BMW’s engines, check out our lists of the best turbocharged BMWs or the most tune-friendly BMWs!