Engines · BMW
BMW N63 4.4 twin-turbo V8 common problems
The N63 is a 4.4 litre twin-turbo petrol V8 with direct injection, launched in 2008 in the X6 xDrive50i. It replaced the N62 and was the first production engine with its turbos mounted in the V between the cylinder banks. Updated versions followed in 2012, 2016 and 2018, and it has been widely used in BMW's large cars and in the Range Rover.
Common problems and what to look for on the N63
The known issues most worth checking when you view a car with this engine. None of them means a car is a bad buy, but they're worth knowing about before you buy, and a good history often shows they've been dealt with.
Oil consumption and worn valve stem seals
What to look for: Start the engine from cold and watch the exhaust for blue-white smoke, then look again after idling and on the test drive. Ask the owner how much oil they add between services, and check the level on the dashboard. Ask for invoices for valve stem seal work.
Why it matters: The turbos sit in the hot V between the cylinder banks, and the heat hardens the valve stem seals, letting oil into the cylinders. Higher than usual oil use was the subject of a US class action covering early cars, 2009 to 2014 depending on model. Replacing the seals is a big job, so a car with this done is in a good position. The 2012 update brought new valve stem seals, and the best-documented problems are on the original engine.
Timing chain stretch
What to look for: Check for rough idle or an engine management light, but the problem can be silent, so ask whether the timing chains have been checked or replaced and look for the invoice.
Why it matters: The timing chains on earlier engines can stretch, which upsets the valve timing; left alone, a stretched chain can jump a tooth and damage the valves. BMW issued a service bulletin on the fault, and the US Customer Care Package included chain checks. A car with replacement chains on file has had this dealt with.
Injector failure and misfires
What to look for: Listen for an uneven idle and feel for misfires or hesitation when accelerating. Check for an engine management light, and look at the exhaust tips for heavy black soot. Ask whether injectors, spark plugs or coils have been replaced.
Why it matters: The piezo injectors can fail, in some cases at low mileage, causing misfires. BMW's N63 Customer Care Package included checking and replacing them where needed. Worn spark plugs and coils give similar symptoms, so a code reading helps tell them apart.
More known issues, covered in the full guide for each car
- Battery drain
Cars with the N63
- BMW 5 Series F10/F11: 550i
- BMW 6 Series F12/F13/F06: 650i
- BMW 7 Series F01/F02: 750i
- BMW X5 E70: xDrive50i
- BMW X6 E71: xDrive50i
- BMW X5 F15: xDrive50i
- BMW X6 F16: xDrive50i
- BMW 5 Series G30/G31: M550i xDrive, 2020 on
- BMW X7 G07: M50i, before the 2022 facelift
- BMW 8 Series G14/G15/G16: M850i xDrive
- Land Rover Range Rover L460: P530, early cars
A pre-purchase inspection guide for your car
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General points for the engine, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with any manufacturer.