BMW Engine Codes Explained

B38 — 1.5 L single turbo inline-3 (not sold in the US)

The three-cylinder member of BMW's modular B-series family (0.5 L per cylinder), shared with MINI. Its highest-output form drove the rear wheels of the i8 plug-in hybrid. US application years were not confirmed.

US output:

134–228 hp

Displacement:

1,499 cc

US models: I12/I15 i8 (plug-in hybrid, engine output), MINI F55/F56/F57 Cooper

Sources: Wikipedia — BMW B38

M42 — 1.8 L naturally aspirated inline-4 (1990–1995)

BMW's first mass-production twin-cam, 16-valve four-cylinder, with a chain-driven valvetrain and hydraulic lifters. North America got it in every 318 of the era rather than the single-cam M40 sold in Europe.

US output:

134–138 hp

Displacement:

1,796 cc

US models: E30 318i/318is, E36 318i/318is/318iC

Spec tables: E36 3 Series specs

Sources: BMWBLOG — BMW M40, M42, M43 and M44 engines explained · BMWBLOG — BMW E30 3 Series buyer's guide · Wikipedia — BMW M42

M44 — 1.9 L naturally aspirated inline-4 (1996–1999)

A 1.9 L evolution of the M42 with more low-end torque, used in the last E36 four-cylinder cars and the early Z3. It had no variable cam timing and was replaced by the N42 in Europe.

US output:

138 hp

Displacement:

1,895 cc

US models: E36 318i/318is/318iC/318ti, E36/7 Z3 1.9

Spec tables: E36 3 Series specs

Sources: BMWBLOG — BMW M40, M42, M43 and M44 engines explained · Wikipedia — BMW M42

N42/N46 — 2.0 L naturally aspirated inline-4 (not sold in the US)

Twin-cam four-cylinders with Valvetronic variable valve lift (N42 from 2001, revised as N46 from 2004), used in European E46/E90 3 Series, 1 Series, X3 2.0i and Z4 2.0i. No US-market BMW used them; US four-cylinder BMWs skipped from the M44 (1999) to the N20 (2012).

US output:

— hp

Displacement:

1,995 cc

Sources: BMWBLOG — BMW N42 engine reliability, efficiency and tuning guide · Wikipedia — BMW N46

N20 — 2.0 L single twin-scroll turbo inline-4 (2012–2016)

A 2.0 L twin-scroll turbo four with direct injection and Valvetronic that replaced naturally aspirated sixes in '28i' models, matching their power with more torque. It was superseded by the modular B46/B48 from 2016.

US output:

180–240 hp

Displacement:

1,997 cc

US models: F30/F31/F34 320i/328i, F22/F23 228i, F32/F33/F36 428i, F10 528i, E84 X1 sDrive28i/xDrive28i, F25 X3 sDrive28i/xDrive28i, F26 X4 xDrive28i, E89 Z4 sDrive28i

Details and pre-purchase checks: N20 / N26 timing-chain guide failure (class-action extended warranty) · N20 / N26 timing-chain guide failure (class-action extended warranty) · N20 / N26 timing-chain guide failure (class-action extended warranty) · N20 / N26 timing-chain guide failure (class-action extended warranty)

Spec tables: F22 2 Series specs · F30 3 Series specs · F10 5 Series specs · E84 X1 specs · F25 X3 specs · F15 X5 specs · E89 Z4 specs

Sources: CarComplaints — BMW timing chain lawsuit settlement reached (N20/N26) · Bloomberg Law — BMW timing chain reimbursement, warranty deal gets final nod · Wikipedia — BMW N20

N26 — 2.0 L single twin-scroll turbo inline-4 (2012–2016)

A SULEV-certified version of the N20 for US states with SULEV rules, adding metal fuel lines, a tank-vent leak-test valve, an electronic wastegate and larger catalysts. Output matched the N20.

US output:

240 hp

Displacement:

1,997 cc

US models: F30 328i (SULEV), F22/F23 228i (SULEV), F32/F33/F36 428i (SULEV)

Sources: CarComplaints — BMW timing chain lawsuit settlement reached (N20/N26) · Wikipedia — BMW N26

B46 — 2.0 L single twin-scroll turbo inline-4 (not sold in the US)

A low-emissions (SULEV) variant of the B48 for the US and other strict-emissions markets, effectively identical in hardware and output. Many US '30i' and '28i' cars carry the B46 code instead of B48 depending on certification, so per-model mapping is left to the B48 row.

US output:

— hp

Displacement:

1,998 cc

Spec tables: F22 2 Series specs · F32 4 Series specs · G22 4 Series specs · G30 5 Series specs · F48 X1 specs

Sources: Autoblog — 2017 BMW 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series engine news · Wikipedia — BMW B48 · Wikipedia — BMW B46

B48 — 2.0 L single twin-scroll turbo inline-4 (2016 onward)

The 2.0 L four of BMW's modular B-series (shared 0.5 L-per-cylinder design with the B38 and B58), replacing the N20 in '30i' models from 2017. A 2018 update added a one-piece timing chain, split cooling and higher injection pressure. The hottest US version (312 hp) is in the M35i and M235 models.

US output:

228–312 hp

Displacement:

1,998 cc

US models: F30/F31/F34 330i, G20 330i, F32/F33/F36 430i, G22/G23/G26 430i, F22/F23 230i, G42 230i, F44 228i/M235i Gran Coupe, G30 530i, F48 X1 xDrive28i, U11 X1 xDrive28i/M35i, F39 X2 xDrive28i/M35i, G01 X3 sDrive30i/xDrive30i, G02 X4 xDrive30i, G29 Z4 sDrive30i

Spec tables: G42 2 Series specs · F30 3 Series specs · G20 3 Series specs · G22 4 Series specs · G60 5 Series specs · G11 7 Series specs · U11 X1 specs · G29 Z4 specs

Sources: Autoblog — 2017 BMW 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series engine news · Wikipedia — BMW B48

S14 — 2.3 L naturally aspirated inline-4 (1988–1991)

A four-cylinder built for touring-car homologation, with a four-valve head derived from M's racing six-cylinders. North America got only the catalytic-converter version, rated 192 hp (SAE) and 170 lb-ft.

US output:

192 hp

Displacement:

2,302 cc

US models: E30 M3

Spec tables: E30 M3 specs

Sources: BMW CCA M Registry — E30 M3 FAQ · Wikipedia — BMW S14 (second source)

M20 — 2.5 L naturally aspirated inline-6 (1982–1993)

BMW's 'small six': a single-overhead-cam inline-6 with a belt-driven camshaft, built in 2.0–2.7 L sizes. The US got the low-revving 2.7 L 'eta' version (528e, 325e) for economy, then the 2.5 L M20B25 in the 325i family from 1987. Displacement shown is the 2.5 L US 325i engine; the eta is 2,693 cc.

US output:

121–168 hp

Displacement:

2,494 cc

US models: E28 528e, E30 325e/325es, E30 325i/325is/325iC/325iX

Sources: Hagerty — 1982–94 BMW E30 3 Series buyer's guide · BMWBLOG — BMW E30 3 Series buyer's guide · Wikipedia — BMW M20

M30 — 3.4 L naturally aspirated inline-6 (not sold in the US)

The iron-block, single-cam 'Big Six' was BMW's largest regular-production engine until the V12 arrived, built from 1968 into the mid-1990s in sizes from 2.5 to 3.4 L. It powered most big US-market BMW sedans and coupes of the late 1970s and 1980s. Displacement shown is the 3.4 L (M30B34/B35) used in the 535i/635CSi/735i; US years and outputs varied by model and are left unstated here.

US output:

— hp

Displacement:

3,430 cc

US models: E12 528i/530i, E23 733i/735i, E24 630CSi/633CSi/635CSi, E28 533i/535i/535is, E32 735i/735iL, E34 535i

Sources: BMWBLOG — BMW M30 Engine Guide: Specs, Reliability, and Tuning · Wikipedia — BMW M30

M50 — 2.5 L naturally aspirated inline-6 (1991–1995)

The M50 replaced the M20 with twin overhead cams and four valves per cylinder on an iron block. The 1993 technical update (M50TU) added single VANOS on the intake cam, the first BMW variable cam timing.

US output:

189 hp

Displacement:

2,494 cc

US models: E34 525i, E36 325i/325is/325iC

Spec tables: E36 3 Series specs

Sources: BMWBLOG — Buyer's guide: BMW E36 3 Series, what to look for · Wikipedia — BMW M50

M52 — 2.8 L naturally aspirated inline-6 (1996–2000)

Successor to the M50 with VANOS as standard. Europe got aluminum blocks with Nikasil bores, but North American M52s used cast-iron blocks and so avoided the Nikasil bore-wear problem. The 1999 M52TU added VANOS on both camshafts. Displacement shown is the 2.8 L; the 2.5 L (323i, Z3 2.3) is 2,494 cc.

US output:

170–193 hp

Displacement:

2,793 cc

US models: E36 328i/328is/328iC, E36/7 Z3 2.3/2.8, E39 528i, E46 323i/328i

Spec tables: E36 3 Series specs · E46 3 Series specs · E39 5 Series specs

Sources: BMWBLOG — BMW M52 Engine: Performance, Reliability, and Tuning · Wikipedia — BMW M52

M54 — 3.0 L naturally aspirated inline-6 (2001–2006)

The last of BMW's iron-sleeved aluminum, naturally aspirated sixes before the magnesium N52, with double VANOS and an electronic throttle. It was sold in the US as a 2.5 L and 3.0 L; the 330i ZHP package raised the 3.0 L to 235 hp. Displacement shown is the 3.0 L; the 2.5 L is 2,494 cc.

US output:

184–235 hp

Displacement:

2,979 cc

US models: E46 325i/330i (incl. ZHP), E39 525i/530i, E60 525i/530i, E53 X5 3.0i, E83 X3 2.5i/3.0i, E85 Z4 2.5i/3.0i, E36/7 Z3 2.5i/3.0i

Details and pre-purchase checks: Rear subframe mounting cracks

Spec tables: E46 3 Series specs · E39 5 Series specs · E60 5 Series specs · E83 X3 specs · E53 X5 specs · E85 Z4 specs

Sources: BMWBLOG — The BMW M54 Engine Explained · Wikipedia — BMW M54

M56 — 2.5 L naturally aspirated inline-6 (2003–2006)

A re-engineered 2.5 L M54 built to meet SULEV/PZEV rules in states that required them, sold in the E46 325i. Output matched the regular US 2.5 L.

US output:

184 hp

Displacement:

2,494 cc

US models: E46 325i/325Ci/325i Sport Wagon (SULEV/PZEV states)

Sources: Wikipedia — BMW M56

N51 — 3.0 L naturally aspirated inline-6 (not sold in the US)

A SULEV version of the 3.0 L N52 for US states with SULEV rules, with a three-stage DISA intake, lower compression and a secondary air pump. Exact US application years and any rating differences were not confirmed.

US output:

— hp

Displacement:

2,996 cc

US models: E90/E92/E93 328i (SULEV states)

Sources: Wikipedia — BMW N52

N52 — 3.0 L naturally aspirated inline-6 (2006–2013)

BMW's last naturally aspirated mainstream six: a magnesium/aluminum composite block (a first for a production car) with Valvetronic and double VANOS. It debuted in the 2006 E90 330i at 255 hp. Later N52s were detuned to 230 hp for the 328i.

US output:

215–260 hp

Displacement:

2,996 cc

US models: E90/E91/E92/E93 325i/328i/330i, E82/E88 128i, E60/E61 525i/528i/530i, E63/E64 630i, E85/E86 Z4 3.0i/3.0si, E89 Z4 sDrive30i, E83 X3 3.0si/xDrive30i, E70 X5 xDrive30i, F10 528i (2011)

Spec tables: E90 3 Series specs · E60 5 Series specs · F10 5 Series specs · E83 X3 specs · F25 X3 specs · E70 X5 specs · E85 Z4 specs · E89 Z4 specs

Sources: BMW Group PressClub USA — 2006 3 Series sedan release (330i: 255 hp / 220 lb-ft, magnesium/aluminum six) · BMWBLOG — BMW N52 Engine: A Hidden Gem of Reliability, Efficiency, and Tuning · BMWBLOG — BMW N52 vs N54: Which Engine Should You Buy? · WardsAuto — BMW AG 3L DOHC I-6 (N52) · Wikipedia — BMW N52

N54 — 3.0 L twin-turbo inline-6 (2007–2016)

BMW's first turbocharged production gasoline engine in decades: a 3.0 L six with two small parallel turbos and piezo direct injection, launched in the 2007 335i coupe at 300 hp / 300 lb-ft. It won several engine awards and is popular for tuning.

US output:

300–335 hp

Displacement:

2,979 cc

US models: E90/E92/E93 335i, E92/E93 335is, E82/E88 135i, E82 1 Series M Coupe, E60 535i, E71 X6 xDrive35i, F01/F02 740i/740Li, E89 Z4 sDrive35i/35is

Details and pre-purchase checks: N54 high-pressure fuel pump failures (extended coverage and 2010 recall) · N54 turbo wastegate rattle (8-year/82,000-mile extension, now expired) · N54 piezo fuel injector leaks and misfires · N54 high-pressure fuel pump failures (extended coverage and 2010 recall)

Spec tables: E90 3 Series specs · E60 5 Series specs · F01 7 Series specs · E89 Z4 specs

Sources: BMWBLOG — BMW N52 vs N54: Which Engine Should You Buy? · BMWBLOG — N54 engine warranty extended to 8 years/82,000 miles (wastegates) · Wikipedia — BMW N54

N55 — 3.0 L single twin-scroll turbo inline-6 (2011–2018)

The N54's replacement swapped twin turbos for one twin-scroll turbo and added Valvetronic, matching 300 hp / 300 lb-ft with a fuller low end. Output climbed in later applications, up to 365 hp in the original M2.

US output:

300–365 hp

Displacement:

2,979 cc

US models: E90/E92/E93 335i (2011–2013), E82/E88 135i (2011–2013), F30/F31/F34 335i, F32/F33/F36 435i, F22/F23 M235i, F87 M2 (2016–2018), F10 535i, F07 535i Gran Turismo, F06/F12/F13 640i, F01/F02 740i/740Li, F25 X3 xDrive35i, F26 X4 xDrive35i/M40i, E84 X1 xDrive35i, E70/F15 X5 xDrive35i, E71/F16 X6 xDrive35i

Spec tables: E90 3 Series specs · F30 3 Series specs · F10 5 Series specs · F01 7 Series specs · E84 X1 specs · F25 X3 specs · E70 X5 specs · F15 X5 specs

Sources: Edmunds — 2011 BMW 535i dyno tested · WardsAuto — Ward's 10 Best Engines: BMW 3.0L N55 turbocharged DOHC I-6 · Wikipedia — BMW N55

B58 — 3.0 L single twin-scroll turbo inline-6 (2016 onward)

The 3.0 L six of the modular B-series, with a closed-deck block and the exhaust manifold integrated into the head; it replaced the N55 starting with the 2016 340i. The 2018-on technical update (B58TU) added higher fuel pressure, a one-piece timing chain and split cooling, and a later revision added port injection and 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. The same engine powers the Toyota GR Supra.

US output:

320–393 hp

Displacement:

2,998 cc

US models: F30 340i, F32/F33/F36 440i, F22/F23 M240i, G20 M340i, G22/G23/G26 M440i, G42 M240i, G30 540i, G60 540i, G11/G12 740i, G70 740i, G14/G15/G16 840i, G01 X3 M40i, G45 X3 M50, G02 X4 M40i, G05 X5 xDrive40i, G06 X6 xDrive40i, G07 X7 xDrive40i, G29 Z4 M40i

Spec tables: F22 2 Series specs · G42 2 Series specs · F30 3 Series specs · G20 3 Series specs · F32 4 Series specs · G22 4 Series specs · G30 5 Series specs · G60 5 Series specs

Sources: BMWBLOG — The B58: BMW's most important engine ever? · WardsAuto — Yet another spectacular 6-cyl. turbo from BMW (B58) · Wikipedia — BMW B58

S38 — 3.5 L naturally aspirated inline-6 (1987–1993)

The catalyst-equipped successor to the M1-derived M88 twin-cam six. US E24 M6s and E28 M5s used the 3,453 cc version (256 hp SAE), and the US E34 M5 used a 3,535 cc version (310 hp SAE). The later 3.8 L version never came to the US.

US output:

256–310 hp

Displacement:

3,453 cc

US models: E24 M6, E28 M5, E34 M5

Sources: BMW CCA M Registry — E24 M6 FAQ · BMW CCA M Registry — E28 M5 FAQ · BMW CCA M Registry — E34 M5 FAQ · Wikipedia — BMW M88 (second source)

S50 — 3.0 L naturally aspirated inline-6 (1995)

The European S50 (282 hp, individual throttle bodies) was never sold in the US. The 1995 US M3 used the S50B30US instead, a milder engine closer to the M50 and rated 240 hp and 225 lb-ft.

US output:

240 hp

Displacement:

2,990 cc

US models: E36 M3 (S50B30US)

Spec tables: E36 M3 specs

Sources: BMW CCA M Registry — E36 M3 3.0 FAQ · Wikipedia — BMW S50 (second source)

S52 — 3.2 L naturally aspirated inline-6 (1996–2000)

A 3.2 L engine sold only in North America, developed from the M52 with an iron block and single (intake-side) VANOS. It kept the same 240 hp peak as the 3.0 L US engine it replaced and raised torque to 236 lb-ft.

US output:

240 hp

Displacement:

3,152 cc

US models: E36 M3, E36/7 Z3 M Roadster, E36/8 Z3 M Coupe

Spec tables: E36 M3 specs

Sources: BMW CCA M Registry — E36/7 M roadster FAQ · BMW CCA M Registry — E36/8 M coupe FAQ · Wikipedia — BMW S52 (second source)

S54 — 3.2 L naturally aspirated inline-6 (2001–2008)

BMW M's last naturally aspirated inline-six, with individual throttle bodies, double VANOS and an 8,000 rpm redline. US ratings were 333 hp in the E46 M3, 330 hp in the Z4 M and about 315 hp in the 2001–2002 Z3 M.

US output:

315–333 hp

Displacement:

3,246 cc

US models: E46 M3, E36/7 Z3 M Roadster, E36/8 Z3 M Coupe, E85 Z4 M Roadster, E86 Z4 M Coupe

Details and pre-purchase checks: Rear subframe mounting cracks · S54 connecting-rod bearing wear (2001–2003 service action) · S54 VANOS solenoid seals and hub wear · Rear subframe mounting cracks

Spec tables: E46 M3 specs · E85 Z4 specs

Sources: BMW CCA M Registry — E46 M3 FAQ · BMW CCA M Registry — E85 M Roadster FAQ · BMW CCA M Registry — E36/7 M roadster FAQ · MotorBiscuit — reliable used BMW M cars (specialist interview) · Wikipedia — BMW S54 (second source)

S55 — 3.0 L twin-turbo (two mono-scroll turbos) inline-6 (2015–2021)

BMW M's first turbocharged inline-six, with a closed-deck block, a forged crankshaft and one turbocharger per three cylinders. Base M3/M4 output was 425 hp and 406 lb-ft, and the water-injected M4 GTS reached 493 hp.

US output:

405–493 hp

Displacement:

2,979 cc

US models: F80 M3, F82 M4 Coupe, F83 M4 Convertible, F87 M2 Competition / M2 CS

Spec tables: F87 M2 specs · F80 M3 specs · F82 M4 specs

Sources: AutoGuide — Everything you wanted to know about the 2015 M3/M4's new turbo inline-six · Wikipedia — BMW S55 (second source)

S58 — 3.0 L twin-turbo inline-6 (2020–present)

A 3.0 L twin-turbo six that shares its basic layout with the B58 and adds a forged crankshaft and a cylinder head cast around a 3D-printed core. In the 2021 M3/M4 it makes 473 hp and 406 lb-ft, or 503 hp and 479 lb-ft in Competition form.

US output:

453–543 hp

Displacement:

2,993 cc

US models: F97 X3 M, F98 X4 M, G80 M3, G82 M4 Coupe, G83 M4 Convertible, G87 M2

Spec tables: G01 X3 specs · G87 M2 specs · G80 M3 specs · G82 M4 specs

Sources: BMW Group Newsroom (US) — The new 2021 BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe · Wikipedia — BMW S58 (second source)

M62 — 4.4 L naturally aspirated V8 (1996–2004)

An all-aluminum 32-valve V8 that replaced the M60. The 1998 technical update (M62TU) added VANOS on the intake cams and an electronic throttle. Displacement shown is the 4.4 L; the X5 4.6is used a 4.6 L stroker.

US output:

282–340 hp

Displacement:

4,398 cc

US models: E38 740i/740iL, E39 540i, E31 840Ci, E53 X5 4.4i/4.6is

Spec tables: E39 5 Series specs · E53 X5 specs

Sources: BMWBLOG — BMW M62 V8 engine guide · Wikipedia — BMW M62

N62 — 4.4 L naturally aspirated V8 (2002–2010)

BMW's first V8 with Valvetronic variable valve lift, launched in the 2002 745i. The 2006 technical update (N62TU) brought a 4.8 L (4,799 cc) version and dropped the secondary air system. Displacement shown is the 4.4 L.

US output:

315–360 hp

Displacement:

4,398 cc

US models: E65/E66 745i/745Li/750i/750Li, E60 545i/550i, E63/E64 645Ci/650i, E53 X5 4.4i/4.8is, E70 X5 4.8i

Details and pre-purchase checks: First-generation iDrive and controls criticized as complex

Spec tables: E60 5 Series specs · E65 7 Series specs · E53 X5 specs · E70 X5 specs

Sources: BMWBLOG — BMW N62 V8 Engine Guide: Problems, Reliability, Tuning · Wikipedia — BMW N62

N63 — 4.4 L twin-turbo V8 (2009 onward)

The first production 'hot-vee' V8, with both turbos inside the cylinder banks, at 4.4 L. It went through updates: N63TU (2013, Valvetronic, ~445 hp), TU2 (2016, twin-scroll turbos) and TU3 (2018, up to 523 hp in M50i models). The S68 replaced it in most US models from the 2023–2024 model years; the final US end year was not confirmed.

US output:

400–523 hp

Displacement:

4,395 cc

US models: E70 X5 xDrive50i, E71 X6 xDrive50i, E72 ActiveHybrid X6, F01/F02 750i/750Li, F04 ActiveHybrid 7, F07 550i Gran Turismo, F10 550i, F06/F12/F13 650i, F15 X5 xDrive50i, F16 X6 xDrive50i, G11/G12 750i, G30 M550i, G05 X5 xDrive50i/M50i, G06 X6 M50i, G07 X7 xDrive50i/M50i, G14/G15/G16 M850i

Details and pre-purchase checks: N63 V8 oil consumption, battery drain and the Customer Care Package · N63 V8 oil consumption, battery drain and the Customer Care Package · N63 V8 oil consumption, battery drain and the Customer Care Package

Spec tables: F10 5 Series specs · G30 5 Series specs · F01 7 Series specs · G11 7 Series specs · G14 8 Series specs · E70 X5 specs · F15 X5 specs · G05 X5 specs

Sources: BMW SI B01 21 18 (filed with NHTSA) — N63 oil consumption/battery drain class settlement information · BMWBLOG — BMW N63 engine: pros, cons and reliability · CarComplaints — BMW N63 engine problems / oil consumption lawsuit · Wikipedia — BMW N63

S62 — 4.9 L naturally aspirated V8 (2000–2003)

A 5.0 L V8 with individual throttle bodies and double VANOS, and the first V8 in an M5. US output was 394 hp (SAE) and 369 lb-ft. The same engine powered the Z8 roadster.

US output:

394 hp

Displacement:

4,941 cc

US models: E39 M5, E52 Z8

Spec tables: E39 M5 specs

Sources: BMW CCA M Registry — E39 M5 FAQ · MotorBiscuit — reliable used BMW M cars (specialist interview) · Wikipedia — BMW S62 (second source)

S65 — 4.0 L naturally aspirated V8 (2008–2013)

A 4.0 L V8 that revs to 8,300 rpm and is closely related to the S85 V10, essentially that engine with two fewer cylinders. It made 414 hp (SAE) and 295 lb-ft and is the only V8 ever offered in an M3.

US output:

414 hp

Displacement:

3,999 cc

US models: E90 M3 Sedan, E92 M3 Coupe, E93 M3 Convertible

Spec tables: E90 M3 specs

Sources: BMW CCA M Registry — E90/E92/E93 M3 FAQ · BMWBLOG — Is the E92 BMW M3 rod bearing issue real or a myth? (2018) · Wikipedia — BMW S65 (second source)

S63 — 4.4 L twin-turbo (hot-vee, turbos between the cylinder banks) V8 (2010–2025)

M's 4.4 L twin-turbo V8, derived from the N63, with its turbochargers in the valley between the cylinder banks. The first version (555 hp) went into the 2010 X5 M and X6 M. The S63TU added Valvetronic for the F10 M5 and M6 (560 hp), and the F90 M5's version (S63B44T4) made roughly 600–617 hp and was paired with M xDrive.

US output:

555–617 hp

Displacement:

4,395 cc

US models: E70 X5 M, E71 X6 M, F10 M5, F06/F12/F13 M6, F85 X5 M, F86 X6 M, F90 M5, F91/F92/F93 M8, F95 X5 M, F96 X6 M

Spec tables: G14 8 Series specs · E70 X5 specs · F15 X5 specs · G05 X5 specs · F10 M5 specs · F90 M5 specs

Sources: BMW CCA M Registry — E70 X5 M FAQ · BMW CCA M Registry — F10 M5 FAQ · BMW CCA M Registry — F06/F12/F13 M6 FAQ · BMW CCA M Registry — F85 X5 M FAQ · NHTSA — BMW SI B11 06 12, Recall Campaign 12V-161 (auxiliary coolant pump) · Wikipedia — BMW S63 (second source)

S68 — 4.4 L twin-turbo with 48v mild hybrid V8 (2023–present)

Successor to the N63 and S63, used in both M and non-M models. In the X5/X6 M60i it makes 523 hp and 553 lb-ft with 48V assistance. In the G90 M5 the V8 alone makes 577 hp and pairs with an electric motor for 717 hp combined.

US output:

483–577 hp

Displacement:

4,395 cc

US models: G09 XM, G70 760i xDrive, G05 X5 M60i, G06 X6 M60i, G07 X7 M60i, F95 X5 M Competition (LCI), F96 X6 M Competition (LCI), G90 M5

Spec tables: G70 7 Series specs · G05 X5 specs · G07 X7 specs · G90 M5 specs

Sources: BMW Group Newsroom (US) — The 2024 BMW X5 and X6 · HotHardware — 2025 BMW M5 plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain · Wikipedia — BMW S68 (second source) · Wikipedia — BMW XM (second source)

S85 — 5.0 L naturally aspirated V10 (2006–2010)

A 5.0 L V10 inspired by BMW's Formula 1 program, rated 500 hp (SAE) at 7,750 rpm and 383 lb-ft. The car starts in a 400 hp mode, and the driver selects full output with the P500 setting.

US output:

500 hp

Displacement:

4,999 cc

US models: E60 M5, E63 M6 Coupe, E64 M6 Convertible

Details and pre-purchase checks: S85 V10 connecting-rod bearing wear

Spec tables: E60 M5 specs

Sources: BMW CCA M Registry — E60/E61 M5 FAQ · BMW CCA M Registry — E63/E64 M6 FAQ · BMWBLOG — Is the E92 BMW M3 rod bearing issue real or a myth? (2018)

N74 — 6.0 L twin-turbo V12 (2010–2022)

BMW's twin-turbo, direct-injected 60-degree V12, first used in the 760Li alongside the debut of the ZF eight-speed automatic. A 6.6 L version (6,592 cc) powered the M760i xDrive; related versions power Rolls-Royce models. Displacement shown is the 6.0 L.

US output:

535–601 hp

Displacement:

5,972 cc

US models: F01/F02 760Li, G12 M760i xDrive

Spec tables: F01 7 Series specs · G11 7 Series specs

Sources: BMWBLOG — Photo gallery: 2013 BMW 760Li · GTspirit — 25 years of BMW 12-cylinder engines · Wikipedia — BMW N74

N47 — 2.0 L single turbo (variable geometry) diesel inline-4 (2014–)

BMW's four-cylinder common-rail diesel, built 2007–2014. In the US it appeared only in the 328d, rated 180 hp and 280 lb-ft. Unusually, its timing chain sits at the transmission end of the engine.

US output:

180 hp

Displacement:

1,995 cc

US models: F30 328d / 328d xDrive, F31 328d xDrive Sports Wagon

Spec tables: F30 3 Series specs · F25 X3 specs

Sources: TFLcar — New 2014 BMW 328d set to return 45 mpg highway · Wikipedia — BMW N47 (second source)

B47 — 2.0 L single turbo (twin-turbo on top versions) diesel inline-4 (not sold in the US)

The 2.0 L modular-family diesel that replaced the N47 from 2014, sharing its basic architecture with the B48 petrol engine. We found no confirmed US-market application.

US output:

— hp

Displacement:

1,995 cc

Sources: Wikipedia — BMW B47 (second source) · Wikipedia — BMW N47 (second source)

M57 — 3.0 L twin-turbo (sequential) diesel inline-6 (2009–2013)

BMW's 3.0 L common-rail diesel six. In its final form it brought BMW diesels back to the US for 2009, using a particulate filter and urea injection to control NOx. US output was 265 hp and 425 lb-ft.

US output:

265 hp

Displacement:

2,993 cc

US models: E90 335d, E70 X5 xDrive35d

Spec tables: E90 3 Series specs · E70 X5 specs

Sources: Autoblog — BMW officially announces new 335d and X5 xDrive35d diesels (Nov 2008) · CarComplaints — BMW diesel class action lawsuit settlement approved (2024) · Wikipedia — BMW M57 (second source)

N57 — 3.0 L single turbo (us version; twin- and tri-turbo variants elsewhere) diesel inline-6 (2014–2018)

The M57's successor, with an aluminum block. The US got the single-turbo version rated 255 hp and 413 lb-ft. Twin-turbo and tri-turbo (N57S) versions were sold in Europe but never in the US.

US output:

255 hp

Displacement:

2,993 cc

US models: F15 X5 xDrive35d, F10 535d / 535d xDrive

Spec tables: F10 5 Series specs · F01 7 Series specs · F15 X5 specs

Sources: Automotive Fleet — BMW to offer RWD and diesel model for all-new 2014 X5 · BMWBLOG — Ward's 10 Best Engines award for BMW N57 3.0-liter turbodiesel · Wikipedia — BMW N57 (second source)

B57 — 3.0 L single, twin or quad turbo (variant-dependent) diesel inline-6 (not sold in the US)

The 3.0 L modular-family diesel six, which debuted in the G11 7 Series in 2015. Its quad-turbo version (2016–2020) was one of the most powerful passenger-car diesels of its time. It was not sold in the US.

US output:

— hp

Displacement:

2,993 cc

Spec tables: G30 5 Series specs

Sources: Wikipedia — BMW B57 (second source)

Gen5 eDrive — — electric (current-excited synchronous motor) Electric motor (2022–present)

BMW's fifth-generation drive unit uses current-excited synchronous motors: the rotor's magnetic field comes from powered coils rather than permanent magnets, so no rare earths are needed. BMW says power-to-weight improved about 30% over the previous generation, and most of the unit's components can be serviced separately.

US output:

— hp

Displacement:

—

US models: G26 i4, I20 iX, G70 i7, G60 i5, BMW plug-in hybrids

Sources: BMW Group Newsroom (Canada) — BMW's 5th-generation electric drive system wins 2024 AJAC Best Green Innovation award · BMWBLOG — BMW's externally excited electric motor explained (Nov 2023)