M54 vs S68

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M54 BEST 86/100
+2 points over S68
0 / 100
BEST M54 BMW
0 / 100
BUY S68 BMW

Specifications

M54
S68
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
BEST
BUY
Reliability
86
84
Years
2000--2006
2022--present
Displacement
2979 cc
4395 cc
Layout
I6
V8
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Turbo
Power
170--231 hp
530--727 hp
Known Issues
6
1
Total Risk Cost
€300--€700
€0--€0

Character

M54

"The last of the simple BMW straight-sixes: smooth, linear and very long-lived (around 330,000 km with proper care). Nothing on it is known to destroy the engine; the bills are age-related plastics and seals - crankcase ventilation, cooling system, DISA flap, VANOS seals and oil leaks."

S68

"BMW M's current 4.4 twin-turbo V8 (2022-), with both turbos inside the V and a 48-volt mild-hybrid motor in the gearbox; 530 PS in the X5/X7 M60i, 544 PS in the 760i, and more as a plug-in hybrid in the XM and M5. No pattern failures reported so far beyond a 2023 exhaust-fastener recall, but it is too new for long-term data, and its N63/S63 predecessors with the same hot-V layout earned their bad name only after years in service."

Issues Comparison

M54 6

● MODERATE
Cooling system plastics — water pump, thermostat, expansion tank N/A--N/A 97,000 km--161,000 km
● MODERATE
DISA valve failure (intake manifold flap) N/A--N/A 113,000 km--161,000 km
● MODERATE
Double VANOS — solenoid and seal wear N/A--N/A N/A--N/A
● MODERATE
Crankcase ventilation (CCV) valve and hoses — oil consumption, false air €300--€700 120,000 km--N/A
○ MINOR
Oil leaks — valve cover, oil filter housing and oil pan gaskets N/A--N/A N/A--N/A
○ MINOR
Camshaft / crankshaft position sensor failure — stalling, rpm hunting N/A--N/A N/A--N/A

S68 1

○ MINOR
Exhaust-to-catalyst fasteners not tightened (recall, 2023 X7 M60i / XM) €0--N/A N/A--N/A

Models

M54 13

5 Series E60 2003--2007 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E39 2000--2003 5 Series E60 2003--2005 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E39 2000--2003 Z4 E85 2003--2005 X5 E53 2000--2006 5 Series E60 2003--2005 Z4 E85 2003--2005 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E39 2000--2003 Z3 E36/7 2000--2002

S68 4

XM G09 2023--present 7 Series G70 2023--present X5 G05 2023--present M5 G90 2024--present
Full M54 Report Full S68 Report