N63 vs M50
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Higher reliability score
M50
BEST
88/100
+46 points over N63
0
/ 100
AVOID
N63
BMW
0
/ 100
BEST
M50
BMW
Specifications
N63
M50
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
AVOID
BEST
Reliability
42
88
Years
2008--present
1990--1996
Displacement
4395 cc
2494 cc
Layout
V8
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
408--625 hp
150--192 hp
Known Issues
2
2
Total Risk Cost
€2,500--€7,000
€400--€1,100
Character
N63
"Hot-V design cooks turbos and injectors between cylinder banks. Oil consumption, coolant leaks, injector failure. N63TU (2012+) improved but still problematic. Called 'hot vee from hell' by BMW techs."
M50
"Cast iron block legend. One of BMW's most reliable ever. M50TU added single VANOS. Strong internals handle 300k+ km. Cooling plastics only weakness."
Issues Comparison
N63 2
◆ CRITICAL
Injector failure (hot-V design)
▲ HIGH
Excessive oil consumption
M50 2
▲ HIGH
Water pump plastic impeller failure
● MODERATE
VANOS unit wear (M50TU)