N63TU (N63B44O1/O2/T3) vs M54

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M54 BEST 86/100
+24 points over N63TU (N63B44O1/O2/T3)
0 / 100
CAUTION N63TU (N63B44O1/O2/T3) BMW
0 / 100
BEST M54 BMW

Specifications

N63TU (N63B44O1/O2/T3)
M54
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
62
86
Years
2012--present
2000--2006
Displacement
4395 cc
2979 cc
Layout
V8
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
449--530 hp
170--231 hp
Known Issues
5
6
Total Risk Cost
€3,280--€5,180
€300--€700

Character

N63TU (N63B44O1/O2/T3)

"The updated hot-V V8 (from 2012-2013) with Valvetronic, forged internals, new valve stem seals and a second coolant pump: 550i F10 from July 2013, 750i, 650i, X5/X6 50i, then M550i, 750i G11, M850i and X5/X7 M50i. Clearly better than the original N63, but it still burns oil (its own US settlement) and chains and injectors are not immune. Budget accordingly."

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."

Issues Comparison

N63TU (N63B44O1/O2/T3) 5

▲ HIGH
Oil consumption - valve stem seals (US class-action settlement) €2,800--€4,500 N/A--N/A
▲ HIGH
Timing chain and tensioner wear N/A--N/A N/A--N/A
● MODERATE
Injector failure N/A--N/A N/A--N/A
● MODERATE
Brake vacuum pump leak €480--€680 N/A--N/A
○ MINOR
Coolant leaks N/A--N/A N/A--N/A

M54 6

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

Models

N63TU (N63B44O1/O2/T3) 7

6 Series F13 2011--2018 7 Series G11 2019--2022 8 Series G15 2018--present 5 Series G30 2017--2023 7 Series F01 2012--2015 5 Series F10 2010--2017 X5 F15 2013--2018

M54 13

3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E39 2000--2003 5 Series E60 2003--2007 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E39 2000--2003 Z4 E85 2003--2005 5 Series E60 2003--2005 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E60 2003--2005 Z4 E85 2003--2005 X5 E53 2000--2006 Z3 E36/7 2000--2002 5 Series E39 2000--2003
Full N63TU (N63B44O1/O2/T3) Report Full M54 Report