S63 vs M54

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M54 BEST 93/100
+28 points over S63
0 / 100
CAUTION S63 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M54 BMW

Specifications

S63
M54
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
65
93
Years
2011--present
2000--2006
Displacement
4395 cc
2979 cc
Layout
V8
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
560--625 hp
170--231 hp
Known Issues
2
4
Total Risk Cost
€2,000--€6,500
€530--€1,250

Character

S63

"F10/F90 M5 engine. Hot-V turbo layout. More reliable than N63 base engine due to stronger internals. Rod bearing concern on early units. Oil consumption. Expensive maintenance but less catastrophic than N63."

M54

"Peak old-school BMW. Raspy, high-revving, raw. The benchmark. 300k+ km routine."

Issues Comparison

S63 2

▲ HIGH
Rod bearing concern (early units) €2,000--€6,000 80,000 km--150,000 km
● MODERATE
Oil consumption €0--€500 40,000 km--100,000 km

M54 4

● MODERATE
Cooling plastics — water pump impeller critical €200--€450 80,000 km--150,000 km
● MODERATE
DISA valve failure (intake manifold flap) €80--€200 80,000 km--160,000 km
● MODERATE
Double VANOS oil seal wear €150--€350 100,000 km--180,000 km
○ MINOR
Valve cover gasket oil leak €100--€250 100,000 km--200,000 km

Models

S63 3

6 Series F06 2012--2018 M5 F10 2011--2016 M5 F90 2018--2023

M54 13

5 Series E39 2000--2003 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E60 2003--2007 5 Series E60 2003--2005 5 Series E39 2000--2003 Z4 E85 2003--2005 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E60 2003--2005 X5 E53 2000--2006 5 Series E39 2000--2003 Z4 E85 2003--2005 3 Series E46 2001--2005 Z3 E36/7 2000--2002
Full S63 Report Full M54 Report