Common BMW N63 problems
The BMW N63 was one of the most advanced V8 engines when it hit the market in 2008. BMW’s new engine for performance sedans and SUVs had several things that made it unique, from its all-aluminum construction, direct injection and “hot-V”. ” design that was the first of its kind in a production engine.
The N63 was a more than formidable engine and would go on to power many of BMW’s best performance and luxury vehicles throughout the 2010s. The N63 platform would be found in models such as the 550i, 650i, 750i, X5, X6 and many more.
This high-tech approach made the N63 a certified powerhouse and led to some of its biggest drops. Despite being a very impressive engine technically, the N63 would continue to develop a bit of a reputation for the frequent maintenance required and the common problems that would develop over time.
Common problems on the BMW N63
Fuel injector failure
One of the biggest and most immediate flaws of the N63 platform was the problems with the fuel injectors. These injectors were known to fail early in their life, with some owners reporting within the first 20,000-30,000 miles.
Failure of the injectors would cause several problems including:
- stagnation
- rough idle
- Check engine light
- failed
- Unburned fuel and soot in the exhaust
These problems can stem from other sources, such as the ignition coils, but in most cases, these symptoms indicate that at least one of the injectors needs to be replaced.
Unfortunately, the injectors on this engine are not on the cheap side. A single OEM injector can run over $400.
Timing chain
BMW is known for its use of chains on belts in the timing system. While some claim that these chains can last the life of the car, the general consensus is that many N63 engines will see the timing chain step on well past 100,000 miles.
As these chains are constantly used, they can begin to stretch and warp, which can cause the chain to skip a tooth and cause the timing to be thrown off. When this happens, the valves can be bent and the engine catastrophically damaged.
This problem can often appear without warning signs and cause a failure before you know there is a problem.
Fortunately, BMW recognized the shortcomings of this engine and released a customer care package in 2014. Vehicles with this package will be covered for some of the most important engine issues. From the timing chain, to the injectors, to the head gasket, many of the most vulnerable and important components of the engine are covered. Vehicle maintenance records must show whether the car is covered by the customer care package.
Keep in mind that without the customer care package, the repair bill for a timing chain replacement can often exceed $15,000.
Carbon accumulation
The N63 uses direct injection, which means it’s more susceptible to carbon buildup in the intake and exhaust valves. When these valves see significant buildup, it can disrupt their ability to open or close properly and cause various problems within the engines, such as misfiring or rough performance.
Walnut blasting is recommended to be done on your N63 around every 60,000 miles to protect it from problems related to carbon buildup.
Leaking valve stem seals
As stated above, the N63 was the first production engine to use the hot-V design. This means that the engine turbos are located inside the engine valley in an attempt to reduce turbo lag.
However, with these rubber seals placed in such close proximity to extreme heat and temperature changes, the material will begin to degrade over time and is known to fail soon. When this happens, oil can enter the combustion chamber and cause various problems. For one thing, burning oil inside the engine will cause massive amounts of white smoke to come out of the tailpipe. This problem will also result in decreased performance, excess stress on the engine and significant oil loss.
This problem should not be allowed to worsen, as excessive oil consumption can cause permanent damage to the engine.
The seals themselves are inexpensive, but since the engine has to be dropped from the vehicle to complete the job, the repair bill will often range from $5,000 to $9,000.
Defective HPFP
Although more of a BMW issue than an N63 issue, the high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure is a major issue to address.
The high pressure fuel pump is responsible for helping the fuel to atomize completely for injection. BMW engines have a recorded history of early HFP failures and not being able to supply enough fuel pressure.
When dealing with a failed HPFP, you may encounter certain symptoms such as:
- Stopped vehicle
- High engine temperatures
- Abrupt acceleration
- rough idle
- Poor gas consumption
Update 2016
For those looking for cars with the N63 engine, it may be better to look at those from the 2016 model year or newer. Aware of the pressing issues with early examples of this engine, BMW worked to minimize or fix many of the reliability issues alongside this technical update.
That’s not to say newer N63s can’t develop some of these issues, but the chances are significantly lower with engine upgrades.
Is the N63 worth it?
If you’re looking for a relatively affordable yet powerful V8, the BMW N63 checks a lot of the boxes. However, prospective owners should be aware of the noted problems experienced by these engines.
If you’re willing to shell out some cash for preventative maintenance and are willing to deal with the potential financial risks, or you’re really good at tinkering with cars, the N63 might be worth it. For most, however, it may be a better idea to avoid it or at least look for a perfectly maintained example.
BMW service and repair in Midvale, Utah
The Euro experts at Alex’s Autohaus in Midvale are your top choice for BMW service in the Salt Lake Valley. Whether you drive an N63 or any other Bimmer, our friendly team will make sure your car is taken care of and any issues are resolved with the highest quality work.
Call or schedule online with us today!
