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BMW N63B44B Engine - Replacement Cost, Problems & CompatibilityProblems & Compatibility
The 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that powered BMW's 50i-badged luxury models from 2012-2018, with reconditioned units from £6,400 and 440 UK replacement requests for the N63 family in 2025 [EM-VERIFIED].
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
Used from
£5,000
Reconditioned from
£6,400
Rebuilt from
£9,000
GB
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Key Specs
BMW N63B44B - Specifications at a Glance
Engine Code
N63B44B (second-generation N63TU)
Fuel
Petrol
Configuration
4.4L twin-turbocharged V8, hot-vee layout, DOHC, 32 valves, Valvetronic, double VANOS, direct injection
Power Output(s)
449 hp (330 kW), 650 Nm torque
Years Produced
2012-2018
UK Models Fitted
8+ BMW models - full list in Compatibility below
2025 UK Replacement Requests
440 [EM-VERIFIED] (N63 family combined)
Replaced
N63B44A
Replaced By
N63B44C (TU3)
Most Common Failure
Valve stem seal degradation; timing chain stretch; cooling system leaks
Reconditioned Price Range
£6,400-£8,100 supply-only
Vetted UK specialists for N63B44B replacements
Minimum 12-month warranty on reconditioned and rebuilt options
Fitted To
Which BMW Models Use the N63B44B-
TAG: Fitted To
| Model | Generation/Chassis | Badge(s) | Years | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 BMW 5 Series | F10 / F11 | 550i, 550i xDrive | 2012-2016 | |
 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo | F07 | 550i GT, 550i xDrive GT | 2012-2017 | |
| BMW 6 Series Coupe | F13 | 650i | 2012-2018 | |
| BMW 6 Series Convertible | F12 | 650i | 2012-2018 | |
| BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe | F06 | 650i, 650i xDrive | 2012-2018 | |
| BMW 7 Series | F01 / F02 | 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive | 2012-2015 | |
| BMW X5 | F15 | xDrive50i | 2013-2018 | |
| BMW X6 | F16 | xDrive50i | 2014-2018 |
02
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
03
BMW 6 Series Coupe
04
BMW 6 Series Convertible
05
BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe
06
BMW 7 Series
07
BMW X5
08
BMW X6
CROSS-BRAND
N63B44B is documented across 8 BMW applications spanning BMW 5 Series, BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, BMW 6 Series Coupe, BMW 6 Series Convertible, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, BMW 7 Series, BMW X5, BMW X6. Registration lookup confirms the exact suffix before quotes are sent.
Not sure which engine your car has?
Not sure which V8 your BMW has- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact N63B44B fitment before any quotes are sent.
Prices
BMW N63B44B Engine Replacement Cost (UK)
Condition | Supply Only | Fitted (Independent Specialist) | Typical Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
Used | £5,000-£7,000 | £6,040-£8,360 | 3-6 months |
Reconditioned | £6,400-£8,100 | £7,440-£9,460 | 12-24 months |
Rebuilt | £9,000-£12,000 | £10,040-£13,360 | 12-24 months |
Used/reconditioned pricing from UK supplier data; rebuilt . Fitted = supply price + 16-22 hours at £65/hr independent labour.
Labour Guide
Fitting an N63B44B typically takes 16-22 hours at £65-£85/hr (independent BMW V8 specialist) - the hot-vee layout and twin-turbo system add significant complexity.
Price Factors
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Common Problems
BMW N63B44B Engine Problems - What Actually Fails
Every engine has its weak points. Here are the known issues with the N63B44B, based on real-world data and verified failure patterns.
Verified issue focus: Valve stem seal degradation; timing chain stretch; cooling system leaks.
1. Valve Stem Seal Degradation - oil consumption and blue smoke
1. Valve Stem Seal Degradation - oil consumption and blue smoke
Typical onset:
50,000-80,000 miles
What happens:
The N63B44B's valve stem seals are exposed to extreme heat in the hot-vee layout. Over time, the rubber seals harden and crack, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber. Symptoms include blue smoke on start-up (especially after idling), excessive oil consumption between services, and fouled spark plugs. If ignored, oil contamination can damage catalytic converters.
Repair vs replace:
Valve stem seal replacement is a cylinder-head-off job requiring specialist tools and typically costs £3,000-£5,000. If oil consumption is severe and the car has high mileage, a full rebuild or replacement may be more cost-effective.
Read more about this issue
2. Timing Chain Stretch - rough idle and misfires
2. Timing Chain Stretch - rough idle and misfires
Typical onset:
60,000-100,000 miles
What happens:
The N63's timing chain system can stretch over time, causing timing deviations that lead to rough idling, engine misfires, and check engine lights. If the chain jumps or breaks, piston-to-valve contact destroys the engine.
Repair vs replace:
If caught early, replacing the timing chain, tensioner, and guides is a standalone fix costing £2,500-£4,500. If the chain has jumped, the engine is typically unrebuildable - a replacement unit is required.
Read more about this issue
3. Cooling System Leaks - turbo coolant lines and expansion tank
3. Cooling System Leaks - turbo coolant lines and expansion tank
Typical onset:
40,000-70,000 miles
What happens:
The hot-vee design places turbos and coolant lines in the V of the engine. Plastic coolant pipes and the expansion tank become brittle with heat cycling, leading to coolant loss. Loss of coolant can cause rapid overheating and head gasket failure.
Repair vs replace:
Cooling system components are individually replaceable - this is a maintenance item. However, accessing hot-vee components requires significant disassembly. Preventative replacement of all plastic cooling components at 60k miles is strongly recommended.
Read more about this issue
Compare rebuilt N63B44B prices with the failures already addressed
Engine Variants
How to Confirm You Have the N63B44B
The N63B44B is the second-generation N63 engine (N63TU), produced from 2012 to 2018. It is a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with a hot-vee layout, producing 449 hp and 650 Nm torque. It replaced the N63B44A and was itself replaced by the N63B44C (TU3) in 2018. Where to find the engine code: - On the engine block - a stamped plate near the left bank (viewed from the driver's seat) - On the V5C registration document - under engine number - Via a BMW VIN decoder - the 7th and 8th characters of the VIN identify the engine family Commonly confused codes: - N63B44A - the first-generation N63 (2008-2012), with different turbochargers, fuel injection system, and ECU calibration. Not directly interchangeable without significant modifications. - N63B44C - the third-generation N63 (TU3, 2018-present), with revised turbos, fuel system, and cooling - N63TU - the family page covering all N63 TU variants【LINK PENDING - page not in current inventory】 - S63B44 - the M-performance version of the N63, with different internals and tuning; not interchangeable
Not sure which N63 variant your BMW has- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact fitment before any quotes are sent.
Easily Confused
N63B44A
the first-generation N63 engine (2008-2012), known for more severe reliability issues including valve stem seal failure, timing chain problems, and a service bulletin programme that BMW implemented to address several shortcomings. The N63B44B introduced significant improvements including revised turbos, better cooling, and improved seals. [N63B44A Engine - /bmw/n63b44a-engine/]
Alternative / Next-Gen Code
N63B44C (TU3)
BMW's third-generation N63 engine (2018-present), with further refinements to the fuel system, revised turbochargers, and improved cooling. The TU3 is considered the most reliable of the N63 family and is used in the latest 50i models. [N63B44C Engine - /bmw/n63b44c-engine/]
Related JLR Variants
S63B44
the M-performance version of the N63, used in M5, M6, X5 M, and X6 M models. The S63 shares the hot-vee architecture but has stronger internals, different turbos, and higher output. If you're looking for the M version, this is the page you need - but note that S63 parts are not interchangeable with the N63. [S63B44 Engine - /bmw/s63b44-engine/]
Confirm the exact N63B44B fitment
Not sure which N63 variant your BMW has- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact fitment before any quotes are sent.
Buying Guide
Buying a Replacement N63B44B - What to Choose
Choosing the right replacement route depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and ownership goals. Here's a breakdown of your options.
Used:
A used N63B44B makes sense only with full provenance - documented valve stem seal replacement, timing chain work, and cooling system refresh. A used unit from a written-off car can be a cost-effective option (£5,000-£7,000), but the risk is high: these engines are often driven hard and may carry unaddressed issues. Only buy with a compression test, leak-down test, and borescope inspection. Used engines
Reconditioned:
A proper N63B44B recon addresses the engine's specific weak points: new valve stem seals, timing chain, tensioner, guides, water pump, thermostat, and all plastic coolant components. This is the right call for most N63B44B owners - the engine is fundamentally strong when these known issues are addressed. Expect £6,400-£8,100 with 12-24 months warranty. Reconditioned engines
Rebuilt:
A full N63B44B rebuild is justified for high-performance or enthusiast applications where the owner wants absolute reliability and upgraded components (forged pistons, upgraded bearings, improved oil system). Costs typically exceed £9,000-£12,000. This is a specialist undertaking due to the hot-vee complexity. Rebuilt engines
Supply & Fit Line:
All our vetted UK BMW V8 specialists offer supply-only or full supply-and-fit - 12-month warranty on reconditioned units, nationwide delivery available. Supply and fit
Vehicle Value Note:
The N63B44B sits in BMW 50i models now worth £8,000-£35,000 depending on age and mileage. A reconditioned N63B44B at £6,400-£8,100 represents 20-60% of vehicle value - a significant investment. For an early high-mileage F10 550i worth under £10,000, the replacement cost may approach scrap threshold. Evaluate your vehicle's overall condition, value, and ownership horizon before committing - sometimes it's more cost-effective to sell and buy a newer TU3 model.
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Related Engines
Engines Related to the BMW N63B44B
Explore engines that are closely related to the BMW N63B44B, including its predecessor, successor, and key family variants.
Predecessor
N63B44A
the first-generation N63 engine (2008-2012), known for more severe reliability issues including valve stem seal failure, timing chain problems, and a service bulletin programme that BMW implemented to address several shortcomings. The N63B44B introduced significant improvements including revised turbos, better cooling, and improved seals. [N63B44A Engine - /bmw/n63b44a-engine/]
Successor
N63B44C (TU3)
BMW's third-generation N63 engine (2018-present), with further refinements to the fuel system, revised turbochargers, and improved cooling. The TU3 is considered the most reliable of the N63 family and is used in the latest 50i models. [N63B44C Engine - /bmw/n63b44c-engine/]
Sibling
N63B44A
the older, less reliable version of the N63. If you're considering a pre-2012 50i model, the N63B44A is the engine you'll find - and it has a significantly higher failure rate than the B variant. [N63B44A Engine - /bmw/n63b44a-engine/]
Sibling
S63B44
the M-performance version of the N63, used in M5, M6, X5 M, and X6 M models. The S63 shares the hot-vee architecture but has stronger internals, different turbos, and higher output. If you're looking for the M version, this is the page you need - but note that S63 parts are not interchangeable with the N63. [S63B44 Engine - /bmw/s63b44-engine/]
Sibling
N63TU
the family page covering all N63 TU variants. If you're unsure which N63 variant you have, start there - but your B44B is covered here specifically. [N63TU Engine - /bmw/n63tu-engine/]
Cross-Brand Twin
The N63 engine family is also used in the 2022-present Land Rover Range Rover (L460/L461) and some models of the Range Rover Sport, though these applications use later N63 variants rather than the N63B44B specifically. The Land Rover N63 applications are not listed separately in the inventory but are mentioned for completeness.
FAQ
BMW N63B44BFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does an N63B44B engine replacement cost in the UK-
A reconditioned N63B44B supply-only costs £6,400-£8,100, with fitted prices from £7,440 to £9,460 depending on labour and parts. Used units are cheaper at £5,000-£7,000 but carry higher risk. Rebuilt units may exceed £9,000-£12,000. Warranty is typically 12-24 months on reconditioned/rebuilt units.
- Used units are cheaper at £5,000-£7,000 but carry higher risk.
- Rebuilt units may exceed £9,000-£12,000.
- Warranty is typically 12-24 months on reconditioned/rebuilt units.
Question 2What are the common problems with the N63B44B engine-
The most documented failures are valve stem seal degradation (causing blue smoke and oil consumption), timing chain stretch (leading to rough idle and misfires), and cooling system leaks in the hot-vee. Valve stem seals harden and crack under extreme heat. Timing chain stretch can destroy the engine if ignored. Cooling system plastic components become brittle with age.
- Valve stem seals harden and crack under extreme heat.
- Timing chain stretch can destroy the engine if ignored.
- Cooling system plastic components become brittle with age.
Question 3Which BMW models have the N63B44B engine-
The N63B44B powered BMW's 50i-badged models from 2012-2018, including the F10/F11 550i, F06/F12/F13 650i, F01/F02 750i, F15 X5 xDrive50i, and F16 X6 xDrive50i. It replaced the N63B44A from 2012. It was replaced by the N63B44C (TU3) in 2018.
- It replaced the N63B44A from 2012.
- It was replaced by the N63B44C (TU3) in 2018.
Question 4Should I buy a used or reconditioned N63B44B-
A reconditioned N63B44B is the safer choice because it addresses the engine's known weak points (valve stem seals, timing chain, cooling system) and comes with a warranty. Used units are cheaper but risk carrying unaddressed valve seal issues. For lower-value F10 550is worth under £10,000, a used engine may be the only viable option.
- Used units are cheaper but risk carrying unaddressed valve seal issues.
- For lower-value F10 550is worth under £10,000, a used engine may be the only viable option.
Question 5How do I know if my car has the N63B44B and not another N63 variant-
The engine code is stamped on the block (near the left bank) and listed on your V5C or via a BMW VIN decoder. It is commonly confused with N63B44A (older, less reliable) and N63B44C (newer, TU3). Fitting the wrong revision will not work due to different turbos, cooling, and fuel systems.
- It is commonly confused with N63B44A (older, less reliable) and N63B44C (newer, TU3).
- Fitting the wrong revision will not work due to different turbos, cooling, and fuel systems.
Question 6Is the N63B44B a reliable engine-
The N63B44B is considered a significant improvement over the original N63, but it still suffers from valve stem seal and timing chain issues that are expensive to address. A well-maintained B44B with preventative work can be reliable. The hot-vee design creates high temperatures that accelerate wear. Budget £2,000-£4,000 for preventative maintenance.
- A well-maintained B44B with preventative work can be reliable.
- The hot-vee design creates high temperatures that accelerate wear.
- Budget £2,000-£4,000 for preventative maintenance.
Compare BMW N63B44B Engine Prices Today
Vetted UK BMW V8 specialists who work on the N63B44B and its N63 family every week Minimum 12-month warranty on every reconditioned and rebuilt N63B44B Nationwide delivery - supply-only or full supply & fit No-obligation comparison tailored to your exact engine code and sub-code. Enter your registration and we'll confirm your N63B44B fitment before any quotes are sent. With reconditioned N63B44B units from £6,400, comparing takes two minutes - and given the complexity of this hot-vee V8, finding the right specialist is essential.
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