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BMW S63B44T2 Engine - Replacement Cost, Problems & CompatibilityProblems & Compatibility
The S63B44T2 is BMW M Division's 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, powering the second-generation X5 M (F85) and X6 M (F86) from 2015 to 2019 with 567-575 bhp. Reconditioned S63B44T2 units typically start from £7,500+ supply-only, with replacement costs reflecting the high-performance nature of this hot-vee V8.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
Used from
£4,500
Reconditioned from
£7,500
Rebuilt from
£10,000
GB
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Key Specs
BMW S63B44T2 - Specifications at a Glance
Engine Code
S63B44T2 (S63 TU2 / S63R)
Fuel
Petrol
Configuration
4.4L V8, twin-scroll twin-turbo (hot-vee), Valvetronic, Double VANOS
Power Output(s)
567-575 bhp (423-429 kW) / 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) torque
Years Produced
2015-2019
UK Models Fitted
BMW X5 M (F85), BMW X6 M (F86) - full list in Compatibility below
2025 UK Replacement Requests
Replaced
S63B44T1 (F10 M5, F12/F13 M6)
Replaced By
S63B44T3 (F90 M5, F91/F92/F93 M8, F95 X5 M, F96 X6 M)
Most Common Failure
Oil leaks (valve cover gaskets), cooling system stress, hot-vee heat-related wear
Reconditioned Price Range
£7,500-£12,000+ supply-only
Vetted UK specialists for S63B44T2 replacements
Minimum 12-month warranty on reconditioned and rebuilt options
Fitted To
Which BMW Models Use the S63B44T2-
The S63B44T2 is the second Technical Update of BMW's S63 V8, introduced for the F85 X5 M and F86 X6 M. It represented a significant power jump over earlier S63 variants, making it the most powerful engine ever fitted to an all-wheel-drive BMW at the time of its release.
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BMW X6 M
CROSS-BRAND
S63B44T2 is documented across 2 BMW applications spanning BMW X5 M, BMW X6 M. Registration lookup confirms the exact suffix before quotes are sent.
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Not sure which engine your car has- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact S63B44T2 fitment before any quotes are sent.
Prices
BMW S63B44T2 Engine Replacement Cost (UK)
Condition | Supply Only | Fitted (Independent Specialist) | Typical Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
Used | £4,500-£7,500 | £5,850-£9,150 | 3-6 months |
Reconditioned | £7,500-£12,000+ | £8,850-£14,100+ | 12-24 months |
Rebuilt | £10,000-£16,000+ | £11,350-£18,100+ | 12-24 months |
What genuinely moves the price for this engine is whether the unit has had the valve stem seals addressed, the condition of the twin turbochargers (which sit in the hot-vee and are labour-intensive to access), and whether the cooling system has been proactively maintained. The 567 bhp vs 575 bhp output difference is simply a model-specific calibration and does not affect replacement cost. See our full reconditioned engine cost guide for more detail.
Labour Guide
Fitting an S63B44T2 typically takes 14-18 hours at £75-£85/hr (independent M specialist) - main dealer rates are typically 50-70% higher. The hot-vee design adds complexity to many repairs.
Price Factors
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Common Problems
BMW S63B44T2 Engine Problems - What Actually Fails
Every engine has its weak points. Here are the known issues with the S63B44T2, based on real-world data and verified failure patterns.
Verified issue focus: Oil leaks (valve cover gaskets), cooling system stress, hot-vee heat-related wear.
1. Oil Leaks - valve cover gaskets and oil supply system
1. Oil Leaks - valve cover gaskets and oil supply system
Typical onset:
40,000-80,000 miles
What happens:
Oil leaks are one of the most frequently reported issues on the S63 engine family. The hot-vee design means the turbochargers sit in the valley between cylinder banks, subjecting gaskets and seals to significant heat cycling. Valve cover gaskets are a common failure point, with oil seeping onto the exhaust manifolds and producing a burning oil smell - a symptom many owners report. The oil pump intake snorkel was also revised on the S63B44T2 specifically for track use, to ensure oil supply even under high lateral and longitudinal acceleration.
Repair vs replace:
Valve cover gasket replacement typically resolves the issue (£800-£1,500 at an independent specialist). If ignored, oil leaks can lead to low oil levels and eventual engine damage. Catastrophic oil starvation from a failed oil pump or severe leak can write off the engine - replacement is the only option. Read our full oil leak guide
Read more about this issue
2. Cooling System Stress - water pump, radiator, and coolant pipe failures
2. Cooling System Stress - water pump, radiator, and coolant pipe failures
Typical onset:
40,000-80,000 miles (more frequent on tracked cars)
What happens:
The S63B44T2 generates significant heat due to its hot-vee turbo configuration and high power output. The cooling system - including the water pump, radiator, and various coolant pipes - is under considerable stress. Coolant leaks from the crossover pipes and water pump failures are known issues on high-mileage S63 engines.
Repair vs replace:
Water pump and thermostat replacement typically resolves the issue (£500-£1,200 at an independent specialist). If overheating is ignored, head gasket failure or cylinder head damage can occur - at which point a full engine replacement becomes the more economical route. Read our full cooling system failure guide
Read more about this issue
3. Valve Stem Seal Wear - oil consumption and smoke on startup
3. Valve Stem Seal Wear - oil consumption and smoke on startup
Typical onset:
50,000-100,000 miles
What happens:
The S63 engine family - like its N63 predecessor - can suffer from valve stem seal wear, leading to oil consumption and blue smoke on cold starts. This is a well-documented issue on the S63 platform. The TU2 revision improved some aspects of the lubrication system, but the issue can still present on higher-mileage units.
Repair vs replace:
Valve stem seal replacement is a significant job (£1,500-£3,000) due to the hot-vee design requiring substantial disassembly. If caught early, the repair is viable; if ignored, carbon buildup and catalytic converter damage can occur, potentially requiring a full engine replacement.
Read more about this issue
Compare rebuilt S63B44T2 prices with the failure already addressed
Engine Variants
How to Confirm You Have the S63B44T2
The S63B44T2 (also designated S63R) is the second Technical Update of BMW's S63 engine, produced from 2015 to 2019. It is commonly confused with: | Similar Code | What It Is | Link | |---|---|---| | S63B44O0 | First-generation S63 (2010-2013) - 547 bhp, fitted to E70 X5 M, E71 X6 M | BMW S63B44O0 engine | | S63B44T1 | First Technical Update (2011-2017) - 553 bhp, fitted to F10 M5, F12/F13 M6 | BMW S63B44T1 engine | | S63B44T3 | Third Technical Update (2018-present) - 591-617 bhp, fitted to F90 M5, M8, F95 X5 M, F96 X6 M | BMW S63B44T3 engine | | N63B44 | Standard 4.4L V8 - non-M, fitted to 50i models; shares the block but lacks forged internals and M-specific calibration | BMW N63B44 engine | How to find your engine code: The engine code is stamped on a metal plate on the cylinder block, visible from the driver's side of the engine bay, and also appears on the V5C registration document and in the vehicle's VIN (digits 4-7). If you're unsure, enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact fitment. Why the difference matters: The S63B44T2 produces 567-575 bhp - a significant increase over the 547 bhp of the original S63 and 553 bhp of the T1. Fitting an earlier S63 into a T2-spec vehicle is not a straight swap; the ECU calibration, turbocharger hardware, and cooling system plumbing differ. The S63B44T2 also features revised connecting rods with improved lubrication channels, addressing earlier bearing wear concerns.
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Easily Confused
BMW S63B44T1
- the first Technical Update S63 (2011-2017) fitted to F10 M5 and F12/F13 M6; it produces 553 bhp and lacks the T2's revised connecting rods and track-focused oil pump intake. If you have an earlier M5 or M6, this is the engine you need - but note it is not a direct swap into F85/F86 chassis due to different engine mounts and cooling system plumbing.
Alternative / Next-Gen Code
BMW S63B44O0
- the original S63 (2010-2013) with 547 bhp, fitted to E70 X5 M and E71 X6 M; it's the least powerful of the S63 family and the most prone to the early hot-vee teething issues. If you're considering a used replacement for an F85/F86, avoid this earlier generation - it won't be a direct fit.
Related JLR Variants
BMW S63B44T3
- the third Technical Update S63 (2018-present) producing 591-617 bhp, fitted to F90 M5, F91/F92/F93 M8, F95 X5 M and F96 X6 M; it introduced additional refinements including higher-pressure fuel injection and revised turbocharger hardware. This engine is not backwards-compatible with the T2's ECU or cooling system.
Confirm the exact S63B44T2 fitment
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Buying Guide
Buying a Replacement S63B44T2 - 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 S63B44T2 can make sense for owners facing a failed unit on a lower-value F85/F86 example or for those with a limited budget. However, used M-division V8s carry significant risk: you don't know the engine's service history, oil consumption patterns, valve stem seal condition, or whether the cooling system has been stressed. Only consider a used unit with full service history, an oil analysis report, and a compression test from a BMW M specialist. Expect to pay £4,500-£7,500 for a used S63B44T2.
Reconditioned:
For most S63B44T2 replacements, a professionally reconditioned unit is the right call. A proper recon addresses the engine's known weak points: the cooling system (water pump, thermostat) is overhauled, the turbochargers are inspected and rebuilt if necessary, the valve stem seals are replaced, and all gaskets and seals are renewed. With a 12-24 month warranty, this is the lowest-risk option for a £7,500-£12,000+ investment.
Rebuilt:
A full rebuild is justified for this engine only when the original block is in good condition and the vehicle has significant sentimental or collector value - e.g. a low-mileage F85 X5 M or a well-specified F86 X6 M. A performance-oriented rebuild can include upgraded forged internals and larger turbos, but for most owners, a reconditioned exchange unit offers better value and less downtime. Expect £10,000-£16,000+ for a full rebuild.
Supply & Fit Line:
All reconditioned and rebuilt S63B44T2 units can be supplied and fitted through our network of vetted UK BMW M specialists, with nationwide delivery and a minimum 12-month warranty on every installation.
Vehicle Value Note:
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Related Engines
Engines Related to the BMW S63B44T2
Explore engines that are closely related to the BMW S63B44T2, including its predecessor, successor, and key family variants.
Predecessor
BMW S63B44T1
- the first Technical Update S63 (2011-2017) fitted to F10 M5 and F12/F13 M6; it produces 553 bhp and lacks the T2's revised connecting rods and track-focused oil pump intake. If you have an earlier M5 or M6, this is the engine you need - but note it is not a direct swap into F85/F86 chassis due to different engine mounts and cooling system plumbing.
Sibling
BMW S63B44O0
- the original S63 (2010-2013) with 547 bhp, fitted to E70 X5 M and E71 X6 M; it's the least powerful of the S63 family and the most prone to the early hot-vee teething issues. If you're considering a used replacement for an F85/F86, avoid this earlier generation - it won't be a direct fit.
Successor
BMW S63B44T3
- the third Technical Update S63 (2018-present) producing 591-617 bhp, fitted to F90 M5, F91/F92/F93 M8, F95 X5 M and F96 X6 M; it introduced additional refinements including higher-pressure fuel injection and revised turbocharger hardware. This engine is not backwards-compatible with the T2's ECU or cooling system.
FAQ
BMW S63B44T2Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a BMW S63B44T2 engine replacement cost-
A reconditioned S63B44T2 costs £7,500-£12,000+ supply-only, plus £1,050-£1,530 for fitting at a specialist M-approved workshop. Used units start from £4,500, and full rebuilds range from £10,000-£16,000+. Prices vary significantly by whether the turbochargers and cooling system are included, and the condition of the valve stem seals. Always request a breakdown of what's included - especially whether the turbos have been rebuilt and the valve stem seals replaced. Compare quotes from multiple specialists who work exclusively on M cars.
- Always request a breakdown of what's included - especially whether the turbos have been rebuilt and the valve stem seals replaced.
- Compare quotes from multiple specialists who work exclusively on M cars.
Question 2What are the common problems with the S63B44T2-
The most frequently reported issues are oil leaks from valve cover gaskets (due to the hot-vee design), cooling system stress, and valve stem seal wear causing oil consumption and blue smoke on startup. The T2 revision improved connecting rod lubrication and the oil pump intake for track use, but heat-related issues remain the primary concern. Regular oil level checks between services are essential. Cooling system inspection should be part of every service on high-mileage examples.
- Regular oil level checks between services are essential.
- Cooling system inspection should be part of every service on high-mileage examples.
Question 3Which BMW models have the S63B44T2 engine-
The S63B44T2 is fitted exclusively to the F85 X5 M (2015-2018) and F86 X6 M (2015-2019), producing 567-575 bhp. It is the second Technical Update of the S63 V8 and was the most powerful engine BMW had fitted to an all-wheel-drive vehicle at the time of its release. It replaced the S63B44T1 used in the F10 M5 and F12/F13 M6. It was superseded by the S63B44T3 in the F90 M5 and subsequent models.
- It replaced the S63B44T1 used in the F10 M5 and F12/F13 M6.
- It was superseded by the S63B44T3 in the F90 M5 and subsequent models.
Question 4Should I buy a used, reconditioned, or rebuilt S63B44T2-
For most owners, a reconditioned unit offers the best balance - it includes new cooling system components, rebuilt turbos (if required), replaced valve stem seals, and a 12-24 month warranty. Used units are cheaper but carry unknown history; full rebuilds are justified only for high-value or heavily modified cars. Reconditioned from £7,500; used from £4,500; rebuilt from £10,000. Insist on documented proof of which parts have been replaced or upgraded.
- Reconditioned from £7,500; used from £4,500; rebuilt from £10,000.
- Insist on documented proof of which parts have been replaced or upgraded.
Question 5How do I tell the S63B44T2 apart from other S63 variants-
The engine code is stamped on a metal plate on the driver's side of the cylinder block, and appears on the V5C and in the VIN (digits 4-7). The S63B44T2 is the 2015-2019 generation used in F85/F86 X5 M/X6 M; it differs from the S63B44T1 (F10 M5/F13 M6) by having revised connecting rods and a track-optimised oil pump intake. The S63B44T3 (2018-present) is the latest version with higher output. Do not confuse it with the standard N63B44 (non-M) or the S63B44O0 (earliest generation). Fitting the wrong generation can cause ECU mismatches, engine mount issues, and cooling system incompatibilities.
- Do not confuse it with the standard N63B44 (non-M) or the S63B44O0 (earliest generation).
- Fitting the wrong generation can cause ECU mismatches, engine mount issues, and cooling system incompatibilities.
Question 6How reliable is the S63B44T2 compared to the N63-
The S63B44T2 is significantly more robust than the standard N63, thanks to its forged internals, improved lubrication system, and track-specific oil pump design. However, the hot-vee architecture means heat-related issues - particularly oil leaks and cooling system stress - are common across both engine families. The S63B44T2 addressed many of the early N63's bearing and timing chain concerns, but diligent maintenance remains essential. Regular servicing (every 8,000 miles or annually) is critical. If you track the car, consider upgraded cooling components and more frequent oil changes.
- Regular servicing (every 8,000 miles or annually) is critical.
- If you track the car, consider upgraded cooling components and more frequent oil changes.
Compare BMW S63B44T2 Engine Prices Today
Replacing an S63B44T2 is a significant investment, but you don't have to navigate it alone. EnginesMarket connects you with pre-vetted UK BMW M specialists who provide free, no-obligation quotes tailored to your exact engine code and chassis. Enter your registration, and we'll confirm fitment before any quotes are sent - so you only pay for what you actually need. With reconditioned S63B44T2 units from £7,500+, comparing takes two minutes and could save you thousands.
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