BMW Z8 4.9 Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK BMW Z8 4.9 engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used S62 V8 engines for the E52 roadster - supply & fit available.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
From £12,000 to £18,000
Used from £8,000 · Reconditioned from £12,000 · Common codes: S62B50
From £8,000
Tested, bare/short engine
From £12,000
Rod bearings addressed, tested
From quote
Upgraded bearings, full teardown, revised valvetrain
Secure enquiry - no spam, no pressure. Genuine quotes only from vetted UK BMW Z8 4.9 specialists.
3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best BMW Z8 4.9 Replacement Engineto Finding the Best BMW Z8 4.9 Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Variant HistoryBMW Z8 4.9 - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The BMW Z8 (E52) is one of the most iconic and collectable roadsters ever built by BMW, produced from 1999 to 2003 with just 5,703 units manufactured. Designed as a homage to the legendary BMW 507, the Z8 was exclusively powered by the S62B50 4.9-litre V8 engine - developed by BMW Motorsport and shared with the E39 M5. With 394hp, individual throttle bodies, and a 7,000rpm redline, the S62 remains one of the greatest naturally aspirated V8 engines ever produced.
Variant HistoryBMW Z8 4.9 - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The BMW Z8 (E52) is one of the most iconic and collectable roadsters ever built by BMW, produced from 1999 to 2003 with just 5,703 units manufactured. Designed as a homage to the legendary BMW 507, the Z8 was exclusively powered by the S62B50 4.9-litre V8 engine - developed by BMW Motorsport and shared with the E39 M5. With 394hp, individual throttle bodies, and a 7,000rpm redline, the S62 remains one of the greatest naturally aspirated V8 engines ever produced.
BMW Z8 4.9
Fuel TypePetrol (naturally aspirated)
Engine Size4.9L (4,941cc)
Power Output394hp (400PS) @ 6,600rpmEngine History Timeline
Z8 production begins with S62B50 4.9L V8 394hp, 6-speed manual transmission
Full production model launched; all-aluminium chassis and body
2003 - S62B50 remains the sole engine for standard Z8 production
Alpina Z8 Roadster V8 introduced with 4.8L M62 V8 375hp, 5-speed automatic
End of production; 5,703 Z8s built in total
Key Specs Snapshot
Fuel TypePetrol (naturally aspirated)Engine Size4.9L (4,941cc)Power Output394hp (400PS) @ 6,600rpmTorque500Nm (369 lb-ft) @ 3,800rpmRedline7,000rpmTransmission6-speed manual (ZF S6-37)Every engine fitted to the BMW Z8 4.9 is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points specific to the S62B50 V8.
BMW Z8 4.9 Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostBMW Z8 4.9 Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
4.9L V8 Petrol (1999-2003)
Power Output394hp (294kW) @ 6,600rpmTorque500Nm (369 lb-ft) @ 3,800rpmDisplacement4,941cc (4.9L)Years Fitted1999-2003 (all standard Z8 production)Engine FeaturesDOHC 32-valve V8, double-VANOS, individual throttle bodies (ITBs), semi-dry sump lubrication, 11.0:1 compression ratioTransmission6-speed manual (ZF S6-37)
Compatible Trim Levels
- Z8 Roadster (all UK and European spec)
Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£8,000-£14,000
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£12,000-£16,000
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£14,000-£18,000
Common Failure
Timing chain guide degradation (plastic guides become brittle); VANOS seal deterioration affecting performance; cooling system failures (water pump, thermostat); oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil filter housing; rod bearing wear on high-mileage examples.
The BMW Z8 4.9's S62B50 V8 is one of BMW M's greatest naturally aspirated engines, but as these cars approach 25+ years of age, predictable wear patterns emerge - timing chain guide degradation, VANOS seal failure, and cooling system issues being the most significant. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components designed to address these original failure points - plus a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty.
Why the BMW Z8 4.9's S62 V8 Rattles on Start-Up
Affected Vehicles
BMW Z8 4.9 (1999-2003, S62B50)
Typical Failure Mileage
80,000-100,000 miles
Root Cause
The S62 uses plastic timing chain guides that degrade over time due to heat cycling and age. When the guides fail, the timing chain can become loose, causing rattling on start-up and, if ignored, potential catastrophic engine failure. As one expert notes: "Preventive replacement around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) is recommended".
Why It Happens
The S62 uses plastic timing chain guides that degrade over time due to heat cycling and age. When the guides fail, the timing chain can become loose, causing rattling on start-up and, if ignored, potential catastrophic engine failure. As one expert notes: "Preventive replacement around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) is recommended".
Dealer (parts + labour)
£3,500-£5,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£2,200-£3,500
What it involves
Replace timing chain guides, tensioner, chain, and sprockets
Suitability
Essential preventative maintenance; 80,000+ mile lifespan
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£18,000-£25,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£12,000-£18,000
What it involves
Supply & fit rebuilt S62B50 with upgraded timing components, 12-month warranty
Suitability
Required if chain has jumped causing valve/piston damage
1 - 2 daysAll prices are indicative UK market ranges based on current UK specialist supplier data.| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Preventative - Timing Chain Guides & Tensioner Minor | £3,500-£5,000 | £2,200-£3,500 | Replace timing chain guides, tensioner, chain, and sprockets | Essential preventative maintenance; 80,000+ mile lifespan | 1 - 2 days |
 Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine Best Value | £18,000-£25,000 | £12,000-£18,000 | Supply & fit rebuilt S62B50 with upgraded timing components, 12-month warranty | Required if chain has jumped causing valve/piston damage | 1 - 2 days |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical BMW Z8 4.9 is worth £100,000-£250,000+ depending on condition, mileage, and provenance. Low-mileage, well-documented examples can command significantly more. Given the vehicle's collector-car status and appreciating value, engine replacement is generally viable for well-maintained examples. As one source notes, the Z8 "has become a collector's item".
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
On any Z8 4.9 without documented timing chain guide work within the last 80,000 miles, preventative guide and tensioner replacement is strongly advised. A £2,200-£3,500 specialist chain guide kit is far cheaper than a £12,000+ engine rebuild. Once the chain jumps, the engine is almost certainly damaged.
Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your BMW Z8 4.9
A failed S62B50 doesn't have to mean the end of the road for your Z8 4.9. Whether you're facing timing chain guide degradation, VANOS seal failure, cooling system issues, or oil leaks, EnginesMarket connects you with trusted UK BMW heritage specialists who supply rebuilt engines with upgraded components specifically designed to address the original failure points. Every engine comes with a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty, nationwide delivery, and supply & fit options across the UK. Compare prices today - and keep one of BMW's rarest and most collectable roadsters on the road without paying the main dealer premium.
Compare rebuilt S62B50 engine prices for your BMW Z8 4.9
12-Month Minimum
UK Specialists Vetted
Best Price GuidanceImportant Information
Important Information
"All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data and repair requests from our network of engine specialists. Dealer pricing is estimated based on published main dealer labour rates and genuine OEM parts pricing. Specialist pricing reflects actual quote data from EnginesMarket's UK network. Actual costs vary depending on damage severity, vehicle condition, variant, and workshop location within the UK. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes for your specific BMW Z8 4.9. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
BMW Z8 4.9 Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a BMW Z8 4.9 engine replacement cost in the UK-
A BMW Z8 4.9 engine replacement typically costs £12,000-£18,000 supply-only for rebuilt units, or £14,000-£22,000 fitted by a specialist. The S62B50 is a specialist heritage engine requiring expert knowledge.
- Used S62B50 engines: £8,000-£14,000 supply-only
- Reconditioned units: £12,000-£16,000 supply-only
- Rebuilt units with upgraded components: £14,000-£18,000 supply-only
- Professional fitting adds £2,000-£4,000 depending on workshop location
Question 2What engine is fitted to the BMW Z8 4.9-
The BMW Z8 4.9 is powered exclusively by the S62B50 4.9-litre V8 engine, developed by BMW Motorsport and shared with the E39 M5.
- Displacement: 4,941cc (4.9L)
- Power output: 394hp (400PS) @ 6,600rpm
- Torque: 500Nm (369 lb-ft) @ 3,800rpm
- Redline: 7,000rpm
- Features: DOHC 32-valve, double-VANOS, individual throttle bodies
Question 3Is the BMW Z8 4.9 S62 engine reliable-
The S62B50 has earned a reputation for reliability "if maintained correctly". However, it has well-documented weaknesses that are critical to address:
- Timing chain guides degrade over time - preventive replacement recommended around 100,000 miles
- VANOS seals deteriorate, affecting performance
- Cooling system components (water pump, thermostat) require regular inspection
- Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil filter housing are common
Question 4What are the signs of timing chain guide failure on a BMW Z8 4.9-
The S62's timing chain guides are a known weakness:
- Rattling noise on cold start that may disappear as the engine warms
- The plastic guides degrade over time due to heat cycling
- If ignored, chain can jump causing catastrophic engine damage
- Preventive replacement around 100,000 miles is strongly recommended
Question 5Is it worth replacing the engine on a BMW Z8 4.9-
For a Z8 4.9 worth £100,000-£250,000+, a rebuilt S62B50 at £12,000-£18,000 can make excellent financial sense if the body, interior, and chassis are in good condition.
- Compare replacement cost against vehicle value - replacement is viable well beyond 70% of car's value for collector-grade examples
- The Z8 "has become a collector's item", with values continuing to appreciate
- Non-running Z8 chassis lose significant valuation versus documented, engine-ready examples
- Always factor 12-month warranty and provenance documentation into replacement decision
Question 6Can I use an E39 M5 S62 engine in my BMW Z8 4.9-
Yes, the S62B50 from an E39 M5 is the same basic engine used in the Z8. However, there are differences to be aware of:
- Z8-specific engine mounts and ancillaries are required
- ECU calibration differs between E39 M5 and Z8 applications
- Z8 semi-dry sump system may differ from M5 oiling setup
- Always verify compatibility with a Z8 specialist before purchasing
Why Choose UsCompare BMW Z8 4.9Engine PricesToday
5,703 BMW Z8s ever built
specialist heritage engine support available
12-Month Warranty on every rebuilt S62B50 engine
Nationwide UK delivery
supply & fit available
Comparing quotes for your BMW Z8 4.9 is free, no-obligation, and specific to your exact E52 roadster and its S62B50 engine code. Whether you need a used replacement, a reconditioned unit, or a full rebuilt engine with upgraded components, our network of trusted UK BMW heritage specialists delivers transparent pricing and nationwide coverage. Don't let a failed engine end the life of BMW's most iconic modern roadster - compare prices today and preserve your collector-grade asset with confidence.
Enter your registration
and get matched with verified BMW Z8 4.9 specialists.