BMW 550i (E60) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW 550i in the fifth 5 Series generation (E60, built 2003–2010) was built with one engine, the N62B48: a 4.8 L petrol V8 with 367 hp.

Below you will find how to identify the engine in your 550i, the faults to look for, current prices for a replacement and the swap options that make sense.

• Generation: fifth 5 Series, 2003–2010
• Body styles: E60 (saloon)
• Engines: N62B48
• Output: 367 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 104 from 2.173,00 €

Which engine is in your 550i?

N62B48 in the 550i

The N62B48 was used in the E60 550i, built 2005–2010. It is a 4.8 L naturally aspirated petrol V8 with 367 hp and 490 Nm.

Reading the code: N marks an N-series code, the generation of BMW engines introduced from 2001; 62 is the family number; B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin); 48 is the capacity in decilitres, so 4.8 litres.

550i engines by model year

The 550i kept the same engine for the whole E60 run, which makes ordering simple: any unit with the same code fits, subject to the gearbox, drive type and sump.

Other cars with the same engine as the 550i

A replacement engine does not have to come from another 550i. These models left the factory with the same engine code, so a unit from any of them is a candidate donor once the sump, mounts and ancillaries are matched to your car.

N62B48: BMW E63 650i, BMW E65 750i, BMW E70 X5 4.8i.

How to confirm your engine code

The 550i only used the N62B48, but the exact version can still change with the build date, gearbox and market. Send us the last seven characters of the VIN and we read the engine code from BMW's records, or look for the code stamped on the block. How to find your BMW engine code.

Known 550i engine problems

The N62B48 in the 550i shares the known weak points of the N62 family. Full N62 guide.

Valve stem seals. Seals harden and let oil run into the cylinders. The engine smokes blue at start-up and after idling at traffic lights.

Alternator bracket gasket. The water-cooled alternator bracket gasket leaks oil into the valley under the intake.

Valve cover gaskets. Both valve covers and their Valvetronic motor seals leak oil onto the exhaust manifolds.

Valvetronic motors and eccentric shaft sensors. The motors and sensors fail and force limp mode.

Coolant transfer pipe. The pipe under the intake manifold leaks coolant.

Timing chain guides. Guides wear on high-mileage engines.

Symptoms to watch for on the 550i

Rattle for a few seconds after a cold start. The classic sign of a weak timing chain tensioner or stretched chain. It must be checked quickly: a chain that jumps a tooth can bend valves.

Poor low-down torque and uneven idle. VANOS seals or solenoids. The engine may run well at high revs but feel flat and lumpy at low speed.

Limp mode with a Valvetronic fault. The Valvetronic motor, its eccentric shaft sensor or the wiring. The engine runs on a reduced throttle until it is repaired.

Looking after the 550i engine

• Oil: 5W-30 BMW Longlife-01, about 8 litres with filter.
• Service interval: Oil every 10,000 to 15,000 km.
• Timing drive: Timing chains at the front, one per bank, with guides and tensioners.
• Workshop notes: Fit new valve stem seals, the alternator bracket gasket and valve cover gaskets with a used N62 if they have not been done. Access is far easier with the engine out.

Buying a used engine for the 550i: checklist

1. Sump, oil pickup and drive variants. Rear-drive, xDrive and front-drive cars can use different sumps, oil pickups and engine mounts even with the same engine code. Check that the sump matches your subframe and front axle.
2. Confirm the exact engine code. Read the code stamped on the block and compare it with the code for your car. Send us the last seven characters of the VIN and we confirm the match before anything is paid.
3. Gearbox and flywheel match. Manual and automatic engines differ at the flywheel or flexplate, and sometimes at the crankshaft spigot. Make sure the engine you buy matches your gearbox or that you transfer the right parts.
4. Look at the oil and coolant. Clean oil without metal particles and coolant without oil are good signs. Milky oil, oily coolant or a burnt smell mean the engine needs further checks before it is fitted.
5. Why your old engine failed. Before fitting a replacement, find out why the original failed. An overheating radiator, a blocked intercooler or a failed turbo can destroy a second engine if they are not fixed.
6. Timing chain noise. Listen for a rattle at the front of the engine for the first seconds after a cold start. On an engine that cannot be run, look at the chain guides through the oil filler or with the valve cover off.
7. VANOS operation. Rough idle, a rattle from the front of the head and a loss of torque at low revs point to VANOS seals or solenoids. These are serviceable parts and are easier to renew with the engine out.
8. Double VANOS units and solenoids. Ask for the adaptation values or fault history if the engine was running. Solenoids are inexpensive and are often replaced as a matter of course on a used engine.
9. Valvetronic motor and eccentric shaft sensor. The Valvetronic motor and its sensor cause limp-mode faults when they fail. Inspect the connector and the seal around the motor for oil.
10. Both cylinder banks. On a V engine, check compression, plugs and coils on both banks. Faults on one bank alone are common and easy to miss on a quick test.

BMW 550i replacement engine cost

Our 550i engine stock runs to 104 units, priced from 2.173,00 € to 6.663,00 € with a median of 2.800,00 €.

Prices depend on the exact version, the donor's mileage, how complete the engine is and the demand for that code. Higher-output versions, low mileage and dressed engines with turbo, injectors and ancillaries cost more; long blocks and higher mileage cost less.

550i engine prices by model year

Engines from 2005–2009 have a median of 2.788,00 €, while units from 2010–2014 sit at 2.705,00 €. Newer engines usually cost more because they come from younger donor cars with lower mileage and later updates.

550i engine prices by mileage

Mileage matters less than history on a well-maintained BMW engine, but it is a useful guide. A low-mileage unit from a younger car gives you more life for a modest premium.

26 of these come from E60 donor cars, priced from 2.173,00 € to 6.538,00 €. An engine from the same body is the most direct swap because the sump, mounts and ancillaries already match.

On top of the engine, budget for the workshop's labour and the parts that are best replaced while the engine is out: engine mounts, the rear main seal, cooling parts, a clutch or converter seal, fluids and filters.

Replacement engines in stock for the 550i

Here is a selection of 550i engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.

BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2010, 66,400 km3.038,00 €BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2010, 59,600 km3.212,00 €BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2007, 37,300 km2.444,00 €BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2008, 96,200 km2.895,00 €BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2006, 145,200 km3.108,00 €BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2008, 70,700 km2.183,00 €BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2008, 174,100 km2.923,00 €BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2005, 55,900 km3.268,00 €BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2010, 197,500 km2.173,00 €BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2009, 82,500 km2.272,00 €BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2010, 190,400 km3.091,00 €BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2007, 189,900 km2.754,00 €

BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2010, 66,400 km — 3.038,00 €, reduced from 3.600,00 €. It comes from a 2010 donor car with 66,400 km, and 18 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2010, 59,600 km — 3.212,00 €, reduced from 4.250,00 €. It comes from a 2010 donor car with 59,600 km, and 24 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2007, 37,300 km — 2.444,00 €, reduced from 3.300,00 €. It comes from a 2007 donor car with 37,300 km, and 15 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2008, 96,200 km — 2.895,00 €, reduced from 3.500,00 €. It comes from a 2008 donor car with 96,200 km, and 11 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2006, 145,200 km — 3.108,00 €, reduced from 3.750,00 €. It comes from a 2006 donor car with 145,200 km, and 21 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2008, 70,700 km — 2.183,00 €, reduced from 3.450,00 €. It comes from a 2008 donor car with 70,700 km, and 19 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2008, 174,100 km — 2.923,00 €, reduced from 4.050,00 €. It comes from a 2008 donor car with 174,100 km, and 14 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2005, 55,900 km — 3.268,00 €, reduced from 4.050,00 €. It comes from a 2005 donor car with 55,900 km, and 24 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2010, 197,500 km — 2.173,00 €, reduced from 3.050,00 €. It comes from a 2010 donor car with 197,500 km, and 10 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2009, 82,500 km — 2.272,00 €, reduced from 3.550,00 €. It comes from a 2009 donor car with 82,500 km, and 9 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2010, 190,400 km — 3.091,00 €, reduced from 4.050,00 €. It comes from a 2010 donor car with 190,400 km, and 16 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E60 550i N62B48 Engine 2007, 189,900 km — 2.754,00 €, reduced from 3.600,00 €. It comes from a 2007 donor car with 189,900 km, and 27 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

Will it fit my 550i?

Engine swaps and upgrades for the 550i

These engines were fitted to other versions of the E60 at the factory, which makes them the most practical upgrades: the body was designed around them and many parts are shared.

Can I fit the S85B50 in my 550i?

It is a conversion rather than a replacement: the S85B50 is a V10 and your N62B48 a V8, so mounts, sump, cooling, exhaust, wiring and the engine control unit all change. The gain is 140 hp and 30 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Fitting a replacement engine in the 550i

1. Inspect or replace the timing chain parts. Look at the guides and tensioner. On high-mileage engines, replacing them now costs far less than doing it later.
2. Reset VANOS adaptations. Clear the VANOS adaptations so the ECU learns the camshaft positions of the new engine.
3. Teach the Valvetronic limit stops. Run the Valvetronic learning routine so the ECU knows the eccentric shaft limits.
4. Fill with the right oil and prime it. Fill with new oil of the correct specification and a new filter. Crank with the fuel and ignition disabled until oil pressure builds.
5. Coding and adaptations. On modern BMWs, the engine ECU must be matched to the car's immobiliser (CAS, FEM or BDC). Reset adaptations, register the battery and clear faults with diagnostic software.
6. First start and leak check. Start the engine, let it idle and watch oil pressure, temperature and fault codes. Check for leaks and bleed the cooling system.
7. First 1,000 km. Drive gently for the first few hundred kilometres, vary the engine speed and avoid full load. Change the oil and filter after about 1,000 km to remove any assembly debris.

The full fitting and first-start procedure.

550i engine questions

How much is a replacement N62B48 engine for a BMW E60 550i?

A used N62B48 for the BMW E60 550i costs from about 2.150 € to 3.450 € in our yard. The price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.

Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. Inside the EU there is no import duty. Outside the EU, the receiver pays local duty and VAT.

A replacement engine is often much cheaper than rebuilding a damaged one, and much faster. The N62B48 you buy is photographed and checked in Hamburg before it is listed.

Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop. Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all N62 Engines · Search N62B48 in the shop

Will the N62B48 engine fit my BMW E60 550i?

Yes, if your BMW E60 550i was built with the N62B48. BMW used this 4.8 liter (4,799 cc) petrol engine with 270 kW (367 HP) in the E60 550i from about 2005 to 2010.

In our records the N62B48 is the engine for the E60 550i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E60 has a manual or an automatic gearbox. The flywheel or the flex plate and some sensors depend on it.

Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all N62 Engines · Search N62B48 in the shop

How much does a used BMW N62B48 engine cost?

A used BMW N62B48 engine in our yard usually costs between 2.150 € and 3.450 €. The exact price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.

Our units show recorded mileage from about 22,000 km up to around 200,000 km. Lower mileage and more ancillaries mean a higher price. Each listing shows its own price, and the price you see is the price you pay. Prices include VAT for private buyers.

Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. If you order a gearbox or a second engine on the same order, the fee is still charged once.

Inside the EU there is no import duty. For the UK and other non-EU countries, import duty and local VAT are paid by the receiver, and we supply a commercial invoice.

See all N62 Engines · Search N62B48 in the shop

Will the N62B48 engine fit my BMW E70 X5 4.8i?

Yes, if your BMW E70 X5 4.8i was built with the N62B48. BMW used this 4.8 liter (4,799 cc) petrol engine with 270 kW (367 HP) in the E70 X5 4.8i from about 2005 to 2010.

In our records the N62B48 is the engine for the E70 X5 4.8i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Your car has all-wheel drive or is an X model, so the sump, the oil pickup and some brackets can differ from the rear-drive cars. Tell us the full model so we send the right set-up.

Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all N62 Engines · Search N62B48 in the shop

How much is a replacement N62B48 engine for a BMW E60 550i?

A used N62B48 for the BMW E60 550i costs from about 2.150 € to 3.450 € in our yard. The price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.

Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. Inside the EU there is no import duty. Outside the EU, the receiver pays local duty and VAT.

A replacement engine is often much cheaper than rebuilding a damaged one, and much faster. The N62B48 you buy is photographed and checked in Hamburg before it is listed.

Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop. Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all N62 Engines · Search N62B48 in the shop

How much is a replacement N62B48 engine for a BMW E63 650i?

A used N62B48 for the BMW E63 650i costs from about 2.150 € to 3.450 € in our yard. The price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.

Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. Inside the EU there is no import duty. Outside the EU, the receiver pays local duty and VAT.

A replacement engine is often much cheaper than rebuilding a damaged one, and much faster. The N62B48 you buy is photographed and checked in Hamburg before it is listed.

Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop. Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all N62 Engines · Search N62B48 in the shop

What is the difference between the N62B48 and other N62 engines?

The N62B48 makes 270 kW (367 HP) and 490 Nm. The other N62 engines are: N62B44 with 245 kW (333 HP) and 450 Nm (2001 to 2005).

Engines in one family share a basic block, but the turbo, the injection, the sensors and the engine computer can differ. A higher power version often has different pistons, a bigger turbo or a different fuel system.

This is why we ask for the exact code. Fitting a different version can work, but the wiring, the software and sometimes the gearbox must be changed to match.

Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all N62 Engines · Search N62B48 in the shop

Will the N62B48 engine fit my BMW E60 550i?

Yes, if your BMW E60 550i was built with the N62B48. BMW used this 4.8 liter (4,799 cc) petrol engine with 270 kW (367 HP) in the E60 550i from about 2005 to 2010.

In our records the N62B48 is the engine for the E60 550i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E60 has a manual or an automatic gearbox. The flywheel or the flex plate and some sensors depend on it.

Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all N62 Engines · Search N62B48 in the shop

Will the N62B48 engine fit my BMW E65 750i?

Yes, if your BMW E65 750i was built with the N62B48. BMW used this 4.8 liter (4,799 cc) petrol engine with 270 kW (367 HP) in the E65 750i from about 2005 to 2010.

In our records the N62B48 is the engine for the E65 750i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E65 has a manual or an automatic gearbox. The flywheel or the flex plate and some sensors depend on it.

Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all N62 Engines · Search N62B48 in the shop

Delivery, warranty and payment

Every 550i engine we sell is drained, sealed at each opening, strapped to a heat-treated pallet and shrink-wrapped before it leaves Hamburg. You receive photographs of the packed engine and a tracking number.

Delivery is door to door and included in the price. Most European addresses receive the engine within five to ten working days; Germany and its neighbours are usually faster.

Every engine carries a 12-month warranty on eligible internal failure when a qualified workshop fits it with new fluids and filters. Payment is by card, bank transfer or crypto; your invoice is emailed as soon as you order.

All E60 engines · N62 engine guide · BMW 550i engines for sale · Send us your VIN