BMW 550i (F07 and F10) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW 550i in the 5 Series Gran Turismo generation (F07 and F10, built 2009–2017) was built with 3 different engines over its life: the N63B44 (407 hp, 2008–2013), the N63B44T2 (450 hp, 2012–2018) and the N63B44O1 (450 hp, 2012–2018).

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: 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2009–2017
• Body styles: F07 (hatchback) and F10 (saloon)
• Engines: N63B44, N63B44T2, N63B44O1
• Output: 407 hp and 450 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 201 from 3.224,00 €

Which engine is in your 550i?

N63B44 in the 550i

The N63B44 was used in the F07 550i and F10 550i, built 2008–2013. It is a 4.4 L twin-turbo petrol V8 with 407 hp and 600 Nm. Compared with the N63B44T2 (450 hp) and N63B44O1 (450 hp), it is the mildest.

Reading the code: N marks an N-series code, the generation of BMW engines introduced from 2001; 63 is the family number; B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin); 44 is the capacity in decilitres, so 4.4 litres.

N63B44T2 in the 550i

The N63B44T2 was used in the F10 550i, built 2012–2018. It is a 4.4 L twin-turbo petrol V8 with 450 hp and 650 Nm. Compared with the N63B44 (407 hp) and N63B44O1 (450 hp), it is in between.

Reading the code: N marks an N-series code, the generation of BMW engines introduced from 2001; 63 is the family number; B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin); 44 is the capacity in decilitres, so 4.4 litres; T2 identifies the version or output stage.

N63B44O1 in the 550i

The N63B44O1 was used in the F10 550i, built 2012–2018. It is a 4.4 L turbocharged petrol V8 with 450 hp and 650 Nm. Compared with the N63B44 (407 hp) and N63B44T2 (450 hp), it is in between.

Reading the code: N marks an N-series code, the generation of BMW engines introduced from 2001; 63 is the family number; B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin); 44 is the capacity in decilitres, so 4.4 litres; O1 identifies the version or output stage.

550i engines by model year

The engine changed 2 times during the F07 and F10 run, in 2012 and 2014. Changes usually come with BMW's mid-life update (LCI) or a new emissions standard, so a car registered early in a year can still have the older engine. The VIN settles it.

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.

N63B44: BMW F01 750i, BMW E70 X5 50i.

N63B44T2: BMW F15 X5 50i, BMW G11 750i.

N63B44O1: BMW F15 X5 50i, BMW F01 750i.

How to confirm your engine code

Because the 550i used more than one engine, the badge alone does not tell you which one your car has. The build date is the first clue; the VIN is the proof. 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 N63B44, N63B44T2 and N63B44O1 in the 550i share the known weak points of the N63 family. Full N63 guide.

Oil consumption from valve stem seals. Early engines burn oil because heat inside the V hardens the valve stem seals. BMW issued a customer care programme for this.

Piezo injectors (early N63). Early piezo injectors fail and cause misfires; updated versions are more reliable.

Timing chain stretch. Chains stretch on high-mileage engines, especially with long oil intervals.

Turbo coolant and oil lines. Heat in the V damages coolant and oil lines to the turbochargers.

Crankcase ventilation. The crankcase vent lines and valve cover breathers fail.

Battery drain. The N63 cars need strong batteries because of after-run cooling pumps.

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.

Whistle, loss of boost or limp mode. A split charge pipe, a sticking wastegate or worn turbo bearings. Check the pipes first, then the turbo shaft for play.

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.

Long cranking before the engine starts. On direct-injection engines, a weak high-pressure fuel pump or leaking injector lets pressure drop when the engine is off.

Looking after the 550i engine

• Oil: 5W-30 BMW Longlife-01, about 8.5 litres with filter.
• Service interval: Oil every 10,000 km at most; BMW's own updates shortened the interval.
• Timing drive: Timing chains at the front, one per bank.
• Workshop notes: Prefer N63TU and later engines where the car allows it. Check the version letter on the engine code (B44A, B44B, B44C, B44D) before ordering.

Buying a used engine for the 550i: checklist

1. 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.
2. List of what is fitted. Engines are sold with different ancillaries: some have the turbo, injectors, manifolds, alternator and starter, others are long blocks. Agree the list in writing so you know which parts must come from your old engine.
3. Photographs from every side. Good suppliers photograph the actual engine you will receive. Look for the block stamp, the sump, the timing cover and any broken brackets or connectors in the pictures.
4. Warranty terms in writing. Read what the warranty covers, how long it runs and what fitting conditions apply. Most warranties require a qualified workshop, new fluids and filters, and replacement of the cooling parts that caused the original failure.
5. Ask how the donor car was damaged. Most good used engines come from cars with body damage. A front-end impact can crack sensors, the timing cover or the sump; a rear or side impact usually leaves the engine untouched. The yard records the damage on each unit.
6. Turbocharger shaft play and oil. Rotate the compressor wheel by hand. A small amount of side play is normal; in-and-out play or wheel contact with the housing is not. Oil pooled in the intake or intercooler pipes points to worn seals.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Injectors and high-pressure fuel pump. Direct-injection engines rely on high-pressure pumps and precise injectors. Ask whether the injectors are original or updated and whether there were fuel pressure faults.
11. 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

We currently hold 201 550i engine engines. The cheapest is 3.224,00 €, the most expensive 8.163,00 €, and half of them cost less than 4.975,00 €.

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 2010–2014 have a median of 5.006,00 €, while units from 2020–2024 sit at 5.635,00 €. 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.

50 of these come from F07 and F10 donor cars, priced from 3.281,00 € to 8.163,00 €. 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 F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2018, 66,900 km4.663,00 €BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2012, 128,300 km5.006,00 €BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2014, 196,800 km5.567,00 €BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2017, 179,300 km5.867,00 €BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2013, 108,800 km4.975,00 €BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2019, 43,400 km5.900,00 €BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2013, 154,500 km4.610,00 €BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2019, 91,300 km4.600,00 €BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2017, 164,700 km5.000,00 €BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2012, 178,300 km4.522,00 €BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2018, 132,700 km5.319,00 €BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2019, 64,200 km4.736,00 €

BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2018, 66,900 km — 4.663,00 €, reduced from 5.850,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 66,900 km, and 5 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2012, 128,300 km — 5.006,00 €, reduced from 6.400,00 €. It comes from a 2012 donor car with 128,300 km, and 29 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2014, 196,800 km — 5.567,00 €, reduced from 6.550,00 €. It comes from a 2014 donor car with 196,800 km, and 9 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2017, 179,300 km — 5.867,00 €, reduced from 7.200,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car with 179,300 km, and 10 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2013, 108,800 km — 4.975,00 €, reduced from 5.650,00 €. It comes from a 2013 donor car with 108,800 km, and 20 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2019, 43,400 km — 5.900,00 €, reduced from 7.150,00 €. It comes from a 2019 donor car with 43,400 km, and 14 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2013, 154,500 km — 4.610,00 €, reduced from 5.800,00 €. It comes from a 2013 donor car with 154,500 km, and 21 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2019, 91,300 km — 4.600,00 €, reduced from 5.650,00 €. It comes from a 2019 donor car with 91,300 km, and 27 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2017, 164,700 km — 5.000,00 €, reduced from 5.600,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car with 164,700 km, and 6 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2012, 178,300 km — 4.522,00 €, reduced from 5.700,00 €. It comes from a 2012 donor car with 178,300 km, and 6 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2018, 132,700 km — 5.319,00 €, reduced from 6.750,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 132,700 km, and 23 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F10 550i N63B44 Engine 2019, 64,200 km — 4.736,00 €, reduced from 6.050,00 €. It comes from a 2019 donor car with 64,200 km, and 18 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

Will it fit my 550i?

Will the N63B44 fit my BMW F07 550i?

The N63B44 is the original engine for the BMW F07 550i, which makes it the straightforward choice. The 5 Series Gran Turismo was built 2009–2017, and the N63B44 was produced 2008–2013, so check that your car's build date falls inside that window. Confirm the drive type (rear-drive or xDrive), the gearbox (manual or automatic) and the emissions standard, because these can change the sump, the flywheel and the software. Send us the VIN and we check all of it for you.

How much is a replacement engine for a BMW F07 550i?

We have 1 N63B44 engine from F07 donor cars, priced from 7.053,00 €. Delivery to your door is included, and the engine carries a 12-month warranty when fitted by a qualified workshop. Add fitting labour and the parts you replace at the same time — seals, cooling parts and mounts — to estimate the total.

Will the N63B44T2 fit my BMW F10 550i?

The N63B44T2 is the original engine for the BMW F10 550i, which makes it the straightforward choice. The sixth 5 Series was built 2010–2017, and the N63B44T2 was produced 2012–2018, so check that your car's build date falls inside that window. Confirm the drive type (rear-drive or xDrive), the gearbox (manual or automatic) and the emissions standard, because these can change the sump, the flywheel and the software. Send us the VIN and we check all of it for you.

How much is a replacement engine for a BMW F10 550i?

We have 1 N63B44T2 engine from F10 donor cars, priced from 8.163,00 €. Delivery to your door is included, and the engine carries a 12-month warranty when fitted by a qualified workshop. Add fitting labour and the parts you replace at the same time — seals, cooling parts and mounts — to estimate the total.

Will the N63B44O1 fit my BMW F10 550i?

Yes, the BMW F10 550i left the factory with the N63B44O1, so an N63B44O1 from another car is the direct replacement. The sixth 5 Series was built 2010–2017, and the N63B44O1 was produced 2012–2018, so check that your car's build date falls inside that window. Confirm the drive type (rear-drive or xDrive), the gearbox (manual or automatic) and the emissions standard, because these can change the sump, the flywheel and the software. Send us the VIN and we check all of it for you.

How much is a replacement engine for a BMW F10 550i?

We have 2 N63B44O1 engines from F10 donor cars, priced from 3.281,00 € to 5.616,00 €. Delivery to your door is included, and the engine carries a 12-month warranty when fitted by a qualified workshop. Add fitting labour and the parts you replace at the same time — seals, cooling parts and mounts — to estimate the total.

Engine swaps and upgrades for the 550i

These engines were fitted to other versions of the F07 and F10 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 S63B44 in my 550i?

Yes, it is one of the more common upgrades. Both are petrol V8 engines, so the mounting points are similar, but the S63B44 needs its own wiring and engine control unit, the matching gearbox or clutch, and often a different sump, cooling and exhaust. The gain is 110 hp and 30 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the S63B44T0 in my 550i?

Yes, it is one of the more common upgrades. Both are petrol V8 engines, so the mounting points are similar, but the S63B44T0 needs its own wiring and engine control unit, the matching gearbox or clutch, and often a different sump, cooling and exhaust. The gain is 110 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. Prepare the turbo. Fit new oil feed and return seals, clean the intercooler and pipes of any oil or debris from the old engine, and prime the turbo with oil before starting.
3. Reset VANOS adaptations. Clear the VANOS adaptations so the ECU learns the camshaft positions of the new engine.
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.

Delivery, warranty and payment

Before a 550i engine leaves our Hamburg yard it is drained of oil and coolant, every opening is sealed, and it is strapped to a pallet and wrapped. We send photographs of the packed unit and the tracking details.

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 F07 and F10 engines · N63 engine guide · BMW 550i engines for sale · Send us your VIN