The BMW 740i in the second 7 Series generation (E32 and E38, built 1986–1994) was built with 3 different engines over its life: the M60B40 (286 hp, 1992–1996), the M62B44 (286 hp, 1996–2003) and the M62TUB44 (286 hp, 1998–2005).
This guide tells you which engine your 740i has, what goes wrong with it, what a replacement costs from our stock and what else to plan for when you fit one.
- Generation: second 7 Series, 1986–1994
- Body styles: E32 (saloon) and E38 (saloon)
- Engines: M60B40, M62B44, M62TUB44
- Output: 286 hp
- Replacement engines in stock: ask the desk for the next arrival
Which engine is in your 740i?
| Engine code | Built | Power | Torque | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M60B40 | 1992–1996 | 286 hp | 400 Nm | 4.0 L petrol V8, naturally aspirated |
| M62B44 | 1996–2003 | 286 hp | 420 Nm | 4.4 L petrol V8, naturally aspirated |
| M62TUB44 | 1998–2005 | 286 hp | 440 Nm | 4.4 L petrol V8, naturally aspirated |
M60B40 in the 740i
The M60B40 was used in the E32 740i, built 1992–1996. It is a 4.0 L naturally aspirated petrol V8 with 286 hp and 400 Nm. It has the same output as the M62B44 and M62TUB44, so the build date decides which one your car has.
Reading the code: M marks an M-series code, the naming BMW used for its engine families up to the early 2000s; 60 is the family number; B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin); 40 is the capacity in decilitres, so 4.0 litres.
M62B44 in the 740i
The M62B44 was used in the E38 740i, built 1996–2003. It is a 4.4 L naturally aspirated petrol V8 with 286 hp and 420 Nm. It has the same output as the M60B40 and M62TUB44, so the build date decides which one your car has.
Reading the code: M marks an M-series code, the naming BMW used for its engine families up to the early 2000s; 62 is the family number; B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin); 44 is the capacity in decilitres, so 4.4 litres.
M62TUB44 in the 740i
The M62TUB44 was used in the E38 740i, built 1998–2005. It is a 4.4 L naturally aspirated petrol V8 with 286 hp and 440 Nm. It has the same output as the M60B40 and M62B44, so the build date decides which one your car has.
740i engines by model year
| Model year | Engine |
|---|---|
| 1992 | M60B40 (286 hp) |
| 1993 | M60B40 (286 hp) |
| 1994 | M60B40 (286 hp) |
The 740i kept the same engine for the whole E32 and E38 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 740i
A replacement engine does not have to come from another 740i. 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.
M60B40: BMW E34 540i, BMW E31 840i.
M62B44: BMW E39 540i, BMW E53 X5 4.4i, BMW E31 840Ci.
M62TUB44: BMW E39 540i, BMW E53 X5 4.4i, Range Rover 4.4.
How to confirm your engine code
Because the 740i 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 740i engine problems
M60B40 (M60 family)
The M60B40 in the 740i shares the known weak points of the M60 family. Full M60 guide.
| Known fault | What to check |
|---|---|
| Nikasil bore damage | A cold and hot compression test or a leak-down test on all eight cylinders is the only reliable check. |
| Timing chain guides and tensioners | Listen for a rattle on a cold start, especially from the front of either bank. |
| Coolant leaks in the valley | Look at the back of the engine for coolant trails and pressure-test the system. |
| Valve cover and spark plug tube gaskets | Pull a coil and check the well for oil. |
| Engine wiring harness | Flex the harness gently and look for cracked insulation near the heads. |
Nikasil bore damage. Sulphur in fuel reacted with the Nikasil coating in some markets during the 1990s. Damaged bores lose compression, causing hard starting when warm, rough idle and poor running. Many engines were replaced under warranty, so survivors are often good units.
Timing chain guides and tensioners. The duplex chains last, but the plastic guide rails age and can crack, and tensioners lose their seal.
Coolant leaks in the valley. Coolant pipes and the water pump lead into the valley under the intake manifold. Leaks are hidden until coolant pools and corrodes.
Valve cover and spark plug tube gaskets. Oil seeps into the plug wells and onto the exhaust manifolds.
Engine wiring harness. Harness insulation becomes brittle with heat and age.
M62B44 and M62TUB44 (M62 family)
The M62B44 and M62TUB44 in the 740i share the known weak points of the M62 family. Full M62 guide.
| Known fault | What to check |
|---|---|
| Timing chain guides | Remove the valve covers and inspect the upper guides; replace all guides when fitting a used engine. |
| Valve stem seals | Watch the exhaust after a cold start and after a long idle. |
| Valley coolant pipe | Look for coolant at the back of the engine and pressure-test the system. |
| Water pump and thermostat | Look for coolant trails at the front of the engine. |
| VANOS (M62TU) | Read the VANOS fault memory. |
Timing chain guides. The plastic guide rails and the upper tensioner guides crack and break with age. Pieces can fall into the sump and block the oil pickup. It is the main M62 fault.
Valve stem seals. Hardened seals let oil into the cylinders. The engine puffs blue smoke on start-up and after idling.
Valley coolant pipe. The coolant pipe under the intake manifold has O-rings that leak.
Water pump and thermostat. The water pump and thermostat fail with age, and the plastic radiator necks crack.
VANOS (M62TU). VANOS solenoids and seals cause a loss of low-down torque and fault codes.
Symptoms to watch for on the 740i
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.
Hard starting when warm and low compression. On engines with Nikasil bores, the bore coating may be damaged. A leak-down test confirms it.
Looking after the 740i engine
M60 engines
- Oil: 5W-40 or 10W-40 fully synthetic, about 7.5 litres with filter.
- Service interval: Oil every 10,000 km or yearly; cooling system parts every 80,000 to 100,000 km.
- Timing drive: Duplex timing chains at the front, one per bank, with hydraulic tensioners.
- Workshop notes: Ask for a compression test before purchase. Replace the valley coolant pipes and water pump while the engine is out.
M62 engines
- Oil: 5W-30 or 5W-40 fully synthetic, about 7.5 litres with filter.
- Service interval: Oil every 10,000 km; cooling system parts every 100,000 km.
- Timing drive: Single-row timing chains, one per bank, with plastic guides and hydraulic tensioners.
- Workshop notes: A timing guide kit, valley pipe O-rings and valve cover gaskets are the standard parts to fit with a used M62.
Buying a used engine for the 740i: checklist
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bore coating. Early engines with Nikasil bores can be damaged by high-sulphur fuel. A compression or leak-down test is the only reliable check; units with Alusil or iron bores are not affected.
- Originality and numbers. For collectible cars, the engine number and correct ancillaries add value. Photograph the stamp and keep it with the car's documents.
- 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 740i replacement engine cost
We do not have a 740i engine on the shelf at the moment. Send us your VIN or the code you need and the desk will tell you when the next unit arrives and what it will cost.
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.
Will it fit my 740i?
Will the M62TUB44 fit my BMW E38 740i?
For the BMW E38 740i, the M62TUB44 is the factory engine and the one to order. The third 7 Series was built 1994–2001, and the M62TUB44 was produced 1998–2005, 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 E38 740i?
We do not have an M62TUB44 on the shelf for the E38 740i at the moment. Units arrive regularly; send us your VIN and we will tell you when the next one is ready and what it will cost, including delivery.
Engine swaps and upgrades for the 740i
These engines were fitted to other versions of the E32 and E38 at the factory, which makes them the most practical upgrades: the body was designed around them and many parts are shared.
| Engine | Factory model | Power | Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| M70B50 | E32 750i | 300 hp | +14 hp |
| M73B54 | E38 750i | 326 hp | +40 hp |
| M73TUB54 | E38 750i | 326 hp | +40 hp |
| M67D44 | E38 740d | 330 hp | +44 hp |
Can I fit the M70B50 in my 740i?
It is a conversion rather than a replacement: the M70B50 is a V12 and your M62TUB44 a V8, so mounts, sump, cooling, exhaust, wiring and the engine control unit all change. The gain is 14 hp and 10 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.
Can I fit the M73B54 in my 740i?
It is a conversion rather than a replacement: the M73B54 is a V12 and your M62TUB44 a V8, so mounts, sump, cooling, exhaust, wiring and the engine control unit all change. The gain is 40 hp and 50 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.
Can I fit the M73TUB54 in my 740i?
It is a conversion rather than a replacement: the M73TUB54 is a V12 and your M62TUB44 a V8, so mounts, sump, cooling, exhaust, wiring and the engine control unit all change. The gain is 40 hp and 50 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.
Fitting a replacement engine in the 740i
- 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.
- Reset VANOS adaptations. Clear the VANOS adaptations so the ECU learns the camshaft positions of the new engine.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
740i engine questions
How much is a replacement M62B44 engine for a BMW E38 740i?
A used M62B44 for the BMW E38 740i costs from about 1.800 € to 2.950 € 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 M62B44 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 M62 Engines · Search M62B44 in the shop
Will the M62B44 engine fit my BMW E38 740i?
Yes, if your BMW E38 740i was built with the M62B44. BMW used this 4.4 liter (4,398 cc) petrol engine with 210 kW (286 HP) in the E38 740i from about 1996 to 2003.
In our records the M62B44 is the engine for the E38 740i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.
Also tell us if your E38 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 M62 Engines · Search M62B44 in the shop
What is the difference between the M60B40 and other M60 engines?
The M60B40 makes 210 kW (286 HP) and 400 Nm. The other M60 engines are: M60B30 with 160 kW (218 HP) and 290 Nm (1992 to 1996).
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 M60 Engines · Search M60B40 in the shop
Will the M62B44 engine fit my BMW E38 740i?
Yes, if your BMW E38 740i was built with the M62B44. BMW used this 4.4 liter (4,398 cc) petrol engine with 210 kW (286 HP) in the E38 740i from about 1996 to 2003.
In our records the M62B44 is the engine for the E38 740i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.
Also tell us if your E38 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 M62 Engines · Search M62B44 in the shop
Will the M62B44 engine fit my BMW E53 X5 4.4i?
Yes, if your BMW E53 X5 4.4i was built with the M62B44. BMW used this 4.4 liter (4,398 cc) petrol engine with 210 kW (286 HP) in the E53 X5 4.4i from about 1996 to 2003.
Some E53 X5 4.4i cars were built with a different engine: the N62B44. These look alike from the outside, so check the code on your 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 M62 Engines · Search M62B44 in the shop
Can you check if an M62B44 fits my car with my VIN?
Yes, and it is free. Send the 17-character VIN of your car and, if you have it, the gearbox code. We check the engine family, the build year window and the parts your car needs.
For the M62B44, we confirm that your car was built with this code or with a version that can take it. BMW used it in the BMW E39 540i, BMW E38 740i, BMW E53 X5 4.4i and BMW E31 840Ci.
We only reserve an engine once the match is confirmed, so you never pay for the wrong unit. You can reach the Hamburg desk by email at autowerkeengines@gmail.com, or by phone and WhatsApp on +49 15510 030835, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 16:00 CET.
You can also use the VIN check on our site. It reads the year, the make, the model and the engine from the public vehicle register.
See all M62 Engines · Search M62B44 in the shop
What should I replace when I fit a used M60B40 engine?
A used engine lasts longest when it starts life in your car with fresh fluids and new seals. Fit a new oil filter and fresh oil of the grade BMW lists for this engine, and refill the coolant with the correct BMW antifreeze mix. Check the spark plugs and the ignition coils, and make sure the fuel lines are clean and tight before you crank the engine. Change the drive belt, the thermostat and the water pump seals if they look tired, because they are cheap while the engine is out.
Look at the engine mounts and the clutch or the torque converter while the engine is out. Old mounts can crack a new engine's brackets, and a worn clutch is much easier to change now.
Before the first start, turn the engine over without fuel until the oil pressure light goes out. Then let it idle, check for leaks, and drive gently for the first few hundred kilometres.
The warranty asks for fitting by a qualified mechanic and the correct oil, coolant and filters. Keep your receipts in case you ever need to make a claim.
See all M60 Engines · Search M60B40 in the shop
How much does a used BMW M60B40 engine cost?
A used BMW M60B40 engine in our yard usually costs between 2.000 € and 3.200 €. 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 M60 Engines · Search M60B40 in the shop
How do I know a used M60B40 engine is in good shape?
Each engine in the yard is inspected in Hamburg. The code is matched to the listing, the parts on the engine are recorded, the openings are sealed and the real unit is photographed. An inspection certificate for the unit can travel with the order when you ask for it.
When you look at a listing, check the recorded mileage, the year and the photos of the ports and the stamp. Ask for photos of anything you want to see closer. You can ask for extra photos, a close-up of the code stamp or a short video before you order.
On a petrol engine like the M60B40, a careful fitter will also look at the spark plugs, the coils and the timing side before the engine goes in.
If the engine fails inside under normal use, the warranty covers you. 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.
See all M60 Engines · Search M60B40 in the shop
Does a used M60B40 engine come with a warranty?
Yes. 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.
The warranty does not cover damage from wrong fitting, overheating, low oil, wrong fluids or fuel, engines that were opened or modified without our approval, or labour and towing costs.
To claim, send us your order number, a short description of the problem, photos or a video, and a mechanic's report if we ask for one. If the claim is approved, we repair, replace or refund the engine.
Keep the receipts for the fitting, the oil and the filters. They make any claim quick and simple.
See all M60 Engines · Search M60B40 in the shop
Delivery, warranty and payment
Before a 740i 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.
Door-to-door delivery is included to the address you give at checkout. Typical delivery takes three to five working days within Germany and neighbouring countries and five to ten working days to the rest of Europe and the UK.
A 12-month warranty covers eligible internal failure when the engine is fitted by a qualified workshop with new fluids and filters. You can pay by card, bank transfer or crypto and receive the invoice by email straight away.
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