The BMW 840i in the 8 Series generation (E31, built 1989–1999) was built with one engine, the M60B40: a 4.0 L petrol V8 with 286 hp.
This guide tells you which engine your 840i has, what goes wrong with it, what a replacement costs from our stock and what else to plan for when you fit one.
- Generation: 8 Series, 1989–1999
- Body styles: E31 (coupé)
- Engines: M60B40
- Output: 286 hp
- Replacement engines in stock: ask the desk for the next arrival
Which engine is in your 840i?
| Engine code | Built | Power | Torque | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M60B40 | 1992–1996 | 286 hp | 400 Nm | 4.0 L petrol V8, naturally aspirated |
M60B40 in the 840i
The M60B40 was used in the E31 840i, built 1992–1996. It is a 4.0 L naturally aspirated petrol V8 with 286 hp and 400 Nm.
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.
840i engines by model year
| Model year | Engine |
|---|---|
| 1992 | M60B40 (286 hp) |
| 1993 | M60B40 (286 hp) |
| 1994 | M60B40 (286 hp) |
| 1995 | M60B40 (286 hp) |
| 1996 | M60B40 (286 hp) |
The 840i kept the same engine for the whole E31 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 840i
A replacement engine does not have to come from another 840i. 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 E32 740i.
How to confirm your engine code
The 840i only used the M60B40, 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 840i engine problems
The M60B40 in the 840i 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.
Symptoms to watch for on the 840i
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.
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 840i engine
- 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.
Buying a used engine for the 840i: checklist
- 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.
- Compression or leak-down figures. Even compression across all cylinders tells you more than mileage. Ask for the figures, not just a pass or fail, and compare the highest and lowest readings: a spread above 10 to 15 percent deserves a question.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 840i replacement engine cost
We do not have a 840i 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 840i?
Engine swaps and upgrades for the 840i
These engines were fitted to other versions of the E31 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 M70B50 in my 840i?
It is a conversion rather than a replacement: the M70B50 is a V12 and your M60B40 a V8, so mounts, sump, cooling, exhaust, wiring and the engine control unit all change. The gain is 14 hp and 50 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.
Can I fit the M73B54 in my 840i?
It is a conversion rather than a replacement: the M73B54 is a V12 and your M60B40 a V8, so mounts, sump, cooling, exhaust, wiring and the engine control unit all change. The gain is 40 hp and 90 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.
Fitting a replacement engine in the 840i
- 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.
- 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.
840i engine questions
How much is a replacement M60B40 engine for a BMW E31 840i?
A used M60B40 for the BMW E31 840i costs from about 2.000 € to 3.200 € 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 M60B40 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 M60 Engines · Search M60B40 in the shop
What comes with a used M60B40 engine?
Each M60B40 is sold as described on its own listing. The yard writes down the parts that are fitted to that unit, such as the turbo, the injectors, the manifolds or the alternator, so you know what arrives.
Some units are long engines with few ancillaries, others are more complete. If you need a part that is not listed, ask the desk. We often have the matching items in the yard.
Every engine is drained, sealed at each opening, strapped to a heat-treated pallet and shrink-wrapped, then photographed before it leaves the yard.
On delivery, the carrier brings the pallet to the kerb or a loading bay. Please have a forklift, a pallet truck or an engine crane ready.
See all M60 Engines · Search M60B40 in the shop
Can you check if an M60B40 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 M60B40, we confirm that your car was built with this code or with a version that can take it. BMW used it in the BMW E34 540i, BMW E32 740i and BMW E31 840i.
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 M60 Engines · Search M60B40 in the shop
How much is a replacement M60B40 engine for a BMW E31 840i?
A used M60B40 for the BMW E31 840i costs from about 2.000 € to 3.200 € 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 M60B40 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 M60 Engines · Search M60B40 in the shop
What is the BMW M60B40 engine?
The BMW M60B40 is a 4.0 liter (3,982 cc) petrol engine from the M60 family. It has a V8, DOHC, 32 valve layout with no turbo (naturally aspirated), and makes 210 kW (286 HP) with 400 Nm of torque. BMW built it from 1992 to 1996 and it meets the Euro 1 emission standard.
You find the M60B40 in the BMW E34 540i, BMW E32 740i and BMW E31 840i. What we list: BMW M60 3.0 and 4.0 V8 engines for E34 and E32.
At Autowerke Engines every M60B40 is a real used engine from our yard in Hamburg. Before a unit is listed, the yard checks the engine code against the listing, writes down the parts fitted to it, seals every opening and photographs the real engine you will receive. Each listing shows the year, the mileage and the price, so you can compare units side by side.
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
Delivery, warranty and payment
Every 840i 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.
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.
