BMW M5 (F10) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW M5 in the sixth 5 Series generation (F10, built 2010–2017) was built with 2 different engines over its life: the S63B44 (560 hp, 2010–2017) and the S63B44T0 (560 hp, 2011–2013).

This guide tells you which engine your M5 has, what goes wrong with it, what a replacement costs from our stock and what else to plan for when you fit one.

• Generation: sixth 5 Series, 2010–2017
• Body styles: F10 (saloon)
• Engines: S63B44, S63B44T0
• Output: 560 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 137 from 5.006,00 €

Which engine is in your M5?

S63B44 in the M5

The S63B44 was used in the F10 M5, built 2010–2017. It is a 4.4 L twin-turbo petrol V8 with 560 hp and 680 Nm. It has the same output as the S63B44T0, so the build date decides which one your car has.

Reading the code: S marks an S-series code, reserved for engines developed by BMW M; 63 is the family number; B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin); 44 is the capacity in decilitres, so 4.4 litres.

S63B44T0 in the M5

The S63B44T0 was used in the F10 M5, built 2011–2013. It is a 4.4 L turbocharged petrol V8 with 560 hp and 680 Nm. It has the same output as the S63B44, so the build date decides which one your car has.

Reading the code: S marks an S-series code, reserved for engines developed by BMW M; 63 is the family number; B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin); 44 is the capacity in decilitres, so 4.4 litres; T0 identifies the version or output stage.

M5 engines by model year

The engine changed 2 times during the F10 run, in 2011 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 M5

A replacement engine does not have to come from another M5. 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.

S63B44: BMW F06 M6, BMW F85 X5 M, BMW F86 X6 M.

S63B44T0: BMW F12 M6.

How to confirm your engine code

Because the M5 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 M5 engine problems

The S63B44 and S63B44T0 in the M5 share the known weak points of the S63 family. Full S63 guide.

Rod bearings. Early S63 engines can show rod bearing wear, especially with long oil intervals.

Injectors. Injectors fail and cause misfires.

Turbochargers. Turbos wear and leak oil because of heat inside the V.

Valve stem seals. Seals harden and cause oil consumption.

Timing chain. Chains stretch at high mileage.

Symptoms to watch for on the M5

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.

Oil pressure warning or bearing noise at high revs. On M engines, a warning at high revs can be the first sign of bearing wear. Check the oil level and stop driving hard until it is diagnosed.

Looking after the M5 engine

• Oil: 0W-30 or 5W-30 BMW Longlife-01, about 9 litres.
• Service interval: Oil every 7,500 to 10,000 km; shorter if driven hard.
• Timing drive: Timing chains, one per bank.
• Workshop notes: Prefer later S63TU and T4 engines. Check the version code before ordering.

Buying a used engine for the M5: checklist

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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. Bearing and valve clearance history. M engines are built to tighter tolerances. Ask for the last rod bearing replacement and valve clearance check, and consider an oil analysis if the engine can be run.
12. 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 M5 replacement engine cost

Our M5 engine stock runs to 137 units, priced from 5.006,00 € to 15.656,00 € with a median of 13.081,00 €.

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.

M5 engine prices by model year

Engines from 2015–2019 have a median of 12.987,00 €, while units from 2025–2029 sit at 11.813,00 €. Newer engines usually cost more because they come from younger donor cars with lower mileage and later updates.

M5 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.

2 of these come from F10 donor cars, priced from 5.015,00 € to 15.492,00 €. 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 M5

These M5 units are in our Hamburg yard right now. Each listing shows real photographs of the engine you receive, its mileage and what is fitted.

BMW F95 X5 M S63B44 Engine 2023, 119,500 km11.785,00 €BMW F95 X5 M S63B44 Engine 2020, 174,200 km14.610,00 €BMW F91 M8 S63B44 Engine 2019, 29,800 km11.657,00 €BMW F95 X5 M S63B44 Engine 2018, 78,000 km14.834,00 €BMW F91 M8 S63B44 Engine 2019, 187,500 km10.769,00 €BMW F91 M8 S63B44 Engine 2018, 157,700 km12.226,00 €BMW F95 X5 M S63B44 Engine 2018, 118,900 km14.252,00 €BMW F90 M5 Competition S63B44 Engine 2024, 140,500 km13.963,00 €BMW F95 X5 M S63B44 Engine 2018, 36,200 km14.145,00 €BMW F90 M5 Competition S63B44 Engine 2018, 152,700 km14.324,00 €BMW F90 M5 Competition S63B44 Engine 2025, 176,700 km11.467,00 €BMW F91 M8 S63B44 Engine 2018, 119,800 km11.897,00 €

BMW F95 X5 M S63B44 Engine 2023, 119,500 km — 11.785,00 €, reduced from 13.150,00 €. It comes from a 2023 donor car with 119,500 km, and 11 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F95 X5 M S63B44 Engine 2020, 174,200 km — 14.610,00 €, reduced from 15.400,00 €. It comes from a 2020 donor car with 174,200 km, and 10 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F91 M8 S63B44 Engine 2019, 29,800 km — 11.657,00 €, reduced from 12.900,00 €. It comes from a 2019 donor car with 29,800 km, and 16 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F95 X5 M S63B44 Engine 2018, 78,000 km — 14.834,00 €, reduced from 16.250,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 78,000 km, and 16 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F91 M8 S63B44 Engine 2019, 187,500 km — 10.769,00 €, reduced from 11.750,00 €. It comes from a 2019 donor car with 187,500 km, and 12 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F91 M8 S63B44 Engine 2018, 157,700 km — 12.226,00 €, reduced from 13.000,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 157,700 km, and 5 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F95 X5 M S63B44 Engine 2018, 118,900 km — 14.252,00 €, reduced from 14.850,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 118,900 km, and 24 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F90 M5 Competition S63B44 Engine 2024, 140,500 km — 13.963,00 €, reduced from 15.000,00 €. It comes from a 2024 donor car with 140,500 km, and 5 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F95 X5 M S63B44 Engine 2018, 36,200 km — 14.145,00 €, reduced from 15.100,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 36,200 km, and 18 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F90 M5 Competition S63B44 Engine 2018, 152,700 km — 14.324,00 €, reduced from 15.450,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 152,700 km, and 22 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F90 M5 Competition S63B44 Engine 2025, 176,700 km — 11.467,00 €, reduced from 12.650,00 €. It comes from a 2025 donor car with 176,700 km, and 13 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F91 M8 S63B44 Engine 2018, 119,800 km — 11.897,00 €, reduced from 13.000,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 119,800 km, and 15 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

Will it fit my M5?

Will the S63B44T0 fit my BMW F10 M5?

For the BMW F10 M5, the S63B44T0 is the factory engine and the one to order. The sixth 5 Series was built 2010–2017, and the S63B44T0 was produced 2011–2013, 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 F10 M5?

We have 1 S63B44T0 engine from F10 donor cars, priced from 5.015,00 €. 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.

Fitting a replacement engine in the M5

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 an M5 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.

All F10 engines · S63 engine guide · BMW M5 engines for sale · Send us your VIN