BMW built the M60B40 from 1992 to 1996. It is a 4.0 L naturally aspirated petrol V8 with 286 hp and 400 Nm, part of the M60 family. You will find it in the BMW E34 540i, BMW E32 740i and BMW E31 840i.
This guide is about the M60B40 specifically: its specification, the cars that use it, how it differs from the other M60 versions, what to check, prices from our stock and fitment answers for each model. For the history of the whole family, read our M60 guide.
- Capacity and layout: 4.0 L, V8, naturally aspirated
- Output: 286 hp and 400 Nm
- Production: 1992–1996
- Fitted to: 3 models across 3 chassis generations
- In our stock: ask the desk for the next arrival
M60B40 specifications
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine code | M60B40 |
| Family | M60 |
| Capacity | 4.0 L |
| Layout | V8 |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 286 hp |
| Torque | 400 Nm |
| Specific output | 72 hp per litre |
| Production | 1992–1996 |
| Models | 3 |
M60B40: 4.0 L, V8, petrol, naturally aspirated. Output is 286 hp with 400 Nm of torque, and production ran from 1992 to 1996. That is about 72 hp and 100 Nm per litre, a relaxed tune aimed at torque, durability and economy. Within the M60 family, it is the most powerful version, while the M60B30 (218 hp) is milder. It was fitted to the BMW E34 540i, BMW E32 740i and BMW E31 840i.
What the code M60B40 means
- 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.
Which BMW models use the M60B40
| Model | Generation | Built |
|---|---|---|
| BMW E34 540i | third 5 Series | 1988–1996 |
| BMW E32 740i | second 7 Series | 1986–1994 |
| BMW E31 840i | 8 Series | 1989–1999 |
In the E34 third 5 Series (1988–1996), the M60B40 powered the 540i. Engines from other models fit the E34 as long as the sump, mounts and ancillaries match, which we check against your VIN. All E34 engines
In the E32 second 7 Series (1986–1994), the M60B40 powered the 740i. Engines from other models fit the E32 as long as the sump, mounts and ancillaries match, which we check against your VIN. All E32 engines
In the E31 8 Series (1989–1999), the M60B40 powered the 840i. Engines from other models fit the E31 as long as the sump, mounts and ancillaries match, which we check against your VIN. All E31 engines
M60B40 compared with other M60 versions
| Code | Capacity | Power | Torque | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M60B30 | 3.0 L | 218 hp | 290 Nm | 1992–1996 |
| M60B40 | 4.0 L | 286 hp | 400 Nm | 1992–1996 |
M60B40 or M60B30?
The M60B30 has 68 hp less than the M60B40 (218 against 286 hp), from 3.0 L instead of 4.0 L, and was built 1992–1996. A different capacity means a different crankshaft, pistons or head, and different software. It can be fitted as an upgrade with the matching engine control unit and wiring, but it is a conversion rather than a straight replacement.
Common M60B40 problems
The M60B40 shares its weak points with the rest of the M60 family. These are the faults to check on a used unit and on your own engine. The full explanation of each is in the 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. |
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.
M60B40 maintenance
- 5W-40 or 10W-40 fully synthetic, about 7.5 litres with filter.
- Oil every 10,000 km or yearly; cooling system parts every 80,000 to 100,000 km.
- Duplex timing chains at the front, one per bank, with hydraulic tensioners.
Will the M60B40 fit my car?
M60B40 prices
We do not have an M60B40 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.
Buying a used M60B40: checklist
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Questions about the M60B40
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.
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How much power and torque does the BMW M60B40 have?
From the factory the BMW M60B40 makes 210 kW (286 HP) and 400 Nm of torque. It is a 4.0 liter (3,982 cc) V8, DOHC, 32 valve petrol engine with no turbo (naturally aspirated).
Without a turbo, the power builds smoothly with the revs. A clean air intake, healthy ignition and the correct fuel are key to getting the full figure.
A used engine reaches its factory numbers when it is fitted with the matching engine computer and software, and serviced with the right oil and filters. If the engine computer from your car is a different version, a specialist may need to code it.
Every M60B40 on our site lists its year and mileage. If you want more photos or a short video of a unit, ask the desk and we send them before you pay.
See all M60 Engines · Search M60B40 in the shop
How much is a replacement M60B40 engine for a BMW E32 740i?
A used M60B40 for the BMW E32 740i 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.
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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.
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Which cars use the BMW M60B40 engine?
BMW fitted the M60B40 to the BMW E34 540i, BMW E32 740i and BMW E31 840i. These cars were built with this engine from about 1992 to 1996.
The badge on the boot is not enough to be sure. The same model name can hide two different engines, for example after a facelift or a change in emission rules. Always read the engine code stamped on the block, or look it up with your VIN.
Other engines in the same M60 family are the M60B30 (218 HP). They look alike but differ in power, parts and electronics, so they are not always a direct swap.
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
How much is a replacement M60B40 engine for a BMW E34 540i?
A used M60B40 for the BMW E34 540i 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 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.
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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.
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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
Will the M60B40 engine fit my BMW E34 540i?
Yes, if your BMW E34 540i was built with the M60B40. BMW used this 4.0 liter (3,982 cc) petrol engine with 210 kW (286 HP) in the E34 540i from about 1992 to 1996.
In our records the M60B40 is the engine for the E34 540i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.
Also tell us if your E34 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 M60 Engines · Search M60B40 in the shop
Will the M60B40 engine fit my BMW E31 840i?
Yes, if your BMW E31 840i was built with the M60B40. BMW used this 4.0 liter (3,982 cc) petrol engine with 210 kW (286 HP) in the E31 840i from about 1992 to 1996.
In our records the M60B40 is the engine for the E31 840i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.
Also tell us if your E31 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 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.
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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.
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How long does delivery of an M60B40 engine take?
Orders confirmed before 14:00 CET on a working day leave Hamburg the same day. Later and weekend orders leave the next working day. Delivery to the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Denmark takes 1 to 3 working days.
Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Czechia, Austria, Ireland, the Nordics and the Baltics take 2 to 5 working days. Greek and Spanish islands, Malta, Cyprus and remote areas take 4 to 8 working days. The UK and other countries outside the EU are quoted one by one.
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. Every engine is drained, sealed at each opening, strapped to a heat-treated pallet and shrink-wrapped, then photographed before it leaves the yard.
You get a tracking number when the pallet is collected. Check the wrapping before you sign, and note any damage on the paperwork.
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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
Will the M60B40 engine fit my BMW E32 740i?
Yes, if your BMW E32 740i was built with the M60B40. BMW used this 4.0 liter (3,982 cc) petrol engine with 210 kW (286 HP) in the E32 740i from about 1992 to 1996.
In our records the M60B40 is the engine for the E32 740i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.
Also tell us if your E32 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 M60 Engines · Search M60B40 in the shop
Is the BMW M60B40 a diesel or petrol engine?
The M60B40 is a petrol engine. It is a 4.0 liter (3,982 cc) V8, DOHC, 32 valve unit with no turbo (naturally aspirated), and it was built to the Euro 1 emission standard.
The emission standard matters for registration and for low-emission zones in many cities. When you replace an engine with the same code, the car keeps the same paperwork and the same emission class.
Petrol versions need the correct catalytic converters and oxygen sensors on the car to stay legal and to keep the engine computer happy. Reuse the parts from your car if they are in good condition.
If you are not sure which version you need, send us your VIN. We tell you the right code for free.
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
Delivery, warranty and payment
Every M60B40 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.
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.
