BMW S85B50 engine: specs, problems and prices

BMW built the S85B50 from 2005 to 2010. It is a 5.0 L naturally aspirated petrol V10 with 507 hp and 520 Nm, part of the S85 family. You will find it in the BMW E60 M5, BMW E61 M5, BMW E63 M6 and BMW E64 M6.

This guide is about the S85B50 specifically: its specification, the cars that use it, how it differs from the other S85 versions, what to check, prices from our stock and fitment answers for each model. For the history of the whole family, read our S85 guide.

• Capacity and layout: 5.0 L, V10, naturally aspirated
• Output: 507 hp and 520 Nm
• Production: 2005–2010
• Fitted to: 4 models across 4 chassis generations
• In our stock: 57 units from 9.122,00 € — S85B50 engines for sale

S85B50 specifications

The S85B50 is a 5.0 L V10 petrol engine, naturally aspirated, rated at 507 hp and 520 Nm. BMW built it from 2005 to 2010. That is about 101 hp and 104 Nm per litre, a strong figure for a road engine of its era. It was fitted to the BMW E60 M5, BMW E61 M5, BMW E63 M6 and BMW E64 M6.

What the code S85B50 means

• S marks an S-series code, reserved for engines developed by BMW M.
• 85 is the family number.
• B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin).
• 50 is the capacity in decilitres, so 5.0 litres.

Which BMW models use the S85B50

In the E60 fifth 5 Series (2003–2010), the S85B50 powered the M5. We have 15 S85B50 units from E60 donor cars. All E60 engines

In the E61 fifth 5 Series Touring (2004–2010), the S85B50 powered the M5. We have 14 S85B50 units from E61 donor cars. All E61 engines

In the E63 second 6 Series coupé (2003–2010), the S85B50 powered the M6. We have 14 S85B50 units from E63 donor cars. All E63 engines

In the E64 second 6 Series convertible (2004–2010), the S85B50 powered the M6. We have 14 S85B50 units from E64 donor cars. All E64 engines

Common S85B50 problems

The S85B50 shares its weak points with the rest of the S85 family. These are the faults to check on a used unit and on your own engine. The full explanation of each is in the S85 guide.

Oil leaks. Oil pan and valve cover gaskets leak.

S85B50 maintenance

• 10W-60 BMW M synthetic, about 9.25 litres.
• Oil every 10,000 km; bearings around 100,000 km.
• Timing chains, one per bank.

Will the S85B50 fit my car?

S85B50 prices

Our S85B50 stock runs to 57 units, priced from 9.122,00 € to 13.450,00 € with a median of 10.924,00 €.

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.

S85B50 prices by model year

Engines from 2005–2009 have a median of 10.809,00 €, while units from 2010–2014 sit at 11.539,00 €. Newer engines usually cost more because they come from younger donor cars with lower mileage and later updates.

S85B50 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.

S85B50 engines in stock

Here is a selection of S85B50 engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.

BMW E63 M6 S85B50 Engine 2006, 63,300 km9.122,00 €BMW E60 M5 S85B50 Engine 2008, 194,800 km10.400,00 €BMW E63 M6 S85B50 Engine 2009, 53,200 km11.439,00 €BMW E63 M6 S85B50 Engine 2007, 195,500 km9.629,00 €BMW E64 M6 S85B50 Engine 2010, 96,000 km13.252,00 €BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2005, 135,000 km11.813,00 €BMW E60 M5 S85B50 Engine 2010, 155,700 km10.643,00 €BMW E60 M5 S85B50 Engine 2006, 70,000 km10.247,00 €BMW E64 M6 S85B50 Engine 2010, 50,200 km13.298,00 €BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2005, 201,100 km13.188,00 €BMW E63 M6 S85B50 Engine 2008, 30,100 km9.506,00 €BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2008, 59,300 km10.702,00 €

BMW E63 M6 S85B50 Engine 2006, 63,300 km — 9.122,00 €, reduced from 10.150,00 €. It comes from a 2006 donor car with 63,300 km, and 18 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E60 M5 S85B50 Engine 2008, 194,800 km — 10.400,00 €, reduced from 11.500,00 €. It comes from a 2008 donor car with 194,800 km, and 15 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E63 M6 S85B50 Engine 2009, 53,200 km — 11.439,00 €, reduced from 12.800,00 €. It comes from a 2009 donor car with 53,200 km, and 30 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E63 M6 S85B50 Engine 2007, 195,500 km — 9.629,00 €, reduced from 10.900,00 €. It comes from a 2007 donor car with 195,500 km, and 24 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E64 M6 S85B50 Engine 2010, 96,000 km — 13.252,00 €, reduced from 13.950,00 €. It comes from a 2010 donor car with 96,000 km, and 13 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2005, 135,000 km — 11.813,00 €, reduced from 12.650,00 €. It comes from a 2005 donor car with 135,000 km, and 29 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E60 M5 S85B50 Engine 2010, 155,700 km — 10.643,00 €, reduced from 11.650,00 €. It comes from a 2010 donor car with 155,700 km, and 11 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E60 M5 S85B50 Engine 2006, 70,000 km — 10.247,00 €, reduced from 11.300,00 €. It comes from a 2006 donor car with 70,000 km, and 12 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E64 M6 S85B50 Engine 2010, 50,200 km — 13.298,00 €, reduced from 14.150,00 €. It comes from a 2010 donor car with 50,200 km, and 16 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2005, 201,100 km — 13.188,00 €, reduced from 14.400,00 €. It comes from a 2005 donor car with 201,100 km, and 24 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E63 M6 S85B50 Engine 2008, 30,100 km — 9.506,00 €, reduced from 10.800,00 €. It comes from a 2008 donor car with 30,100 km, and 24 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E61 M5 S85B50 Engine 2008, 59,300 km — 10.702,00 €, reduced from 11.750,00 €. It comes from a 2008 donor car with 59,300 km, and 20 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

Buying a used S85B50: checklist

1. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Both cylinder banks. On the V10, check both banks separately for compression, throttle actuator faults and VANOS codes.

Questions about the S85B50

How much is a replacement S85B50 engine for a BMW E64 M6?

A used S85B50 for the BMW E64 M6 costs from about 9.050 € to 13.700 € 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 S85B50 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 S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

What is the BMW S85B50 engine?

The BMW S85B50 is a 5.0 liter (4,999 cc) petrol engine from the S85 family. It has a V10, DOHC, 40 valve layout with no turbo (naturally aspirated), and makes 373 kW (507 HP) with 520 Nm of torque. BMW built it from 2005 to 2010 and it meets the Euro 4 emission standard.

You find the S85B50 in the BMW E60 M5, BMW E61 M5, BMW E63 M6 and BMW E64 M6. What we list: BMW S85 5.0 V10 engines from the E60 M5 and E63 M6.

At Autowerke Engines every S85B50 is a real used engine from our yard in Hamburg. 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. 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 S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

Does a used S85B50 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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Is the BMW S85B50 a diesel or petrol engine?

The S85B50 is a petrol engine. It is a 5.0 liter (4,999 cc) V10, DOHC, 40 valve unit with no turbo (naturally aspirated), and it was built to the Euro 4 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.

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What comes with a used S85B50 engine?

Each S85B50 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 S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

How much is a replacement S85B50 engine for a BMW E63 M6?

A used S85B50 for the BMW E63 M6 costs from about 9.050 € to 13.700 € 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 S85B50 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 S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

Which cars use the BMW S85B50 engine?

BMW fitted the S85B50 to the BMW E60 M5, BMW E61 M5, BMW E63 M6 and BMW E64 M6. These cars were built with this engine from about 2005 to 2010.

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.

The S85B50 is the only S85 version we list, which makes it easy to pick, but the wiring and the engine computer still need to match your car.

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 S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

How much is a replacement S85B50 engine for a BMW E61 M5?

A used S85B50 for the BMW E61 M5 costs from about 9.050 € to 13.700 € 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 S85B50 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 S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

How long does delivery of an S85B50 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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Are there other versions of the BMW S85B50?

In our yard the S85B50 is the only listed version of the S85 family. It makes 373 kW (507 HP) and 520 Nm, and was built from 2005 to 2010.

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 S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

Will the S85B50 engine fit my BMW E63 M6?

Yes, if your BMW E63 M6 was built with the S85B50. BMW used this 5.0 liter (4,999 cc) petrol engine with 373 kW (507 HP) in the E63 M6 from about 2005 to 2010.

In our records the S85B50 is the engine for the E63 M6, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E63 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 S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

What should I replace when I fit a used S85B50 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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How much does a used BMW S85B50 engine cost?

A used BMW S85B50 engine in our yard usually costs between 9.050 € and 13.700 €. 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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Will the S85B50 engine fit my BMW E61 M5?

Yes, if your BMW E61 M5 was built with the S85B50. BMW used this 5.0 liter (4,999 cc) petrol engine with 373 kW (507 HP) in the E61 M5 from about 2005 to 2010.

In our records the S85B50 is the engine for the E61 M5, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E61 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 S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

Will the S85B50 engine fit my BMW E64 M6?

Yes, if your BMW E64 M6 was built with the S85B50. BMW used this 5.0 liter (4,999 cc) petrol engine with 373 kW (507 HP) in the E64 M6 from about 2005 to 2010.

In our records the S85B50 is the engine for the E64 M6, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E64 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 S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

How much is a replacement S85B50 engine for a BMW E60 M5?

A used S85B50 for the BMW E60 M5 costs from about 9.050 € to 13.700 € 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 S85B50 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 S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

How do I know a used S85B50 engine is in good shape?

The photos on each listing show the actual engine, not a stock picture. The yard checks the code, records what is bolted on, and seals the openings before the engine is offered. 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. Ask the desk for more pictures of any listing. We are happy to show the stamp, the ports and the ancillaries before you decide.

On a petrol engine like the S85B50, 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 S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

Can you check if an S85B50 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 S85B50, we confirm that your car was built with this code or with a version that can take it. BMW used it in the BMW E60 M5, BMW E61 M5, BMW E63 M6 and BMW E64 M6.

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.

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How much power and torque does the BMW S85B50 have?

From the factory the BMW S85B50 makes 373 kW (507 HP) and 520 Nm of torque. It is a 5.0 liter (4,999 cc) V10, DOHC, 40 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 S85B50 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 S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

Will the S85B50 engine fit my BMW E60 M5?

Yes, if your BMW E60 M5 was built with the S85B50. BMW used this 5.0 liter (4,999 cc) petrol engine with 373 kW (507 HP) in the E60 M5 from about 2005 to 2010.

In our records the S85B50 is the engine for the E60 M5, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E60 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 S85 Engines · Search S85B50 in the shop

Delivery, warranty and payment

Every S85B50 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.

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