The BMW X5 4.4i in the first X5 generation (E53, built 1999–2006) was built with 3 different engines over its life: the M62B44 (286 hp, 1996–2003), the M62TUB44 (286 hp, 1998–2005) and the N62B44 (333 hp, 2001–2005).
Below you will find how to identify the engine in your X5 4.4i, the faults to look for, current prices for a replacement and the swap options that make sense.
- Generation: first X5, 1999–2006
- Body styles: E53 (SAV)
- Engines: M62B44, M62TUB44, N62B44
- Output: 286 hp and 333 hp
- Replacement engines in stock: 5 from 3.488,00 €
Which engine is in your X5 4.4i?
| Engine code | Built | Power | Torque | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| N62B44 | 2001–2005 | 333 hp | 450 Nm | 4.4 L petrol V8, naturally aspirated |
M62B44 in the X5 4.4i
The M62B44 was used in the E53 X5 4.4i, built 1996–2003. It is a 4.4 L naturally aspirated petrol V8 with 286 hp and 420 Nm. Compared with the M62TUB44 (286 hp) and N62B44 (333 hp), it is in between.
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 X5 4.4i
The M62TUB44 was used in the E53 X5 4.4i, built 1998–2005. It is a 4.4 L naturally aspirated petrol V8 with 286 hp and 440 Nm. Compared with the M62B44 (286 hp) and N62B44 (333 hp), it is in between.
N62B44 in the X5 4.4i
The N62B44 was used in the E53 X5 4.4i, built 2001–2005. It is a 4.4 L naturally aspirated petrol V8 with 333 hp and 450 Nm. Compared with the M62B44 (286 hp) and M62TUB44 (286 hp), it is the strongest.
Reading the code: N marks an N-series code, the generation of BMW engines introduced from 2001; 62 is the family number; B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin); 44 is the capacity in decilitres, so 4.4 litres.
X5 4.4i engines by model year
| Model year | Engine |
|---|---|
| 1999 | M62B44 (286 hp), M62TUB44 (286 hp) |
| 2000 | M62B44 (286 hp), M62TUB44 (286 hp) |
| 2001 | M62B44 (286 hp), M62TUB44 (286 hp), N62B44 (333 hp) |
| 2002 | M62B44 (286 hp), M62TUB44 (286 hp), N62B44 (333 hp) |
| 2003 | M62B44 (286 hp), M62TUB44 (286 hp), N62B44 (333 hp) |
| 2004 | M62TUB44 (286 hp), N62B44 (333 hp) |
| 2005 | M62TUB44 (286 hp), N62B44 (333 hp) |
The engine changed 2 times during the E53 run, in 2001 and 2004. 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 X5 4.4i
A replacement engine does not have to come from another X5 4.4i. 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.
M62B44: BMW E39 540i, BMW E38 740i, BMW E31 840Ci.
M62TUB44: BMW E39 540i, BMW E38 740i, Range Rover 4.4.
N62B44: BMW E65 745i, BMW E60 545i, BMW E63 645Ci.
How to confirm your engine code
Because the X5 4.4i 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 X5 4.4i engine problems
M62B44 and M62TUB44 (M62 family)
The M62B44 and M62TUB44 in the X5 4.4i 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.
N62B44 (N62 family)
The N62B44 in the X5 4.4i shares the known weak points of the N62 family. Full N62 guide.
| Known fault | What to check |
|---|---|
| Valve stem seals | Watch the exhaust after a long idle; heavy smoke on the first press of the throttle is typical. |
| Alternator bracket gasket | Look for oil at the back of the valley. |
| Valve cover gaskets | Look for burnt oil on the manifolds. |
| Valvetronic motors and eccentric shaft sensors | Read the fault memory for Valvetronic codes. |
| Coolant transfer pipe | Pressure-test the cooling system. |
| Timing chain guides | Listen for rattle on a cold start. |
Valve stem seals. Seals harden and let oil run into the cylinders. The engine smokes blue at start-up and after idling at traffic lights.
Alternator bracket gasket. The water-cooled alternator bracket gasket leaks oil into the valley under the intake.
Valve cover gaskets. Both valve covers and their Valvetronic motor seals leak oil onto the exhaust manifolds.
Valvetronic motors and eccentric shaft sensors. The motors and sensors fail and force limp mode.
Coolant transfer pipe. The pipe under the intake manifold leaks coolant.
Timing chain guides. Guides wear on high-mileage engines.
Symptoms to watch for on the X5 4.4i
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.
Limp mode with a Valvetronic fault. The Valvetronic motor, its eccentric shaft sensor or the wiring. The engine runs on a reduced throttle until it is repaired.
Looking after the X5 4.4i engine
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.
N62 engines
- Oil: 5W-30 BMW Longlife-01, about 8 litres with filter.
- Service interval: Oil every 10,000 to 15,000 km.
- Timing drive: Timing chains at the front, one per bank, with guides and tensioners.
- Workshop notes: Fit new valve stem seals, the alternator bracket gasket and valve cover gaskets with a used N62 if they have not been done. Access is far easier with the engine out.
Buying a used engine for the X5 4.4i: checklist
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Valvetronic motor and eccentric shaft sensor. The Valvetronic motor and its sensor cause limp-mode faults when they fail. Inspect the connector and the seal around the motor for oil.
- 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 X5 4.4i replacement engine cost
We currently hold 5 X5 4.4i engine engines. The cheapest is 3.488,00 €, the most expensive 5.706,00 €, and half of them cost less than 5.586,00 €.
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.
1 of these come from E53 donor cars, priced from 5.586,00 €. 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 X5 4.4i
Here is a selection of X5 4.4i engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.
BMW E65 745i N62B44 Engine, Premium Grade5.569,00 €BMW E53 X5 4.4i N62B44 Engine, Premium Grade5.586,00 €BMW E60 545i N62B44 Engine, Premium Grade5.706,00 €BMW E65 745i N62B44 Engine, Premium Grade — 5.569,00 €, reduced from 6.160,00 €. It comes from a recorded donor car, and 6 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.
BMW E53 X5 4.4i N62B44 Engine, Premium Grade — 5.586,00 €, reduced from 6.160,00 €. It comes from a recorded donor car, and 11 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.
BMW E60 545i N62B44 Engine, Premium Grade — 5.706,00 €, reduced from 6.160,00 €. It comes from a recorded donor car, and 9 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.
Will it fit my X5 4.4i?
Will the M62TUB44 fit my BMW E53 X5 4.4i?
The M62TUB44 is the original engine for the BMW E53 X5 4.4i, which makes it the straightforward choice. The first X5 was built 1999–2006, 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 E53 X5 4.4i?
We do not have an M62TUB44 on the shelf for the E53 X5 4.4i 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 X5 4.4i
These engines were fitted to other versions of the E53 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| M62B46 | E53 X5 4.6is | 347 hp | +14 hp |
Can I fit the M62B46 in my X5 4.4i?
Yes, it is one of the more common upgrades. Both are petrol V8 engines, so the mounting points are similar, but the M62B46 needs its own wiring and engine control unit, the matching gearbox or clutch, and often a different sump, cooling and exhaust. The gain is 14 hp and 30 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.
Fitting a replacement engine in the X5 4.4i
- 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.
- Teach the Valvetronic limit stops. Run the Valvetronic learning routine so the ECU knows the eccentric shaft limits.
- 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.
X5 4.4i engine questions
Can you check if an N62B44 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 N62B44, 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 545i, BMW E65 745i and BMW E53 X5 4.4i.
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 N62 Engines · Search N62B44 in the shop
Which cars use the BMW N62B44 engine?
BMW fitted the N62B44 to the BMW E60 545i, BMW E65 745i and BMW E53 X5 4.4i. These cars were built with this engine from about 2001 to 2005.
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 N62 family are the N62B48 (367 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 N62 Engines · Search N62B44 in the shop
Will the N62B44 engine fit my BMW E60 545i?
Yes, if your BMW E60 545i was built with the N62B44. BMW used this 4.4 liter (4,398 cc) petrol engine with 245 kW (333 HP) in the E60 545i from about 2001 to 2005.
In our records the N62B44 is the engine for the E60 545i, 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 N62 Engines · Search N62B44 in the shop
What comes with a used N62B44 engine?
Each N62B44 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 N62 Engines · Search N62B44 in the shop
Will the N62B44 engine fit my BMW E65 745i?
Yes, if your BMW E65 745i was built with the N62B44. BMW used this 4.4 liter (4,398 cc) petrol engine with 245 kW (333 HP) in the E65 745i from about 2001 to 2005.
In our records the N62B44 is the engine for the E65 745i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.
Also tell us if your E65 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 N62 Engines · Search N62B44 in the shop
Does a used N62B44 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 N62 Engines · Search N62B44 in the shop
What is the BMW N62B44 engine?
The BMW N62B44 is a 4.4 liter (4,398 cc) petrol engine from the N62 family. It has a V8, DOHC, 32 valve layout with no turbo (naturally aspirated), and makes 245 kW (333 HP) with 450 Nm of torque. BMW built it from 2001 to 2005 and it meets the Euro 4 emission standard.
You find the N62B44 in the BMW E60 545i, BMW E65 745i and BMW E53 X5 4.4i. What we list: BMW N62 4.4 and 4.8 V8 engines for 545i, 750i and X5 4.8.
At Autowerke Engines every N62B44 is a real used engine from our yard in Hamburg. 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. 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 N62 Engines · Search N62B44 in the shop
What should I replace when I fit a used N62B44 engine?
A used engine lasts longest when it starts life in your car with fresh fluids and new seals. Check the spark plugs and the ignition coils, and make sure the fuel lines are clean and tight before you crank the engine. 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. Use new gaskets for the exhaust manifold, the intake and the sump plug, and check every hose clip before the first start.
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 N62 Engines · Search N62B44 in the shop
Delivery, warranty and payment
Every X5 4.4i 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.
Delivery is door to door and included in the price. Most European addresses receive the engine within five to ten working days; Germany and its neighbours are usually faster.
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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