The best way to make the S63 V8 reliable long term is to 1. upgrade to lower thermostat 90 degrees. 2. DO NOT FOLLOW THE RECOMEND OIL SERVICE INTVERVALS they are a joke.. 15,000kms per change is far to long.. 😂 service every 8-10 thousand. 3. use 5w40 or 5w50 oil with a high Zinc additive package. 4. Don't buy any S63 V8 with more than 80,000kms on the clock that has followed the oil serviced schedule from BMW it will be more trouble than its worth. 👍
Few things to correct and point out about your video. The S63TU and N63TU rotating assemblies are identical when it comes to reliability and strength. They both have the same identical forged crank and small forged rods. Both have cast pistons with slightly different dome profiles. All the bearings are identical. The heads and valve train are identical. Only difference on the S63tu is a slightly longer duration exhaust cam lobe. The valve stem seals are identical. The S63Tu block is the same it just has a few more piston oiling jets and cooling galleys. The only reason the s63Tu makes more power than N63TU is the turbos are bigger and use a cross plane exhaust manifold, and has extra intake air cooling and runs more boost.
Some bits and pieces of your comment are accurate. Turbos and factory tuning differences are certainly the primary reasons the S63 makes more power. The blocks are the same (less the two oil jets per cylinder on the S63 vs the N63's one, some cooling galleys, and a couple other minor differences). However, the engines do not have identical rods other than the N63B44T3 which does indeed share its rods with the S63B44T4. The dome profile isn't the only difference with the pistons as the wrist pins and rings are also slightly different. Main bearing caps on the S63 have end bolts for better strength and rigidity (the actual caps are also different). Ultimately, the S63 engine shares some similarities mainly in the fact it's based and built off the design of the N63. But it's a much different engine when you look at the specifics, and it shares few parts in common. On paper, the S63tu is the stronger and more capable engine.
@@8020Media You must be referring to the non TU variants. The N63TU and S63TU are identical forged rods and crank and bearings. I've seen the rods the BMW engine technical manual shows them to be the same and any race shop that builds these will tell you the same.
@@registrationaccount1034 everywhere that I've looked, the s63tu4 do not have forged rods which would confirm why it has issues with mild torque ratings when tuning them.
Thank you for the informative video about the BMW S63 engine. Good to know about these issues especially if one wants to maintain their vehicle and elect to do preventitive maintenance.
Really good and very timely. I am looking at a S63 2017 X5 M had some concerns about the overall reliability of the engine. The one I am looking at looks well maintained.
@@8020Media 110k definitely up there. I literally took a close up video of the exterior an could not find a flaw. Most of the miles were put on by last owner. Going to look at it again and try to get OBD2 report and get maintenance records. Good price though.
@@8020Media OK, I have a X5M with S63, it runs really smooth, shifts great, has about $20K in upgrades, like Wicked Flow exhaust, sounds amazing, upgraded Brembo brakes, HPD Wheels, all new tires, new pads. It is loaded with all the options, red interior, heads up display, B&O sound system, all for $29k. I ran an OBD2 and no engine issues were reported. Clean title no accidents. The body is flawless. There is a bit of wear in the driver side seat but it isn't bad. So I am getting something that cost $130k for $30k.Was just going to look at it again but somehow it turned into a purchase.
I just purchased a 2020 X5 M50i it has 60k on it and I’m already doing preventative maintenance on it. Spark plugs getting changed, engine air filters, front and rear differential, transmission fluid change with filter and new pan. Transfer case and looking to see what else. I need it to last me the next 5 years or until I become a doctor. God willing it does.
Thanks for the info and rundown man! I have a deal pending on a 2016 x5m with 38k mi on the dash. Only getting it because it’s 1 owner and oil chance ever 8.5k mi according to carfax. Been getting cold feet lately before I close out but this video is reassuring
I really appreciate you taking the time to go over all these extreme heat issues. Do you think you can use a white board with the index of topics... would be serving you 👍👍
F10 M5 w/ S63TU owner here, i empty out the oil cooler which holds aprox 1 liter of old oil as part of my oil change. Question here is, when other people get their oil changes, are they doing the same. If they dont they are diluting the "Fresh Oil Change" with used oil in the oil cooler and therefore could this also be the reason why even ""Proper Maintenance " vehicls also encounter rod bearing issues? They never truly have a real clean oil change if thats the case. Simply draining oil at the plug doesnt cut it in my book.
Walnut blasting is not a trivial sub 1000 dollar job on a BMW twin turbo V8. Since it's reverse flow, it's an engine out job because the intake manifolds are unreachable.
ive had it fully rebuilt new bottom end as there was a crack in my crank gallery where the baring collapsed and seperated the thread from where the rod connects to the crank, when engine locked up, so new acl forged barings all round top and bottom new crank balanced etc rebuilt heads also refreshed turbos s63tu model new rods basically complete new engine @@8020Media
Be wise and stay with those straight sixes. If Akio Toyoda approved of the B58 to go in his Supra, what does that should tell you? And until BMW decides to give the world a super reliable turbo charged V8, if you have a heavy foot, resist them like the plague! 😆
Everybody is on here talking about getting a lower thermostat understand lowering your temps moves around your fuel tables so essentially running cooler without a tune your engine will be running rich which is also not good especially not for these engines. I’m by far sure the people who engineered the s63 is far way more knowledgeable on why they did what they did you get what you pay for a bomb lol fun ash but if you’re not ready for something like this. I would suggest a corvette or sum like that 😊
How about IATs? Does the hot V design create more? My S58 stsys usually within 15 of ambient driving. My 2014 M6 with S63TU, usually stays 35-40 over ambient.
Has anyone had an issue where you put the car in reverse and it has some nasty grind or loud sound?? It has also happened when I was at a red-light on drive its like something gets stuck!!! But I don't have no codes or issue.
Sorry for the late reply but i work out of country i live in Sacramento Ca. Is there anyone here that you would recommend to install a S63 motor for me?
Appreciate the video. The presenter repeats himself so often it's a bit distracting. Make the point once, twice even, fine. Don't need to hear the same facts Sox or seven times.
I had rod knock on my 2012 50i im looking for a new SUV and want an 2019 x6M but am worried about the reliability also looking at a Jeep SRT might just go with the SRT for reliability and the value it holds am I making the right decision?
C - The information we share is not to scare, it is simply to inform. We've seen many S63's that are great, it really all depends on how you maintain it. We are big BMW fans, not so much Jeep fans. So we don't want to provide a decision for you, especially when money is involved.
The best way to make the S63 V8 reliable long term is to 1. upgrade to lower thermostat 90 degrees. 2. DO NOT FOLLOW THE RECOMEND OIL SERVICE INTVERVALS they are a joke.. 15,000kms per change is far to long.. 😂 service every 8-10 thousand. 3. use 5w40 or 5w50 oil with a high Zinc additive package. 4. Don't buy any S63 V8 with more than 80,000kms on the clock that has followed the oil serviced schedule from BMW it will be more trouble than its worth. 👍
Lochlan - We couldn't agree more! Thanks for adding this insight.
Bro have you ever even owned one of these cars?
Yes a E71 X6M which has the 1st generation S63 V8 motor. @@TheDarkstarsk8allday
Yes a E71 X6M which has the 1st Gen S63 V8 motor.@@TheDarkstarsk8allday
Tell me more about the thermostat plz
Few things to correct and point out about your video. The S63TU and N63TU rotating assemblies are identical when it comes to reliability and strength. They both have the same identical forged crank and small forged rods. Both have cast pistons with slightly different dome profiles. All the bearings are identical. The heads and valve train are identical. Only difference on the S63tu is a slightly longer duration exhaust cam lobe. The valve stem seals are identical. The S63Tu block is the same it just has a few more piston oiling jets and cooling galleys. The only reason the s63Tu makes more power than N63TU is the turbos are bigger and use a cross plane exhaust manifold, and has extra intake air cooling and runs more boost.
Some bits and pieces of your comment are accurate. Turbos and factory tuning differences are certainly the primary reasons the S63 makes more power. The blocks are the same (less the two oil jets per cylinder on the S63 vs the N63's one, some cooling galleys, and a couple other minor differences). However, the engines do not have identical rods other than the N63B44T3 which does indeed share its rods with the S63B44T4. The dome profile isn't the only difference with the pistons as the wrist pins and rings are also slightly different. Main bearing caps on the S63 have end bolts for better strength and rigidity (the actual caps are also different).
Ultimately, the S63 engine shares some similarities mainly in the fact it's based and built off the design of the N63. But it's a much different engine when you look at the specifics, and it shares few parts in common. On paper, the S63tu is the stronger and more capable engine.
@@8020Media You must be referring to the non TU variants. The N63TU and S63TU are identical forged rods and crank and bearings. I've seen the rods the BMW engine technical manual shows them to be the same and any race shop that builds these will tell you the same.
@@registrationaccount1034 would you say the s63 tu is reliable and what measures would you take to ensure longevity
@@registrationaccount1034 everywhere that I've looked, the s63tu4 do not have forged rods which would confirm why it has issues with mild torque ratings when tuning them.
@@poisonova1 been forged rods since S63 first version. They are just small.
Thank you for the informative video about the BMW S63 engine. Good to know about these issues especially if one wants to maintain their vehicle and elect to do preventitive maintenance.
James - Thanks for the feedback, we hope it was helpful!
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Really good and very timely. I am looking at a S63 2017 X5 M had some concerns about the overall reliability of the engine. The one I am looking at looks well maintained.
Tom - Thanks for the feedback! If it looks well maintained, then it probably isn't a bad buy. How many miles is on it?
@@8020Media 110k definitely up there. I literally took a close up video of the exterior an could not find a flaw. Most of the miles were put on by last owner. Going to look at it again and try to get OBD2 report and get maintenance records. Good price though.
Tom - That's certainly up there, but keep us updated.
@@8020Media OK, I have a X5M with S63, it runs really smooth, shifts great, has about $20K in upgrades, like Wicked Flow exhaust, sounds amazing, upgraded Brembo brakes, HPD Wheels, all new tires, new pads. It is loaded with all the options, red interior, heads up display, B&O sound system, all for $29k. I ran an OBD2 and no engine issues were reported. Clean title no accidents. The body is flawless. There is a bit of wear in the driver side seat but it isn't bad. So I am getting something that cost $130k for $30k.Was just going to look at it again but somehow it turned into a purchase.
Hey man, I also have a F85 X5M with 110k miles. I'm wondering, did u get it?
GREAT advice sir. Thank you!
Wood - Thanks for the feedback! Hope it helps.
I just purchased a 2020 X5 M50i it has 60k on it and I’m already doing preventative maintenance on it. Spark plugs getting changed, engine air filters, front and rear differential, transmission fluid change with filter and new pan. Transfer case and looking to see what else. I need it to last me the next 5 years or until I become a doctor. God willing it does.
H - You're doing everything right!
Thanks for the info and rundown man! I have a deal pending on a 2016 x5m with 38k mi on the dash. Only getting it because it’s 1 owner and oil chance ever 8.5k mi according to carfax. Been getting cold feet lately before I close out but this video is reassuring
G - We love a good X5M. Just take great care of it!
Super informative video Zach!
Bass - Thanks for the feedback! Let us know if you have any other videos you would like to see!
I really appreciate you taking the time to go over all these extreme heat issues.
Do you think you can use a white board with the index of topics... would be serving you 👍👍
G - We have chapters in our description if that helps. But we will take your feedback into consideration. Thanks!
Will be curious to hear how the new S68 with electric vanos fairs over time.
D - Very true! We're keeping our eyes on it.
F10 M5 w/ S63TU owner here, i empty out the oil cooler which holds aprox 1 liter of old oil as part of my oil change. Question here is, when other people get their oil changes, are they doing the same. If they dont they are diluting the "Fresh Oil Change" with used oil in the oil cooler and therefore could this also be the reason why even ""Proper Maintenance " vehicls also encounter rod bearing issues? They never truly have a real clean oil change if thats the case. Simply draining oil at the plug doesnt cut it in my book.
M - Certainly possible. Thanks for sharing this info.
Frequent oil changes and less headaches
Luki - Completely agree!
Walnut blasting is not a trivial sub 1000 dollar job on a BMW twin turbo V8. Since it's reverse flow, it's an engine out job because the intake manifolds are unreachable.
R - Thanks for sharing.
N63 still is horrible replacing my engine at only 78k miles this is horrible $25k to replace it luckily I had warranty’s on it
P - So sorry to hear this. Do you know what happened?
25k? I replaced my S63 and including labor it was only 15k
Mine cooked the barings and popped the rod caps at 60000 miles two weeks after I purchased it
Hella - So sorry to hear this.... but thanks for sharing your experience. What'd you end up doing with it?
ive had it fully rebuilt new bottom end as there was a crack in my crank gallery where the baring collapsed and seperated the thread from where the rod connects to the crank, when engine locked up, so new acl forged barings all round top and bottom new crank balanced etc rebuilt heads also refreshed turbos s63tu model new rods basically complete new engine
@@8020Media
Bro I’m so scared to make the switch coming from super reliable my s58 and b58
Yan - What vehicle are you looking at? We love the B58.
Be wise and stay with those straight sixes. If Akio Toyoda approved of the B58 to go in his Supra, what does that should tell you? And until BMW decides to give the world a super reliable turbo charged V8, if you have a heavy foot, resist them like the plague! 😆
Everybody is on here talking about getting a lower thermostat understand lowering your temps moves around your fuel tables so essentially running cooler without a tune your engine will be running rich which is also not good especially not for these engines. I’m by far sure the people who engineered the s63 is far way more knowledgeable on why they did what they did you get what you pay for a bomb lol fun ash but if you’re not ready for something like this. I would suggest a corvette or sum like that 😊
J - We've seen many reliable S63's. These things can be workhorses.
At least did the new S63 improved with some reliability ?
O - The newer the engine, the more likely the past problems have been addressed.
B58 for me for now
T - Both are great engines.
How about IATs? Does the hot V design create more? My S58 stsys usually within 15 of ambient driving. My 2014 M6 with S63TU, usually stays 35-40 over ambient.
D - It certainly can create more!
do you mean ambient temp? if you do i dont think the oil in your S58 happy about being cold all the time
Has anyone had an issue where you put the car in reverse and it has some nasty grind or loud sound?? It has also happened when I was at a red-light on drive its like something gets stuck!!! But I don't have no codes or issue.
Zach can i put a S63 in a 2012 750 LI?
K - You can, but what's your budget?
@@8020Media $10,000.00
Sorry for the late reply but i work out of country i live in Sacramento Ca. Is there anyone here that you would recommend to install a S63 motor for me?
Does this video apply to the M5 CS 2020? Also how reliable is it assuming that person takes care of their vehicle and has ballpark around 1000+ HP?
W - Yes. We have a video on mods for these engines: th-cam.com/video/0JOvPPuTj10/w-d-xo.html
What about in an F10 M5?
M - Applies to all models.
Does S63 have problems with timing chains?!
B - They can. All depends on how the vehicle has been maintained.
Appreciate the video. The presenter repeats himself so often it's a bit distracting. Make the point once, twice even, fine. Don't need to hear the same facts Sox or seven times.
E - Thanks for the feedback. We try to make these videos for everyone, regardless of automotive skill level. But we see what you're saying.
@@8020Media it just a presentation style improvement. The content is great.
Sir can you answer some questions on the Oil Temperature and protect the Hoses
Greg - What type of questions?
I had rod knock on my 2012 50i im looking for a new SUV and want an 2019 x6M but am worried about the reliability also looking at a Jeep SRT might just go with the SRT for reliability and the value it holds am I making the right decision?
C - The information we share is not to scare, it is simply to inform. We've seen many S63's that are great, it really all depends on how you maintain it. We are big BMW fans, not so much Jeep fans. So we don't want to provide a decision for you, especially when money is involved.
Thank you
C - Not a problem. Keep us updated!
So… at the end the answer for future BMW owners is: “Don’t buy it!”
M - Not entirely true. It just isn't the most reliable.
Now I understand why my local mechanic refuses to do BMW’s and only accepts Mercedes and VAG. 😂
H - Pretty much! XD
Can you make a review of Mercedes 5.5 biturbo engine?
System - We will add it to the list!