Table of Contents

BMW Engines Introduction

Subject Page

6 Cylinder Engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
New Generation Engine Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Engine Numbering System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
N52KP Engine Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Technical Data (N52B30M1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
N51 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
N54 Engine Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Technical Data N54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Power Output Comparison (N52 to N54) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
N55 Engine Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Full Load Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Current Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Engine Designation and Engine Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Engine designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Breakdown of N55 Engine Designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Engine identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

8 Cylinder Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

N63B44O0 Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Full Load Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Engine Technical Data N62TU vs. N63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Engine Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Engine Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Engine identification and serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

12 Cylinder Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

N74B60U0 Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
N74 Engine Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Full Load Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Engine Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Engine Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Engine designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Engine identification and number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Initial Print Date: 09/06 Revision Date: 03/11

BMW Engines Introduction

Model: All

Production: Start of Production

After completion of this module you will be able to:

• Identify the most current BMW Engines

• Describe the additions to the NG6 engine family

• Understand the new engine designations

2
BMW Engines Introduction
6 Cylinder Engines
Previously in 2005, BMW introduced the beginning of a new generation (NG) of six cylin-
der engines with the N52. Since then, BMW has introduced 3 new variations of the
NG6 engine family.

N55 Engine

The first of the new engines is the N54, which made its debut in the new 3-series coupe
in September 2006. The N54 is turbocharged and uses the second generation of
direct injection (DI 2). This engine was introduced in the 335i coupe in the fall of 2006.
The N52 was eventually replaced by the N52KP. The N52KP engine is an improved
and cost optimized version of the N52. The N52KP was introduced in the 328i and
328xi coupe from September 2006 and replaced the N52 in various models.
The N51 (which is a SULEV II compatible engine) was phased into selected
production models from 9/06. The N51 features many of the same features of the
previous SULEV engine (M56) including a “Zero Evap” system.
Finally, the N55 engine is the successor to the N54 and was introduced to the US mar-
ket with the launch of the F07 535i Gran Turismo in the Spring of 2010. Re-engineering
and modifications have made it possible to now use only one exhaust turbocharger.
Against the backdrop of reduced costs and improved quality, the technical data has
remained virtually the same.

3
BMW Engines Introduction
New Generation Engine
Designations
A new engine numbering system was intro-
duced to enable fast and distinct
identification.
The “TU” designation was dropped togeth-
er with the associated version
number which is now replaced by a simple
count number at the end of the engine
designation.
The codes T through K are also new for the
various power stages instead of the previ-
ous “OL” or “UL” designations.
For example, the new N52KP engine which is a variant of the original N52 engine will
now be known as the N52B30O1. This would be instead of the traditional “TU” suffix
as in - N52B30TU.
The block stamping (above) is located in the same place as the previous N52 engine.
The chart on the opposing page shows the breakdown of the new engine designations.

N55B30M0
8
7
5&6
4
3
2
1

4
BMW Engines Introduction
Engine Numbering System
In order to organize and classify the engines developed by BMW, a numbering system
has been developed.
N 5 5 B 30 M 0
Digit 1 is the engine developer and/or generation:
A = Motorcycle
M = BMW Group (Old Generation)
N = BMW Group (New Generation)
G H K L T = BMW Group (Future Generation)
P = BMW Motorsport
S = BMW M GmbH
Digit 2 is the engine type:
Combustion Engines Electric Motors
4 = in-line 4 A = Asynchronous
5 = in-line 6 P = Permanent Magnet
6 = V8 R = Switched Reluctance
7 = V12 S = Synchronous
8 = V10 T = Transversal flow

Digit 3 is the engine technology:

Digit 4 is working procedure and/or fuel:
B = Gasoline
D = Diesel
E = Electric
G = Natural Gas
H = Hydrogen
M = Methanol
X = Electronic - Diesel
Y = Electronic - Gasoline
Digits 5&6 are the displacement value:
Digit 7 is the performance class:
S = Super performance
T = Top performance class
O = Upper performance class (standard)
M = Intermediate performance class
U = Lower one performance class
K = Smallest one performance class
Digit 8 is release relevant information:
0 = New Development
1-9 = Revision (such as technical update or cost project)
5
BMW Engines Introduction
N52KP Engine Overview
The enhanced and improved version of the original N52 is referred to as the N52KP or
more accurately the N52B30O1. This engine includes cost saving measures as well as
various technical improvements. The N52KP will eventually replace the N52 in all vehicle
applications. One of the first vehicles to use the N52KP was the 328i coupe (E92).
The technical highlights of the N52KP include:
• New engine management (MSV80)
• New HFM (digital)
• New throttle - EGAS8 with magnetoresistive position feedback
• Plastic valve cover with integrated crankcase vent valve and oil separation
• Stronger connecting rods
• Exhaust valve stem increased to 6mm
• New electric water pump (2nd generation)
• Lightweight camshafts (hydroformed)

6
BMW Engines Introduction
The N52KP will be available in three versions as follows:
• N52B30O1 - High Output version with 260hp
• N52B30M1 - Medium Output version with 230hp
• N52B30U1 - Possible future application with 215hp
Each of the above engines will have a different specific output for installation into various
models. For example, the E83 LCI (X3 3.0si) will receive the “O” version which has a
power output of 260 horsepower at 6600 rpm.

7
BMW Engines Introduction
Technical Data (N52B30M1)

Description Value

Engine type Inline 6 cylinder

Displacement (cm3) 2996

Stroke/bore (mm) 88/85

Cylinder spacing (mm) 91

Firing order 1-5-3-6-2-4

Power output(kw/bhp) @ RPM 172/230 @ 6250 RPM

Torque (Nm) @RPM 270 @ 3000

Maximum engine speed 7000

Compression ratio 10.7

Valves/ 4

Knock control Yes

Engine management MSV80

Emission compliancy (US) ULEV 2

Injection system type Manifold injection

8
BMW Engines Introduction
N51 Overview
In order to comply with SULEV requirements, the N51 is another variant of the N52
engine. There are various measures to meet the EPA/CARB standards, some of which
are familiar from the previous SULEV (M56) engine.
Some of the SULEV measures for the N51 include:
• Near engine catalyst with additional underbody catalyst
• Secondary air system
• Optimized combustion chamber geometry in cylinder head
• Modified piston crown for lower compression
• Plastic valve cover with integrated crankcase vent valve and separator (from N52KP)
• Stainless steel fuel lines with threaded connections
• Radiator with “Prem-air” coating
• Throttle system - EGAS08 carried over from N52KP
• Airbox with Activated carbon filter for EVAP control
• Purge system pipes are made from “optimized” plastic

9
BMW Engines Introduction
N54 Engine Overview
The first new member of the NG6 family was the N54 which was initially available in the
E92 335i. The N54 continues the tradition of “efficient dynamics” by meeting the cus-
tomer demand for high performance and the necessary requirements of low fuel con-
sumption and emissions.
The N54 is available as a 3.0 liter engine and features the following:
• Exhaust driven turbochargers (Bi-turbo)
• Air to air Intercooler
• 2nd Generation Direct Injection (HPI) with piezo injectors
• New engine management (MSD80)
• Bi-VANOS
• All aluminum crankcase with iron cylinder liners (similar dimensions to N52)
• External oil cooler
• New high output electric water pump (400 W)
• Aluminum cylinder head with plastic valve cover
• Steel crankshaft

10
BMW Engines Introduction
As per the new engine designations, the N54 will be officially referred to as the
N54B30O0. The “O” designates the “upper” output range and the “0’ indicates the first
generation in this series.
The N54 features the new HPI injection system which is capable of pressures of to 200
bar. This system features the new “piezo” injector technology with “outward” opening
injectors.
Also, the N54 benefits from parallel bi-turbocharging with air to air intercoolers.

Overall, the N54 provides the driver with uncompromising response and high torque
output in a package that is up to 150 pounds lighter than a V-8 engine. The new
technology used in the N54, allows for maximum efficiency and the required low tailpipe
emission figures to meet ULEV II guidelines.

11
BMW Engines Introduction
Technical Data N54

Description Value

Engine type Inline 6 cylinder

Displacement (cm3) 2979

Stroke/bore (mm) 84/89.6

Cylinder spacing (mm) 91

Crankshaft main bearing diameter (mm) 65

Crankshaft rod journal diameter (mm) 50

Firing order 1-5-3-6-2-4

Power output(kw/bhp) @ RPM 225/300 @ 5800 RPM

Torque (Nm) @RPM 400 @ 1300 - 5000

Maximum engine speed 7000

Power to weight ratio (kg/kW) 0.83

Power output per liter (kW/l) 75.5

Compression ratio 10.2

Valves/cyl 4

Inlet valve diameter (mm) 31.44

Exhaust valve diameter (mm) 28

Engine weight (kg) 187

Knock control Yes

Engine management MSD80

Emission compliancy (US) ULEV 2

Injection system type HPI (DI 2)

12
BMW Engines Introduction
Power Output Comparison (N52 to N54)

13
BMW Engines Introduction
N55 Engine Overview

The N55 engine is the successor to the N54 engine and was introduced to the US mar-
ket with the launch of the F07 535i Gran Turismo in the Spring of 2010. Technical
updates and modifications make it possible to use only one exhaust turbocharger. The
technical data has remained virtually the same - with reduced costs and improved quality.
Innovations on the N55 engine:
• Single exhaust turbocharger (twin scroll type)
• Air-gap-insulated exhaust manifold six into two
• Catalytic converter is located closer to engine
• Direct fuel injection with central injector location, (uses solenoid valve injectors)
• 3rd generation VALVETRONIC
• Engine mounted Digital Engine Electronics (MEVD17.2 Bosch), integrated into
intake system, FlexRay capability
• Lightweight-construction crankshaft
• Characteristic-map-regulated oil pump
• Uniform single-belt drive across all model series

14
BMW Engines Introduction
Technical Data

N54B30O0 (E71/X6 N55B30M0

Unit
xDrive35i) (F07/535i)
Configuration 6 inline 6 inline

Cylinder capacity [cm³] 2979 2979

Bore/stroke [mm] 84.0/89.6 84.0/89.6

Power output at
[kW/bhp] [rpm] 225/306 5800 - 6250 225/306 5800 - 6400
engine speed
Power output per liter [kW/l] 75.53 75.53

Torque at engine speed [Nm] [rpm] 400 1300 - 5000 400 1200 - 5000

Compression ratio [ε] 10.2 10.2

Valves/cylinder 4 4

Fuel consumption,
[l/100 km] 10.9 8.9
EU combined
CO2 emission g/km 262 209

Digital Motor Electronics MSD81 MEVD17.2

Exhaust emission
ULEV ULEV II
legislation, US
BMW Longlife-01 BMW
Engine oil specification Longlife-01 FE BMW -
Longlife-04

Top speed [km/h] 240 250

Acceleration
[s] 6.7 6.3
0 - 100

Vehicle curb weight DIN/EU [kg] 2070/2145 1940/2015

* = Electronically governed

15
BMW Engines Introduction
Full Load Diagram
Compared to its predecessor, the N55 engine is characterized by lower fuel consumption
with the same power output and torque data.

Full load diagram E90 335i with N54B30O0 engine

compared to the F07 535i with N55B30M0 engine

16
BMW Engines Introduction
Current Models

N54B30O0 engine variants

Power
Displace- Stroke/ output in Torque in
Model Version Series ment in bore in
kW/bhp at Nm at rpm
cm³ mm
rpm
407
300 SAE hp
135i** US E82, E88 2979 89.6/84.0 (300 ft-lbs)
5800 - 6250
1400 - 5000

407
E90, E92, 300 SAE hp
335i** US 2979 89.6/84.0 (300 ft-lbs)
E93 5800 - 6250
1400 - 5000

407
300 SAE hp
335i xDrive** US E90, E92 2979 89.6/84.0 (300 ft-lbs)
5800 - 6250
1400 - 5000

450
320 SAE hp
335is US E92, E93 2979 89.6/84.0 (332 ft-lbs)
5800 - 6250
*1400 - 5000

Z4 407
300 SAE hp
US E89 2979 89.6/84.0 (300 ft-lbs)
sDrive35i** 5800 - 6250
1400 - 5000

Z4 450
335 SAE hp
US E89 2979 89.6/84.0 (332/369 ft-lbs)
sDrive35is 5800 - 6250
*1400 - 5000

407
300 SAE hp
535i** US E60 2979 89.6/84.0 (300 ft-lbs)
5800 - 6250
1400 - 5000

407
300 SAE hp
535i xDrive** US E60, E61 2979 89.6/84.0 (300 ft-lbs)
5800 - 6250
1400 - 5000

X6 407
300 SAE hp
US E71 2979 89.6/84.0 (300 ft-lbs)
xDrive35i** 5800 - 6250
1400 - 5000

450
315 SAE hp
740i US F01, F02 2979 89.6/84.0 (330 ft-lbs)
5800 - 6250
1600 - 4500

* The enhanced engine management system of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is and the 335is include
an electronically controlled overboost function to briefly increase torque under full load by
another 37 ft-lbs. This temporary torque peak of 369 ft-lbs gives the car a significant increase
in acceleration for approximately 5 seconds.

** As of MY 2011 the N55 replaced the N54 in these models.

17
BMW Engines Introduction
Engine Designation and Engine Identification
Engine designation
This training material describes the N55B30M0 in detail.
In the technical documentation, the engine designation is used for unique identification of
the engine. In the technical documentation you will also find the abbreviated engine des-
ignation, i.e. N55, that only indicates the engine type.

Item Meaning Index / explanation

M, N = BMW Group
P = BMW Motorsport
1 Engine developer
S = BMW M mbH
W = Non-BMW engines

1 = R4 (e.g. N12)
4 = R4 (e.g. N43)
5 = R6 (e.g. N55)
2 Engine type
6 = V8 (e.g. N63)
7 = V12 (e.g. N73)
8 = V10 (e.g. S85)

0 = basic engine
3 Change to the basic engine concept
1 – 9 = changes, e.g. combustion process

B = Gasoline, longitudinal installation

Working method or fuel type and
4 D = Diesel, longitudinal installation
possibly installation position
H = Hydrogen

5 Displacement in liters 1 = 1 liter (whole number of liters)

6 Displacement in 1/10 liter 8 = 0.8 liter (tenth of liter)

K = Smallest
U = Lower
M = Middle
7 Performance class
O = Upper (standard)
T = Top
S = Super

0 = New development
8 Revision relevant to approval
1 – 9 = Revision

18
BMW Engines Introduction
Breakdown of N55 Engine Designation

Index Explanation
N BMW Group Development

5 Straight 6 engine

5 Engine with direct injection, VALVETRONIC and exhaust turbocharger

B Gasoline engine, longitudinal

30 3.0-liter capacity

M Medium performance class

0 New development

Engine identification
The engines are marked on the crankcase with an engine identification code for unique
identification. This engine identifier is also required for approval by the authorities. The
N55 engine further develops this identification system and the code has been reduced
from previously eight to seven characters. The engine serial number can be found under
the engine identifier on the engine. Together with the engine identifier, this consecutive
number enables unique identification of each individual engine.

Item Meaning Index / explanation

M, N = BMW Group
P = BMW Motorsport
1 Engine developer
S = BMW M GmbH
W = Non-BMW engines

1 = R4 (e.g. N12)
4 = R4 (e.g. N43)
5 = R6 (e.g. N55)
2 Engine type
6 = V8 (e.g. N63)
7 = V12 (e.g. N73)
8 = V10 (e.g. S85)

0 = basic engine
3 Change to the basic engine concept
1 – 9 = changes, e.g. combustion process

B = Gasoline, longitudinal installation

Working method or fuel type and
4 possibly installation position
D = diesel, longitudinal installation
H = hydrogen

5 Displacement in liters 1 = 1 liter (whole number of liters)

6 Displacement in 1/10 liter 8 = 0.8 liter (tenth of liter)

Type test concerns (changes that A = Standard

7 require a new type test) B – Z = Depending on requirement, e.g. RON 87

19
BMW Engines Introduction
N55 engine, engine identification and engine serial number

Index Explanation

08027053 Individual consecutive engine serial number

N Engine developer, BMW Group

5 Engine type, straight 6

5 Change to basic engine concept, turbocharging, VALVETRONIC, direct fuel injection

B Operating principle or fuel supply and installation position, petrol engine longitudinal

30 Displacement in 1/10 liter, 3 liter

A Type approval requirements, standard

20
BMW Engines Introduction
NOTES
PAGE

21
BMW Engines Introduction
8 Cylinder Engine
N63B44O0 Engine
The N63 engine was introduced with the launched of the E71 xDrive50i in 2008. The
new 4.4 liter, 400 hp, 450 lb-ft torque V8 engine combines direct injection with twin tur-
bochargers (neatly tucked into the engine valley).
As the successor to the N62 engine, the N63B44O0 was developed based on the prin-
ciples of "Efficient Dynamics". Efficient Dynamics combines driving enjoyment with effi-
ciency which, in a new engine, is expressed in increased power output together with
reduced fuel consumption.

One of the ways of achieving this objective is through downsizing. This means the same
power output is achieved with reduced engine displacement or higher power output at
the same engine displacement.
Both objectives apply to the N63 engine. Compared to the N62 engine, the power out-
put has been boosted while decreasing the engine displacement.
In comparison, the N62TU has a displacement of 4.8 liters, while the new N63 engine
displaces only 4.4 liters.
This is primarily achieved by technologies that already gave the N54 engine its leg-
endary dynamics and outstanding efficiency: Bi-turbocharging in connection with high
precision injection.
The N63 is the first engine world-wide to feature an optimized package, involving the
integration of the turbocharger and the main near-engine catalytic converters in the “v-
space”.
The N63 is installed in several current BMW models from the E71, E72, E70 LCI to F01,
F02, F04, F07, F10 and F12.

22
BMW Engines Introduction
Full Load Diagram
Compared to it’s predecessor, the N62TU, the new N63 engine is characterized by dis-
tinctly higher output. It has an impressive torque curve which not only peaks earlier (at
1750 RPM), but is also very “flat” which is a characteristic of BMW turbocharged
engines.

Nm kW

300 kW @ 5500 1/min 300

270 kW
@ 6300 1/min 280

260

240

220

200

180

160
600 Nm
@ 1750 1/min
600 140

560 120

520 100
490 Nm @ 3400 1/min
480 80

440 60

400 40

360 20

0
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000
1/min
TO07-1804

N63B44O0 N62B48O1

23
BMW Engines Introduction
Engine Technical Data N62TU vs. N63

Units of
Description N62B48O1 N63B44O0
Measurement
Engine type V-8 V-8

Displacement (cm3) 4799 4395

Firing order 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2

Stroke mm 88.3 88.3

Bore mm 93 89

Power output @ rpm hp @ rpm 360 @ 6300 400 @ 5500 to 6400

Torque @ rpm Nm @ rpm 490 @ 3400 600 @ 1750 - 4500

Maximum engine speed rpm 6500 6500

Power output per liter kw (hp) 56.26 (75) 68.26 (90)

Compression ratio 10.5 : 1 10.0 : 1

Cylinder spacing mm 98 98

Valves/cylinder 4 4

Intake valve mm 35.0 33.0

Exhaust valve mm 29.0 29.0

Main bearing journal

mm 70 65
diameter
Connecting rod journal
mm 54 54
diameter
Fuel specification
(RON) 98 98
(Octane)

Engine management ME 9.2.2 MSD85

Emission standard ULEV II ULEV II

24
BMW Engines Introduction
Engine Overview
The latest generation of BMW V-8 engines differs from past designs in several areas.
Although all of these engines have been derived from the M60 engine from 1993, the
N63 engine design is a departure from the original design.
The following chart will point out some of the differences where the N63 is unique and
distinct. The information found below outlines the new engine technology as compared
to previously known systems. The features are organized by engine system and are
divided into the following categories:
• New Development - this is a system or component which has never been used pre-
viously on a BMW engine.
• New Design - this is a system or component which has been specifically developed
for the N63 engine, but does not represent
a technical innovation.
• Technology carried over from N54 - This represents technology already known from
the N54 engine and adapted to the N63.
carried over from N54
New Development

New Design

Technology

Component/System Remarks

Engine casing Engine casing components include the cylinder

X
components head, cylinder head cover, crankcase, oil pan.

Crankshaft drive system includes the crankshaft

Crankshaft drive
X which has reduced weight, while maintaining suffi-
system cient strength.
The N63 engine uses VANOS, which is carried
Valve gear X over from N52.
(No VALVETRONIC is used)

Timing gear X A new tooth-roller chain is used in the timing gear.

25
BMW Engines Introduction
 carried over from N54
New Development

New Design

Technology
Component/System Remarks

The belt drive uses the ELAST drive belt, but is

Belt drive X characterized by a new tensioning system for the
AC compressor.

A volumetrically controlled oil pump is used for

Oil supply X
the N63 engine.

In addition to a conventional coolant pump, the

N63 engine uses an auxiliary electric cooling
pump for cooling of the turbochargers. There is
Cooling system X
also an additional cooling circuit for the water-
cooled intercoolers with it’s own electric coolant
pump and heat exchangers.

Due to the arrangement if the turbochargers in

Air intake and the “v-space” and the indirect charge air cooling,
X
exhaust systems the intake and exhaust systems are completely re-
configured.

A bi-turbocharging system has been carried over

Turbocharging X
from the N54 engine.

A two-stage vacuum pump similar to that used

Vacuum system X
on the N62TU engine.

The HPI injection system from the N54 engine

Fuel system X
has been adapted to the V-8 (N63).

The engine management system features

Engine electrical
X a new ECM and there are new oxygen sensors
system (LSU ADP).

26
BMW Engines Introduction
Engine Designations
Officially, the engine designation for the new BMW N63 engine is N63B44O0.
The designation is broken down in the following:

Index Explanation
N BMW Group “New Generation” engine

6 8-cylinder engine

3 Gasoline, direct-injection

B Gasoline engine

44 4.4 liter displacement

O Upper output stage

0 New development

Engine identification and serial number

The engine ID and sequential serial number are located on the passenger side of the
engine behind the AC compressor mounting at the front of the crankcase.

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BMW Engines Introduction
 NOTES
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BMW Engines Introduction
12 Cylinder Engine
N74B60U0 Engine
The N74 engine was introduced to the US market with the launch of the F01/F02
760i/760Li in the September 2009.
The N74 engine is the successor to the N73 engine, but shares many technical features
with the N63 engine. Thus the N74 engine also has high precision injection featuring
outward-opening piezo injectors located centrally in the combustion chamber and twin
turbochargers with indirect charge air cooling. On the N74 engine, however, the exhaust
turbochargers are located on the outside of the engine.

N74B60U0 engine

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BMW Engines Introduction
N74 Engine Features
The N74 engine also shares many other common features with the N63 engine, such as
a volumetric-flow-controlled oil pump and a camshaft drive with tooth-roller type chains.
By using the latest technology, it has been possible to increase power output substantially,
while at the same time reducing fuel consumption – Efficient Dynamics in fact.

Index Explanation
1 Camshaft drive with toot-roller type chain
2 High pressure pump for high precision injection
3 Charge air cooling for indirect charge air cooling
4 Outward-opening piezo injector
5 Volumetric-flow-controlled oil pump
6 Exhaust turbocharger
7 Charging pressure control by means of wastegate valves

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BMW Engines Introduction
Technical Data

Description Units of Measure N73B60O1 N74B60U0

Engine type V12 60° V12 60°

1-7-5-11-3-9- 1-7-5-11-3-9-
Firing order
6-12-2-8-4-10 6-12-2-8-4-10

Displacement [cm³] 5972 5972

Bore / stroke [mm] 89/80 89/80

Power output at [kW/bhp] 320/435 400/535

engine speed [rpm] 6000 5250-6000

[Nm/lb-ft] 600/400 750/550

Torque at engine speed
[rpm] 3950 1500-5000

Power output per liter [kw/l] 53.58 66.98

Cutoff speed [rpm] 6500 6500

Compression ratio 11.5 10.0

Maximum Boost bar NA (Naturally Aspirated) 0.7

Distance between
[mm] 98 98
cylinders

Valves per cylinder 4 4

Diameter of intake valve [mm] 35.0 33.2

Diameter of
[mm] 29 29
exhaust valve

Diameter of main
bearing journals of [mm] 70 65
the crankshaft

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BMW Engines Introduction
 Description Units of Measure N73B60O1 N74B60U0

Diameter of connecting
rod bearing journals [mm] 54 54
of the crankshaft

Fuel specification [RON] 98 95

Fuel [RON] 91-98 91-98

2 x MED 9.2.1
1 x VALVETRONIC control unit
Engine control system 2 x MSD87-12
2 high-pressure fuel injection valve control units
(HPFI)

Exhaust emission
LEVII ULEV II
standard US

Full Load Diagram

Full load diagram for the N74B60 engine, compared with the N73B60 and N63B44 engines

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BMW Engines Introduction
Engine Overview
The following provides an overview of the features of the N74 engine:
• Engine block
The main components of the engine block have been re-designed, although most
features are already used on other BMW engines.
• Crankshaft
Although the Pistons and connecting rods have been borrowed from the N63
engine, the crankshaft is a new design.
• Valve train
The VANOS units from the N63 engine are used and the camshafts are
manufactured in the same way. The N74 does not use a VALVETRONIC system.
• Camshaft
The tooth-roller type chain of the N63 engine is used. Only the chain length and the
layout of the timing gears have been adapted to suit the twelve-cylinder engine.
• Belt drive
The structure of the belt drive includes a “revolver” tensioning system and is identi-
cal to that on the N63 engine.
• Oil supply
Though the oil supply system has been designed for the N74 engine, in principle,
it's the same as that on the N63 engine. Consequently a volumetric-flow-controlled
oil pump is also used here.
• Crankcase ventilation
The engine uses the same crankcase ventilation principle as N63 engine with a new
feature called register ventilation. With this feature, the oil separators now have four
cyclones per cylinder bank and in naturally-aspirated operation, ventilation only
occurs via cylinder bank 2.
• Cooling system
Two separate cooling circuits are used as on N63, one to cool the engine and
turbocharger bearings and one for charge air cooling, this latter circuit also provides
cooling for the two engine control units.

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BMW Engines Introduction
 • Air intake and exhaust system
The air intake and exhaust systems are the same as that on the N63 engine.
This means there are two conventional exhaust turbochargers with wastegate and
blow-off valves. In contrast to the N63 engine, however, the exhaust turbochargers
are located on the outside.
• Secondary air system
As with N73 engine, the N74 is equipped with a secondary air system.
One new feature, however, are the two pressure sensors that monitor system
operation.
• Vacuum system
The N74 engine has a two-stage vacuum pump as on the N63. The vacuum
system only differs in that it has two vacuum reservoirs.
• Fuel system
The N74 engine uses “injection guided” (HPI) high precision injection in homoge-
neous operation at all times, as on the N54 and N63 engines. The structure of the
system is the same as that on the N63 engine. Consequently, the same injectors are
used and the high pressure pumps are also very similar.
• Engine electrical system
A total of five control units were used on the N73 for engine control purposes.
The N74 now has two engine control units, one of which has the role of the master
(primary), the other the secondary. The two MSD87-12 control units are located to
the left and right of the engine compartment and are cooled by the low temperature
cooling circuit of the engine intercoolers.

The N74 engine uses the most current BMW systems. Although the N74 engine has
been designed from scratch, from a technology point of view it is, the same as the N63
engine and has also borrowed many individual components from this engine.

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BMW Engines Introduction
Engine Identification
Engine designation
In the technical documentation, the engine designation is used to ensure the clear
identification of engines.
The N74 engine is available in the following version: N74B60U0
In the technical documentation, you will also find the short form of the engine designation
N74 which only permits identification of the engine type.
The following chart explains the meaning of each component of the engine designation.

Index Explanation

N BMW Group "New generation"

7 12-cylinder engine

4 Engine with high precision injection and turbocharging

B Gasoline engine

60 6.0 liters displacement

U Lower power stage

0 New development

Engine identification and number

To ensure clear identification and classification, the engines have an identification mark
on the crankcase. This engine identification is also necessary for approval by the
authorities.
Decisive here are the first seven positions. The N74 engine has an engine identification
that complies with the new standard, in which the first six positions are the same as the
engine designation. The seventh position is a consecutive letter that can be used for
various distinctions, e.g. power stage or exhaust emission standard. A general assignment
is not possible, but an "A" usually means the basic model.
The engine number is a consecutive number that permits unmistakable identification of
each individual engine. The engine designation and number are on the crankcase behind
the bracket for the air conditioning compressor.

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 NOTES
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BMW Engines Introduction