What Are Common BMW S63 Engine Problems? And How to Avoid Them
Image: BMW S63 Engine from mtautoparts.com, price £9,989.99
The BMW S63 engine is a high-performance V8 that powers some of the brand’s most exciting cars. It delivers serious power, but that performance comes with a few predictable weak points. If you own a car with the S63 engine or you’re considering one, it helps to know the problems owners see most often and the practical steps that cut repair bills and downtime.
Below, the common trouble spots of the S63 are outlined, along with their causes and possible solutions including which parts are typically used, where savings are possible and where cutting corners should be avoided.
1. Excessive Oil Consumption and Leaks
Many S63 owners report higher-than-expected oil use. That can show up as frequent top-ups between services or oil stains under the car.
Why it happens:
The S63’s high cylinder pressures and turbo operation can increase blow-by and stress seals.
Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets and turbo oil feeds leak over time.
Worn piston rings or guides in older, high-mileage engines can worsen consumption.
What to do:
Check oil levels every few hundred miles and keep a record. Early detection prevents low-oil damage.
Use high-quality BMW motor oil that meets BMW’s spec. Cheap oil can wash down seals and accelerate wear.
For leaks, prioritize replacing gaskets and turbo oil feed lines with OEM or reputable BMW engine parts. Aftermarket knock-offs often lead to repeat jobs.
If repairs are extensive, sourcing BMW engine spares from trusted suppliers can reduce cost. But avoid dubious sellers; a failing seal is not the place to gamble.
2. Turbocharger and Wastegate Faults
The S63 relies heavily on turbochargers for power. When a turbo starts to fail, symptoms are obvious: slow spool, loss of boost, smoke, or odd noises.
Common causes:
Oil starvation or contamination affecting turbo bearings.
Wastegate actuator problems or stuck vanes.
Boost leaks in intercooler hoses or piping.
Preventive steps:
Maintain clean oil and timely oil changes to protect turbo bearings.
Inspect intercooler hoses and clamps regularly; replace brittle or oil-soaked hoses.
If a turbo fails, you can often save money by sourcing used BMW engines or refurbished turbos from reputable vendors, but balance cost against the unknown life left in a used unit.
3. Cooling System Weaknesses
High-output engines run hot. On the S63, weak pumps, thermostats, or radiators can lead to overheating if not addressed.
How it shows:
Higher running temperatures under load.
Coolant loss or steam from the engine bay.
The heater is not working correctly when the engine is hot.
Action plan:
Replace water pumps and thermostats proactively at recommended intervals.
Use OEM-qualityBMW coolant and keep the system free of air pockets.
If you spot persistent overheating, have the full cooling circuit pressure-tested rather than swapping parts piecemeal.
4. Carbon Buildup and Intake Issues
Direct injection engines like the S63 can collect carbon on intake valves. That leads to rough idle, misfires and loss of low-end power.
Fixes:
Professional walnut-blast cleaning removes carbon without tearing the head apart.
Use high-quality fuels and keep intake plumbing clean to slow buildup.
Consider an intake cleaning service every 50k–70k miles, depending on driving style.
5. Rod Bearings and Internal Wear
Rod bearing wear is a known worry for high-mileage S63 engines. When a rod bearing goes, the consequences can be engine-catastrophic.
Warning signs:
Metallic knocks at startup or under load.
Low oil pressure or sudden oil contamination.
Protection:
Regular oil analysis can flag early metal contamination.
Replace bearings during major engine work if the car carries high miles.
For used engines or rebuilds, insist on documented bearing replacement and quality BMW parts throughout the build.
6. Vacuum, Electrical, and Sensor Faults
Modern performance engines use a lot of sensors and vacuum systems. A failing sensor or vacuum leak can trigger limp mode or odd drivability issues.
What helps:
When a check-engine light appears, read codes early. Small fixes often stop bigger repairs.
Keep wiring harness connectors dry and clear of corrosion.
Replace dubious sensors with OEM BMW parts; aftermarket sensors can cause repeated faults.
Practical Buying and Maintenance Advice
If you’re buying a car with the S63 or replacing its engine, these points will help:
Service history matters. A well-documented maintenance record beats a low-mileage unknown every time.
Prefer OEM or high-quality aftermarket BMW parts. Search for verified BMW engine spares and BMW engine parts; cheap components save upfront but cost more long term.
Consider a pre-purchase inspection focused on the S63’s weak spots. Ask a mechanic to examine turbos, oil consumption, cooling components and for signs of internal wear.
If the budget is tight, look for reputable suppliers of used BMW parts. Reliable used BMW engines can be a cost-cutter, but vet the source and ask about mileage and warranty.
Quick Maintenance Checklist
Check oil level every 500–1000 miles.
Change oil and filter on a shorter interval than the default if you drive hard.
Inspect intercooler and turbo piping for oil or splits.
Test the cooling system pressure if temperatures run high.
Scan for codes regularly and address small faults quickly.
Conclusion
Although the BMW S63 engine is regarded as one of BMW’s most powerful and advanced motors, several common issues have been reported over time. When properly maintained with genuine or high-quality original BMW auto parts, its lifespan and reliability can be significantly extended.
For buyers considering used BMW engines, awareness of these common problems and a careful inspection of available BMW engine spares can help in making a better purchase decision.
FAQ: BMW S63 Engine Problems
1. How long does the BMW S63 engine last?
With proper maintenance and timely repairs, many S63 engines can last well beyond 150,000 miles. Longevity depends heavily on oil changes, turbo healt, and cooling system upkeep.
2. Is the S63 more reliable than the N63?
Yes, the S63 is generally considered more reliable than the N63 due to improved engineering and better heat management, but it still has known weak points such as turbos, bearings and oil leaks.
3. How much does it cost to replace turbos on an S63?
Costs vary by model, but a turbo replacement can range from £2,000–£4,500 including parts and labour. Refurbished turbos or used BMW engines may reduce costs but carry risks.
4. Can I use aftermarket parts to repair an S63?
Some aftermarket parts are fine, especially hoses, clamps, or upgraded cooling components. However, for critical BMW parts like sensors, gaskets, and bearings, OEM or OEM-equivalent quality is strongly recommended.
5. What are the signs of rod bearing failure in the S63?
Metallic knocking sounds, low oil pressure and sudden oil contamination are red flags. If ignored, rod bearing failure can destroy the entire engine.
6. How often should I service an S63 engine?
For hard-driven cars, oil and filter changes should be every 5,000–7,000 miles rather than BMW’s longer service intervals. Cooling and intake inspections every 20,000–30,000 miles are also wise.
Disclaimer: The information in this guide is based on general reports, industry data and common workshop experience. Reliability can vary between individual vehicles depending on age, mileage and maintenance history. Always consult a qualified BMW specialist before making purchase decisions.
